Dog Training Frequently Asked Questions

Positive Reinforcement training has become more utilized  due to being more scientifically proven and effective in training than “dominance theory” training. With more research and support, the American Veterinary Society for Animal Behavior performed their own research. In a public statement stating Positive Reinforcement dog training as the more preferred and effective training. Here is a link to the researched articles on Dominance training theory and humane dog training.

Choosing the right dog trainer for both you and your family is personal and important. You will be working with them for several weeks depending on your training issue. Being able to communicate effectively and have the same training beliefs will be important. Also being able to invest the time and budget for the dog trainer you want is key. The American Veterinary Society for Animal Behavior has written a great article  here with tips on how to choose a trainer and key points to look for.

Polite Dog Training is my 4 week training program and great for puppies. Since this is a Doggie Homeschool program, I do the training for you. The program includes 3 training sessions each week where I train your dog  and a skill transfer session each week with you where you will learn what fluffy was trained that week. This is important for you to know since you are the one she will be listening to.  Lastly, there will be a Follow Up session when training is complete. Follow up is to make sure your training is on track and if any adjustments are necessary.

Leash Walking is my 3 week Doggie Homeschool training program. I will focus on Loose Leash Walking and Heal behaviors to have your dog walk nicely on the leash. There are 3 training sessions each week and a weekly transfer session to show you what we worked on. The program will end with a Follow up session to make sure you are on track with training. This session is also a check in for any adjustments or if extra training sessions are necessary. 

Impulse control is one of the hardest things for dogs to do. That’s why I have just Leave It, Drop It and Stay in one program. We want to set them up to succeed. This program is over 3 weeks with 3 training sessions each week with the dog. Then 1 weekly skill training transfer session with you to show you what we worked on. Finishing up with a Follow Up session. Since Impulse Control is so difficult for dogs, extra sessions may be needed as each dog learns at their own pace. 

Diamond Dog is where I coach you through the process of training your dog over 12 sessions (2 times a week over 6 weeks).  This program can be used for both puppies and young dogs that need to learn basic obedience. Even some dogs that may have some anxiety issues to be worked on. I suggest writing down what your training goals are prior to our initial consultation. It’s important to set a realistic goal for what can be achieved during our time together. If you want to put together a personalized training plan, that is definitely an option. 

Happy hound is good for working on 2 to 3 behaviors that need to be refined or can be used as an add on. This program is not recommended for dogs with anxiety issues.

Usually your dog looks like they are acting aggressively(but in most cases is scared) towards people who come in/near/towards the house. It will be the same when they are on the leash. Depending on our discussion at the consultation would depend on the type of program I put together. 

Watchdog is when your dog barks at people , dogs, cars, etc going by the house or the car. Basically anything they consider their domain.

Demand barking is your dog barking to get something they want. Such as when you have given in because you want them to stop barking. They have now learned how to get it and it has only gotten worse. 

Leash Reactivity is when a very excited dog wants to  meet a dog and may be pulling and / or barking at them. Leash reactivity doesn’t mean fear or aggression. Looking at different variables such as excitement and need to be calm prior to any meeting. 

On Leash Dog Fear is usually lunging and barking, fearful will be different than a normal bark. However understanding a dogs body language  in both will help determine what they are saying. 

Dogs don’t generalize the same way we do. It’s important to continue training them in different places (inside/outside, different rooms), different scenarios, etc. Understanding that some places may be harder than others because there may be more of a distraction. Doing this will help them learn with distraction after they have learned the initial behavior. Watch some videos on Instagram where I work with generalization,  different motivation and increased distraction for advanced dogs.