What's "Puppy Love" All About?

 

"Do-It-Yourself Dog Training?"

 

 "We need you to work with our dog...” 

I always know I’m in for it whenever I hear that one. I sometimes get the feeling that I’m expected to sprinkle some magic 'behave yourself 'dust on the troublesome pooch in question, and then say, “Ok, all done. He should be good now.” 

When I am asked to train a dog by someone who has no interest in being directly involved in the training process, I offer a standard reply: “I’ll gladly work with your dog- and you may find he’s quite able and willing to do what I ask and expect. Though it won’t do you all that much good because… I don’t live here.”

"Difficult" dogs almost always behave differently with me than they do with their people. Humans and their canine companions are so interconnected that even unwanted behaviors are often influenced and accidentally reinforced by the dog’s human family. A training program is only truly helpful when the family, the ones who are with their dog day in and day out, can replicate the results.

 

Our Mission: To help make training your dog fun, affordable and easy to keep up with at home.

  

 

 

 

Training is most effective when it's enjoyable. It should always be a positive experience for dogs and their people. The truth is, if you and your dog aren't having any fun, neither of you will want to continue.

Puppy Love Dog Training programs encompass positive reinforcement, learning theory, both animal and human psychology, as well as what we call "good puppy parenting." 

Many training methods stress the importance of the "alpha dog," and his or her submissive subjects. This is what's known as pack psychology, which emphasizes dominance and submission of dogs within their immediate group, or family. Unfortunately, this approach vastly over-simplifies canine behavior and learning, and completely disregards much of what we now know about dogs, their capabilities and their individuality. This-one-size-fits-all approach to dog training has sometimes lead people to misinterpret a dog's behavior as one based on dominance aggression, when in fact, the "bad behavior" is more commonly rooted in fear, anxiety, or boredom.

I have found that the most effective and rewarding way to train our pets is not all that different from the way we teach our young children limits and boundaries. You may have been advised not to treat your dogs like kids, or not to give them "too much" affection, or similar warnings that are poison to the dog lover's soul. Contrary to conventional dog training thought, it can be a healthy and helpful way to view our canine companions. The key to successful dog training is to learn to be the kind of parent your pup needs you to be. Our approach is one that true dog lovers can really sink their teeth into!

We take a unique appoach: combining games, playtime, treats, toys and other positive reinforcements to teach our dogs good manners and help them become well-socialized canine citizens. Our training techniques never involve the use of force, physical punishment, or fear.