Our Method

First we employee a positive reinforcement training style that utilizes LIMA (Least Intrusive/Minimally Aversive) training strategies in 3 stages that asks more from your dog as we progress. For basic obedience there is no reason you should have to jerk/shock/pop/etc. to your dog. These can lead to more problems than they fix such as fear, anxiety, distrust, and reactivity. The reason we train in stages rather than a length of time is because not every dog learns at the same pace. Your dog may fly through stage 1, but struggle when duration and distraction start increasing in stage 2. Some dogs may struggle with learning the marker, but then excel when distraction and distance come into play. Either way we will work at the pace that your dog will learn and be successful. We will find what motivates your dog and the dog will follow your direction. We want to work with YOU and your dog. For training efforts to have lasting effects the owner needs to be involved and handling has to be consistent. We are going to teach you how to handle your dog, after all you are the one that has to live with it. We have goals for both your dog and you as a owner and handler. You won’t need a training refresher because you’ll know as the owner how to motivate and direct your dog better than any person available. Now if you do need or want more classes if a new issue arises feel free to reach out to us.

Owner Goals

1. Be your dog’s advocate and set them up for success.

2. Use the three keys to dog training consistency, patience, and fun throughout the process.

3. Set realistic expectations of their dog based on temperament, dog’s experiences, stage of development, and age.

4. Learn how to motivate and direct their dog using luring, capturing, and shaping.

5. Learn how to be fair and consistent in commands, marking, and rewarding to help the dog comprehend and understand what is being asked of them as efficiently as possible.

6. Recognize their dog’s progress and milestones so they know when to advance their dog’s training to another level.

7. To get in the frame of mind that it’s not about what you don’t want the dog doing, but “What do I want my dog to do.” Almost always the behavior that you don’t want your dog to do is incompatible with the behavior you do want happening.

8. TO HAVE FUN. This is so important as your dog is going to feed off your energy during this process and if you aren’t having fun then your dog isn’t going to have fun either. Dog’s learn so much faster in a positive fun environment. Ultimately that starts with us the handler and the trainer.

Dog Goals

1. To trust the owner.

2. To look to the owner for guidance and direction.

3. To recognize cues, marker words, and signals from the owner and other members of their home.

4. To obey the cues from their owner while being subjected to distractions, duration, and distance.

5. Excel in the 3 pillars of dog behavior: Socialization, Manner, and Obedience.

6. To be able to pass the AKC Good Citizen Test.

7. To respect the boundaries put in place by their owner.

8. TO HAVE FUN.

Stage 1

This is where we establish the connection between the owner and their dog. We teach a short quick marker of the owner’s choosing and establish focus and auto focus. The dog will learn a sit, down, touch, take it/leave it/drop it, wait, and loose leash walk. We will also introduce them to recall, crate training, and grooming practices in this stage. We also will work socialization to strangers and other dogs. The socialization will continue throughout all three stages. Any training done outdoors in this stage will be done on a leash to give you more control and really helps establish the connection with your dog.

Stage 2

This stage strengthens the connection between the owner and their dog. We continue working the commands learned in stage 1 with the introduction of the 3 D’s (distractions, distance, and duration). Your dog will also learn to add position to their basic commands. This has a lot to do with where they are in position relative to you as the owner. They also will learn a stay command and a heel walk in this stage. Any training done outdoors will either be done on a normal walking leash or a long line training lead up to 20 foot long.

Stage 3

This is the stage that will secure that relationship with the owner and their dog. This is mostly an advancement of stage 2 where we introduce the dog to outdoor off leash training in a fenced area. We will only move a dog to this stage that is demonstrating good on leash behaviors and obedience. This will help ensure we do not push your dog too fast and hurt their chances at success.

Rates

Our rate for basic obedience and behavior modification training run $60 per hour if paid by the hour. We come to you or the place of your choosing within 20 miles of the Hickory Metro Convention Center at this rate. Any mileage over this will be added to at a rate of $2 per mile extra. If you commit to 4 or more classes there will be a $10 discount on each session rate.

How do we get started?

Simply click one of the buttons below to set up a consultation either by phone or email. Consultations are charged $10 to cover travel expenses. However if you do decide to use us as your trainer we will take it off your first session with Carolina Dog Outfitters.