Raising a puppy to be your "heart" dog and a beloved member of the family requires a relationship based on trust. Reward based methods are recommended by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. This method is force-free meaning there is no fear, intimidation or force used in the learning process.
Prong collars, choke chains, electric collars are NEVER used. Clicker and/or verbal markers with rewards of food, toys, and the environment are pain free reinforcements to let your puppy know you love what they are doing. Relationship based training, whether with human or animal, is void of compulsion. A trusted/mutual relationship does not involve fear.
Reward That Puppy is located in a country setting. The training room is being remodeled so at this time I am doing just in-home consultations and training with social play at the "The Land of Yes" which includes a secure fenced in area only for student puppies. A nature path is in the making and will be filled with exiting "things" for your puppy to see and interact with in a fun environment. It is called "The Land of Yes" because NO is not spoken here.
Training is very important throughout a dog's life, but the most crucial stage is from birth to 16 weeks. At age 8 weeks, when puppies go to their new homes until 16 weeks, is the window of opportunity for the puppies to experience new people, places, safe play with puppies and dogs. Dr. Ian Dunbar DVM agrees that after 16 weeks, you can always train a dog, but their temperament and how they relate to the world is formed during this stage early stage Lack of socialization during this time may lead to behavioral issues in adolescence and adulthood.
Many of our rescues and shelters are filled with dogs from 6 months on because of behavioral issues. Yes the puppy grows up to be 50 lbs and not so cute any more when they nip or jump. Maybe they don't like people or other dogs which is a true indicator they were never property exposed when they were young. Your investment during the first 6 months of your puppy's life is the gateway to having a "heart" dog.
Generally I work with behavioral issues in dog's less than 2 years old but do accept certain clients with older dogs on a case-by-case basis.
Reward That Puppy offers training in Agility Foundations, as well as Competition Obedience and Rally, for all ages.
If you plan on getting a puppy in the near future, email or call me and we can discuss a plan before your puppy arrives. I am a Certified Operation Socialization Instructor and the first trainer to offer this program in New York State, outside of NYC. (www.operationsocialization.com)
Ada Lana-Simms
Qualifications
CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer)
Certified Puppy Trainier - Operation Socialization #T111025NY
AKC Canine Good Citizen/Star Puppy Evaluator #73729
Recommended Trainer by www.TrulyDogFriendly.com
The American Pet Dog Trainer Association #79830 (Recommended Trainer)
Pet Professinal Guild- Force Free Trainers Association-Charter Member