Training Methods

We teach our Students how to Train their

 

Dogs Using a

 

Three Phase Approach to Teaching New

 

Behaviors:

 

Conditioning; Reinforcement; and Proofing.

 

Training Should be Enjoyable to the Dog. Working with his Owner should be the Highlight of a Dogs Day. We show our students how to Make the Learning Process Fun and exciting for the dog and we teach students how to Train their Dogs By Systematically Building Skills and Behaviors.  With good training methods the Sky is the Limit as to what a Dog can be Trained to Do!

 

Our Method of Training is Proven to Teach

 

Students how to Train any Personality of

 

Dog and any Breed of Dog.

 

Phase One: To teach a dog new behaviors we "condition" them to what the verbal commands or hand signals are by utilizing positive reinforcement. Throughout all phases of training we use reinforcement tools such as food, play, and affection. By working several short sessions per day, a dog can quickly be conditioned to the meaning of common commands or desired behaviors.

Phase Two:

During the second phase of training we reinforce what we taught in Phase one utilizing both positive and negative reinforcement. This gives us a dog who readily performs commands with a willing attitude. The "negative reinforcement" should not be confused with punishment. Punishment is a correction given after a behavior has happened and does not help a dog learn. Negative reinforcement is a way to communicate to the dog that they got it wrong and will not be recieving a reward. Examples would be the word "oops!" "no" or a light quick bump on the leash.

Once a dog has been properly conditioned to what the commands mean, we believe it is important to quickly fade out food lures in order to get the dog to perform. If this is not done, then the tool becomes a bribe. When a dog only performs if food is present, then a bad working relationships begins to develop between dog and handler. But after a command has been performed you should always release the dog and then reinforce the behavior with play, affection, or food.

Phase Three:

Once a dog is performing commands without the aid of food using only verbal or hand signals we are now ready to proof these conditioned behaviors. Proofing means testing the dogs understanding of the commands in any sort of situation in which he may be asked to perform it. By systematically proofing your dog to such everyday situations, he will understand what is expected of him and will reliably perform commands. And always Remember that training should be enjoyable to your dog!

 

If you train your dog using the systematic process descibed above you can teach him any skills or behaviors. We use this to teach obedience commands, correct unwanted behaviors, train our hunting dogs their retreiving skills, and teach tricks. We have used this system of training on every personality type of dog and it works regardless. So if you have a hyper dog, fearful dog, pushy dog, or soft dog; these methods will work!

  

 

Training Philosophy

It is my belief that the majority of problems people encounter with their dogs are not the dogs fault! The problem is usually a lack of leadership, exercise, training or socialization by the dogs owner. It is my goal to empower my students with the knowledge of how to effectively train their dogs and reach their training goals. 

I believe the most effective way to teach new behaviors is to use positive reinforcement (food, play, and affection) to condition a dog and mark behaviors throughout the training process. It is vital to create a drive in your dog to work for you. In addition, I believe that there are times during the training process when a well timed correction or negative reinforcement should be used.  I do not, however, believe in using abuse or punshiment as a means of training. I train by making work fun for my dogs and I systematically teach, reinforce, and proof behaviors. By using this balanced approach to training, you get a dog who happily and consistently works for you!

~ Linda Barnett