FAQ & Resources

We like to simply call it “good” dog training! It is “good” because it works, “good” in that it’s kind, and also “good” in that both people and dogs tend to enjoy it.

We strive to make training accessible to everyone, to give our clients easy-to-implement training protocols, and to solve behavioral problems with the least invasive, most humane and effective methods possible.

There are lots of other labels that can be applied to the kind of training we practice, among them: reward-based training, progressive reinforcement training, clicker training, and science-based training. It is perhaps most frequently referred to as Positive Reinforcement training. This label can be a little problematic for two reasons. First, positive reinforcement is only one of many tools we have in our toolbox, and secondly, it is easy to misinterpret the “positive” in this name as having something to do with smiley face emojis. The “positive” in this context just refers to addition. It has nothing to do with being friendly and nice — two qualities that are not-essential to being a “good” dog trainer. However, we do happen to be both friendly and nice!

No, we don’t advocate or recommend methods that will cause physical pain to an animal.

While it is possible to effectively punish and eliminate a behavior like barking, lunging or growling with accurate timing using an electronic collar or a physical correction, there can be numerous unpredictable side effects when using these methods in this way. And the bottom line is: if your dog is barking, we need to address the why (the motivation) instead of just trying to stop the behavior itself at the surface. Otherwise, the results will be short term and unsustainable, and sometimes can even remove the warning sign that something is wrong.

Dr. Ian Dunbar once said:

“To use shock as an effective dog training method you will need:

– A thorough understanding of canine behavior.
– A thorough understanding of learning theory.
– Impeccable timing.

And if you have those three things, you don’t need a shock collar.”

None – how scary is that?

There are currently no requirements for dog trainers in the US to hold any credentials to call themselves a dog trainer or behaviorist. Each member of our team has had a different educational background; we are all happy to discuss how we have gained expertise, and how we continue to work towards broadening our understanding of the art and science of dog training.

Our trainers all have certifications from the most respected certifying bodies in the field. Some also have masters degrees in animal behavior and conservation.

For more on these (and other) certifications, see this helpful guide.

A clicker is a small handheld noisemaker used to pinpoint the exact moment that a desired behavior occurs. Many trainers use them when teaching an animal something new.

The first step to clicker training is to pair the noise with a treat or some other “primary reinforcer,” until the animal knows that that sound is always immediately followed by something good. In technical terms, the pairing makes it a “secondary reinforcer.” In the human world, cash is a secondary reinforcer: The paper itself doesn’t have any intrinsic pleasure-causing abilities, but we are conditioned to know it represents something good. Just like it’d be awkward if your boss paid you in actual groceries and gasoline, it can be awkward to smoothly deliver a reward with precise timing. The clicker buys you a bit of time. Like cash, the clicker is kind of a contract, saying you’ve given me something I want, now here is something you want.

No, but we usually do suggest using some kind of conditioned “marker” in many training instances.

The clicker makes a noise that is sharp and unusual and easily distinguishable from most other things your dog hears. Any number of things can also be used as markers: a word such as “Yes” or “Click,” a hand motion, a whistle or a shining light can all be affective markers. Many people use a combination of tools: The clicker when its handy, and a marker word when it’s not.

No, we only use the clicker – or whatever other marker we choose – when we are teaching new behaviors.

Once a behavior is on cue and performed with fluency, rewards can be given intermittently. Fluency is always the goal, and is what shows that a dog truly understands something. It’s kind of like, say, reading. In the beginning, you needed a lot of reinforcement to let you know you were doing it right. But, once you really knew how to do it, things changed.

Ideally, like with reading, we work to teach things that your dog not only will be good at doing, but that he will want to do simply because he likes doing those things. Working the clicker back in on occasion may help sharpen a behavior, or bring it to a new level. This is thanks to smartly using an “intermittent rate of reinforcement.” Intermittent rates of reinforcement are what make us play slot machines, write movie scripts and do online dating: Maybe the next time will be the lucky time!

Good trainers make a quick transition from food rewards to real life rewards: Good things in life (the food bowl is put down, the back door opens, the ball is thrown) happen immediately following the marker that has indicated correct behavior.

Training is happening all day every day whether we’re paying attention or not!

However, if you want to see progress with a new behavior we suggest a minimum of two 2-minute “official” sessions each day, and a maximum of however much time you’d like.

Yes, we offer a 5% rescue dog and 5% student discount on private training services and group classes. We also offer 5% off to our Members.

Proof of dog adoption paperwork/student ID required to receive discount. This 5% discount is extended to our private training services and group classes. Exemptions: off-leash services, drop-off services and discount packages are exempt from this discount.

We also offer 5% off all our services with our Off-Leash Membership.