Our Methodology
Only dog friendly, modern methods are used to develop individualized training and behavior counseling programs to fit the needs of you and your dog. The individualized program will be based on scientifically proven methods using a variety of positive rewards for appropriate behavior. The only “punishment” for inappropriate behavior is that a reward is removed or not provided. Classical and operant conditioning are used separately or in combination to best assist with each animal’s individual needs. For many behavior modification protocols, especially in shy and/or reactive animals, classical conditioning is used to change the animal’s emotional connection to those things which cause a negative response. For basic manners training, a combination of operant conditioning techniques are used, and will be tailored based on the requirements of the owner and the animal. The techniques within the operant conditioning framework are primarily based in clicker training and consist of shaping, targeting, and capturing. Note: only flat collars or harnesses will be used during any training session. (See below for definitions.) All training methods utilized are heavily influenced by and based on the teachings and works of Jean Donaldson, Patricia McConnell, Pat Miller, and Karen Pryor, among many others.
Why Use Dog Friendly, Positive Reinforcement-Based Training Methods?
- It has been shown to be effective for all animals - from dolphins to jellyfish
- It builds a relationship between human and animal based on trust
- It is based on rewards and empowerment
- It teaches the animal what you want them to do
- It instills creativity and confidence
- It is FUN!!!!!
Why Not Use Punishment?
- It is effective for only a subset of animals - many dogs fail harsh training
- It creates a relationship between human and animal based on fear
- It is based on intimidation and sometimes pain
- It forces the animal to guess what you might want
- It stifles creativity and confidence
- It is not typically enjoyable for the participant on either end of the leash
Definitions:
Positive Rewards – are something (food, toys, play, etc) that, when provided to the animal following a behavior, makes it more likely that the behavior will happen again. Note: the animal is the one who decides what is reinforcing.
Classical Conditioning – is where the environment acts on the subject. The subject’s behavior is irrelevant to the training. It includes associating emotional and/or physical responses to neutral objects, noises, or situations. Classical conditioning can include when you smell or hear something that gives you a warm, fuzzy feeling.
Operant Conditioning – is where the the subject acts on the environment; and the subject has some form of control over the training process. It includes receiving a positive reward for completing a requested behavior.
Clicker Training – is where a clicking noise is associated with a positive reward that can then be used to acknowledge the correct behavior. The click acts as a bridge between the behavior and the positive reward. It is only used to mark appropriate behavior, and is not used as a command or cue. It is particularly helpful when teaching precision and distance behaviors.
Shaping – is rewarding successive approximations of a desired behavior. Successive approximations are behaviors that gradually get the individual closer to the desired behavior or any behaviors that resemble the desired behavior. Think of the “Hot-Cold” game many of us played as children.
Targeting/Luring – is teaching the animal to touch or follow a particular item which can be manipulated to create the desired behavior.
Capturing – is waiting for the desired behavior to occur and positively rewarding that behavior so the behavior recurs. Polite discussion regarding terminology and methodology is welcomed and encouraged.
