Training Philosophy

My training is not method based. I do not believe in using any method of training that makes learning harder on the dog or causes their life to be more stressful on them long-term just to adhere to a method of training that makes a person feel more comfortable. There are two-sides to learning. One side strengthens behaviors and one side weakens behaviors. Both are equally important. Some behaviors need to be strengthened so that they repeat again in the future while others need to be weakened so that they do not repeat in the future. Training should be as positive and gentle as possible. I feel most people are too heavy-handed on their dog and they yell too much which is an inappropriate aversive for the dog. I am a training tool junky because the right tool makes the job easier and better on you and the dog. Training needs to be as firm as necessary in order to guide the dog to offer a rewardable behavior so that they don't continue to do unwanted behaviors that causes them unnecessary stress or gets them into trouble but always rooted in positive and nonharmful methods. My goal is always for the dog to be as happy and willing to participate in training as possible, even when training is difficult. 

 

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