Over the years, I've seen so many changes in the way that we live with and care for our dogs.  Everything from how they're fed and where they sleep to how we communicate with them is very different than the way things were when I was a child many, many.....many years ago.
Today, we know so much more about how to keep our dogs healthy and happy and engaged and we're learning more every day.

Like many trainers, I came from a more punitive background.  We did the best with what we knew, but sadly, when I look back now I know that our dogs paid a price for our lack of understanding. 

We now know that the physical correction-based methods of training that we used back then were not only unnecessary, but they created unwanted fallout behaviours that often caused more problems than they solved. 
 
Finally, we've found a way to bridge the communication gap between human and dog with positive, non-physical methods that work.  This positive non-physical method is still very much consequence driven both for behaviours that we want and for those that we don't.  Positive does not mean permissive nor does it mean less effective.

Dogs need a predictable life.  They require routine and consistency in order to learn.  Consequences for unwanted behaviours only have to be non-rewarding, such as CONSISTENT withdrawal of attention or IMMEDIATE removal of valued rewards.  Behaviours that you want to keep must also be CONSISTENTLY rewarded with everything that they value from food and toys, to attention and access to the things they love.

This consistent exchange is the most effective way to train your dog AND to build a bond based on Trust, Understanding and Mutual Respect.   Most of the top dogs competing and winning titles today as well as those working in therapy and service are trained this way.  It works!