Having a dog makes your life better, not more stressful.
We choose philosophy over methodology because we train for what is best for you, your dog, and your lifestyle. Our goal is harmony at home. We want dogs to stay in happy homes. That is why we specialize in helping you create the lifestyle you want with your dog through conflict free and fear free training. No matter which training methodology you prefer, our positive result proven philosophy stays consistent.
Three phases of learning behavior.
To train your dog effectively, start by what truly motivates them. While some dogs may favor play or sniffing over food, it's essential to focus on their natural interests rather than relying solely on food rewards. Remember, training is a partnership, not a struggle. Skipping this crucial first step often leads to training failures, as dogs need to feel understood and motivated to thrive.
Once you’ve pinpointed your dog’s motivation, you can confidently introduce cues (commands) and give them meaning. Effective communication is the cornerstone of successful teaching and learning, and it must be a two-way street. This means clearly expressing your needs while also learning to interpret your dog's signals. A common mistake is issuing commands without fully grasping your dog's communication.
With a solid understanding of your dog's motivation and clear communication established, teaching any behavior becomes a breeze. The final phase of dog training, known as "proofing," involves testing and reinforcing your dog's behaviors. For pet dogs, this phase is continuous, as you’re not preparing for competition. Proofing cultivates a strong relationship with clear boundaries and mutual understanding, allowing you to fully enjoy life together with your dog!
Foundation Obedience
Obedience & Mindset
Advanced Obedience & Life
Not all training is behavioral.
Classic obedience training—like sit, stay, and come—is simple and centers on behavior learning. However, it's essential to distinguish between a well-trained dog and a well-adjusted one. Many dogs may perform basic commands flawlessly but struggle other behaviors such as calming down, walking on leash, or reacting to other dogs. These issues highlight your dog's mental and emotional state rather than a deficiency in obedience training.
Traditional obedience training does not address impulsive, demanding, anxious, or fearful behaviors. While foundational commands are vital to helping your dogs mindset, they mainly involve the human instructing the dog. A dog struggling emotionally ultimately need the ability to make better choices. At Fluency, we take a holistic approach to training, focusing on both ends of the leash to strengthen the bond between you and your dog for better outcomes.
Communicate
Relationship
Motivate
Training