FLUENCY DOG TRAINING
Having a dog makes your life better, not more stressful.
If you aren't motivated to do something someone telling you to do it isn't going suddenly motivate you. Moreover, if they are telling you in a foreign language, well... That is how your dog feels when you attempt to train behavior without building the foundation of training.
Three phases of learning behavior.
To train your dog effectively, start by understanding what motivates them. Some dogs prefer play or sniffing over food. Instead of insisting on using food as a reward, focus on what they naturally enjoy. Training should be a partnership with your dog, not a battle. Many people make the mistake of skipping this crucial first step and jumping to the next phase, causing training to fail over time. Dogs need to understand and be motivated to succeed.
Once you've identified their motivation, you can begin introducing cues (commands) and giving them meaning. Effective communication is the key to teaching and learning. Communication has to be two directional. Meaning you will communicate to your dog your needs, and you will learn to read your dogs communication to you. This is the second area training fails, when an owner commands without understanding.
Once you've grasped your dog's motivation, and can clearly communicate with your dog, teaching any behavior becomes easy. Finally, you enter the phase known in the dog training world as "proofing." This involves testing and reinforcing your dog's behaviors. With a pet dog, you'll continually live in this final phase, because you are not preparing for a competition. Proofing for pet dogs is creating a healthy relationship with clear boundaries and mutual understanding. It's the phase where you can enjoy life together with your dog!
Not all training is behavioral.
Classic obedience training (sit, stay, come, etc) is simple - it's learning behavior. However, there is a difference between a well trained dog, and a well adjusted dog. Some dogs know all the classics and struggle with walking on leash because they are anxious while walking, or reactive to other dogs. These are not behaviors that need training they are your dogs mental and emotional state.
Impulsive behaviors, demanding behaviors, and anxious or fearful behaviors are all examples of areas that classic obedience training won't address. While classic obedience is important, it is mostly the human telling the dog what to do. At Fluency, this is where we focus on training both ends of the leash, and improving the relationship to clearly communicate with the dog, not just at them.
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. No matter which training methodology you prefer, our positive result proven method stays consistent. We train for what is best for you, your dog, and your lifestyle.
Why we're unique
Yes, I do train positive reinforcement only! With all training, a commitment from you is required, I can't do it alone. I need to make sure you are on board for the journey. When will positive reinforcement (only) work? If you are a very dedicated owner with a lot of time to devote to your dog. If you have a dog that is externally motivated (generally food motivated). If you are willing to commit to learning a bit about dog training, and about proper timing of rewards. If you have a proper biologically fulfilling drive outlet for your dog. If your dog has enough exercise (no regular walks are not enough) and a healthy diet. And finally, if you are willing to commit the time and responsibility of building and maintaining a high level of relationship and understanding of your dog. Why so many “if”s? Because missing any single one of those factors will make the entire system fall apart. Training positive only limits your ability to maintain boundaries, thus it relies heavily on relationship, your dogs motivation, and management strategies. If you are willing and able to make this commitment, I am happy to walk that path with you!
Our approach to training utilizes tools and equipment only when an aid is needed. I personally prefer the simplicity of a collar and leash, and feel that there is an overuse of prong collars, slip leashes, and ecollars in the dog training space. On the rare occasion, I suggest alternative equipment, the ultimate aim is to minimize reliance on such tools over the training process. If you're keen on using specific equipment with your dog, my role is to provide comprehensive education on its advantages and disadvantages, and ensure its is being used with your dogs welfare in mind.