frequently asked questions
What is your training philosophy?
We believe that all dogs are on an individual journey and that the approach used to train each individual dog must be as unique as they are. It would be a disservice to your dog and their learning to limit their training to only one tool. We won’t limit your dog’s potential or ourselves by limiting our toolbox. We strive to bring every dog we work with to their fullest potential, and have a wide range of tools to help us do so. The tools we use include e-collars, pinch collars, gentle leaders, haltis, slip leads, and martingales. Rather than approaching the dog with all the things we don’t want them doing, our system is built on teaching the dog the things that we’d like them to do, and then helping guide them down that path when they are faced with distractions. We primarily use low level e-collar training to get your dog’s attention and redirect their energy into more appropriate behaviors. We believe in setting dogs up for success and teaching them to look to you for guidance by following your cues. We will coach you on how to be a leader that your dog wants to follow, and with consistency, your dog will feel confident in making decisions that lead to good behavior.
What is an e-collar and why do you use it?
An e-collar is a training tool that allows you to communicate wirelessly with your dog using low level stimulation similar to a tens unit, often used by physical therapists and chiropractors. This technology allows you to have clear communication and perfect timing when working with your dog, even from a distance.
The most common methods employed in dog training are reward-based training (e.g. clicker, food, toys), leash-based training, and remote (e-collar) training, all of which we will have on our tool belt when working with you and your dog.
Reward based training is the best way to start young puppies because it allows you to quickly build confidence and create a foundation of understanding for many of the commands you will train formally as the puppy matures. Many owners find that they hit a wall or plateau with training that relies solely on rewards. This usually takes place when the dog hits adolescence and realizes that there are exciting things in their environment, many of which rank above treats. Often this manifests as listening well when distractions are low, but introducing the ringing of a doorbell, passing other dogs on walks, or a bunny dashing out from the bush, results in your dog pretending he can’t hear you. This can be frustrating for many owners who have put a lot of work into training and feel as though that training goes out the window when certain distractions present themselves. Reward-based training can also fail when you are dealing with aggression, fear, or anxiety. For many dogs, treats or toys lose all value when they are in one of these heightened emotional states. And finally, not all dogs are food motivated.
Leash-based training is a logical next step for many owners in their quest for a well behaved dog. To keep it simple, we consider any tool that attaches to a leash, to fall into this category. This include tools such as gentle leaders, haltis, martingales, slip leashes, harnesses, pinch collars, or choke chains. Leash training often gives the owner a bit more control over the dog because it allows for a physical connection to your pup. The downside to this type of training is that most dogs don’t wear their leashes 24/7 and many owners envision a lifestyle where their dog has off leash freedom, whether that be around the house, outside at a park, or on a hike. Once the leash comes off, many dogs quickly learn that you have no way to control or enforce your commands. Additionally, no matter how well trained your dog may be, sometimes instinct kicks in. When your dog is chasing a rabbit or running towards something exciting, you now have no way of getting their attention back onto you.
That brings us to e-collar training, the most reliable, consistent, and clear way to communicate with your dog. Our method for training with an e-collar relies on this tool as an attention getter. Dogs communicate very differently than humans do. While humans communicate primarily verbally with our words, dogs speak a language that consists of body language and physical interaction. Watch how dogs interact with each other in a group setting. You’ll see how often they make physical contact with one another, whether that be using their mouth to grab, nip, or bite, pawing, body slamming, or mounting. The e-collar grants humans the ability to speak a language much more comparable to theirs by simulating us physically touching them. We use low level taps in conjunction with our words to bridge the communication gap and better get their attention. When you have your dog’s attention, it becomes easy to redirect them to more productive behavior.
Will my dog have to wear the e-collar forever?
No, your dog will not have to wear their e-collar forever. Our goal is to wean them off of this tool once they have become consistent in their new habits. At this stage, they will be able to maintain their focus and good behavior without the collar while around the house, out on walks, and in situations in which they are well practiced. We will always recommend using the e-collar when your dog is off leash, as a safety net in case they decide not to listen.
Will training change my dog’s personality?
Not at all! What training will do, is help bring out the best in your dog. All of the personality traits you love will remain, and the attributes that lead to bad behaviors will be trained out. You will also find that the relationship between you and your dog becomes deeper and stronger once the frustrations of living with a poorly behaved dog are gone. Life with your dog by your side will become significantly more enjoyable.
Do you offer a guarantee on training?
No. This is a two-way road and, as the owner, you play a massive role in the results you get from your dog. I cannot guarantee that you will follow the training protocol or use the training tools selected for your dog. What I can guarantee is my end of the deal. I guarantee that if we decide to work together, I will be joining you on your journey with your pup for the entirety of their life. I will train you and your dog and teach you everything you need to know in order to create lasting results.