What training methods are used?

I use a method called Concept Training. It’s a positive reinforcement method, utilizing rewards of food, praise, affection, toys and play to shape behaviours. I sometimes refer to it as games-based training. 

The games teach the concepts, the concepts shape the brain. 

We use the science of learning theory and neuroplasticity along with reading the dog’s body language to train the individual dog in front of us.

Do you use any punishment based methods?

Tools such as prong/choke collars, e-collars/shock collars, spray bottles, noise deterrents, pinching, body/spacial intimidation, corrections, leash pops, etc are not used. If you currently use any of these tools/methods I am happy to help you shift toward a fear-free approach.

How long does it take to see results?

It depends on the individual and the behaviour we are looking to reshape.

Behaviour can be influenced by many factors - physical health, gut health, behavioural, environment & lifestyle, and learning history. Your training plan will take all of this into consideration however some of these factors we do not have direct control over and we are working with a living being, so patience will be pivotal to success.

That being said, with consistent application of the training and management strategies we often see improvements within 1-4 weeks. 

Deeper behaviour challenges, such as reactivity, resource guarding, separation anxiety etc more commonly take 6-12 months. 

Will this training address all my dogs specific issues and are your training plans customizable?

The benefit to Concept Training is we are not only training specific cues, we are reshaping the brain. This is the process of Neuroplasticity. 

In simple terms, I look at all your dogs challenges you describe in your Behaviour Questionnaire. I throw them in a pot, so-to-speak, boil them down and take the common denominator of the brain skills they need help with improving. 

Then I formulate a prescription of games and management strategies tailored to your dog’s needs, your goals, and your lifestyle with your dog.

The 16 brain skills/concepts, are: Disengagement, Optimism/Novelty, Confidence, Calmness, Engagement, Focus, Dimmer Switch, Thinking in Arousal, Tolerance of Frustration, Grit, Body Awareness, Arousal Up, Arousal Down, Flexibility, Self Control, Proximity.

The benefit is we can see improvements in multiple behaviours by training the skills instead of training the cued behaviours. 

For example, when your dog has a strong sense of Disengagement, Optimism, Proximity, and Calmness they will walk on loose leash, recall reliably, relax in your garden without barking at the neighbors, and greet visitors politely.

How much time will I need to dedicate to training every day?

On average, 10 minutes per day, spread throughout the day. 

For best results, I recommend playing 3-5 of your prescribed games for 1-3 minutes each. You can play a game while your coffee brews, while you wait for dinner to cook, during the commercial of your favorite show. It does not have to be formal. It’s for a good time, not a long time.

Management strategies will also be recommended in your training plan. These are to set your dog up for success, to help mitigate them rehearsing the unwanted behaviour while we are training them with the games.

How many sessions will my dog need?

This will depend on the individual and your goals. All training packages begin with a base of 3 sessions for the Puppy Package, and a full consultation with follow-up for Behaviour packages.

There is a lot to cover when we start working together and to ensure you get the most out of the training without creating overwhelm for your dog or yourself, while also being as efficient as possible, we will need at least a small handful of sessions together. You may find you’re well one your way after the first 2-3 sessions, which is wonderful. Or you may desire a couple more sessions to refine.

Single sessions are available for purchase after the initial package. You can also purchase a single session for a “refresh”. 

If you are a returning client with a new dog or a new behaviour challenge that was not previously discussed, booking a full set of sessions or behaviour consult with follow-up is strongly encouraged to ensure you get the best, most efficient experience. 

How often should our sessions be?

I recommend booking your sessions 2-3 weeks apart. Long enough that you can practice what you’ve learned and see the benefits, but not so long that you lose momentum or life has a chance to get too in the way. 

I want you to have the opportunity to practice and enjoy seeing just how much you can accomplish with a few exercises, and I also want your training to be a priority to you that you stay consistent.

Consistency is a major driver of success. 

Will this training work with other family members who take care of my dog?

Your dog will always respond the best with the people they have a strong relationship with. Playing the training games is an excellent way to invest in the relationship bank account, along with having positive experiences together. 

I recommend all family members be a part of the dog’s training to strengthen their relationships, however it is not required. With the way the Concept Training works, the dog will know and choose to behave in the desired ways on their own, not necessarily needing to be told/cued.

What if the training doesn’t work for my dog?

Training plans are always open to adjustment given the feedback and progress we see from your dog. In the event we do not see an improvement in your dogs behaviour with consistent training and management, behaviour medication may be needed. In this case I will refer you to a Veterinary Behaviourist. 

What if my dog doesn’t respond to the training?

Reasons a dog may not respond to training can include (but not limited to)  medical issues/pain, the dog not being motivated by the reward or reward strategy, the dog being confused about what is being asked of them, pressure sensitivity/learned helplessness from their learning history, environmental inhibitors, or a dysregulated nervous system. 

With observation and experience we can identify the reason why previous training may not have worked for your dog and adjust our plan accordingly. If your dog is still unresponsive, behaviour medication may be needed. In this case I will refer you to a Veterinary Behaviourist. 

Do you offer any follow-up support or resources to the sessions?

Absolutely, yes. You will be provided with a printout at in-person sessions of the games including a step-by-step of how to play them. Other supporting resources may be provided depending on your dog's needs. 

Behaviour plans include a summary of the consultation as well as actionable steps for you to implement immediately. You will also have access to a recording of your behaviour consult. 

Questions are always welcome. I am available to answer questions, concerns and give support via email and will respond within 36 hours. More complex questions may be answered with a simplified answer which I am always happy to discuss more during a session. 

A video library is currently being created as an additional support to your lesson printouts.

What if my dog’s behaviour regresses after training?

Training requires maintenance. Similar to how humans need to exercise and be mindful of their nutrition to maintain health, wellbeing and longevity.

While you may not need to be 100% on top of their training every day as time goes on, you may find there are periods where you need to brush up with the consistency again or re-implement management strategies to prevent a major regression. 

Dogs are learning all the time. Life and the environment is training and reinforcing them every moment that we are not. This doesn’t mean you need to helicopter-parent them, but you do need to be mindful and cognizant of what they are rehearsing and whether that is growing them in the direction you want or not. 

If your dog developes a new training challenge, you may need to do another set of training sessions or it may only require a single refresher session. Email me to discuss.

In the event your dog has a sudden behaviour change, consider a vet visit to assess if there is a change to the health.