TRAINING PHILOSOPHY
THE HOW AND WHY

At OBEDIENCE BASICS, I train dogs the same way I want to be trained.  I don't enjoy or benefit from methods based on force, intimidation, humiliation, or deprivation, let alone choke chains and shock collars.

Instead, I need to be shown, guided, and rewarded.  I need to be motivated by paychecks, bonuses, raises, and praise in front of my peers.  I don’t like working for free.

Our dogs are no different.  If we learn to praise and reward the behaviors we like and ignore, interrupt and/or redirect the behaviors we don't like, all dogs - including yours - soon learn to offer only the behaviors that earn them all of the good things in life. 

Positive Reinforcement (reward based training using anything a dog truly values) works with puppies and adult dogs; they’re never too young or too old, too shy or too aggressive, to be effectively shaped into new, desirable behaviors or helped to discard unwanted behaviors via extinction.

As an added benefit, dogs that are trained through positive reinforcement develop a very willing attitude about training that easily transfers to everyday life.  How?  By teaching YOU to look for - and reward! - good behavior, while redirecting wrong behavior onto something that’s rewardable and then praising them for getting it right. 

So the next time you find your dog up on the sofa, instead of making a big deal about it, walk into the kitchen and rattle his food bag.  When he comes running in, tell him what a great doggie he is and give him something else to do - a favorite chew-toy or a stuffed Kong - then send him over to his bed and praise him for enjoying his treat there.  The more you praise him for being on his furniture, the less likely he'll be to jump up on yours.