TRAINING METHODS & PHILOSOPHY
At Ain't Misbehavin' K9, the emphasis is always on making learning fun and interesting for both dogs and their human companions. The methods used are based on sound learning theory and the most current scientific studies, which support the use of force free methods for teaching dogs.
Our training programs are based on a combination of three basic ideas:
1.) Teaching dog owners about creating a healthy relationship with their dogs: one with clearly defined roles and effective communication, as well as consistent boundaries and rules.
2.) Teaching dogs by rewarding the desirable behaviors we want to see, and by helping them learn how to best succeed at getting the things they want and need.
3.) Ensuring that a dog's physical and emotional needs are met through proper exercise and mental stimulation.
First and foremost, we teach people to understand their pets and to relate to them in a healthy and constructive way. This means forming realistic and attainable goals and standards for behavior, and staying committed and consistent while working toward those goals. Rather than reacting to their pet’s mistakes or undesirable behaviors, we teach people to relate to their dogs thoughtfully and proactively, and then to shape their pet’s behavior into something they want to see. By helping to people redefine their relationship with their dogs, we ultimately help them to change their dog's behavior, while also developing a deeper and more trusting bond.
We help our clients to understand the importance of leadership in human/canine relationships, and teach them to how to be good leaders. This is accomplished not by using force and intimidation, but by being the origin of good things and a source of help and valuable information. Instead of teaching dogs to “submit” to people because they are big and bad and will win in the end, we teach our clients how to become someone who is worthy of being followed, by being consistently helpful, predictable and trustworthy.
To change unwanted habits and increase desirable behaviors in our dogs, we use rewards. Rewards are the easiest and most reliable way to motivate dogs and to get them to actually want to do what you want them to do. Sometimes that means using food, sometimes toys, sometimes life rewards… actually, it can mean using anything that an individual dog finds rewarding. In some instances we might use a clicker or other type of “marker” to help a dog understand the specifics of the behavior we are rewarding. And by setting the dog up for success, we are able to teach them about the things they should be doing, rather than focusing on the things they shouldn’t. This type of motivation creates a willing, enthusiastic and confident dog; one who trusts in their human companion and themselves.
We also utilize corrections. But the word correction should not be confused with punishment. At Ain’t Misbehavin’ K9, a correction is used to convey information and to help a dog understand about choices that won’t work. This does not include the use of violence or physical confrontation, but might take the form of temporarily restricting access to something the dog really wants, such as a food treat or even an owner’s directed attention. Occasionally, we also use verbal signals, to let the dog know that they are "on the wrong track." It's important to note that corrections are never used as an independent training tool, but rather in conjunction with rewards, as a way to make the correct choice easier to discern and even more appealing.
And finally, because all the training in the world won't be truly effective if a dog is under-stimulated, frustrated or bored, we make sure that people understand the importance of proper exercise and environmental enrichment for their dogs. We will make specific recommendations for exercise and activities to help our client's dogs be happier, more relaxed, and content.
