about our training

Balanced based dog trainer

Balanced dog training teaches a dog desired behaviors using both reward-based techniques and aversive corrections. Using a balanced approach to training, we begin a dog’s education through the use of rewards. Dogs learn new behaviors through goal driven learning that is both enjoyable and effective. The dog is allowed to gain an understanding of the training exercises without concern about making a mistake. If and when more reliability is needed, unpleasant consequences are introduced into the training program in a careful and well-thought-out manner to ensure that we avoid the problems associated with the crude techniques of the past. To avoid the unwanted side effects, and to maintain a level of respect and consideration for the dog’s emotional and psychological well-being, we need to be careful and thoughtful about when and how aversive pressure is used.

Why Tools are used

The dog must learn that pressure on the leash is something that they can control and avoid through their actions. Most commonly we do this first with a leash or slip lead collar. Through this process the dog learns all the various situations in which pressure may be applied, and the various behaviors that they can rely on to remove that pressure, and this is all done with a low intensity so the dog has the opportunity to learn about the tools without any stress. After many repetitions the dogs begin to view the leash pressure as simply another piece of valuable information, which allows us to help them navigate the world and earn rewards and praise. Only once this has been accomplished do we then use the tool in a more motivating way as necessary, to prompt the dog into appropriate choices, or correct them for willful disobedience. This process not only helps us reduce the need for corrections, but also help to ensure that if corrections are applied that the dog knows exactly why it happened, and what they can do to avoid it in the future.