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The different types of dog training explained with colors

Colors Of Dog Training

Spyro, Bumble, Mocha, and Reku Hanging out jpeg

As I am sure you have found out, there are lots of ways to train your puppy or dog. At this time how you train your dog can be controversial too. Sometimes getting dirty looks from other dog owners or being educated about what you should be doing instead.

A common joke in the dog training world goes like this. What's the only thing two dog trainers can agree on?

That the third dog trainer is wrong!

Now, as funny as that is, it is sad that we miss the fact that we love animals and want them in our lives. Dog training is now more about who do you want to be as a person because truthfully, all methods work to varying degrees.

Continue below to dive into the distinctions!

Below are a few of my recommendations to start dog training. If you want the complete list, press I'm In!!

A brief explanation

For clarity these colors are like notes on a instrument, they can be combined to form chords and that is when they work best. 

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Based on Don Beck's Book "Spiral Dynamics"

R+ (positive reinforcement)
R- (negative reinforcement)
P+ (positive punishment)
P- (negative punishment)

  • Beige: World Begins - this is about survival and basic needs, nutrition, sleep, and exercise 
  • Purple: KinSpirits - This is about pack mentality, rituals, respecting elders, appeals to safety and spirits or gods
  • Red: PowerGods - This is about alpha mentality, macho men, dictatorial, do as I say, respect and power driven
  • ​Blue: TruthForce - This is about following the rules mentality, justice, fairness, rules, traditions, proper authority, order and stability 
  • ​Orange: StriveDrive - This is about growth mentality, achievement focused, credible, calculated risk taker, good science, new and improving ways to communicate
  • ​Green: HumanBond - This is about the greater good mentality, environmental sensitivity, inclusion, for the people, world peace, equality, and community
  • ​Yellow: FlexFlow - This is about seeing the big picture, being liberated to choose whatever combination of colors needed, understands we are all connected, constantly learning
  • Beige: World Begins -​ Think dog breeder and animal rescue mentality. Providing basic needs
  • Purple: KinSpirits - Think R+,P+ Pack mentality, no science, spirits, energy, animalistic, hierarchy, routines and rituals
  • Red: PowerGods - Think P+,R- Alpha mentality, e collars, prong collars, collar pops, physical force, and intimidation
  • ​Blue: TruthForce - Think R+,R-,P+,P- Balanced mentality, rewards, punishments, managing behaviors, traditional dog training, limited science
  • ​Orange: StriveDrive - Think R+, P- Science mentality, constantly iterating, using innovative technics, longevity focused, proven strategies based on research
  • ​Green: HumanBond - Think P+ One love mentality, acknowledging dog's love languages, adapting environment for comfort and peace of dog, let dogs just be dogs
  • ​Yellow: FlexFlow - Think ​R+,R-,P+,P- Mentor mentality, has a dedicated ritual, steps up when a leader is needed, creates routines and massive action plans, innovative and constantly improving, meeting all of dog's needs
Boba, khaleesi, Luca meet jpeg
Bruce, Rosie, Yellow lab laying down jpeg

Colors and 4 quadrants explained to an 8 year old

Imagine that people are like different colored candies in a jar. Some are like red candies, which like to be in charge, and some are like blue candies, which care about following rules. Other colors, like green, yellow, and orange, represent different ways of thinking and acting. When we train dogs, keep in mind, that all of the candies can use all of the methods below. The methods may be used by any color candy, but why they are using is different for each. 

Some focus only on Positive Reinforcement, meaning rewards to teach their dogs, like giving them treats, play, or praise when they do something right. This might align with the blue or green level of development, which emphasizes cooperation, empathy, and community building.

Others use Negative Reinforcement, which means taking something away that the dog doesn't like when it does something right, like stopping a loud noise or taking away leash pressure. This might align with the purple or red level, which emphasizes achievement, competition, and results.

Positive Punishment means adding something to the dog's environment that the dog doesn't like when it does something wrong, like yelling or using a spray bottle. This could align with the red or blue level, which emphasizes order, discipline, and obedience.

Finally, Negative Punishment means taking something away that the dog likes when it does something wrong, like ending playtime or taking away a toy. This could align with the orange or yellow level, which emphasizes flexibility, self-awareness, and a focus on systemic solutions.

Keep in mind that all colors can use all the quadrants.

Beige: Since this level is focused on basic survival needs, there isn't really a concept of negative reinforcement in the traditional sense.

Purple: At this level, negative reinforcement might take the form of shaming or ostracizing someone from the tribe, by removing the social acceptance or approval that they desire, until they conform to the group's cultural norms or traditions.

Red: Negative reinforcement at this level could take the form of intimidating or using physical punishment to control others, or taking away something that someone wants, until they comply with demands or expectations.

Blue: At this level, negative reinforcement might take the form of withholding religious privileges or services, by denying access to a particular religious community or ceremony, until the individual complies with the doctrine or rules.

Orange: Negative reinforcement at this level might be in the form of withholding rewards or benefits, such as bonuses or promotions, until certain goals or targets are met.

Green: At this level, negative reinforcement might be in the form of social exclusion or disapproval, by withdrawing acceptance or approval from the individual, until they conform to the group's values or beliefs.

Yellow: Negative reinforcement at this level might be in the form of missed opportunities or loss of respect from others, by withholding desirable outcomes until the individual adopts a systemic or holistic approach to problem-solving, or considers the long-term implications of their actions.

New Direction Dog Training Logo

New Direction Dog Training

I mostly train new puppy owners because they are motivated and want to put in the time. But I believe that at any age, any breed, and any animal can learn with positive reinforcement and a basic understanding of animal psychology.

I learn from Susan Garrett and focus on
3 pillars in the 4 week program.
1) Coming When Called
2) Crate And Place
3) Walking On Leash

In between we train jumping, Barking, biting, and some fun tricks like Rolling over along the way!

Focused

Reku coming when called jpeg

Improved mental and physical health:

Through regular training sessions, you not only improve your dog's physical health and well-being but also provide them with valuable mental stimulation. By being focused in your training, your dog develops sensory awareness and self-control, which is essential when dealing with distractions. This creates a stronger bond between you and your dog, leading to a healthier and thoughtful dog.

Thoughtful

bailey laying down

Improved obedience:

By investing in your dog's training, you are not only improving their obedience, but also their thoughtfulness. Training requires effort and repetition, but the payoff is worth it as your dog becomes a trusted companion who knows and follows the rules. By creating a shared connection with clear boundaries, you and your dog will have a stronger bond and a more reliable partnership. So step up towards a better relationship with your furry friend.

Reliable

Kaiser sitting at farmers market

Improved communication:

With training, you and your dog can build a stronger bond through improved communication. By better understanding each other, you can creatively and persuasively communicate your expectations, leading to a more reliable and confident pup. Through joyful repetitions and clear results, your dog can become more focused and attentive, ultimately deepening your connection and understanding.

STILL GOT QUESTIONS? WE GOT YOU!

Frequently Asked Questions

who are you as a dog trainer?

As a trainer, I believe in using science and psychology to create the best possible outcomes for both dogs and their owners. That means using rewards to reinforce behaviors, and creating a structured and consistent routine. Understand that positive reinforcement does not mean permissive.
Structure and boundaries are important, especially for puppies who are still learning and developing. It's about striking the right balance between positive reinforcement and clear expectations, just like you would with a human child.

What does that mean for my dog?

I believe in using games and activities to build confidence and create a positive learning environment for dogs. My goal is to help them develop thoughtfulness, reliability, and focus through play and positive reinforcement. I often ask my clients to think back to their own experiences in school, to the teachers who made them feel safe, supported, and inspired to learn, versus those who judged or misunderstood them. By creating a positive, supportive environment, I strive to be the kind of trainer who helps dogs (and their owners) thrive and reach their full potential.

Why choose New Direction Dog Training?

Training with New Direction is all about taking the love you already have for your dog and channeling it into guiding them towards better behaviors. We believe in focusing on positive reinforcement and creation, rather than simply trying to stop undesirable behaviors like jumping, biting, or getting into the trash. At New Direction, we believe in creating a positive and supportive training environment where dogs learn to love the process of training itself.

What do I get by pressing i'm in?

You get my best. I hope you took a bit of time to explore the website, it is not easy building one and I'd rather be dog training. But I want to create one so I can share my most important dog training tips with you. When you press I'm In you get access to what I would go back in time to tell myself. All via email with games to play with your dog and the stories that impacted my journey.

What type of results do you get?

In just 4 weeks you will notice changes in your dog. How they pay attention and offer behaviors like going to their bed, coming when called, and paying attention to you on walks. You and your dog will learn each others language and grow in the process. Will your dog be perfect? No, that is impossible. But will they be thoughtful, reliable, and focused most days, yes. Check out the testimonial and reviews page to read other experiences.

When will my dog be house broken?

When I hear this question I get worried. Does that mean when there will be no accidents inside, when you can leave them in their crate and they don't bark, when you can let them wander around the house completely free, when you can stop training? Each one of these have different answers and they all depend on how focused you are on training now. I like to share the idea that I think of dogs like humans in school, starting at kindergarten and going all the way up to a PHD.  

What can my dog teach me?

Dogs come into our lives to teach us something about ourselves. Honor this treasure. A dog is a true spiritual teacher who spontaneously offers us teachings, tirelessly, and for free. Where else can we find someone to show us who we are and what we, ourselves, need to work on. 
You don't need to go on a spiritual trip to realize this, it's right under your nose!

What do you mean k-PHD?

When I say kindergarten through PHD I mean learning is an ongoing process. Our dogs are learning every day and improving what they already know. Or they are losing focus and letting some behaviors get rusty. It happens until the day they cross the rainbow bridge. As you understand the principles behind dog training you'll see the training moments and react accordingly. Giving your dog and you more opportunities to explore and be free.

Claim your 90 minute dog training lesson, 30 day training guide, and a surprise gift!

Solve Potty Training, Coming When Called, Walking On Leash, Crate Training And Separation Anxiety

00 Potty Routine jpg

With It You'll Discover,

  • How to calm down your energetic puppy
  • ​The 1 training that makes any dog more thoughtful
  • ​A game to teach your puppy to come when called as fast as they can
  • ​​A story of the crazy, jumping, biting Australian shepherd and their transformation
  • ​​Proven system to get​ your family's dream dog

After helping hundreds of dog owners with new puppies I have learned that puppies are energetic, curious, mischievous and the breed doesn't matter! Australian shepherds, basset hounds, German shepherds, dachshunds, Pomeranians, And it got me thinking.
A master checklist including what I would do in the first 30 days with a puppy would be very helpful
.

The Secret Is In The Sequence