Dog Training Methods

What is Dog Training and Why is it Important?

If you search “dog training definition” online, you’ll find countless definitions. To simply put it, dog training is the practice of intentionally communicating with your dog.

This may sound over simplified, but it’s accurate. When you’re able to successfully communicate with your dog, that’s when you’re able to train them, whether you are teaching them how to sit, how to do tricks, or how to behave properly in public. And it’s a conversation that continues between the dog and the owner for life.

Socialization helps to domesticate your puppy, but dogs must also learn how to communicate with people in everyday life. Proper training is the key to be able to effectively and consistently communicate with your canine companion. This form of training is based on consistency, trust, and mutual respect.

Our Training Methods

We are going to evaluate your dog and your family situation along with your dog’s behavioral and health history to come up with a custom training plan to make sure that you and your dog reach your goals. We will not limit your success by being narrow minded with training tools. We believe in the true LIMA model (Least Invasive, Minimally Aversive).

When teaching your dog new behaviors, we always use positive reinforcement when possible, using food, praise, toys, pets etc. We do not add in consequences for not doing a behavior unless we are certain your dog already knows exactly what he or she is supposed to do. There are some behaviors that we will try to stop immediately in order to keep your dog and those around your dog safe. But we will always discuss everything with you at your evaluation before stopping behaviors and explain the benefits of doing it the way we do.

Can we train dogs without training tools? Yes, for most behavioral problems (besides the normal leash and regular collar and motivation, which technically are tools themselves). However, not everyone has the time or skill to spend years training their dog to help with a single issue. If you found someone that could stop your dog’s bad behavior quickly and then we spend the rest of the training having fun and teaching new behaviors, why wouldn’t you?

Our training programs are tailored to your dog and your specific situation. Every dog is different, and they respond to different methods, which is why we don’t limit ourselves to one training method. All Paw & Order trainers are well versed in a number of different methods, and we will do what’s best for your dog and your family.

Our approach to dog training is best discussed during a face-to-face evaluation. So before deciding if you want to hire us, we’ll conduct a thorough, no-obligation, 2-hour evaluation to ensure we’re a good fit for you and your family.

During this time, you and your trainer will discuss your dog’s history, social development, behavior patterns, personality, and energy level. We will develop training goals, discuss recommended training methods, and develop a custom training program.

Best of all, we offer commitment-based training! This means that we commit to working with you until we achieve all of your training goals! The only thing we ask in return is that you stay consistent with your trainer’s instructions. Our job is to train you! You are the one that has to coexist with your dog(s) in between lessons and for the rest of your dog’s life.