My Training Philosophy

Force free. Fear free. Positive Reinforcement

My training philosophy is Relationship Centric, because it emphasizes communicating in a way that builds trust, deepens connections, and fosters better relationships. 

  • LIMA - Least Intrusive Minimally Aversive training is the standard that Certified Professional Dog Trainers adhere to. Anything less is doing a disservice to the dog and the client.

  • Your dog isn't trying to give you a hard time when they react poorly in a situation - they are trying to tell you they are having a hard time. Let's look at behavior from the dog's point of view.

  • I help you teach your dog the behaviors you want them to do through SCIENCE-based and REWARD-based methods. By understanding 'how dogs learn' we can better motivate them to succeed step by step. Learning through games and exercises, we make dog training fun and help them to think for themselves . I use methods that work humanely on all types of dogs - big and little ones - puppies and adults. No force and no pain.   

  •  By avoiding fear and the use of physical punishment you will develop a trusting relationship with your dog.  This in turn, will develop self confidence in your dog, allowing them to develop to their full potential.  This is especially important in Puppy Training.  

  • Think of your favorite teacher from High School or College. Why were they so memorable?  How did they motivate YOU to learn? Did they use fear and intimidation to teach - or were they respectful of you and help guide you through the learning process? I strive for Errorless Learning. Let's set your dog up for success - not for failure. 

  • My Separation Anxiety Training sets your dog up for successful departures in a slow and systematic way to reduce their anxiety and fear of being left alone.  

  • Instead of punishing behaviors we don't want, let's teach them behaviors we do want!

Key Concepts in
Dog Training

DOGS DO WHAT WORKS
It's a simple, but accurate statement. People do "what works" too.  If you put a $1 in a vending machine and do not get a can of soda, would you keep putting $$ in that vending machine? No, you would find a machine that worked. Dogs will 'do' the behaviors that work - ie: gets them what they want. Which takes us to the next concept.

REINFORCEMENT DRIVES BEHAVIOR
What is reinforced will likely occur more often. What is not reinforced will likely occur less. 

DOS SHOULD GET PAID FOR WORK
I like my job, but if I didn't get a paycheck every 2 weeks, I don't think I would go back. Would you? Even though I have been working for 40+ years, I still want paid for my 'work'. Pay your dog  for a job well done.

SET YOUR DOG UP FOR SUCCESS
THIS IS IMPORTANT - we are not here to trick or test your dog. We want them to learn, so let's help them in any way we can.  I strive for Errorless Learning. The more successful the dog is, the more he will want to offer that behavior - WHY?  Because he is being reinforced for correct responses.  

REINFORCE - REINFORCE - REINFORCE
When teaching new behaviors, frequent - almost constant - reinforcement is necessary. As the dogs learns, we fade the reinforcement to a variable rate - similar to slot machines. He never knows when the treat is coming. This is why the slot machines are very addicting - you never know when that BIG jackpot will come up. Reinforcement is not always treats - it can be praise, play or the freedom to sniff. 

DOGS DO NOT GENERALIZE WELL
Dogs do not generalize behaviors well. If you only practice sitting in the the kitchen, don't be surprised when you ask the dog for a sit in the family room, that the dog looks confused. You need to practice in all areas, inside and out. If only mom practices the sit, then the dog will only sit for mom.   

DOGS ARE VERY GOOD WITH ASSOCIATIVE LEARNING
THINK PAVLOV! Dogs are always making associations. Some associations are good and some are not so good. We can take advantage of this in training and make sure that the associations are always good. This is why it is important not to use aversive punishment's - i.e. Shock Collars. If the shock collar is associated with you, then your presence will predict pain - which in turn can lead to aggression. 

Debbie with dog
Debbie with dog
Dog on snuffle mat

100% Recommend

  • Dog

    "Debbie has helped us SO MUCH with our puppy’s separation anxiety."

    Phoenix was about 5 months old when my spouse and I realized that Phoenix’s issues being alone in the crate were getting worse, not better. After poking around online, we reached out to Debbie because of her certification and her focus on anxiety. We’re so glad we did! Debbie didn’t just give us a plan for working on Phoenix’s separation anxiety: she helped us learn how to build our own plans, and she’s helped me learn how to read my dog’s body language so that I know how to help him better. She’s a kind and patient teacher who clearly cares about her clients (human and canine), and she’s responsive and communicative. We worked on a 3 week plan (21 sessions), and by the end of that time Phoenix was starting to acclimate to being alone in his crate and we were prepared to continue his training. Since that time, we’ve remained in contact over email and she’s helped me to navigate the process of working through the ups and downs of teaching Phoenix to relax in the crate. He can handle 2 hours alone now, which was unthinkable back in December, and we’ve been making steady progress towards extending that time. Debbie has helped us teach our pup to be okay alone, and she’s taught me to be a better dog parent.

    -Danielle A.

  • Dog

    "We couldn’t be happier to work with Debbie"

    Within even 5 sessions we were able to make huge behavioral progress with our American Bulldog/Boxer. Debbie helped equip us with training tools and techniques that we will be able to use to continue the amazing progress we have already made. Debbie made training fun for not only our dog but for us as well.

    We highly recommend Debbie for successful dog training!

    -Jennifer M.

  • Dog

    "We really have been impressed with Debbie's training techniques and demeanor."

    We really have been impressed with Debbie's training techniques and demeanor. Riley's progress with separation anxiety. Prior to starting training he was an escape artist. Now he waits patiently for us to come home as we continue to extend the amount of time he is alone. We would recommend Debbie to anyone who is struggling with their dog's separation anxiety. The proof is in the results.

    -Dale D.