Methodology

Dog Training Methodology

Dog and Kitty“The dog represents all that is best in man.” -Etienne Charlet

Imagine a training program in which you and your dog live harmoniously in a balanced relationship…a successful recipe combining a fair and balanced pack order with motivational training techniques.

Our training philosophy lies in creatively blending proven training techniques utilizing operant conditioning training theory in conjunction with channeling the dogs’ natural drives of play, prey, pack, and food to encourage only those behaviors we, as humans, desire (i.e., attention, games of fetch, manners, and tricks) and to minimize those that do not fit so well into our life styles (like jumping, biting and pulling). This holistic approach to dog training is non invasive, and is aimed at teaching the handler the true art of finessing mutual trust and communication.

We teach in a reward based teaching system, using food and toys as rewards coupled with clear markers (clicker training).  As the dog becomes more proficient in his or her job, we then transition to the next phase of training called proofing (creating higher levels of difficulty and distraction).  We are balanced in our teaching system, and the burden of responsibility is shifted to the dog as training progresses.  The concept is a simple one…. teach with rewards and proof under distraction.