MY APPROACH
Every dog is different.
The approach should be, too.
People often ask me, “Are you a positive reinforcement trainer?”
“Yes, and.”
Then they’ll ask, “Do you use or recommend tools such as prong collars or e-collars?”
“It depends.”
I’m not committed to one training philosophy and then expecting every dog to fit within it. I meet the dog where they are and determine what approach makes the most sense based on the dog, the behavior we’re working with, what you want to accomplish, and what you’re comfortable implementing.
We start with the most sensible approach and adjust when needed. What works beautifully for one dog may not work for another.
The method needs to fit the dog, not the other way around.
We start with what’s happening right in front of us.
From the moment I meet you and your dog, the training begins.
I’m listening to what you tell me, while also watching your dog.
Their body language.
Their reactions.
How they respond to you.
How you respond to them.
And what may be getting reinforced without anyone realizing it.
If I notice something, we don’t wait to address it. I’ll point it out, explain what I’m seeing, and coach you in the moment so you can begin making adjustments right away.
Dogs are remarkably honest communicators.
They may not tell their side of the story in words, but their behavior tells me a lot.
Often, within the first few minutes, I begin to see things that are difficult to notice when you’re living with them every day.
We observe. We adjust. We watch what happens. And we keep learning from the dog in front of us.
Every interaction trains.
Your dog is learning from you all day long.
Dog training doesn’t only happen when you grab the treats, practice a command, or set aside time for a training session.
The good news is that this also means training doesn’t have to become another thing on your to-do list. Once you know what to look for, everyday life gives you plenty of opportunities to reinforce what you want.
We may unintentionally reinforce a behavior we don’t want, then become frustrated when the dog keeps doing it. Or we may expect something from our dog without realizing that we haven’t consistently taught or reinforced it.
That’s why part of my work is helping you recognize those everyday moments and understand what your dog may be learning from them.
You don’t have to be perfect. You just want to become more aware and consistent.
Because every interaction is an opportunity to reinforce the relationship and behavior you want.
A dog can’t thrive on training alone.
We can teach a dog all kinds of things. But training can’t make up for needs that aren’t being met.
A dog needs exercise and stimulation.
Different breeds have different drives and needs.
Food affects health, energy, and behavior.
Routines and environment matter.
So do socialization, health, rest,
and the opportunities a dog has to simply be a dog.
That’s why I look beyond the behavior we’re working on.
If your dog isn’t getting enough exercise or mental stimulation, we may need to address that before expecting training to solve the problem. If something in the environment is making success unnecessarily difficult, we can change the environment. If nutrition, health, or another part of everyday life may be contributing, we’ll look at that too.
This doesn’t mean making life with your dog more complicated. Often, it’s the opposite.
When we understand what a dog needs and learn how to meet those needs, life becomes easier.
Your dog needs leadership they can rely on.
Leadership with a dog isn’t about being harsh, controlling, or dominating.
It’s about giving your dog clear and consistent communication, direction, and confidence so they understand what is expected of them and what their role is within your home.
It means taking responsibility for what your dog does and doesn’t do.
Setting boundaries.
Following through.
Reinforcing what you want.
And being mindful of the behavior and emotional state you’re modeling yourself.
Dogs feel secure when leadership is present. This can be especially important for fearful or insecure dogs who need someone they can rely on for direction. When expectations are clear and our behavior is consistent, they don’t have to keep guessing what is allowed or how we’re going to respond.
That kind of leadership creates structure without taking away the joy of having a dog.
Clear roles. Clear boundaries. Consistent communication.
More freedom for both of you.
The tool is never the whole answer.
I always look first for the simplest and most sensible way to teach a dog what we want.
Positive reinforcement plays an important role in that. We reward what we want to see more of and make it worthwhile for the dog to repeat it.
But not every dog, behavior, or situation responds to the same approach. Sometimes we need to adjust how we’re teaching. Sometimes we need more structure or clearer boundaries. And sometimes a training tool may help us communicate more effectively.
I don’t use a particular tool simply because it’s part of “my method.” Nor do I automatically rule one out because it belongs to a different training philosophy.
What matters is the dog in front of us, what we’re trying to accomplish, and whether the approach makes sense for you.
If you’re uncomfortable with a method or don’t understand why we’re using it, you’re unlikely to use it confidently and consistently when I’m gone.
Whatever we use, I want you to understand why we’re using it, how to use it appropriately, and what we’re teaching your dog through it.
The goal isn’t to be loyal to a training method. It’s to find an approach you understand, can implement, and that helps your dog learn.
Give your dog what they need, and they can give you more of what you want.
Most of us want many of the same things from our dogs. We want them to listen. Come when called. Behave appropriately. Be enjoyable to take places. And, of course, we want their affection and companionship.
But I believe we get there by first asking what the dog needs from us.
Guidance to survive and thrive in our human world.
Exercise.
Clear boundaries.
Appropriate freedom.
Good nutrition.
Mental stimulation.
Affection.
Leadership.
And the security of knowing what is expected of them.
When we consistently provide those things, something begins to change. Trust grows. The relationship becomes stronger. And many of the things we wanted from our dog in the first place begin to come more naturally.
Over time, we can often give our dogs more freedom because they’ve learned how to handle it. And we trust them. We don’t have to constantly manage, correct, worry, or wonder what they’re going to do next. We can take them more places, do more things together, and both of our lives become richer because of it.
Life together starts to flow.
That’s what I’m ultimately working toward: a relationship with your dog that feels harmonious, trusting, enjoyable, and increasingly effortless.
Let’s figure out what would help.
We start with a complimentary 20-minute phone conversation. You’ll tell me a little about your dog, what’s happening, and what you’d like to change. I’ll ask some questions so I can get a sense of the situation and how I may be able to help.
From there, we’ll talk about what makes the most sense.
Sometimes one session is enough to give you what you need. Other situations benefit from a second session or a little more time together. When appropriate, I also offer a package for people who want or need more ongoing support.
I don’t have a set program that every client has to fit into. We’ll work on what you and your dog need, for as long as it’s useful.
My goal isn’t to sell you more dog training. It’s to help you make the changes you came to me for and give you the understanding and skills to continue on your own.