Positive does not mean Permissive
Gillian has been involved with dog activities and sports for many years. Enjoying Agility, Flyball, Scent, Rally, Competitive Obedience…and hiking in the woods, with her own dog. She has performed with The SuperDogs Performance Team with many of her dogs for over 20 years, and is now enjoying her new role as their M/C. Due to traveling across Canada and the USA amongst her dog training colleagues, she recognized that their stories were similar. The love of educating their clients about how to properly teach skills to their pups, and having fun while doing that, is the best way to teach.
Simple, right? And successful? Of course.
We have strong views on the use of prong or shock collars on any dog under our direction. Teaching using education rather than force is important. There is a wonderful sentence that applies. “When education runs out, frustration sets in”. Do not resort to physical punishment with your dog simply because you feel there is no choice or your frustration has set in, and please do not be convinced by any trainer that the products above do not hurt.
Dogs are friends. Would you use any of the above on a good friend?
And yes, we use food. Oh, you can teach using fear and intimidation or by using a “do it or else” attitude. But this can result in behavioural issues down the road. There is a fall out to this antiquated and un-educated technique. You dog may loose trust in you, and there it is in a nutshell. Without trust, there is no relationship.
Balanced training does not mean using force and food. Balanced does not mean using any training tool simply because it is available. Balanced means always being respectful and motivational, always allowing the pup time to learn and using rewards (toys & food) where required, to teach a skill or to change your pups mind on what it views as unmanageable. Using reward, along with structure and guidelines, is balanced. Positive does not mean permissive. Those that know Gillian, know that she is educated in all things dog, and likes to be direct and honest when sorting out the issues. By teaching you and your pup this way, rather than using force or fear, we will strengthen the bond you share. You and your pup simply need a bit more education.
The more a behavior is rewarded, the more likely it is to occur. That is science, not an opinion.
Remember that having a dog is supposed to be fun, so it is fine to laugh, joke and treat your dog while you are teaching them. Can it be frustrating? Yes, but then you need a proper plan to help set up your relationship with your pup for life.
We can help.
Get educated. Be kind, respectful, motivational and clear to your dog and you will both enjoy the journey together.