Training

Our Philosophy and Approach From the outset, our method is to place more importance on positive attention and less focus on leash control. We may use the aid of a toy or a food treat to motivate your dog and expedite his learning. But our primary goal is to determine how your dog reacts to various vocal tones and different uses of body language in order to communicate most effectively with him. Over the years, we have found that teaching in this manner helps to progress a dog to off-leash control much more quickly than the traditional "corrective" methods of training. By creating a positive relationship with training, we are fostering trust and encouraging your dog to pay better attention. An attentive companion is more confident and willing to receive, and act upon, instruction than one who is actively seeking to avoid correction.
Program Descriptions
Basic Manners focuses on teaching your dog the basic obedience commands all dogs need to learn in order to exhibit controlled behavior on lead. He learns how to be attentive to his handler, walk properly on a leash, behave politely in greetings, and generally respect limitations placed on him by his handler.
	Refined Etiquette continues with the commands taught in Basic Manners refining them in the face of distraction that is only moderately in the trainer's control. In addition, your dog is introduced to the commands he will perfect in Enhanced Compliance. Our goal is to work toward more vocal control over your dog and minimize physical control via collar and lead.
Enhanced Compliance moves your dog toward off-lead training encouraging greater compliance with less handler supervision. This level of obedience gives you more control over your dog without relying on a leash. Your dog is taught long distance hand signals, "emergency" response commands, and longer, more relaxed stays.
(All of our trainers are members of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.)