Training Methods

Positive reinforcement and pack leader are common catchphrases in the dog training world. Let me be specific about my meaning:

Lisa’s definition of Positive Reinforcement Dog Training

We set the dog up for success by taking baby steps and building a strong foundation. The dog is rewarded for trying and mastering each step. The reward is anything the dog finds rewarding – food, praise, play, toys. So many problems happen in training, when people expect too much, without having mastered the baby steps. Positive does not mean permissive. There are ways to say “no” and to set boundaries that make sense to the dog. I teach people how to do this.

Positive reinforcement never includes:

• Punishment
• Electronic training collars
• Vibrating collars
• Choke chains

Lisa’s definition of Relationship

Relationships are built on trust. When dogs are punished, they are punished for confusion, not for disobedience. The confusion happens when we are not communicating effectively or when we are asking them to perform above their skill level. Teaching in baby steps and building a solid foundation eliminates confusion.

Someone once suggested that e-collars “enhance” the relationship between dogs and people…A Professional dog trainer had told her so. Okay, let’s unpack that…how about, NO! There is only one scenario where an e-collar can be warranted and that is with dogs who are chasing critters as part of a predatory sequence. Using them for basic training is not part of a relationship building strategy.

Another story being promoted by dog training professionals is that vibrating collars mimic the correction a mother dog gives to her puppies. First of all, I am pretty sure the dog knows the difference. Secondly, if you teach in baby steps and lay a good foundation, corrections will not be necessary.

And again, if you are confusing your dog and then try to fix it with “corrections” all that does is erode the trust your dog has in you and in the training process. There are ways to say, “No, not that. Please try again.” I will teach you how.

Lisa’s definition of Pack Leadership

The notion of needing to be your dog’s “pack leader” arose out of the Dominance Theory in dog training. It has been popularized by high-profile television trainers. The concept is based on outdated wolf studies that have long since been disproven. Contrary to popular belief, research studies of wolves in their natural habitat demonstrate that wolves are not dominated by an “alpha wolf” who is the most aggressive pack member. Rather, wolves operate with a social structure similar to a human family and depend on each other for mutual support to ensure the group’s survival.

Dogs are not wolves. The idea that dog behavior can be explained through the application of wolf behavior models is no more relevant than suggesting that chimpanzee behavior can be used to explain the intricacies of human behavior. While wolves and dogs share some similarities in behavior, there are many more differences. Dog training and behavior modification strategies that rely primarily on misinterpretations of wolf behavior are therefore irrelevant, ineffective and can lead to serious negative complications.

When I say “be a good team leader” I am referring to a relationship where you guide and coach your dog to living a successful life in the company of humans.