Frequently Asked Questions
Let us answer you questions. If you don’t see the answer you’re looking for get in touch.
WHAT IS POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT?
In a behavioral setting, when you reinforce a behavior, it occurs more often. Likewise, when you ignore a behavior it occurs less often. Therefore, the main tenants of positive reinforcement training are to reinforce desired behaviors and ignore unwanted behaviors. I believe dogs, as well as people learn best when they are encouraged, not discouraged, when they are rewarded, not punished, and when they are active participants in learning and allowed to make choices. Making choices and discovering what works, after all is the way that real learning occurs.
WHY USE POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT?
Many pet parents focus on what they do NOT want their dog to do. “I don’t want my dog to jump on guests when they walk through the door”, “I do not want my dog to bark all day while I am gone”, or “I don’t understand why my dog keeps pulling while we walk!”. I want to focus on what you DO want your dog to do. Wouldn’t it be great to have your dog lie on his bed when he hears the doorbell and stay there patiently while guests arrive? While setting your dog up for success and letting them have a choice.
CAN YOU JUST MAKE MY DOG INTO A GOOD FAMILY COMPANION?
Dogs are truly man’s best friend, Most families want their dogs to be happy, healthy, and “obedient”. But what does “obedient” really mean? There are some dog trainers that teach your dog what not to do over and over again. Do NOT jump on people or else you will get jerked back or shocked. Do NOT pull on your leash or else you will be choked/pinched by your collar. Do we really want to threaten our best friend? While this may teach our dogs to fear any behavior over time and simply sit still out of fear, this is no way to live. I help you communicate the things you DO want your dog to do. We do want them to play with the kids without using their mouths. We do want them to chew a bone instead of begging at the table, and we do want them to sit politely while greeting visitors. These behaviors require work from both myself, the trainer, and your family, but I assure you that your dog will learn to make better decisions more quickly and happily than with any other training method. Setting everyone up for success for everyday living.
WHY DOES MY DOG NEED TO LEARN MORE?
Sit and stay are great behaviors, especially when you add distractions. However, when you get frustrated that your dog is sitting and staying and whining for food in the kitchen you might find value in expanding your dog training toolbox. Many other training programs offer ‘basic obedience’ programs, but how do these basics help you with your everyday problems? I give you the tools you need to communicate more effectively and efficiently with your dog to help solve your everyday behavior issues and build that lifelong bond every dog owner wants.
HOW OLD DOES MY DOG NEED TO BE FOR TRAINING?
As early as possible! This means that socializing, exploring, and training are essential as early as possible. Just like human children, dogs have a critical learning period from birth until about 14 weeks old.
WHAT IS CLICKER/MARKER TRAINING?
Clicker/Marker training is the easiest way to communicate with your dog. Your dog does not speak English. Learning basic dog behavioral signals and using a clicker/marker properly can help you communicate more efficiently and effectively with your dog.( Your dog with thank you.)
The clicker/marker serves as a bridge that is followed by a reinforcer (a treat, a toy, something desirable to your learner, the dog) and tells your dog exactly what behavior you like and want to reinforce (and therefore repeat). The clicker is precise and consistent and helps your dog bypass the confusion that human emotion and language usually provides. The clicker serves as a definitive ‘yes’ and does not allow for any bias or confusion. In other words, it facilitates clarity while learning. Your dog understands what’s being asked and you see faster training improvements.
DO I HAVE TO USE A CLICKER ALL THE TIME?
No! Clickers are great tools for learning, and can be phased out once the learner, your dog, grasps the behavior. While our dogs do not speak English, we want them too! Once your dog is reliably performing the desired behavior, we can easily put this behavior on cue. I do not use ‘commands’, the “do it or else” word. I use ‘cues’ that are an opportunity to perform the desired behavior your dog already knows, setting the learner, your dog, up for success.
DO YOU USE CHOKE, PRONG/PINCH, OR SHOCK COLLARS?
No! I use only fear-free positive reinforcement techniques. Prong/pinch, choke, and shock collars are negative reinforcement “training” tools that show a statistically significant increase in the likelihood for your dog to develop behavior issues like aggression and separation anxiety later in life, dogs do not need correction or punishment to learn what not to do. Lack of reinforcement is punishment enough to encourage a dog to abandon unwanted behaviors.
COLLAR AND LEASHES
Requiring a flat buckle or snap collars or harnesses. We will recommend the Balance Harness with a front clip for the hard puller, harness is especially appropriate for certain breeds such as bulldogs, and we occasionally recommend Gentle Leaders in certain situations for certain dogs and their owners. It is important for the dog to be properly fitted and desensitized to a Gentle Leader.
There are a variety of leashes to choose from. We recommend a standard 6-foot leather or nylon non-retractable leash. Long lines are also helpful for practicing Stay and Come.
REFERENCES
Looking for something else? Check out our references here!