DOG OBEDIENCE TRAINING

My preferred method of dog obedience training is a marker-based system, via verbal cue or a clicker. Marker/clicker training is a clean and clear method to teach a dog wanted behaviors. It works especially well with puppies and inexperienced dogs that are young and willing to engage and work with you.

Marker training does require some precise timing and understanding by the owners. I will teach you the “when, how, and why” of this training technique. After a few short sessions throughout the day, you will start to see results quickly. Your dog will look forward to working with you. This is the first step to establishing engagement. You want your dog to look to you for all things and ignore outside distractions/stimuli.

However, there is no cookie cutter method of training that works for all dogs. In my decades of training, I’ve seen lots of techniques come and go. Thirty years ago, the practice of compulsion or leash corrections was widely utilized. Then the pendulum swung the other way, and most training was all extremely positive, treat-based, “the dog could do no wrong” type of training.

I like to combine old school with new school, working dog and pet dog techniques and have them all in my training toolbox. I also keep an open mind to any new training methods to which I am exposed. In my opinion, a good dog trainer needs to stay current and progressive in their work. Anytime I become complacent and think I’ve seen and done it all, a dog will quickly prove me wrong. Dogs are very good at keeping us honest and humble!

OBEDIENCE TRAINING

My preferred method of training is a marker-based system, via verbal cue or a clicker. Marker/clicker training is a clean and clear method to teach a dog wanted behaviors. It works especially well with puppies and inexperienced dogs that are young and willing to engage and work with you. Marker training does require some precise timing and understanding by the owners. I will teach you the “when, how, and why” of this training technique. After a few short sessions throughout the day, you will start to see results quickly. Your dog will look forward to working with you. This is the first step to establishing engagement. You want your dog to look to you for all things and ignore outside distractions/stimuli. However, there is no cookie cutter method of training that works for all dogs. In my decades of training, I’ve seen lots of techniques come and go. Thirty years ago, the practice of compulsion or leash corrections was widely utilized. Then the pendulum swung the other way, and most training was all extremely positive, treat-based, “the dog could do no wrong” type of training. I like to combine old school with new school, working dog and pet dog techniques and have them all in my training toolbox. I also keep an open mind to any new training methods to which I am exposed. In my opinion, a good dog trainer needs to stay current and progressive in their work. Anytime I become complacent and think I’ve seen and done it all, a dog will quickly prove me wrong. Dogs are very good at keeping us honest and humble!