What is Balanced Dog Training and What Tools We Use
Balanced training is a behaviour modification approach to dog training. Most simply put it is the use of both rewards and consequences, we use ‘good’ and ‘no’ to let the dogs know what we like and what we don’t like. It is ALSO about living a balanced lifestyle with your dog, one that includes structure, boundaries and freedom. Dog training is contextual, it is adapted to fit the dog in front of you. Implementing balanced training goes beyond just saying 'good’ and saying ‘no’. We have to teach them what those words even mean. We need to make associations with them. Let’s face it, we will never be able to speak the same language as our dogs, which is why we need to create one. We use a variety of techniques (luring with treats, pointing, play, guiding pressure etc.) and tools (such as crates, prong collars, e-collars, leashes etc.) to create a language that allows us to better communicate with the dog. The prong collar and the e-collar are our direct lines to the dog, it is what we refer to as our communication tools. It is important to note that it is not the tools that teach the dog, it is the person behind the tools and HOW they are used that teach your dog!
What are the benefits of balanced training?
The role of the owner
​Many owners struggle with their dogs and often have an exhaustive list of behavioural issues they need help with. For us the list is not exhaustive its simply a lack of structure, rules and guidance being provided for the dog. If you allow your dog to not listen to you, i.e. you are calling them over and over again and they are not coming. You are in fact actively training your dog to ignore you. This is especially dangerous in times when you need them to listen for their safety.
The most critical component of this training is YOU! In order for your dog to be the best version of themselves it will depend on the owners’ consistency, commitment and accountability. The role of the trainer is to give the dog the ground work and to teach the dog what is expected of them. As the owner, your role is to maintain what the dog has learned and to continue to work with your dog. During training you will spend lots of time with your trainer discussing how to bring the best out of your dog and how to maintain their success. We help integrate training into your life as a lifestyle that can be maintained in order to have a healthy relationship with your canine. Training is not going to be something you are always “doing” but rather a way of being.
-
A dog that responds on command
-
A clear form of communication
-
​
A calm state of mind
-
​
Overall trust and respect between you and your dog