You probably wonder how we get such amazing results with our SLO dog training programs…. I mean, how is it possible to get results so quickly? While there are no guarantees, and every dog is different, I can tell you that the first 24 hours make a huge difference in your pup’s progress for the week or two that he is training with us.
Meet Ariel… This video is taken after her first 24 hours with us. She came to us with similar problems as past dog trainees – just untrained and needing some direction.
The first thing we do with our dogs-in-training is let them know we are in charge and they no longer have to worry. They don’t have to make any decisions other then the ones we tell them, like going to ‘place’.
We introduce them to our training areas and their kennel that they will call home for the next 7-14 days.
Second, we immedately introduce them to the e-collar. Some dogs take to this process very quickly and others resist the new tool just a little. The e-collar we use has levels ranging from 1-100 and many dogs respond to a 4-6. While we introduce the dog to the collar, we are searching for their working level, the lowest level on the simulation that they can feel, but still encourages them to follow the commands they are given. They are in no pain, and many times, are excited to see the e-collar appear. They know it means that they get to work – or walk!
Third, we work on ‘place’, which is what you see Ariel working on in the video. We focus on this command first because it helps us assess the dog and how quickly they may learn. The other reason we work on “place” is because it tires out the dog. It is not hard physically, but mentally it is challenging. Many times, when we start duration work on “place”, the dogs will fall asleep becasue the training proces is so tiring.
And then from there, we continue with repetition of the commands we are teaching. We find that many dogs already know sit and down, so we focus on “place” and “heel”. By introducing these new skills and discipline into their lives, their overall behavior changes drastically. If they were once aggressive, their aggressiveness disappears. If they were dog reactive, they are now focused on the handler and their reactivity disappears. It’s amazing to see the transformations.
While drastic changes can be made in a week or two with us, it is still up to you to continue their training. Part of what makes our job easy is that we are a stranger to your dog, giving them new rules to follow. They never had a chance to get comfortable with breaking rules with us. But they have a history with you. Our training program gives them a head start, so it is easier for you to rebuild your relationship with your pup. Because that is what training is all about: building relationships with your furry companion. And for us, it is about changing lives. both your life and your dog’s life.
