Our Methods

​Our goal is to facilitate building trust and communication between you and your dog for a long-lasting, positive relationship. Through repetition, consistency and praise, a dog's desirable behavior and responsiveness will last a lifetime. Our balanced approach to dog training is evidence-based and backed by science.

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• We specialize in accelerated obedience dog training in dogs of all ages, potty training, socialization, and rehabilitating dogs with separation anxiety and aggression.

• We have practical dog training programs and teach skills using a leash and collar and praise. We use Classical, Operant and Counter-conditioning methods to meet your dog obedience and behavioral goals. We will help you understand your dog's instincts and use their natural drives to motivate them and change behavior.

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How We Do It

It's our belief that a dog that responds to voice commands without repeating is a well-trained dog. We can teach you the balanced way without the excessive use of treats, clickers, dominance methods or shock collars. We feel treats absolutely have their place in training, but we are not "treat for trick" trainers. We always say, "Praise is what you make it!". Sometimes dogs are not food motivated enough for treat training or they are too food-driven and become obsessed. You always have your hands and voice to praise with you!

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Part of the initial session will be an evaluation of the training equipment you are currently using and how it is working for you or not and make our recommendations. The fit of a collar is just as important as the technique. Gone are the days of the outdated "high and tight" fit. Whatever our recommendations may be, ultimately it is the client’s decision to choose the training equipment they feel is best for them. 

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We work with dogs of all breeds, temperaments, and ages from very young puppies to senior dogs. Our new puppy programs will get you off on the right foot with a custom housebreaking training plan, crate training (if desired), and can include the whole family. We know those little puppy teeth are sharp and potty training can be frustrating and we have solutions that can help right away!

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We also work with many rescues, shelter dogs, fearful dogs and highly reactive and aggressive dogs. Our balanced methods will build trust through communication and understanding to facilitate the rehabilitation process. 

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What is Balanced Dog Training?

As balanced dog trainers, we understand many methods of training. This allows us to adapt to each dog individually. In one session we may have a sensitive dog who needs a positive-only approach, then the next client may have an assertive, aggressive dog who requires leash corrections. A trainer who practices aversion-only training could shut that first dog down, while a trainer who practices positive-only techniques would not know how to progress with the second dog. We always say, "Balanced dog training creates balanced dogs!".

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• Why Does it Work?

It is simple. Dogs are pack animals by nature and both corrections and affection play important roles in pack dynamics. Dogs thrive when they have clear expectations and boundaries. When done properly, corrections as a form of communication of those expectations and boundaries not only work but build an even stronger relationship between dog and human. The balance of praise is just as important of course! It provides for encouragement and creates a bond using oxytocin just like it does between people.

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• What About Positive Reinforcement Training?

We believe in and use positive reinforcement first and foremost in our training. We know dogs and people learn best when they are having fun!  Any new skill is taught with positive reinforcement, and only introduce corrections in dangerous situations or once a dog fully understands the skill being asked of them. ​​

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For more, click here to check out the The Science and Art of Dog Training article written by dog trainer Matt Covey out of a Chicago Humane Society.

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