FAQ

Q: Why train your dog?

A: Training your dog helps build a strong relationship of trust and respect and is the foundation of a lifelong bond. Having a trained dog shows you are a responsible owner. Too many dogs end up in shelters due to under socialization and being under trained.

Q: How old is too old?

A: Your dog is never too old to be trained. Of course, it is easier to train a puppy before the bad habits start, but it's never too late to get started. "Better late than never"!

Q: What is Clicker Training?

A:The Clicker "marks" the behavior you want; and is always followed by a reward. Ever been to Sea World? They train the whales, dolphins, etc. using whistles, clickers, and bells to mark the behavior they want and is followed by a "fish" reward. The clicker has been proven to facilitate the learning process.

Q: Should I wait for my dog to be done with vaccinations before I start socializing him?

A: Absolutely not! You can begin to socialize your pup at 8 weeks of age. The optimum time for socialization is between 5 - 16 weeks. If you wait until he's done with vaccinations you've gone past 16 weeks. More dogs die from being undertrained and undersocialized then any disease. Of course use common sense. It is unadviseable to bring your puppy to a dog park or doggie day care. The best way to socialize a puppy would be to enroll him/her in a Puppy class, one that uses Positive Reinforcement is best.

FACTS:

• Dogs do not have command of the english language. They do not automatically know what "sit", "down", or "come" mean. They must be taught what these cues mean.
• Dogs learn from us 24/7, what works and what doesn't.
• Behaviors that are rewarded will increase in frequency, behaviors not rewarded will extinguish. This is Learning Theroy. Because of this, you must be aware of what you are actually rewarding. What you think is rewarding and what your dog thinks is rewarding may not be the same.
• Practicing a Nothing In Life Is Free (NILIF) program will establish you as the "parent".
• It is the "parent" that controls all the critical resources and access to them, i.e., food, play, socialization, locations, etc. By practicing this program you will become the most reinforcing thing in your dog's life.
• Dogs learn by making associations, i.e., you pick up his leash and he runs to the door. Yahoo...we're going for a walk! Leash = Walk.
• Dogs also learn by knowing their actions have consequences, i.e., dog jumps on counter, dog has just earned himself a timeout!
• It is not enough to punish (time outs) a problem behavior, you must also replace it with something acceptable. Interrupt and Redirect .

MYTHS:

• Alpha Rolls - Wolfs do not "alpha roll" their subordinates. Usually the lesser wolf will voluntarily roll himself onto his back.
• Scuff Shakes - We are not dogs/wolves and we cannot immitate one. Scuff Shakes will do more harm than good.
• Dominant Downs - By doing this to your dog, your dog will learn to distrust you and possibly others. Practicing DDs with your sensitive dog will make them more sensitive and distrusting. Doing this with a pushy dog can become a battle of wills, one in which you may lose horribly, and again will make the dog distrust you.
• Eat Before Your Dog - This is unreasonable. You would have to schedule all your meals around your dogs. People's lives are way to hectic to be able to do this. This will not "make" your dog think any less of you.
• Walk Through Doors Before Your Dog - Again, this is unreasonable. How would you get into your car before your dog?