The Positive Pet Training Approach

Positive based reinforcement techniques for best results!

What is a Canine Behavior Consultant?

A Canine behavior consultant is one who works with behavioral issues by using behaviorology techniques to determine the underlying causes of the behavior through the antecedents and consequences with noting any potential medical issues. Behaviorology utilizes observation rather than vague explanations of what an animal is "thinking". By recording and analyzing observable behaviors we can better understand the behavior and take a logical approach to solving it through an operational definition of the behavior, it's antecedents and consequences and the rate, frequency and duration of the behavior.

What is Positive Reinforcement?

Positive Reinforcement is a technique used to train dogs based on the principle that we give something that increases the likelihood that the behavior occurs again. This technique has replaced the old fashioned aversive techniques that are better known as Positive Punishment and Negative Reinforcement.

What is Negative Punishment?

Methods such as Negative Punishment are not what we would think of as punishment, the use of the word punishment is not always indicative of the use of an aversive. In negative Punishment the undesirable behavior elicited by the animal simply Turns Off the pleasant stimulus; Negative Punishment is the use of a time out.

What is Behavior Modification a.k.a. Behavior Change Programming?

Behavior Modification is a technique used to modify an animals behavior using a behavior change program plan which is a systematic plan involving behavior change procedures set forth to change specific behaviors of the animal (CASI 2011). Behavior change programming uses the antecedents and consequences of the behavior, manipulating them to allow for a change in behavior. Behavior modification involves a functional assessment , intervention and maintenance. behavior change programming measures behavior through observation and demonstration of the problem behavior; we determine how we are going to measure the behavior and typically measure the behavior in a multitude of ways typically rate and frequency and duration.

Group Puppy Class: This class is for pups who have received their first and second DHPP vaccinations and either have their Rabies vaccination or have a health check from a licensed Veterinarian. Age range is from 9 weeks to 6 months of age for admission. This class is a socialization class consisting of teaching basic obedience such as sit and down, touching on stay and tricks as well. This class allows puppies to learn how to behave among other animals and people and a myriad of distractions. These classes are 60 minutes long, all puppies must be leashed and have an owner over 18 years of age present.

Group Basic Class: This is a class that consists of puppies 6 months and older, basically this is a class for dogs that have had no prior training. We go over sit, down, stay, recall, leave and take, and drop it. This class requires all dogs to have current DHPP & Rabies Vaccinations. All dogs must be leashed and have an owner over 18 years of age present.

Group Advanced Class: This is a class that consists of dogs over the age of 1 year. We learn extended recall, walking, extended sit stay and down stay, a touch on drop and leave/take. Pre-requisite: Group basic class or in home training class *pet store group or puppy will be accepted as a pre-requisite. This class requires all dogs to have current DHPP & Rabies Vaccinations. All dogs must be leashed and have an owner over 18 years of age present.

Behavior Consultation: This is a pre-requisite to any Behavior Change Programming, this is used as a foundation to observe and gain insight and history on the behavior problem. This would be used as an intake interview as we collect past data and medical and behavioral history and do a thorough observation of the behavior problem. Typically no behavior manipulation occurs here. Unless otherwise discussed this session is required before beginning Behavior Change Programming.

In Home Training (basic and advanced): This is acceptable for dogs of any age. The In-Home is perfect for puppies that are not yet old enough to attend Group Classes. These sessions are formulated specifically towards the things that the owner would like to work on with their dog. Each session consists of 60 minutes.

In Home Training pack: This is acceptable for dogs of any age. It is formulated to the owners needs for their dog. Each session consists of 60 minutes.

Behavior Change Programming: Here we determine the antecedents and consequences that maintain behavior problems. We work to modify the antecedents and consequences to create a behavior change. This involves observation of the problem behavior, manipulation of the variables and maintenance. These sessions are typically 60 minutes each and can vary depending on the behavior problem being managed. These sessions include a free follow up visit approximately 30 days after the completion of the final session, the follow up consists of 20 minutes.