Training - TDL Dog Training

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Training

The methods I employ are primarily reward based. In other words, the dog is motivated to learn because he is earning something he values, as opposed to older and outdated methods wherein the dog is motivated by fear, working only to avoid unpleasant consequences. When reward based training is conducted properly, as the training progresses, and the dog understands his job, food rewards are phased out and verbal praise take their place. Therefore, when you reach the final phase of training, called maintenance, you will not have to rely on treats in order to elicit good behavior.

‘Reward-based-method’ does NOT mean ‘reward only’ or ‘reward everything’. It does, however, mean that corrections (punishments) should be limited and appropriate. A correction can be as simple as withholding a reward. Your method of training is visible to onlookers in the body language expressed by your dog. Reward based training, done properly, results in a dog that is proud, happy, attentive, respectful and eager to please. Owners of dogs trained this way tend to get lots of compliments and answer lots of questions from other dog owners. And they should. Good training takes time, commitment, patience, compassion and consistency. In the words of Jon Leonard, “It takes a long time to grow an old friend”.

Where:

Location of your choice (home, vet, park, etc.)
Key Largo, Lions Club (group class)

Please check the calendar for training ‘black-out’ periods, as I travel frequently.

When:

Private: To be determined between client and trainer

Semi-Private: To be determined among clients and trainer

Group: [not at present…] Mon 4 & 5:15 pm at Lions Club

Training Walk: 30 min, dog/trainer

Note: No classes June-August.

Rates:

Phone consult: FREE under 30 minutes. $10 every additional half-hour.

Private: $50 flat rate per session hour. A “session hour” is any amount of time under and up-to 60 minutes. In other words, no half or quarter hour rate.

Semi-Private (your location): $35 per person per session hour. Semi-Private is 2 or 3 clients in the same hour.

Group: $35 per class (4 pre-paid classes required to join)

Training Walk: $25

What to Bring to class:

Training rewards, hand towel, treat bag, poop bag, folder received at orientation. Optional: Head collar (if your dog is a puller), Muzzle (if your dog is aggressive).If your dog is not accustomed to wearing a head collar or muzzle discuss it with me before using these devices. See the products we recommend below.

What to Wear:

Holt or Halti brand head collar (cheaper and easier to use than Gentle Leader)

Guardian Gear, Outward Hound or similar style pop-open treat bag with belt

Red Barn (preferred) or Natural Balance Dog food roll sliced into bite sized training pieces
(dogs love the smell & taste, clean to handle, healthy and cheaper than pre-cut training treats)

Baskerville Ultra Muzzle. Most secure, most comfortable