Philosophy
Happy Dogs, Happy People
CLIENT FOCUSED, RELATIONSHIP BUILDING: Our main focus as dog trainers is to make sure that you and your pet have the best relationship possible. We call ourselves dog trainers but YOU are the most important factor as our work is as much about educating people as it is about training the dogs. We want to help you to understand your dog's unique personality, learn to read body language and develop clarity so that your communication tools are most effective and your relationship thrives.
Our methods are based on over 2 decades of experience working with dogs and animals professionally as well as furthering our own education through various seminars and courses . It's important for us to assess both your dog's nature as well as your relationship dynamic so that we can help you find the best solution to your training needs. While one method may work for one owner/dog team, it may not work for another.
BALANCED REWARDS BASED TRAINING: I would best describe us as "balanced" trainers who use reward based training to determine what motives YOUR dog as each dog is a unique individual. Our training is based on getting the most out of your dog and customizing each lesson to match what drives your dog versus a "one size fits all" approach that is often the basis of many group classes. By finding your dog's motivator, we can use positive reinforcement to shape behavior. We don't believe in using fear, pain or intimidation techniques. We want your dogs happy and enthusiastic about the training!
Play is an important part of our training. We use play as a motivator and to teach transitions from social play with the owner to self entertainment to settling/relaxing. One of our main goals is for our dogs and owners to find balance as well as teach owners how to be clear in their communication. Without meaning to, many owners confuse their dogs or reinforce undesirable behaviors. This is why we love working with puppy owners as we can help them set up clear communication early on.
SETTING UP A GOOD FOUNDATION: Of course, even with adult dogs, it's important to know where to start so that you aren't trying to set up a "quick fix" for a larger problem. We have found that training from a foundation level is important in maintaining good behavior throughout your dog's life. We also put heavy emphasis on impulse control so that your dog learns to look to you for direction and permission (like teaching your kids how to ask politely for something). This creates a more patient, well mannered dog who makes better decisions and can easily hesitate and/or re-direct to you when needed. While it can be important and beneficial for your dog to have choices, it's also essential for their well being that they learn to take direction from you (i.e. ask to go out the door instead of bolting).
EDUCATING OURSELVES: Training has evolved quite a bit over the years, and we are always striving to improve our own skills, learn more about behavior and the science behind it. Training is so much more than just getting your dog to sit on command or heel at your side. We love dog sports, canine conditioning and enrichment activities. We research behavior and techniques to help our clients better understand their dog's emotional state. Let us help you have an amazing relationship with your dog!
If you'd like to see examples of our type of training, check out the videos we have on this web site as well as the Facebook page - http://www.facebook.com/3dogtraining/.
