Dogs never stop learning, and we can always teach new things. Our Life Skills classes are appropriate for dogs from ‘teenagers’ to seniors. This type of training is effective with dogs of all ages. Continuing to train an aging dog can help slow cognitive declines with aging.
Some breeds are known for specific behaviors and that needs to be taken into account in a training plan. Often dogs within a breed are as different as dogs from different breeds. However, all dogs learn using the same basic principles - what is rewarded is repeated. Individual dogs within a single breed may show a significant difference in behaviors. We look at the individual dog, determine what skills they need, and build a training plan to meet those needs.
Absolutely! Concept training can be used to build the basic skills that competition dogs need to be successful. Games can be used to build a dog that is confident in new environments, focused on its owner or the task at hand, and able to think in situations of high excitement. These are incredibly beneficial skills whether in a home environment, at a competition, or in a working situation.
Yes, we are continuing dog training classes and private training. We take precautions including maintaining social distancing and requiring proper mask usage in all our classes and private training. Our class sizes are limited to ensure the ability to socially distance.
The first thing to look for is a dog trainer who uses positive reinforcement training that is based on science. Studies show that positive reinforcement is more effective than punishment-based training. Next, look for a trainer who is certified in their training methodology. Then look for a dog trainer who will make your training fun and enjoyable for you and your dog, and will help you achieve your goals. A good trainer will be able to adapt their training methods to best fit you and your dog.
Training priorities are individual to each dog. We recommend teaching a base of calmness in the home as a starting point. Once your puppy or dog learns how to be calm, all other behaviors and skills can be built onto that base.