Pet dog training and behavior modification
As I write this, I am working with a sweet pair of smaller labra-doodles, from the same home but each with their own issues. One, I am working on the standard prong collar that I tend to use for most of my clients. The other, I elected to take a
As a professional dog trainer who implements e-collar training into many of my programs, I’ve had to dispel a lot of myths and misconceptions regarding these tools to dog owners. This is understandable and something I am happy to do, as I want all my clients to feel confident that
One of the most perplexing arguments against balanced training goes a little something like this: “You’re just doing it the fast way!” It’s always said laced with shame and malice and venom, as if getting results in days (or sometimes less) versus years makes said results invalid in some way.
“Everybody has a price.” This is true of humans, and of all functioning living creatures. In the animal world, dogs included, every behavior has a price point, a consequence or consequences that make the behavior worthwhile or simply too pricey. People and animals alike are driven by the same system
In 2017, I was fresh into the professional dog training scene, and eager to get as much hands-on time with dogs as possible. At the time I was in my early twenties and had more time on my hands than I do these days, as I was building clientele up
When I first got my dog, Grimm, several years ago, I made a habit of taking him to the dog park a few times a week. At the time it seemed like a great idea. But if I could go back in time and give myself a piece of advice,
Learn more…Why We Don’t Recommend Dog Parks (and what you can do instead)
In my consultations, I usually give a basic rundown of myself as a “balanced trainer.” Many clients understandably don’t have the knowledge of what balanced training is, what it entails, and what it looks like in comparison to what they already know or have experienced. That’s why, with every new
When I was little and living on the East Coast, I remember going to the local shelter with my mom to pick out a pet dog. It was the first dog I was going to have since the German Shepherd mix we’d had (since before I was born) passed away.
Every once in a while, I find a space that’s safe enough to let my personal dogs off-leash for a structured walk. I put away the leashes and walk through trails or parks or beaches, with my dogs still in a heel at my side or slightly behind me. It’s
1: Reward, Reward, Reward It may seem counter-intuitive, but the number one rule for using corrections in dog training is to remember to reward. Clients often come to me to get a handle on unwanted behaviors, and that means I end up introducing the idea of corrections to a lot
