What is Balanced Training?
Balanced dog training takes skills from every aspect of animal training to create the best training for each individual dog. We use all four quadrants of operant conditioning (positive and negative reinforcement, positive and negative punishment) in just the right ways for each dog in order to get the desired results. We strive to meet all of the dog's needs in regards to structure, exercise, and training to create a balanced dog.
Do you use training tools like remote collars?
Remote collars (often referred to as e-collars) are one of the many tools we are comfortable with using and teaching our clients to use properly. We also utilize slip leashes, flat collars, harnesses, and prong collars. The tool is only as effective as its user!
What is a balanced dog?
A balanced dog is a dog that is clear-headed in every day life. Though genetics play a large role in certain behaviors or aspects of a dog's development, we strive to help owners work through their dogs behavioral issues by bringing routine to natural drives to help create the wholesome dog. Our knowledge allows us to help owners gain control of aggression by circling around through other drives, and teaching a good foundation that facilitates trust in the owner. When we consider a dog to be balanced, he is happy anywhere and calm/neutral to the world outside of his owner or handler.
Do you use only positive reinforcement?
We teach all of the foundation skills a dog needs using positive reinforcement and games. We do utilize a slip leash (like those used in shelters) to help our dog understand the limitations we want them to abide by during the early training phase. Many owners don't like the reliance and time commitment it takes to purely-positive train their dogs, and in all fairness not all dogs are easily motivated to work for food! This is where training tools come in, and we take our time to teach owners the proper introduction and use of these tools.