Before I knew anything about dog training, I knew about calm-assertive energy and being a pack leader. There’s a lot of debate today about the specifics of dog dominance and hierarchy, but one thing is for certain: dogs crave order and stability, and will always follow a calm-assertive leader if one is available. Dogs don’t just want a leader, they need one.

My favorite types of dogs are the breeds that’s are traditionally thought of as “dominant” (shepherds, terriers, mastiffs, rotties, Dobies, etc). So when I started volunteering at Helen Woodward Animal Shelter at 16 years old, I made a point to always take these dogs out and get used to handling them. 

I got a lot of experience! Knowing no training techniques whatsoever at the time, I applied my calm-assertive energy and knowledge of how to be a pack leader to these dogs, and I was able to stay in control of dogs that weighed almost 200 pounds! Surely these dogs must have needed a prong collar to control? Nope. None of them had prongs or chains. It was just me, my voice, energy, and a shelter-provided slip lead.

Calm. Consistent. Leadership. 
That’s what I call my training style. I base most of my training philosophy off of my days at the shelter. I am not against the appropriate usage of certain dog training tools in certain circumstances, however I think it’s important not to rely on just tools to train our dogs.  I believe the most important dog training tool you can use is… you. Tools are just that- tools, and without a good knowledge of how to use those tools or of what you are trying to accomplish, they often do not work effectively.

My training centers around the foundation of all successful dog training: your relationship with your dog. This means making consistent rules for your dog to follow, maintaining a calm and neutral emotional state; even when your dog upsets you, and holding your dog accountable for inappropriate behaviors through the use of ethical corrections (when the circumstances call for it). Overall, I will teach you to be that calm, consistent, leader that your dog can look up to and rely upon.

Sound like something you’d be interested in learning more about? Click here to book a 20 min free training consult with me!