My Training Values

I believe that creating clear boundaries and goals for dogs to understand builds a healthy and happy relationship, and sets a dog up for success.  I like to start with simple tasks that teach dogs that doing actions = rewards.  We will build upon that to let them make the choice to listen. 

Positive Reinforcement (+R) is the method of rewarding a dog for completing a behavior you like.  For example, if a puppy comes to you and you reward them with treats, they are more likely to continue interacting with you.  With repetition and clear rules, dogs make the choice to behave the way we want them to. 

Negative Punishment (-P) is the method of removing a dog or object to stop a behavior.  For example, if a puppy is ignoring an older dog's ques and corrections, and is not responding to human intervention through toys or distractions, the puppy is removed from the older dog and placed on a timeout.  With repetition and +R mixed together with -P, the puppy learns that continuing the unwanted behavior will result in losing access to the older dog, and that if they behave properly they will be able to continue interacting with the older dog. 

Distance ~ Duration ~ Difficulty~ Direction

Dogs have what we call a threshold.  This is how close a dog can get to, or how long a dog can be around a stimuli that triggers them.  

• Distance - How close a dog can be to a stimuli before they go over threshold.

• Duration - How long a dog can be around a stimuli before they go over threshold.

• Difficulty - How exciting the stimuli is.  Sometimes we can create situations where the stimuli is easier to be around

• Direction - Using training, rewards, and redirection to show a dog how they should behave around a stimuli that often triggers them.

Through the 4 D's of desentization training, we can work together with reactive dogs and help make their world easier for us and them.