Our Methods
Balanced Training uses a wide variety of tools
and concepts to train dogs.
Its not a standard of rules but a philosophy that encourages tailoring our training approach to each individual dogs specific needs and motivations. It means finding the balance between reward, motivation, and corrections to build a line of communication and give you and your dog success in living your best life!
STEPS WE TAKE TO TRAIN YOUR DOG
STEP ONEFinding your dogs highest value reward.
Whether it is food, toys, or love, we use whatever will keep your dog engaged in the learning process. Would you work for free? Properly motivating your dog makes the difference between a dog who wants to listen and a dog who has to listen.
STEP THREEIncreasing the difficulty.
We will work on building up your dog’s impulse control and ability to focus around distractions. Your dog will go on field trips to practice in various real-life scenarios like stores and parks. Your dog will learn to walk past people and other dogs, leave garbage where it belongs, and not bolt out every open door.
STEP FOURTeaching your dog accountability.
Treats and praise can teach a dog, but it can only go so far. Sometimes, that squirrel is more valuable than the treat you offer. Sometimes our dogs simply choose to ignore us. We introduce a high quality e-collar, which is a small tens-unit(not a static shock). We begin by creating a positive association with low-level stim, by pairing it with high value reward. We apply the concepts of Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA) theory when it comes to corrections. We pride ourselves on not using force or shutting down a dog.
STEP TWOTeaching your dog the basic obedience commands.
This is done with clicker training and luring the dog into position with a treat until they understand the words. Sit, Place, Stay, Heel, and Come are crucial commands to having a good family dog.
STEP FIVETeaching the owners.
When your dog comes home, the graduation lesson will teach you how to maintain the training to set up a smooth transition home. Our packages also include free follow-up lessons!
Having a specific problem with your dog’s behavior?
We can help with:
Housebreaking
Pulling on Leash
Barking
Bolting through Doors
Running Away
Chewing
Jumping on People
Stealing Food
Digging
Play Biting
Licking
Begging
Reactivity to Touch/Noise
Shyness
Hyperactivity
Aggression towards other Dogs or People
Toy/Food Possessiveness
… or any other bad habits!
Using the balanced method creates a line of communication and respect between you and your dog.
Creating an obedience foundation isn’t just about robotically performing commands, or the fun tricks, it allows you to “talk” with your dog. It also gives you the tools you need to “fix” any behavioral issues you may have.
