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Est. 2010
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Behavioral Training
Obedience Training
Vs
In behavioral training, our primary focus is on the dog's mindset. We aim to cultivate a calm and submissive state of mind, while working to steer them away from unwanted or altered mindsets such as fearfulness, dominance, anxiety, or nervousness. Our training emphasizes teaching humans how to provide structured leadership by establishing rules, enforcing boundaries, and setting limitations. We also focus on the importance of consistency in rule enforcement, issuing proper corrections, and the critical role of follow-through. This approach helps create a well-balanced, stable dog that everyone can enjoy.
In obedience training, the emphasis is on creating a fun and engaging environment with plenty of treats and rewards to make learning commands and tricks enjoyable for your dog. For example, when teaching the "sit" command, we use treats or praise to encourage the behavior, then gradually introduce the verbal command and hand signals, repeating the process to reinforce learning. Unlike behavioral training, obedience training typically focuses on teaching basic commands rather than leadership skills.
The Pack Mentality
The Pack Mentality
Dogs are inherently pack animals and thrive in an environment with the structure that a "pack" provides. In a dog pack, there is typically one leader. However, in a "Family Pack" that includes humans, dogs, cats, birds, and other pets, we can train our dogs to recognize more than one pack leader. It's important for all humans in the household to be seen as part of the leadership group so that when one person leaves, another leader is still present. This is achieved by ensuring that all pack leaders consistently enforce the same rules in the same manner.
Some dogs have a naturally dominant disposition, while others are more submissive. Without structured leadership, dominant dogs may assert themselves and take control, while submissive dogs may become insecure due to the lack of guidance. This insecurity can make them feel pressured into a leadership role, leading to frustration, anxiety, and even fear-based aggression. By providing consistent leadership, we help our dogs feel secure and balanced.
Being the Pack Leader is a significant responsibility, and when we unintentionally place this burden on our furry friends, it often leads to more problems than solutions. In the animal world, what we perceive as freedom can come across as a lack of structure and control, making us seem weak.
Frustration in dogs is similar to stress in people and can eventually build up until it erupts, much like a person snapping under pressure. For dogs, the easiest way to release this stress or frustration is often through aggression, which can manifest as dog aggression, toy aggression, food aggression, or even aggression toward bicycles. This is why it's crucial for us to take on the role of Pack Leader, so our dogs don't have to worry about anything except following their leader. When we make the decisions—whether it's assessing a person approaching on the street, managing mealtime, or ensuring a child doesn’t take their toy—we relieve our dogs of any Pack Leader responsibilities, allowing them to feel secure and at ease.
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