Training Philosophy

Every training plan is customized to meet the needs and expectations of the individual dog and owner/family. My approach to training is holistic.

This means that I take a bottom-up approach to training, and emphasize establishing a solid relationship, creating structure, meeting the drives and having appropriate expectations for the particular dog/breed. I also firmly believe that a healthy mental state starts with a healthy species appropriate diet and strongly encourage feeding a nutritionally complete raw or gently cooked diet for best training results and overall well-being.

My goals are that both the dog and owner truly enjoy training, and that training improves the well being of both the owner/family and dog.

All behaviours are initially taught using positive reinforcement (food) and maintained primarily through play, food, affection, and access to activities the dog loves. For puppies in particular, this means structuring the environment and resources to set them up for success, prevent the formation of bad habits and create lots of motivation for doing obedience in different environments through the use of food and play.

While teaching obedience is important, I place a bigger emphasis on teaching the dog to make good decisions on his/her own in different contexts.

I do use corrections (dependent on the dog) to guide the dog back into desired behaviours or to stop unwanted behaviours in a way that is clear, fair, without intimidation and least stressful to the dog. This is taught after the dog understands and has been motivated to do what’s expected of him with the goal of improving communication and reducing frustration.