Learn more about the world of dog training
As a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, we would like to help educate the public about responsible dog ownership based on trust and understanding for each others’ needs.
For those who are interested, here we will provide background information and helpful readings about the dog training world that will lead to a more thorough understanding of why we do things the way we do. Scroll down and dive into some interesting reads.
Why use positive dog training?
Our goal is to provide a positive training experience that keeps both, the owner and the dog happy while improving their communication. Please read about why positive training with dogs is so important in the position statement of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) here.
The debunked Alpha dog theory
If you read up on dog training or talked to friends and family, you may have received the advice that you need to “be the boss” and “dominate your dog”…or anything along those lines. This training approach has been long overhauled. Unfortunately, it stubbornly persists to stay in a lot of people’s heads and a lot of popular trainers with big online followings and powerful marketing, until today promote this harsh approach. Read more about why this theory has been debunked a long time ago and why this training approach can have detrimental effects on your dog’s mental health and your relationship.
Bringing home a puppy
Bringing home a puppy is a wonderful experience but more than once I heard my clients say that they had forgot how much work it actually is. Many things are great but so many things can also go wrong. There is plenty of information about how to best prepare for your pups arrival. Here is one example of what supplies to get before the arrival of your pup. Find some valuable information here about why socializing your puppy is so important right in the beginning and why you should get detailed information about how your puppy was handled before his arrival at your home. And here is an interesting article about what not to do in regards to your pup’s behavioral development. Enjoy the read!
Are dogs like children?
Humans are animals, too. Many people don’t love this statement but biologically (and scientifically proven), this is a fact. There are huge similarities in body functions, body language and emotional responses. Brain responses to stressors are measurably similar. Body expressions to positive events are strikingly recognizable as well. So, if you start looking at your dogs as an emotional being it is incredibly helpful to compare them to a toddler to better understand their training journey. Please listen to this insightful post from Denise Fenzi about the topic.
