What is the difference between Positive Reinforcement Training and Balanced Training?
People who use "balanced training' believe in the use of "positive punishment". Often Balanced trainers use corrections when a dog is behaving "incorrectly". As a positive Reinforcement Trainer I believe that each dog is doing the best they can with the education that we have given them. If a dog doesn't behave appropriately then it is our job to teach the dog the behaviour that we want to see. There will be no use of slip leads, choke collars, shock collars or any other means to cause pain. I use tried and tested methods that include home-made treats, praise, games and lots of affection.
Isn't giving rewards akin to bribing your dog to behave? Aren't they just doing it for the food?
Would you go to work if you didn't get paid? Would you work as a volunteer if you didn't love what you were doing? Rewarding our dogs for working with us makes it rewarding for them and it also create clarity. Dogs quickly realise that we like the behaviour they are offering us which will make it more likely that they will offer the same behaviour in the future. Rewarding good behaviour creates clarity and drive. The use of food can slowly be removed (or only offered occasionally) once a behaviour has become second nature to the dog.
I know other trainers that get quick results with using corrections (quick pulls on the leash or shock collars). Why should I choose this method instead?
Research into animal learning has shown, without a doubt, that learning without the fear of punishment is better for the wellbeing of the animal and has more consistent and reliable outcomes. Animal parks, zoos and world class trainers know the benefit of this approach. Science has shown us that it works and it makes our dogs happy. Why wouldn't you want to choose this method?
What makes you different to other dog-walking services?
There are many dogs that require more than just a walk through the park. Many dogs who have been bred to do a job are often unfulfilled and bored which can cause a dog to become difficult to handle. These smart and driven dogs can end up causing a lot of frustration within the home.
My service will aim to challenge each dog from the moment I enter the home and provide all of the necessary enrichment a dog may need (which can include scenting, chasing, retrieving, digging or shredding) all within the context of fun games. They will return home happy, exhausted and with new skills that you will also be able to use in your day to day life.
There are also many dogs who are too overstimulated and over-aroused in certain environments and require a more nuanced approach. I want to get to know each dog and their family individually, I want us to work together to provide exactly what each dog needs so that everyone is fulfilled and happy, not just the dog. I don't just want to work on my relationship with your dog, I also want to help YOUR relationship with your dog.