Dog Training 101
Hi! I am the owner of Canine Etiquette. I bring my enthusiasm, experience, education and sincere love of dogs to the training process.
My goal is help you create a relationship with your dog built on trust and mutual respect. All training and behavior modification is accomplished through kind methods with an emphasis on positive reinforcement. Learn how to bond with your dog and earn his respect so that he responds to you and willingly obeys. Common dog behavioral problems that we have worked with:
Myths of dog training
Myth #1: Small dogs don't need training.Throughout my eleven years of experience, I have witnessed a concept of thinking that I feel is dangerous. The myth is that small dogs don't pose a threat due to their size, so why set rules and boundaries and bother with training. Generally speaking, behaviors of small dogs are often looked at as cute, innocent, and non-threatening. However, small dog behaviors such as excessive barking, growling, nipping, territorialism, and dominance (a.k.a. humping people or objects) are all problematic behaviors demonstrating a lack of training and proper leadership. These problems if not corrected can snowball into more aggressive acts putting the general public and, therefore, your dog in harm's way. 
Myth #2: Old dogs can't learn new tricks.The myth that dogs, over the age of 5 are incapable of learning new behaviors or modifying old habits is not true. Dogs do not have the same psychological make up as humans, although we would like to believe so. Dogs live in the moment. Even though a dog has learned certain habits, these habits are constantly reinforced by both the positive and negative energy of their owner. Therefore, if the owner changes the way they manage their dog's behavior, the dog willingly changes it's behavior. Basically, change the standard procedure and the dog learns to adapt. 
Myth #3: Puppies shouldn't be trained until 6 months of age. The old style of training used by dog trainers was harsh corrections. At the time, this mode of behavioral training seemed most effective. Now, dog training has progressed into gentler, psychologically balanced methods appropriate for dogs of all ages. Puppies have a shorter attention span than adult dogs, but they learn quicker. Don't let the short attention span deter you from training. Puppies between 8 to 16 weeks readily absorb new information. After 4 months of age the puppy's attention span increases enabling longer training session. Keep in mind the foundation of your puppy's behavior is shaped during the first 16 weeks of life whether you guide that behavior or not. To prevent bad habits from forming and teach appropriate dog manners, as an owner you want to start training during this key period. 
Myth #4: Aggressive dogs cannot be rehabilitated. Most often, aggressive dogs operate in fear-based aggression verses outright aggression. Typically, the owner unintentionally reinforces fear-based aggression. When the dog becomes fearful or aggressive, the owner's natural reaction is to soothe the dog. This act positively reinforces and prolongs the fearful or aggressive state. Both forms of aggression, are created through reinforcement and/or selective breeding. All dogs can be rehabilitated, regardless of the breed or the source of the aggression. Mariah Hinds, owner of Canine Etiquette, has over 11 years of experience in the dog training field. She specializes in behavior modification, basic obedience, dog etiquette and aggression rehabilitation. Call 321-946-1035 for your behavioral consultation today. |
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