Training Concepts

Mission Statement:

Helping you discover the JOY of life with a stable minded, well behaved dog!

What do I mean by that?  Dogs should make our lives better, not more difficult and stressful with poor behavior.  It starts with a dog training plan that is simple and easy for every member of the family to follow and be consistent with.  Consistency and routine are key to creating a dog that will be free of anxiety and unwanted behaviors and most importantly be an enjoyable member of your family.   My goal is to help you discover a new way of operating with your dog, as a reliable, trustworthy leader your dog can count on to guide them.  I will teach you so that you can teach your dog.    

Household Manners

Does your dog jump on guests, bark at every little sound, chew up your family's things....?  Eliminate jumping, rambunctiousness, unwanted barking/whining, home destruction, etc.  Have the dog behavior YOU want in your home.

Crate Training

Are you having potty training issues?  Does your dog chew up your things?  Does your dog bark/whine in his crate?  A crate is an essential tool in establishing boundaries, as well as the safety of your dog in your home.  I will show you how to effectively use a crate in your training process, as well as how to establish it as a safe, relaxation haven for your dog when used properly.

Obedient Leash Walking

Does your dog drag you down the sidewalk?  Bark at other dogs/people?  Are you walking your dog or is your dog walking you?  Enjoy walks without struggling to control your dog.  Eliminate pulling, reacting to other dogs/people.  Walks should be empowering for you as the leader in your relationship with your dog!

Exposure vs Socialization

Have you repeatedly heard the word "socialization" as you have explored resources for training your dog?  I believe that socialization is a commonly misused and misunderstood word in the world of dog training.  Socialization is often thought of as introducing your dog to lots of people and dogs.  This can be a huge contributor to some long term unwanted behaviors such as hyper excitability, difficulty controlling the dog in the presence of guests and visiting dogs - as well as more concerning unwanted behaviors such as reactivity or even aggression when those repeated introductions to other dogs or people are done incorrectly.  Socialization in my program is better described as "Exposure".  With the goal being that the dog becomes confident in all settings and neutral to outside distractions such as unknown people, dogs, loud sounds, busy atmospheres such as a store.  Their attention and focus is on the handler and they are in a calm state of mind that allows them to take direction and learn.

Basic Obedience

Learn to use basic commands and how to use training tools correctly in order to communicate effectively with your dog.  Dogs thrive on clear guidance!  Consistent leadership gives them the sense of security that they need.

Respect for other Pets/Cat Introductions

Do you have issues with pets getting along in your home?  Will you be introducing a new pet soon?  Learn how to effectively establish rules and boundaries for your dog in regards to existing pets in your home (or guidance on introducing new pets) in order for your human family members, other pets and dog(s) all to live in harmony. 

Behavior Modification - Reactivity/Aggression

Do you struggle with a dog that is reactive towards other dogs or people?  My approach to these issues starts with an in home consultation to first explore the in home management in place and any unwanted behaviors.  In most cases I find that the issues start at home and there is a lot owners can do to immediately begin to change the relationship with their dog through improved management procedures, establishing clearer rules and boundaries and improving basic obedience and leash control.  Then we begin to address the reactivity through a process of exposure while maintaining high levels of handler awareness and engagement with your dog.  Reach out for a more detailed discussion around what this process would look like for your individual dog.