OUR TRAINING METHODS – A BALANCED APPROACH
Training our dogs to be good canine citizens takes patience, persistence and consistency. In my private dog training methods, I wholeheartedly believe in a balanced training approach. With the right approach it will take less time to achieve your dog training goals.
What is Balanced Dog Training?
Balanced training involves the use of both reward-based techniques, and aversive consequences. In other words, the trainer shows the dog that their choices and behaviors can result in either pleasant or unpleasant results. Using this full-range of feedback makes remarkable results achievable for every dog. Visit our success stories page and see the variety of issues we address with our training methods.
Why use a Balanced Dog Training approach?
This approach gives you the best of both worlds. At Canine Solutions, our private dog training programs help dog owners learn how to use positive reinforcement to teach their dog new behaviors – creating an encouraging environment while laying a solid foundation for communication with their family pet. While positive reinforcement is important, where necessary, clients learn how to incorporate corrections when training their dog. Corrections can help eliminate the frustration in the relationship with our dogs by providing clear boundaries for acceptable versus unacceptable behavior.
In our training programs communication is tailored to the individual needs of each dog and dog owner. Our goal is to apply corrections with the least amount of pressure possible to help the dog avoid repeating unwanted behaviors, while using positive reinforcement to create and maintain motivation to learn new skills.
The Role of Corrections in Balanced Training
Corrections, when used appropriately, are an essential component of balanced training. They help set clear boundaries and guide your dog toward better behavior. Below are some examples of the types of corrections used in a balanced training program:
- Verbal Corrections: Simple words like “no” or “ah-ah” delivered in a firm tone can be effective. They interrupt the unwanted behavior and capture your dog’s attention.
- Using tactile corrections: Leash pressure or spatial pressure (moving towards a dog) can be used to redirect your dog’s behavior. These corrections should never be harsh or cause fear.
- Using professional tools: Where needed, we use dog training tools to help communicate boundaries. Examples include prong collars, slip leashes and e-collars. Additionally spray bottles with water or a noise-making devices can help interrupt unwanted behavior.
Benefits of using Corrections in our training methods
- Clear Communication of Boundaries
- Establishing Limits: Corrections help dogs understand the limits of acceptable behavior. This clarity is crucial for their learning process.
- Immediate Feedback: Timely corrections provide immediate feedback, allowing your dog to associate the correction with the undesired behavior.
2. Tailoring Corrections to each individual Dog
Understanding Individual Needs:
Different dogs respond to different types of corrections. Understanding your dog’s temperament and sensitivity is crucial to applying the right level and type of correction.
For example: Some dogs may require spatial pressure to back away from a trigger, while another dog may find that too intimidating. By understanding how to read your dog’s body language and by working with a professional trainer, it will take the guess work out of what corrections are best suited to each individual dog. At Canine Solutions Dog Training our private training programs ensure every effort is made to tailor the approach to suit your dog’s individual needs and responses.
Check out this video below! It is a clear example of how to effectively use a balanced training approach to curb unwanted behaviour.
To sum up, balanced dog training methods provide a well-rounded approach to training your dog. It is a way of approaching dog training and behaviour that is both fair and compassionate, while also creating real world reliability that is achievable for the everyday dog owner. By setting clear boundaries, applying consistent communication, and reinforcing positive behaviour, you can help your dog become a well-behaved and confident companion.