Our Philosophy on Dog Training

Positive Reinforcement

At Pawsitive Paws Dog Training we are dedicated to helping human/dog families live a harmonious relationship using training, leadership, clear, consistent communication, and fairness. We use only scientifically-proven positive reinforcement methods. Pawsitive Paws will help teach you how to inspire your dog to want to do as you ask, quickly and happily. Our goal is to help your dog learn to be a thinking dog. This method boosts self-confidence, cements relationships and builds trust between humans and pets.

From basic obedience lessons, to addressing aggression and fear through behavior modification, we teach you how to read your dog's body language and enable better communication.  We concentrate on teaching you as well as teaching your dog, so you can continue to maintain consistent and fair boundaries. Through learning to focus on the positive things your dog does and giving instant feedback you inspire him to want to offer acceptable behaviors.

We do not use prong collars, electric collars, choker chains or any tool that will result in fear or cause pain.

Positive reinforcement training through the use of clicker training will jumpstart your dog’s way to being the dog you always wanted.

 

Clicker Training

Clickers are small noise devices that were sold years ago as toys to make a cricket-like noise. 

 

When the clicker is pressed it makes a sharp, distinct sound. Scientists have used this 'click' to pinpoint the exact moment a desired action occurs after which a reward is offered. That reward can be treats, a toy, or praise.

 

Marking an action with a distinct sound paired with a subsequent reward is not a new concept. Trainers of dolphins, killer whales, etc. have been using this method of behavior modification for decades. Clickers are used to help train gymnasts, dancers and utilized in other applications where body position is learned through muscle memory.

 

When used to teach animals, we first pair the click with a reward. When the animal performs the action we seek, we click to let him know that behavior was what we wanted and that a reward is coming. Amazingly, after a short time the animal will begin to do several behaviors in an effort to 'get the click'.

 

Clicker training is effectively used with dogs, cats, horses, chickens, rats and many other species of animals. It can be used to teach behaviors, calm an animal, inspire confidence and more.

A Word On Force-Based Training . . .

Force-based training has become known as the old-style way of coercing dogs to do what is wanted. With the use of choking, jerking, shocking and even stabbing with metal prongs, our dogs do our bidding out of fear of more punishment rather than enjoying what they do.

 

Unfortunately, force-based training can actually teach dogs aggressive behavior. It is normal animal behavior to respond to aggression with aggression. For instance, when a dog is jerked harshly when there is another dog present (despite the reason for the 'correction') most dogs learn to associate the presence of other dogs with the pain. Eventually they go on the offense when they see another dog since they have learned that another dog means pain for them.

 

Although coercive trainers recommend them, alpha rolls do not imitate what happens in the wild as far as 'dominance' goes. Performing an alpha roll (turning a dog on it's back and holding it there), can create fear and/or anger in the dog and can make you the victim of a bite. When television programs show trainers using these types of methods, there is always a disclaimer advising the consultation of a professional trainer before doing anything shown - and for good reason.

 

Rather than use pain, fear and risk neck or back injury, consider using a training method that your dog will enjoy, anticipate and in which he/she will be a willing, happy partner.