We use positive reinforcement methods to train your puppy or dog.
Dogs have long been “co-workers,” collaborating with humans to complete a myriad of jobs in addition to providing companionship. We provide training and relationship-building to make this collaboration even better.
But before this training, some basic things you have to do for your dog and puppy.
Good nutrition is first step of this journey. Naturally you wouldn't feed a Great Dane as you would a Yorkie. We recommend Science based diets as they have many years of reseach and development behind all the nutrients that make up the contents in every bite your dog eats.
Bath and coat care of your puppy and dog matters a lot. Some breeds tend to have hot spots, or hair that continues to grow (like Yorkie), so a regular grooming is very healthy for your pet.
Take care of ears and nails cleanliness. Your Vet, or trainer can teach you how to trim nails. The earlier you start, the more comfortable your pup will be. Watch for bad odour from the ear, as that may indicate yeast or other infections.
You should focus on training that uses obedience techniques and the specific behaviors you want from them. If you’re training your dog to be a loving and obedient pet, you should consider reward-based obedience training. Remember too, that puppies have a small attention span, try playtime before and after training, make sure as well, that you don’t feed him a meal before training. Remember with puppies however months old they are, that’s how long they can hold it before needing to go to the bathroom (plus one hour). So a 4-month-old can “hold it” for 5 hours. (A tired puppy is a good puppy!)
Suzanne began back in the early 90’s starting up a Non profit animal rescue/adoption program called “Foster Animal Network”, we were awarded grant monies every year for 12 years, and adopted over 12,000 animals in that time period. There was an article about Suzanne in Women’s Day magazine which generated letters from all over the country in which she responded to every single one.
At the same time she had a pet sitting business called “Creature Comforts”. Since she was so vested an animal care and welfare, a local Vet took her under her wing and after about 6 months, was assisting in surgeries and hired as a Vet Tech. Not long after that she went to Vet Tech school and in 2 years was certified as a licensed Vet Tech. She worked as a Humane Society adoption manager, Animal hospital manager, Head tech at a Zoo hospital, and worked in wildlife rehab. (Not all at the same time!).
I adopted a neglected puppy during my schooling years and trained him not only in basic obedience but water rescue, and he certified as a pet therapy dog. This was all accomplished in about 6 months time. He was my long time companion for 16 years until he crossed the rainbow bridge.
Almost 2 years of volunteer work, and working under the expert Dog trainer (Amy Weeks) for months, fast forward and I am back training puppies and dogs in basic obedience, after getting certified from Animal Behavior College as a Dog Trainer. I work with Positive reinforcement, ensuring trust, respect and a positive family dynamic with you and your dog.
I sincerely love the bond between dogs and humans, and look forward to the chance to work with you and your beloved pet.
There are two common methods of training a dog.
The first is the aversive-based method. The second is the reward-based method. Aversive-based (discipline) training is when you use positive punishment and negative reinforcement techniques with your dog. Like choke collars, which many believe are outdated. Reward-based methods use rewards only for the behaviors that you want your dog to follow. This doesn’t always mean treats, it can be favorite toys or good hugs and belly rubs.
Dogs learn a lot like little kids. They are close in intelligence to human two-year-old. Immediate gratification is very important to them. (So oddly enough), even “bad” attention is attention! Like saying “No” or looking at them when they present bad behavior. We will help you learn how to avoid these problems, and learn different techniques to work through those problem areas. As they grow, they begin to understand our words and directions. Many intelligent breeds will respond to as many as 250 words! Yet every dog responds to the tone of our voice and actions (mood, hand signals) more than the actual words. Remember a dog uses his nose (scenting), his eyes, then the ears.
Pawsitive Canine Training Center provides services of training puppies and dogs by using positive reinforcement methods. It is supervised by Certified Dog and Puppy Trainer Suzanne Carner.