| Frequently Asked Questions Q: Is my dog too old to be trained?
A: No dog is ever too old to be trained using positive training methods. | Q: How old should my puppy be to start training?
A: Research has shown that puppies can be trained using positive training techniques as early as two weeks after birth. | Q: What are the benefits of using positive training methods as opposed to traditional, punishment-based training methods?
A: Punishment-based training methods can result in fear, anxiety, avoidance, aggression and doggie depression in your dog. Positive training techniqes are fun and pleasant to use, increase your dog's interest in learning, provide reliable results, provide your dog with a better quality of life and help you and your dog live happier lives together. | Q: Why don't you use choke or prong collars to train?
A: If used incorrectly, choke chains can cause serious physical damage to your dog's trachea, as well as emotional damage. Prong collars are safer than choke chains, but can still cause physical and emotional damage to your dog. We don't use these tools because people, all too often, misuse them, therefore causing their dog unneccessary physical and emotional harm. | Q: How can I train my dog reliably without using harsh physical corrections?
A: Lets put it this way: Do you work better when harshly corrected or when you're given praise and rewards? Training doesn't have to be harsh and it works much better when it's fun for everyone involved. | Q: If I clicker train my dog does that mean I always have to have the clicker with me?
A: No, the clicker is used in the beginning stages of learning a new behavior. Once the behavior is learned, you don't need the clicker anymore. | Q: If I use food to train my dog, won't my dog only do what I want when I have food?
A: Like the clicker, food is only used in the beginning stages of learning a new behavior. Once the behavior is learned, we don't need to use treats anymore. However, don't expect your dog to maintain her good behavior if you never reinforce her for it. Not all dogs think petting and praise is rewarding. Please remember to reward your dog for good behavior as often as possible. I don't know about you, but I enjoy getting that paycheck every two weeks. I think I might work harder, though, if I got paid more often. | Q: I don't want my dog to get fat from eating too many treats. Can I still use positive training methods?
A: Yes. You can use your dog's meals for training so she's not getting extra snacks throughout the day, or you can use something other than food that your dog finds extremely reinforcing. | Q: Can I use positive training methods to train my dog for hunting or competitive sports?
A: Yes. Any behavior your dog is physically capable of performing can be trained using positive training methods. |
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