Training Methods
So the big question: What type of dog training do you do?
Do you use a clicker? Do you use food rewards? Do you use corrective reinforcement?
The answer is: It depends. We follow a very basic philosophy that combines dog psychology, repetition of positive reinforcement, and as gentle as possible, yet as firm as necessary, corrections. We teach the owners to become the alpha pack leaders their dogs want them to be!
Every dog is unique and has their own personality just like us, and the best results are achieved when the training method compliments the dog's individual character.
For example, a dog who is food motivated will respond well to treat rewards. An excitable and/or dominant dog with a high food drive can overreact to treat rewards and may be more difficult to control than if a non-food form of praise or if a toy or favorite chew was used.
All dogs must first be taught what is expected of them, without the use of corrections. It is unfair to correct a dog for failing at a task they have not learned yet.
There does come a time, though, when the dog knows exactly what is expected of them but refuses to perform the task anyway. At times like these a small number of assertive corrections or correction markers are preferred to manage the challenge before it escalates out of control. Unfortunately, many dogs who do not receive proper correction end up in shelters for simple issues and challenges that could have been addressed and prevented early on.
Please know that there are those who claim that correcting a dog is the same as punishment. We completely disagree. An appropriate correction, given at the appropriate time, communicates displeasure of an action in a language dogs can understand. Remember, most dogs are motivated and feel good about pleasing their pack leader or making us happy!
We must also remember that dogs are pack animals. Whether we, the owners realize it or not, our dog's behavior is partially ruled by their pack mentality. That is why we teach and share the pack dynamics to you and how you can fulfill their dog's natural needs.
Training is not summer school for "bad" dogs. Training is a life-long working collaboration between dogs and their owners.
It is the same with our dogs. Using only positive reinforcement and food treats works wonders when teaching a dog the general obedience commands and how to perform certain tasks like shake, roll-over, fetch, etc.. However, the same techniques are not as effective when your dog gets startled, over-excited, or protective and decides to charge another dog or the young girl walking down the street.
There must be a consequence to an unwanted or dangerous behavior that the dog is familiar with and wants to avoid.
As always, no single technique works in all cases. It's always best to use the proper tool for each task.
HTL provides positive reinforcement dog training in the comfort and privacy of your home as well as in a safe outdoor class environment. Every client's dogs needs are evaluated and a specific training program is customized exclusively to the goals of the owner or family.