Positive Reinforcement Only Training

The internet is full of people who tell you that if a dog experiences a correction or gets negative feedback on any of their behaviors, you are categorically abusive - then in the same sentence put a head collar on a dog that functions from the first principle of it being aversive to pull while wearing a head collar. 

We have studied behavioral ecology - which is the science of WHY an animal's behavior has developed and what environment shaped it. Simple ethological observation directly debunks a lot of the popular selling points bandied about by "force free experts" - that dogs are somehow the only social species that doesn't have a social dominance hierarchy (they do), that dogs do not use pressure or corrections on each other (they do), and that they will be forever irreparably traumatized if they experience any discomfort in life (they aren't).

Dogs function under essentially the same paradigm of learning and behavior as humans do - YES you do want the vast majority of their learning experiences to be reinforcing, but if your child insists on running down a staircase after you told them not to do that, you're not going to be surprised if they trip, fall, and it hurts as a way for them to finally understand WHY you told them to avoid that scenario. If your child runs out and kills the neighbor's sheep, I should hope that they get some sort of consequence for that behavior and is actively prevented from doing it again - just as it should be for your dog. And the answer hopefully isn't to lock them away forever without any work or feedback so they can't kill the sheep since you refuse to give them a meaningful, fair consequence that they understand.

What would you, personally prefer - a moment of discomfort when you are incorrect, or a lifetime of unrelenting control and restriction?

We consider ourselves to be reality based trainers. Our goal is to be as kind as humanly possible, as clear, consistent, and understandable to both our students and our student dogs, but to acknowledge the reality that dogs are megafaunal carnivores and develop workable training stratagems based on safe, skilled handling, clear thinking, calm planning, and humility that allow your dog to make measurable and quick progress towards the ultimate goal of being trustworthy, calm, enjoyable companions who have the sort of skillset that allows them to go anywhere and do anything together with their humans.

Ultimately it is always your choice, however, and we wish you the best if you choose to work with another trainer. We are not here to scare you or guilt you - but we will tell you the truth.