Every HUMAN wants a well BEHAVED dog and every dog wants a well trained human

WHAT IS OBEDIENCE TRAINING?

Sit, Stay, Wait, Back, Come, Down, etc...with a command

Obedience training is simply the act of teaching a dog to associate a verbal or visual command with a desired action (behavior) in exchange for a reward. Once the dog executes the desired behavior, the dog is immediately rewarded to encourage a fast association of the cue with the specific action. Many people believe that obedience training will prevent negative behaviors from developing in puppies or cure the behavior in adults. Unfortunately, the uninformed masses come to find that even though they received a "Certificate of Achievement" or "Graduation Diploma", the dog still misbehaves in environments with distractions and stimulations. 

A well trained dog ≠ a well behaved DOG

Obedience is only the first step towards achieving a communicative relationship with your dog based on trust, respect, and admiration. However, in order to make the leap from training to learned behavior you must understand how dogs interact with our world. From a dog's point of view, every behavior is a product of instinct. Complex emotions, the concept of spirituality, and intellect are absent. In order to understand the canine mind, humans must be able to remove the spiritual, intellectual, and emotional elements of being human. Once you can understand the canine mind, you can begin to change canine behavior.  

WHAT IS BEHAVIOR TRAINING?

Sit, Stay, Wait, Back, Come, Down, etc...without a command, based on past experiences and cues from the environment

Behaviors are how dogs interact with their environment and handle situations. Behaviors are innate (instinctual) or learned through experience. Instinct determines how a dog will behave when confronted with new situations. A more instinctively submissive dog may flee while a more instinctively dominant dog may investigate and agitate. Dogs do not view their behaviors as negative or positive, which is why using human forms of discipline such as scolding, spanking, spraying with water or time outs will never solve a behavior problem and will only result in confusion and fear or aggression.  

Obedience is teaching the dog to be human. Behavior is teaching the human to be dog. 

Negative behaviors develop due to a combination of factors that include mental boredom, a lack of physical exercise, an absence of human leadership, no rules, no boundaries, no limitations, and poor communication between human and canine. Obedience is not enough to teach a dog how to behave in the modern human world. Dogs need a routine lifestyle of exercise, discipline, THEN affection and they desire consistent rules and boundaries. A dog forced to adapt to a human environment without a human leader to follow is destined for neurosis.

Obedience training + behavior training = a well behaved companion

THE EVALUATION

We do not utilize e-collars or prong collars in our training.

It is vital that our new clients understand the differences between obedience and behavior training prior to beginning a program. This is why the evaluation is so valuable. The evaluation is a required one-on-one session with you and our trainers that will introduce YOU to the basics of canine behavior, canine psychology, and the ideal canine lifestyle. We'll introduce you to the language of dogs, demonstrate how to master the walk, and explain your dog's individual behaviors. We will also show you how to clearly communicate with your dog using a language that utilizes body language, touch, and sound (not speech). The evaluation is at least two hours, allowing us ample time to determine your canine's individual needs and pinpoint the lifestyle changes you will need to commit to for your dog's well-being. Our goal is that you will not need to pursue further training as long as you consistently continue with the “training” that is established during the evaluation at home. However, at the conclusion of the evaluation, we can discuss the continued training services we have available and which may be best for your dog, your schedule, your budget, your family and you. 

CONTINUING HUMAN TRAINING

When a dog is told the same thing repeatedly and still does not understand, it is NOT the dog that is a slow learner. 

The foundation that is established during the evaluation will continue and behavior will only improve - as long as the humans remain consistent in their own training. However, in extreme cases, further human and dog training is necessary. Prices vary depending on each individual client and is discussed at the conclusion of the evaluation.

Private Session: 
A customized one-on-one session with you and our trainer that is tailored toward you and your dog. We will simulate real world situations in a safe and controlled environment using our own pack and props, so you can learn how to conquer real world situations. We'll provide you with the tools you need to continue to build a mutual respect between you and your dog. We'll guide you towards achieving the unspoken bond you've always yearned to have with your companion. 

Private Family Session: 
Our one-on-one private obedience session, but with the entire family. If one family member continues to feed the dog at the table, the behavior of begging will never cease. This is why it is imperative that every human in the house, whether it be family, friends, or the cable guy, must follow the rules & boundaries that have been put in place. When a household remains inconsistent, it only causes frustration, confusion and negative energy. We will show you how the whole family can be pack leaders by simulating real situations in our controlled environment and enforcing consistency. 

Onsite Session: 
We believe the energy (emotions & intent) we project (body language) significantly changes how a dog will respond to the environment. This is why we strive to maintain a calm and positive environment by restricting certain canine and human mindsets from entering our facility. In some cases, dogs will continue to exhibit negative behaviors outside of our facility because we cannot replicate the unpredictable energy of the outside world. Dogs mimic our energy, which is why it is critical that a handler be calm and confident in all situations. Onsite sessions give us the opportunity to coach you in the moment at home, the vet’s office, and elsewhere so you can gain the confidence you need in order to lead your dog in any situation. 

AKC'S CANINE GOOD CITIZEN PROGRAM 

The American Kennel Club (AKC) created The Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program in 1989 to promote responsible dog ownership and to encourage the training of well-mannered dogs. The CGC is a three part program beginning with Canine Good Citizen (CGC) followed by Community Canine (CGCA) and ending with Urban Canine (CGCU). There is no age limit for the CGC. Since its inception, the CGC program has become the model for similar programs around the world and is the starting point for more advanced training. Owners of dogs registered with the AKC (Purebred, Purebred Alternative, and Canine Partners) also have the option to receive a title upon the completion of each level of the program.