FAQs

We use methods that are not only highly effective and humane but based on the most current dog training and behavior science. Positive reinforcement and empowerment techniques are used to teach your dog what you want him/her to do rather than punishing for undesirable behavior. This avoids the unnecessary “fallout” (stress, anxiety, fear, mistrust, aggression etc.) that often comes when training with aversive methods and equipment. Your dog will be motivated to learn and enjoy the process and so will you.

We also use behavior modification techniques with reactive and fearful dogs to change a dog’s negative emotional responses to stimuli in the environment. If a dog experiences fear or anxiety that leads to behaviors like barking, lunging, and avoidance, we help the dog feel more confident and less fearful of stimuli in the environment thereby eliminating the need to bark, lunge or avoid things

You should start teaching a puppy good habits from the day you bring him or her home. It’s also never too early to seek out advice from a certified dog trainer/behavior consultant to help set yourself and your puppy up for success. Often clients book consultations before their puppy even comes home in order to have a game plan, help prepare the home, and ensure they have all the necessary equipment. Private training sessions are highly recommended to help you establish desirable behavior patterns and start proper socialization to help your puppy develop into a well-balanced happy dog you will love and enjoy for years.

Advancements in learning and behavioral science have allowed positive reinforcement methods to replace the “traditional” force-based methods and greatly improved the dog training industry and the welfare of dogs over the last 20 years. The “old school” dog training methods teach dogs to fear us and often result in unwanted consequences such as avoidance and escape behaviors and can even lead to aggression. The reinforcement methods are much more effective and easier to implement and your dog will be so much happier. Our goal in dog training is to strengthen the dog/human relationship making it a pleasant and happy experience for both.

Reactive dogs benefit tremendously with the reinforcement methods we teach! Most puppy/adolescent behavior problems (jumping, biting, chewing, etc) stem from a lack of physical, mental, and social stimulation and proper management. When a dog is bored, they often will find undesirable things to do. You will learn how to set your dog up for success with a well-designed environment as well as how to provide your dog with mental stimulation and training; this will help you teach your dog the behaviors you want to see more of.

If your dog is reactive or fearful, we use behavior modification techniques that help build confidence and create positive new emotional responses to previously negative stimuli. For example, if your dog is fearful or reactive toward strangers, we can teach you how to create a confident happy dog in the presence of strangers. Not only does all of this greatly benefit your dog, but it also benefits you and your family!

Catch your dog doing something good! Too often, we focus on what they do wrong. How often do we ignore our dogs when they quietly lie at our feet or play with one of their toys? We don’t notice because it doesn’t bother us. However, the minute the dog grabs our shoe or comes over to hassle us, they get all our attention. Reward the behavior you like, and you will get more of it!