My Training Philosophy

Working with me means we work as a team, collaborating together, to reach the training goals you've set for your dog. When you're empowered with more information and skills, you can train your dog to those training goals you were hoping for when you brought your dog into your life.

Without the intention to cause fear or apply force and pressure, I train dogs using a proactive approach.  That means I reinforce behaviour, help the dog have a clear understanding of what I'm asking him/her to do, set them up in the environment to succeed and I strive to keep the dog feeling safe and free from feeling fear or pain. This philosophy is implemented using the most updated training protocols which are supported by science. Motivation comes in the form of food, praise, play, physical affection and permission.  Each dog has a different personality and history so I do not use a cookie cutter approach.  Ethics in dog training matters and I strive to adhere my ethics.

Fearful dogs are especially served well by this method and application. Dogs drowning in fear need empathy, compassion and patience and to feel safe in order to receive information we are trying to give them. This goes for all dogs of course, but fearful dogs need a little extra consideration when it comes to being able to cope in their world; our world.

It's a fact that canine behaviour is driven by emotions and motivation, just like humans. Using a method of training that is not about force and punishment but one that allows dogs to have a choice is what proactive dog training is about.

Training is rewarding and making change in behaviour takes time. Keeping it fun and setting the dog up for success is part of the training plan for every lesson, with every client.