Dog Training Philosophy

As a canine training specialist, I’ve found there are four parts to effective dog training:

• First, educate the trainer, the leader. That's you. To be an effective teacher you must understand how your dog learns, and how to communicate in a clear and consistent manner that will motivate your dog to want to learn from you, and work with you. Good leaders are calm, in control of themselves and able to adapt to different situations. Good leaders empower their dogs with the ability to succeed, building trust and affectionate bonding along the way.


• The second part of effective dog training is teaching your dog a strong ability to self-calm and self-control. A dog that is not able to calm and control him/her self is not open or attentive to the lessons you wish to teach. Teaching your dog to self-calm and self-control puts the emphasis on your dog's ability to gain what he/she wants or needs by taking responsibility for his/her own actions.


• The third part is building on your dog's attention to you. Your dog must learn to trust in you, your intent, your communication, and your leadership. Your dog must learn to want to learn from you.


• The fourth is teaching your dog to fully understand your signals, like "sit," "down," "come," "stay," and "heel." Having a full and complete understanding of your signals means that your dog will learn to respond on your first signal (no need to say it two or three times), immediately and without hesitation, even when he/she is distracted, and whether they're near or far away from you. They will also learn to commit to the requested behavior and hold it until you say that they are released. This is easily and quickly achieved once you have accomplished the first three parts of effective dog training.

It is not my goal for you to teach your dog a few simple behaviors, but instead to educate you with a better ability to understand, communicate with and teach your dog. Taking a cooking class does not allow you to have a prepared meal ready and waiting whenever you want. Instead it empowers you with the ability to prepare delectable meals for you, your family and your friends whenever you wish for the rest of your life. My dog obedience classes are similar. It is my goal to empower you with the knowledge and ability to effectively communicate with your dog, and develop a life-long relationship of trust and mutual fulfillment.

How we teach a lesson is just as important as what we teach. Positive and supportive dog training methods and shared activities help people and their dogs come to a better understanding and respect for each other. Good, effective training helps to develop a stronger relationship bound by clear and empowering communication skills and a trusting devotion.

I am dedicated to providing a fun, safe and supportive environment in which you and your dog can learn together. It is my goal to help you obtain the very highest possible level of relationship, communication, and trust with your dog.

Contact me today for more information on my behavior training philosophy or to inquire about my dog obedience classes and in-home consultations.

Border Collie Mix

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Labrador Retriever