We understand that every dog is unique, which is why we tailor our training methods to fit each dog-handler team. No two dogs are the same, and with extensive experience training a wide variety of breeds and personalities, we customize our techniques to meet each dog's individual needs. Our methods are proven to be clear, effective, and adaptable, ensuring we help every dog achieve their owner's specific training goals.
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At the same time, we recognize that every client is different, too. We understand that each owner has their own learning style, preferences, and expectations. That’s why we take the time to get to know you and your dog, ensuring that our training approach aligns with both your dog’s needs and your preferred way of learning. By doing so, we create a more effective training experience for both you and your dog.
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Our approach is rooted in the science of classical and operant conditioning, combined with a thorough understanding of canine behavior and instincts. We know that a dog’s instincts play a crucial role in how they learn, and we work with those natural tendencies to guide them toward desired behaviors.
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Training a dog is as much an art as it is a science. Knowing when and how to apply specific techniques and tools is essential, and that’s where our experience and intuition come into play. We’re constantly staying up-to-date on the latest studies, techniques, and developments in dog training to ensure we’re using the most effective methods for your dog.
Our goal is to help every dog become a stronger, more confident version of themselves. Rather than simply controlling behavior, we aim to teach dogs to manage their impulses and become active thinkers, all while developing a deeper connection with their owners.
We understand that
Every Dog is Different.
Our training approach is adjusted to each, individual
dog's personality and needs.
TRAINING APPROACH
Training Process
Step 1: Trust
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Before we can start training behaviors, we must make sure each dog trusts us. This can be quick, or may take a few days to a week - this process cannot be rushed.
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Trust is built though showing our intentions to the dog and simply spending time with them. This quality time includes walking, running, hanging our in the living area, cuddling, and play.
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During this phase, we begin to teach different games and signal words such as "Yes", "No", and "Free".
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Step 2: Teach
As soon as trust is built and your dog understands how to play with us, we begin to teach behaviors using positive and negative reinforcement - two very powerful, confidence boosting methods of reinforcing desired behaviors.
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We use a wide variety of training collars and will choose which one to use on your dog depending on their learning style and your training goals.
Step 3: Generalize
This is where we start to challenge your pup with distractions, new placings, and brining you in to visit and work with your dog.
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This phase shows your dog that the rules apply not just in training sessions, but in real-life situations. It's where the behaviors start to become practical, and we begin to reach our training goals.
Equipment
We have been professionally trained to utilize a wide variety of equipment such as:
•Clickers
•Food
•Toys
•E-collars (remote, bark, and containment)
•Prong collars
•Slip collars/leads
•Harnesses
•Headcollars (Halti, Gentle Leader)
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&More!!!
GENETICS
Throughout history, dog breeds have been meticulously bred for specific roles, reflecting their innate instincts. Whether it's herding, retrieving, or guarding, these instincts have played a vital role in our
co-evolution with dogs.
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Genetics play a significant role in shaping your dog's temperament, influencing their behavior and personality traits. Different dog breeds have distinct temperament characteristics that are passed down through generations via selective breeding. For instance, Border Collies are known for their intelligence and energy, while Labrador Retrievers are famed for their friendly demeanor.
Additionally, dogs can inherit specific behaviors from their parents, such as aggression, fearfulness, or sociability. These genetic predispositions affect how your dog responds to various situations and stimuli. Certain genetic disorders can also indirectly influence temperament, causing discomfort or altering a dog's behavior.
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Understanding genetics can help us with problematic behaviors - as many issues stem from a lack of understanding genetic urges of dogs, or breed specific traits that they have been selected for over generations. These traits cannot be removed or added - but can be guided, suppressed, or enhanced through training.
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Our goal is to help each owner understand what drives their dog genetically, and to teach them how to harness these innate drives to not only get the most out of training, but have a happy, sound dog.
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ENVIRONMENT
While genetics influence a dog’s temperament, their environment plays a key role in shaping behavior. Early experiences, socialization, training, diet, exercise, and overall surroundings all contribute to how a dog behaves. To help our dogs succeed, we must create an environment that supports good behavior. In any training program, changes to both your and your dog’s environment are necessary for long-term success.
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Diet: Just like the saying "You are what you eat" applies to humans, it also affects dogs. A poor diet can lead to behavioral issues such as hyperactivity, anxiety, and depression. We can guide you in choosing the right diet to support your dog’s health and behavior.
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Exercise: Lack of proper mental and physical exercise can cause common behavioral problems, making dogs anxious and destructive. Many owners struggle to provide enough exercise, especially when their dog is out of control. We have the experience to help you find the right outlets for your dog.
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Socialization: Socialization varies from dog to dog. Some dogs are naturally social and need to learn to relax around others, while others may be more shy or aggressive and require controlled exposure. We customize the socialization process to fit each dog's needs.
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Management Techniques: While we love our dogs, sometimes we give them too much freedom too soon. This can lead to problems, especially during potty training or teaching manners. Proper use of tools like crates, gates, and leashes can help manage behavior temporarily while training is in progress.