I began working with dogs in 2003 in
Los Angeles, CA, while fostering a American Pitbull Terrier mix named
Remy. After we (Angela and I) decided that we could not provide the best environment
for Remy (we lived in a small apartment and Remy craved the attention
of other dogs which we could not provide enough of), we adopted an
emaciated, yet vigorous Boxer mix named Vida. She was described by the
rescue organization as a "dog that did not get along well with other
dogs of the same sex." This gave us cause for concern, but after a few
days and nights with Vida, we fell in love and accepted the challenge,
though we had no idea what we were in for. After all, we were rookies.
Vida has been my primary inspiration and the fire behind my passion for
all things dog. Working with her has been a daily reminder that
behavior is in constant flux. She has taught me patience and continues
to help me deal with my frustrations. She is a lovely friend, but not a
perfect one. She is who she is, and I accept that now. On a daily
basis, we train together, and each day she gets more comfortable with
the things that once made her behave aggressively.
We have since adopted Lily, a lovely little Lhasa Apso, and, on
occasion (when we need a dose of madness), we foster puppies if they
fit well in our environment.
QUESTION: "How can I have the best relationship with my dog?"
In this age of information overload, finding the answer should be easy, but...
With so may outlets for finding advice on how to have a great life with your dog - TV, the Internet, books, magazines, friends, family, and other professionals - pet guardians become overloaded, confused, and frustrated.
Some of the information out there is helpful, some, however, is far from.
David the Dog Trainer's Approach:
Our methods are humane and reward-based.
We believe food reward training is the easiest, quickest, and most family-friendly way to train companion dogs.
We typically avoid aversives (things your dog finds threatening/offensive) in our training.
We spend the majority of our efforts on training dogs what to do or what we want by reinforcing behaviors we want to see more of.
We teach the dog what TO DO (a proactive approach) through lure-reward training (see Dr. Ian Dunbar for more) and shaping (see Karen Pryor for more) rather than focusing on what NOT to do using reprimands and corrections (a reactive approach).
We will not tell you to "put
the dog in her place," "show the dog who's boss," or focus on status
and pack order.
Behavior that is reinforced (commonly referred to as "rewarded") occurs more often.
Common reinforcers are: food, play, toys, affection, access to other dogs, and walks, but can be anything your dog loves.
Dog training becomes fun for you and your dog, and we avoid damaging our relationship with our pet by being nasty.
Sounds good, doesn't it?