Training Philosophy

All dogs from the smallest to the largest breeds are pack animals. Their instinct drives them to lead when clear leadership is lacking.  My role as a trainer is to identify the leadership gaps, and give you and your dog tools to fill them.  Working alongside the owner, we build on trust and respect to transform the dog into a more balanced companion.

Whether you have a puppy learning it’s place in the household, an older dog needing to understand it’s role more clearly or advance your training, I can help.  My clients see immediate positive changes in their dog’s behavior.  These changes come with insights of how simple adjustments lead to large behavioral shifts.  I teach my clients to read basic canine body language. This new understanding between client and dog in turn leads to a higher level of mutual trust. Trust between handler and dog is essential for even the most basic training to be a success.

I assess each dog individually, usually within their home environment. Following an assessment, I tailor a training program based on the dog’s age, confidence, dominance, energy, focus and desire to work/ play.  I use reward based training to guide the dog towards desired behaviors and away from negative ones.  Rewards vary with each animal, but are most often food, toys, affection or to be given space.  As commands are mastered, I replace the food and toy rewards with positive voice and touch response.  In consideration of this, it is helpful to incorporate every family member in the training, children included.

The long term success of this training is enhanced by participation from all “pack members”.

A dog is happiest with a calm and confident pack leader. It is your job to provide that leadership, and to define your dog’s role in the pack.  With this, you will have a partnership for life, wherever you may roam.