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Stop yanking on your dogs neck and being dragged around
Fun Walks
The first problem I notice when dogs are on leash is the type of collar or harness they are wearing. Sometimes the device is encouraging your dog to pull, kinda like a sled dog.
Going on walks should be a win win for everyone. Your dog gets to be a dog and you get focus when it's necessary.
Gentle leaders are not muzzles. They are an effective and painless managing tool. I have more confidence around owners when their dog is wearing one.
Below are a few of my recommendations to start dog training. If you want the complete list, press I'm In!!
Why a gentle leader or head halter
- No pain or discomfort: Gentle leaders or head halters work by controlling a dog's head instead of their body, which can help prevent any pain or discomfort that may be caused by a collar, prong collar, slip lead, or even a regular harness.
- Better control: With a gentle leader or head halter, you have more control over your dog's movements, which can help prevent pulling or lunging on walks.
- No choking or gagging: Unlike some other collars, gentle leaders or head halters do not put pressure on a dog's neck or throat, which can help prevent choking, gagging, or other breathing problems.
- Reduces risk of injury: When used correctly, gentle leaders or head halters can reduce the risk of injury to both the dog and the owner, especially during walks or training sessions.
- Can be used on any breed: Gentle leaders or head halters can be used on any breed of dog, regardless of size or strength, making them a versatile option for dog owners.
- Encourages positive training: By using a gentle leader or head halter, you can encourage positive training techniques, such as reward-based training, instead of relying on punishment or negative reinforcement.
- Builds trust and respect: When used consistently and correctly, a gentle leader or head halter can help build trust and respect between a dog and their owner, which can improve the overall relationship and communication between them.
At the end of the day
It is another managing device, nothing compares to training your dog to know where to be. But while you are on the way this is what I recommend and it is the type of trainer I want to be.
I think about it like working out, sure there are ways to get muscle faster or lose weight with injections or surgeries. But I have found the results don't last because the skills of meal planning, the mindfulness found in working out, or delayed gratification and celebrating the achievements along the way aren't learned completely because shortcuts don't require the same effort.
Your dog will respect you as you continue to show up for training and guide them through learning moments. The gentle leader is my favorite way to bridge the gap between pulling and your dog wanting to be at your side.
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
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
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
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
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.
