Balanced Training for puppies and adult dogs

We take a balanced training approach, using the four quadrants of operant conditioning. Correction can be part of our training process when warranted, and is determined on a case by case bases. Our goal is to work closely with our clients to determine a plan that will work best for the relationship with their dog.

This type of training can require the use of a prong collar or e collar depending on the training plan and the comfort of use by the owner.

Training problems are defined as trouble with the follow-through of certain commands like down, off, quiet or heel. These problems can be rectified by introducing a new learning system to the dog built on consistency and clarity.

Behavioural problems are defined as new or worsening problems affecting the dog’s overall behaviour and quality of life. These problems typically involve intervention through the management of the environment, control of a specific stimulus and trigger modification and modification to the dog’s social interactions. These behaviours are ones that are above a normal response for that behaviour such as reactivity on the leash, separation anxiety and aggression.

We offer a few different options when choosing training.

Private lessons:

Private lessons are a great way for the fast learner to work with us, soaking up as much information as possible to successfully train and work with your dog prior to their next lesson. We aim to accomplish as much as possible within a short period of time so that you are comfortable continuing to train your dog, and show you the best possible techniques to achieve success.

Board and Train:

Our board and train program is a reset for your dog. We follow a very structured schedule and create a balance of training and play to help your dog easily understand expectations. We take on the bulk of the training by putting in thousands of reps, and working your dog multiple times each day to help it achieve our goals.

Your dog will go home well equipped with a new understanding of what is expected of them, and all you need to do is follow our in depth guide, and continue reinforcing what we have started.

Training Days:

This is a hybrid between our board and train program and our private lesson courses. It allows you to take your dog and have him immersed for the day with us, while still being able to bring him home at the end of the day.

A heavier focus is put on you as the handler, like our private lessons, but you have let us work on the breakthroughs during the day, and all you need to do is continue that work throughout the week.

Unlike our board and train program, it will be up to you to work on creating a very structured environment at home, and make sure you get lots of reps in so we can move on to the next steps of the training plan.

Booking an evaluation with one of our trainers is the best place to start in assessing what type of training your dog needs. Generally, when entering into a training program with your dog, it’s important to note that this is not only a change for the dog but for the owner and family as well. Commitment to a training plan will help you to achieve the best results for your dog. Being realistic about how much time you can commit, being consistent with training styles, and following through with exercises will help you reach and hopefully exceed your goals.

With all training and behaviour modification programs, we aim for a successful outcome that aligns with all training goals. However, it is most important that we work at the pace of the dog, and given that all dogs are different, progress may not align with the training goals 100% of the time.

Behaviour modification is ongoing throughout the dog’s life. Much of behaviour modification is the management of the dog’s lifestyle, to try and promote the best outcomes for the dog and family. However, not all behaviours can be modified, and a timeline can never be guaranteed. Consistency, patience and frequent re-evaluation are important parts of all behaviour modification plans.

Release and Marker Training: Communicating with conditioned markers result in the best outcome for your dog. We teach both a continuous marker using the word “good”, and a terminal marker or release marker using the word “yes”. These markers are the stepping stones to effectively communicating with your dog, and reinforcing the desired behaviour.

Engagement: We start with engagement exercises that teach your dog its name and to respond to us every time they hear its name. These exercises set the foundation for getting our dog to stop, look, and listen. If your dog is engaged with you, you can get him/her to do just about anything!

Sit/Sit Stay: Dogs are trained to sit quickly on the first ask and must stay until released or asked to perform another task.

Down/Down Stay: Dogs are trained to lie down quickly on the first ask, and must stay until released or asked to perform another task.

Heel: The dog will walk on the left side of the handler and turn or change pace as needed. The dog will sit when the handler comes to halt.

Leash Manners: We will teach your dog the heel command and walk command. We will teach the dog to heel and walk on the left side of the handler and turn or change pace as needed. These commands will cue your dog that it’s time to walk loose leash. We will slowly build on the distance of trips with your dog, to encourage successful walking and confidence in your dog.

Place: This exercise is trained to help dogs practice impulse control, and better teach and communicate training techniques like engagement and stay. We start this exercise on a raised platform bed, to be used in and around the home, which can be transitioned to a flat carpet or mat. This is also used in marker training.

Recall: We start to implement the foundations for recall through the use of a lead. This approach best ensures we can reinforce the dog every time they are asked to return.

Before arriving to pick up your dog from the board and train program, you will receive documents outlining the continuation of your dog’s training, and a hand out explaining how to acclimate your dog back into the house hold under the new training guidelines. It’s mandatory to review these notes prior to pick up, so we can discuss any questions you may have prior to the dog returning home.

It's imperative that both the dog and family follow through with establishing family structure phases, to ensure the best results. There is a large degree of training that needs to be continued at home, as well as consistency and routine. An in-home lesson is an option if follow up is required.

Non‐holiday/non‐ peak policy: NON HOLIDAY/NON PEAK DAYS must be cancelled at least seven (7) days prior to my pet’s reserved arrival date. A cancellation made within seven (7) days of my pet’s arrival date or a no‐show will result in charges for two (2) night’s stay.

HOLIDAY/PEAK DAY(June through September) POLICY: All confirmed reservations for HOLIDAY/PEAK DAYS must be cancelled at least fifteen (15) days prior to my pet’s reserved arrival date. A cancellation made within fifteen (15) days of the arrival date, or a no show, will result in no refund.