Training Approach

In these sessions, we will be using relationship-based and positive training techniques all while establishing your “Parental Leadership” status. This allows you to connect with your dog, strengthen your relationship, encourage cooperation and foster mutual trust. I use only non-confrontational methods which means no shock collars, no pinch collars, no choke collars and of course no yelling or hitting your dog.

What Do You Mean By Relationship-Based Techniques?

Having a strong bond with your dog results in your dog being eager to learn and wanting to follow your lead. Your relationship will be based on mutual love and respect. This starts with clearly understanding and accepting your dog as the individual they are along with their strengths and weaknesses. By fostering your relationship in the form of play, training, walks and affection time, you will gain your dog’s respect and trust resulting in a well-mannered dog.

In these sessions, we will be using relationship-based and positive training techniques all while establishing your “Parental Leadership” status. This allows you to connect with your dog, strengthen your relationship, encourage cooperation and foster mutual trust. We use only non-confrontational methods which means no shock collars, no pinch collars, no choke collars and of course no yelling or hitting your dog.

What Do You Mean By Relationship-Based Techniques?

Can I Be My Dog’s Leader And Use Positive Reinforcement?

ABSOLUTELY! While some believe these are two schools of thought, being your dog’s leader and using positive reinforcement are not mutually exclusive. Keep in mind, We are not referring to leadership in the form of being your dog’s “Alpha” working to overpower them. Instead, we are talking about being a leader that your dog can trust and respect. You will learn how to use tone of voice and body language to communicate with your dog that you are a strong, confidant and reliable leader. As your dog’s leader, you will be showing them love and respect by using positive methods to open communication lines and to teach them what it is you want from them.

What Is Exactly Is Positive Reinforcement?

Positive reinforcement can be described as giving your dog a reward (praise, play, food, toys, etc.) when they respond to you or offer an action or a behavior you like. This, in turn, will ensure that that behavior is most likely to be repeated. This method focuses on telling your dog when he/she is correct and giving them something to do rather than pointing out what is incorrect.

How Does Positive Reinforcement Work?

Positive reinforcement is done through a marker for correctness and timing paired with a reward that is reinforcing to the dog. In these sessions, we will be using a marker word i.e, “Good” and different value treat rewards and praise depending on the level of motivation needed.

Does This Mean I Should Never Correct My Dog?

Actually YES! We are focusing on reinforcing positive behavior and giving your dog something to do rather than correcting them. There may be times where it is necessary to redirect your dog or give them a time-out to calm down. It is not necessary and is counter productive to use adverse methods. Positive reinforcement and communication are proven to be the best and most effective methods to train a dog.

What Are The Benefits Of This Type Of Training?

This training allows you to create a strong bond based on mutual trust and respect that allows for clearer communication between you and your dog. In addition, your dog will show an increase in willingness to work, eagerness to please, an increased rate of learning and most important you will be having lots of FUN with your dog in the process! The result is a well-balanced, well-mannered and well-loved family member.

Servicing St. Louis Metropolitan Areas, St. Charles and Illinois