Opening Thoughts:

The world of dog training is often dominated by strong opinions about which singular method is the best and only way to train a dog.

First Things First:

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to dog training. Different dogs have different needs, and it's essential to choose a training style that suits both you and your dog.
Having spent over a decade employing balanced dog training techniques, I can proudly say that I've helped numerous dogs lead happy, fulfilling lives alongside their humans, preventing many from being returned to shelters.

What is Balanced Dog Training?

Balanced dog training combines reward-based techniques with fair corrections, introduced once a dog associates specific behaviors with commands. The goal of these corrections is not punishment but rather behavior modification. By applying appropriate pressure—whether spatial or through leash guidance—dogs learn that their choices lead to either rewards or corrections. When a correction is necessary, the dog understands the reason behind it, enabling them to avoid similar situations in the future.

It's important to clarify that pressure does not equate to pain. Just as a rider applies pressure to a horse to guide its speed, the same principle applies to dog training: when the desired behavior is exhibited, the pressure ceases.

Despite its effectiveness, balanced dog training often faces criticism due to its occasional use of corrections and a variety of training tools.

5 Common Misconceptions:

1. Balanced training lacks scientific backing.

2. Tools like prong collars and e-collars are deemed cruel and abusive. When properly used by a professional, these tools do not inflict pain or fear; instead, they can be the difference between a dog enjoying a fulfilling life and one ending up in a shelter or facing euthanasia.

3. The term “aversive” is often confused with “abusive.” Aversive therapy helps individuals relinquish undesirable habits by associating them with unpleasant effects, such as a bad smell or a gentle snap of a rubber band.

4. Dogs don’t enjoy training.

5. Dogs comply solely out of fear of consequences or the trainer.

These misconceptions typically arise from well-meaning dog trainers, owners, or advocates who may be misinformed or driven by ideology.

Common Ground with Other Training Styles:

Balanced dog trainers share several similarities with other popular training methods, including:

- Encouraging and incorporating play into training

- Utilizing reward-based techniques

- Engaging in recall games

- Teaching boundaries

- Implementing clickers and marker training

- Valuing praise

- Using counterconditioning

- Harnessing motivation and drive to shape behavior

- Promoting relaxation and calmness in our dogs

An Inconvenient Truth:

Some dogs test their boundaries, resist commands, or exhibit dominant behavior towards other dogs and people. Without a consequence for ignoring commands or engaging in undesirable behaviors, they may continue these actions. Dogs are adept at self-correcting; however, many people misinterpret these interactions.

Common problematic behaviors include:

- Ignoring commands

- Jumping on people

- Pulling on the leash

- Aggression towards other dogs

- Aggression towards humans

- Running away

- Chasing and potentially harming small animals

- Territorial aggression

- Scavenging for food

These are behaviors I frequently address, and I have found the balanced dog training approach to be remarkably effective in managing and correcting them.

If you want to learn more, feel free to schedule a consultation or behavior assessment today!