isn't positive reinforcement training just "bribing" with food?
Positive reinforcement is reward-based training. A reward can be food, touch, and/or praise. Think of the reward as a paycheck- do what I ask and you'll be paid for your hard work. Not all dogs will work for food and all dogs can be weaned off treats to work for touch and praise. Food gets the dog's attention and it's faster and easier to train a dog that's looking at you! The key to positive reinforcement is to find the reward that your dog will work for and building from there.
shouldn't I use a choke-chain because my dog pulls on the lead?
Choke chains (also called "training collars") actually encourage pulling by putting pressure in the front of the dog's neck. If used high on the neck behind the ears and pulled to the side, they can be effective but the collar immediately slides down as soon an pressure is released and you'll have to constantly stop and fiddle with the chain. This constant stop-fiddle-start-jerk-stop is not a walk. I prefer a nice, sturdy collar or an Easy Walk Harness and positive reinforcement. I feel choke chains are negative reinforcement and unnecessary.
why don't you offer a guarantee?
Dogs aren't television sets or toasters. While not human, they are not subhuman and a dog's needs and challenges will change over time. You may notice that training services that offer guarantees often charge large sums of money and use a standardized curriculum. I believe in keeping my prices affordable and training "targeted" to your desires and needs.I can guarantee that I will give you and your dog all the tools needed to train. I will be there for you through email and phone when you need help between sessions and as often as needed after we have completed training.
you can train a cat?
Yes! Cats are amazing students and fast learners. The majority of cat training falls into behavior modification for "going" outside the litter box, refusal to eat, mauling the furniture, and problems getting along with other cats or the family dog. I have trained cats in basic obedience such as Come, Sit, Down, and Fetch. Let me know what youd like to accomplish with your cat and I will be happy to work with you.
