trainer. Will training with food teach the dog to obey only for food? No, it won't, as long as you fade the food lure. I have trained many, many dogs using rewards such as treats, praise and toys or play and have never ended up with a dog who will not respond to the commands once trained. I have also shown some of these dogs in AKC Obedience Trials and in agility trials where rewards are NOT allowed in the ring. So, it would be pretty difficult for me to show and title dogs in obedience that only obeyed for food. You simply wean them off of the treats once they learn the exercise. The treat is used to guide and teach the dog not to "bribe" the dog. It is much easier to guide dogs into position with food rather than try to force them in without it. It is certainly possible to train dogs without the use of food, however, it takes longer, the dogs enjoy it less and it is simply not as effective. Trainers who say that it is not possible to effectively train with treats as a reward have not learned to properly train dogs with treats. Research has shown than repeated positive reinforcement greatly improves the rate of reliability in trained animals. Is it cruel to reprimand or discipline my dog? Just like with children, discipline and guidance is necessary in dog training. If you allow your dog to make all the choices, you will not be the leader and the dog will not respect you and therefore, not look to you as it's leader. When behavior modification is necessary, the key is in home management and how you live with your dog. All of my training is fair and fun to both the trainer and the dog. There are times when reprimands are necessary, but it is important to choose them wisely. Getting into physical battles is not effective and it usually is non-productive because everyone is in a frenzy. Well planned and thought out reprimands can be highly effective. Time outs, verbal reprimands and repititions are ones that I typically use. What type of collar should I use for my dog? The type of collar to use depends not only on the dog and the dog's temperament, but also on the owner. The owner must be comfortable with the equipment or will not be able to properly use it. Many trainers will only allow certain types of collars, we, however work with our clients to find the best equipment for both them and their dog. We use many different types of collars including regular buckle or snap collars, martingale collars, gentle leaders or head haltis and sensation harnesses. I recommend that owners attempt to train on a martingale or buckle collar, however, my goal is to help my client so we will work together to find the best way for you to succeed. The reason I recommend at least trying on a regular collar is that some of the anti-pull devices can become addictive and people get used to using them and not actually training the dog. Many times when the special training gear comes off, the dog is not nearly as reliable as with the special collar on. That being said, there are right and wrong ways to use all these collars, the key is to be taught by a reputable professional so that you know how to use them properly. All training collars should be considered just that, training collars and my goal is to eventually have your dog reliable on his regular everyday collar and off leash as well. We carry and sell martingales, gentle leaders and easy walk harnesses. We also carry interactive toys such as Hide a Toys, Hide a Treat toys, some of the harder to find but very useful dog training books, clickers and treats and treat bags. What do you think of electronic (shock) collars? I am not in favor of using electronic or shock collars to train dogs. The simple fact is that it isn't necessary. First of all, it relies on training the dog by way of avoidance and aversion. The dog does what is asked to avoid a shock. I prefer to reward the dog when they do it right rather than trying to punish everything they do wrong. For the purposes of training a companion dog to do common every day behaviors (such as sit, down or come) shocking them with a collar isn't necessary. I work with dogs regularly who have been previously "trained" by way of electronic collars. It takes quite a bit of undoing and relationship rebuilding between these dogs and their owners. When using this type of punishment in training you really risk creating other behavioral problems along the way. Many of the dogs I work with that have been zapped by an electronic collar won't approach their owners when they take the collar out. Many of them run and hide when the owner gets the remote out. Some dogs can even become aggressive or depressed because they can't figure out how to avoid the pain. These are clear signs that the dog is in distress and surely not enjoying the time spent with the owner. Advocates of shock collars will tell you that "it doesn't hurt the dog", my question is; how do they know? If a dog yelps or runs away, most likely it has experienced something painful. There are healthier ways to build a working relationship with a dog. Finally, using punishment in training requires impeccable timing, which most people don't naturally have. Someone who cannot properly train a dog with a clicker or with food due to lack of timing has no business putting a shock collar on their dog. Positive training, corrections, compulsion based training...I'm confused! If you're confused about which method of training to use, please don't feel alone, it CAN be confusing. Positive reinforcement training means that you are training by focusing on the good things your dog does and rewarding those things rather than focusing on the bad things he does and punishing him for those. It truly is that simple. Those of us who have been training for many years know trainers who still feel that "the dog should do it because I said so" or "to please me" but honestly, it much easier to get a reliable dog by reinforcing the good things he does. It is less frustrating on the owner and the dog to teach them by rewarding them when they do it right. Can a dog be trained by using only corrections or corrections and praise? Yes, of course, it has been done for years and unfortunately will continue to go on, but it does nothing for your relationship with your dog, is much less enjoyable to both the trainer and the dog and frankly, the reliability rate is much lower when they are trained that way. Remember, the dog always has a choice, why not make him WANT to do what you ask? Positive training allows even children and people with less than perfect timing to succeed. Poorly timed and executed leash corrections can destroy a dog, but poorly timed rewards can only slow him down a bit. All of my classes are reward based training classes. I train my own dogs using positive reinforcement that doesn't mean that I don't discipline them or that there aren't consequences when I feel they are necessary, it's just that I don't rely on pain or intimidation to train them. I call it training with my mind, not my muscles! I have trained dogs using fairly harsh corrections in the past, and I what I can tell you is that I wish I had known then what I know now. I would not use the methods that I used in the past because now I know better and I know a better way. My relationships with some of my past dogs could have been so much better had I known how to train in a more positive and motivational way. I have also found that my dogs trained with positive reinforcement are much more reliable than any other methods I used. If you know that you want to train your dog using positive reinforcement and dog friendly methods than you want to make sure that the trainer doesn't use painful collars like choke chains or remote or electronic collars of any kind as this is not positive dog training. Is it possible for me to observe one of your classes before signing up? Absolutely! I welcome and encourage prospective clients to come and observe my classes before signing up. It is very important to me that my clients feel comfortable with my style, technique and approach, so I am happy to have people observe any of my group classes before registering for a class. If you are confused about what class is best for you and your dog, a phone consult to decide on the best approach for you and your dog is free of charge. What is "clicker training"? Clicker training is a form of training based on a learning theory called operant conditioning. It is the technique that is used to train dolphins, killer whales and most animals to perform or do things on cue or on command. When used properly, the clicker is used as a "reward marker" meaning that it tells the dog that it did the correct thing at the exact moment that it hears the click and that it will be rewarded (food is the easiest reinforcer to use). This technique gives clear information to the dog which is why I like it so much. Don't let all the scientific jargon of this method scare you, it's really not difficult once you understand how to apply this method. I have a Pit Bull and with all the hype lately, I'm worried. Will my dog become aggressive? The bad press surrounding Pit Bulls (and other bully breeds) is an unfortunate thing for a wonderful breed. Pit Bulls that are properly socialized, trained and cared for, usually make devoted, loyal pets. The breed does however have some hardwired characteristics that can make them challenging. Perhaps the most difficult trait is their history of having issues with other dogs. They were in fact originally bred for dog aggression, and many dogs today will still carry this trait with them. Some dogs that do fine with other dogs as puppies and young adults, may become aggressive as they reach adolescence. Many Pit Bulls (and other bully breeds too) are not very good at reading other dogs signals. So, when playing with other dogs, their play style is usually very rough and in your face, this is not taken well by dogs with other play styles and this is a very common way for fights to result. It is up to the owner to watch their dogs carefully and be aware. Take red flags seriously and don't put your dog into situations where he could into altercations if he has issues with other dogs or is developing issues with other dogs. My dog has been called "dominant" what should I do and will your training work? I see dogs all the time that are labeled "dominant" or "alpha". Many times these labels are given by people who have no idea of what the term dominant even means. I have seen dogs labeled dominant for dozens of reasons, many of which have nothing to do with dominance. What worries me about novices labeling a dog as "dominant" is that people then tend to think that the best way to treat the problem is to try and physically dominate the dog which can be very dangerous and in fact, make the dog worse. The best thing to do is forget about the label and find a trainer who can help you find solutions. If your dog truly is dominant, I will put together a treatment plan for you that will deal with your dog's individual issues while making sure to keep both of you safe and happy. I have worked successfully with many dogs that were supposedly "dominant" dogs that had previously been treated with harsh corrections and inappropriate techniques that made even their owners uncomfortable doing them. There is certainly a better way. Alpha rolls, strings ups, and other forms are physical abuse can be extremely dangerous and it doesn't improve the dog's behavior or outlook. He won't view you as his leader, but rather as a bully. It is crucial to be a good leader to your dog, I will teach you how to do that in a way that the dog understands and respects. What do you think of "The Dog Whisperer" TV show? I have watched "The Dog Whisperer" and have seen the trainer in person. What I can tell you is that it's definitely not my style. I am committed to using dog training techniques that are scientifically based in proven learning theories, which the techniques on the TV show don't do. Many of the methods used on the show are old school, traditional methods and while they may sometimes work, we now know that we can get the same reliability from our dogs without using force, pain or intimidation to do it. Personally, I don't see any point in revisiting the era of dog training that relied on brute force and unproven theories. When working with dogs I am committed to treating the dogs I work with and their owners with respect and compassion, which is something that "The Dog Whisperer" methods do not do. I have seen many dog and owner relationships fractured due to harsh, physical corrections and I have seen clients and dogs injured from trying such techniques. I do agree with the concept that many dogs with behavioral issues are lacking adequate exercise. Further, I agree that many behavioral issues can stem from people treating their dogs like people, which is never a good idea. Finally, it should be noted that serious behavioral issues are not solved in 30 minutes. This is the magic of television and editing, not real life. Should I take classes Classes or Private Training? I teach both classes and private lessons. It makes no difference whether you take your dog to training classes or get private in-home training. If you are consistent and dedicated, your dog will succeed. Some people prefer private training because they are not comfortable working in front of other people. Others simply can't afford to spend the extra money it takes to get private training. The plain truth is that is simply doesn't matter. I can effectively teach you to train your dog whether we do it in a class or privately. The classes are designed for me to explain the technique, demonstrate it and then have you do it so you can properly do it at home when you train your dog. Any trainer that claims it can only be done one way or the other simply isn't an effective dog trainer. I have trained and titled dogs that were trained in classes and dogs that never set foot in a class, so just choose what works best for you and what you are comfortable with. However, dogs with human or dog aggression issues are not candidates for classes. Regardless of whether you decide to go with classes or private training, your puppy should definitely go through a puppy socialization or puppy kindergarten class. It is very important that all puppies get used to being around other dogs and being handled and touched by other people. The puppy classes are wonderful for socializing your puppy with other puppies because all of the puppies are required to be started on their vaccination schedule giving your puppy a better chance of staying safe while still getting to interact with other puppies and dogs. Puppy socialization classes are not just for puppies to play and have fun (although this is part of it). They are designed to shape puppies into confident, happy, outgoing ADULT dogs. It is crucial that puppies receive lots of socialization with different things at this important time in their lives to ensure that they grow up to be well adjusted dogs. On Choosing a Trainer There are so many things to consider when choosing a dog trainer, so let's just touch on a few that I think are very important. You want a trainer that is not only experienced, but successful. The theories and method must be effective. You trainer should be able to go beyond telling you what to do, but should be willing to tell you WHY. Your trainer must be willing and able to explain not only how to do something but why that method works and makes the dog understand what you want or what you are trying to convey. Find out how your trainer learned and perfected their craft. Dog training truly is an art form, few people can become experts at it just by taking a 6 or 8 week course. While this is certainly a start, a qualified trainer should have years of successful experience under their belt. A good trainer truly understands canine behavior and has more than one plan of action for each challenge. Many trainers will say that they are "certified" however, it's important to remember that there is no state regulated certification for dog trainers. Any dog school or training academy can award it's students with "certification" from their school so find out how your trainer was certified. The Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) offers certification training that isn't not affiliated with any specific school or program. This is the only widely known and well respected dog training certification. Certification requires that trainers have at least 300 hours of training experience within the last 5 years with 75% of the experience as a "Head Trainer" or "Instructor", as well as a reference letter from a veterinarian, another trainer and a client. Once all of this has been completed the trainer must take a 4 hour, 250 question exam that tests the trainers knowledge of learning theory, animal husbandry, ethology, instruction skills and equipment. You, the client, needs to feel comfortable and confident about what you are doing. You need a trainer that is a good teacher to you. You are the one at the other end of the leash, so your trainer needs to be able to teach you to effectively train your dog, to explain what you need to do and how to do it, and to gently correct you when you need help. As the client you need to be comfortable with the methods and techniques you are doing. If something seems wrong or you aren't comfortable, ask questions. Remember you don't have to do anything to or with your dog that doesn't seem right. It is extremely important for your dog trainer to be openminded. Dog training is changing and evolving all the time. I can tell you from years of training many different breeds and ages of dogs that there are dogs out there that need a different approach, good dog trainers understand this and are willing to modify training methods to make them work for different dogs. As a professional trainer, I have found that there are a number of ways to teach dogs, however I teach my students to use the methods I have found easiest to understand and execute, and the ones that are the most rewarding to the dog and owner. Having trained using positive and aversive methods over the years, I feel fortunate to have been open-minded enough to give positive training a try. My dogs are happier and frankly, I enjoy the training more than ever before. Not only that, they are more reliable than ever before as well. A good trainer is up front and honest about their methods. If they say they use "positive reinforcement", "reward based methods" or "motivational methods", ask what they are. Ask what they do and how they teach specifically. These questions should be answered easily or should be on their website or other material. It shouldn't be a guessing game. There are many trainers who label themselves "positive", but having spoken to and corresponded with trainers from all over the country, I can tell you that everyone's idea of positive is different. Some trainers label themselves positive and then use shock collars in their training. It is up to you, the paying client, to ask questions, observe classes and choose a trainer who will benefit you and your dog. You, as the client need to feel comfortable with the methods and technique being used on YOUR dog. Ask for letters of recommendations. A good trainer can provide letters of recommendation from happy clients. Also, ask to observe classes before committing to enrolling or purchasing a package. You want to see your trainer in action to make sure that you are comfortable with that particular trainers style, technique and communication skills. A good dog trainer is knowledgable about not only dog training and behavior but also about different breeds of dogs. Dogs were developed for different reasons and for different purposes and this is important when it comes to training them. Good trainers are knowledgable about all breeds and what they were developed for, and will be able to offer you methods that work for different breeds. Yes, the basic principles and techniques are the same, but the methods are sometimes modified to work for different dogs and breeds. It is really helpful if your trainer has experience with many breeds of dogs, knowledge of genetics and a real understanding of canine behavior. If you are hiring a trainer or behavior specialist for something very serious such as fearful behavior, anxieties or aggression, please make sure that you are hiring someone qualified. Anyone working with these issues should have a clear understanding of working with desensitization, classical conditioning and counterconditioning techniques and should be experienced in these areas or someone could get hurt. The most important thing to remember is that you need to feel comfortable with your dog trainer. This is someone who you employ to help you and your dog. You should always be able to feel comfortable asking questions or talking to your trainer. |
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