Dog Training

Training Method

Questions

Advantages to Home Training

Classes - Puppy Classes - Basic Obedience - Behavioral Modification

Training Method:

1. I believe in training through praise, positive reinforcement and repetition and setting the dog up to succeed. Just as with humans, the more often one experiences success, there is increased reinforcement for that behavior and attitude now and in the future. Generally, dogs want and need guidelines for living within the family structure and are seeking our approval.
2. Guidelines, boundaries and consistency are very important to your dog(s)’ ultimate behavior and attitude. Dogs are family members, just as our own children, and as such in the family unit, need guidelines and boundaries to know what is acceptable behavior. This will ultimately reduce stress and create a much more relaxed, confident dog.
3. Training is a slow, step-by-step process which requires patience and repetition. Some dogs learn quickly and some take longer. By setting your dog up to succeed during the training process the majority of the time with the least number of corrections, the dog will have a more positive attitude toward learning.
4. My training is focused in the home environment and is individualized according to your dog(s)’ age, past history (abuse, emotional issues, shelter dog) and particular behavioral issues within the home and community. This training is geared to your particular lifestyle and family environment – just as no two dogs are alike, no two families are alike in their interactions. There is much more to training than just basic obedience skills. A dog can have the knowledge of basic training skills and still not function in an acceptable manner as a well-behaved family member....and this requires patience and constant willingness to follow through with reinforcement on the part of all family members .... skills are always a “work in progress” and continue to be throughout your pet’s life.

Back to the Top

Questions:

• How many sessions are involved in training? Typically between 4 and 6 sessions are recommended, 5 being average including the initial consultation/orientation session
• How long is each session? Normally each session varies between 40 to 60 minutes depending on topics and the dog’s attention span
• How often are classes scheduled? Scheduling classes once a week will normally provide a consistent training schedule and allow enough time in your busy schedule to practice what is covered each lesson with your dog
• What is the cost? Classes may be scheduled on a week to week, per class basis at $30/session or if signing up for 5 sessions and payment in advance, the cost would be $140 / 5 sessions
• Do you provide classes in my area? I will travel anywhere within the service area indicated on my rates page and may consider areas outside the highlighted map area but may add a surcharge for travel time....please ask for rates

Back to the Top

Advantages to In-Home Training:

1. Customized schedule
2. Individual attention
3. Less distraction
4. Behavioral issues can be addressed in the home environment

Back to the Top

CLASSES:

Puppy Classes
Puppy classes provide puppies with an introduction to the basic obedience commands of “sit”, “down”, and “come”. In addition, an introduction to good manners/socialization will begin to teach appropriate behavior for play, allow proper handling (“let me”) for grooming and health care without protest and walking nicely on leash. Various issues will be addressed for typical puppy behavior issues such as crate-training, biting/nipping and chewing, jumping and barking.
Back to the Top

Basic Dog Obedience
Basic Commands for dogs 5 months and older:

• Release cue
• Focus cue
• Sit
• Down
• Sit/stay
• Down/stay
• Recall or “Come” cue
• Loose leash walking
• Heel
• Leave it
• Wait
• Fetch

Back to the Top

Behavioral Modification

Sometimes a dog may have a grasp of the basic obedience commands, or most of them, but may have special behavioral issues which need attention and resolution such

• Housebreaking (including submissive urination)
• Biting/nipping
• Jumping on people
• Jumping on furniture
• Barking in excess
• Begging and Stealing (things and food)
• Socialization
• Bolting
• Digging

Back to the Top

We can provide you with the proper tools and methods to address these issues on your own in addition to personalized sessions as needed in your home.