Dog Trainer & Obedience Lessons Helping Upland Dog Lovers

What exactly is OFF-LEASH dog obedience training?

How can you get my dog off-leash trained in 4 or 5 lessons?

Why does virtually every other dog trainer in San Bernardino need 6, 8 or even 16 weeks just to teach basic obedience on a leash?

Why don't you use treats or compulsion to train dogs?

If you don't use treats or compulsion, what do you use?

Do you say "NO" to dogs?

Will group obedience classes help me with my dog's problem?

Will this take a lot of my time?

How soon should I start my puppy?

How EXACTLY do you train dogs and modify behavior?

Will dog training affect my dog's personality? I want a happy dog.

How much time do I need to practice?

Why aren't you a "Positive Reinforcement" trainer?

 

Q: What exactly is OFF-LEASH dog obedience training?

Off-Leash training is when you have the ability to control your dog without the leash, the ability to get your dog to “go-on” and move away from you or friends while you are sitting down or eating, putting your dog on a down-stay while you wash the car in the front yard and they don’t run away, telling your dog to heal and they follow you and not every distraction they see.

In short, off-leash training will give you the confidence to take your dog with you wherever you go and not have to worry about their behavior because you know they will be obedient to your voice or hand commands.

Q: How can you get my dog off-leash trained in 4 or 5 lessons?

This is not rocket science. It’s not the amount of lessons that matters, it’s about knowing how your dog thinks and repeating structure that they understand so that they will respect you and what you want. It’s about the right relationship.

Most dogs do not require specialized classes. Our methods are proven to modify most types of behavior problems in the first few lessons.

Q: Why does virtually every other dog trainer in San Bernardino need 6, 8 or even 16 weeks just to teach basic obedience on a leash?

All the reputable trainers we know need only 2 to 4 lessons to teach basic obedience. The mark of an amateur or a hobbyist is that they do not know how to teach Off-Leash Obedience, and therefore do not advertise it. Use caution if someone tells you that it takes weeks and weeks of classes to train your dog.

Q: Why don't you use treats or compulsion to train dogs?

Treat (positive reinforcement) or clicker training is fine for tricks or agility training, but for obedience training we want the dog to listen to you because of who you are, not what they’re going to get.

This is more in line with a dog’s natural tendency. As pack leaders, they don’t hand out treats so that the other dogs will listen to them; they hold their respect because of who they are. Besides do you really want to carry a pouch with treats wherever you go? And what happens if your dog finds the neighbor’s cat more interesting than the treats?

Q: If you don't use treats or compulsion, what do you use?

Dogs see things very black and white, they can get things right or wrong, get an “A” or get an “F”, there is no “C” in the dog's mind. To establish a healthy relationship as a leader you need to instill discipline that is clear, not cruel.

Every dog is different in how responsive he is to this discipline. Some need a stern leash correction, some just verbal correction. That’s where good training comes in. Reading your dog and understanding what he needs to get an "A".
Again, it’s all about the relationship. Dogs listen to leaders.

Q: Do you say "NO" to dogs?

We are very careful in the words we use and in how we use them. For example, we use "off" instead of "down" when a dog jumps on the furniture because down is a different command.

We do not use the dog's name over and over again lest it lose its importance in their minds. We want to keep things as simple and clear as possible. No is a “fix it” word. We will show you how to use this word so that your dog fixes his behavior and thus have to use it far less.

Q: Will group obedience classes help me with my dog's problem?

Group lessons cannot focus on your dog's specific needs and some behavior problems are directly connected to the home, like separation anxiety, being territorial, bolting out the door or becoming aggressive around food or toys.

The home where you live is the best place to observe, evaluate and correct your dog’s behavior. Plus it saves embarrassment if your dog has issues during the class.

Q: Will this take a lot of my time?

We teach basic obedience in 2 or 3 lessons. We can usually have your dog off-leash obedient in 4 or 5 lessons.

Q: How soon should I start my puppy?

As soon as possible so you can begin laying a proper foundation for the rest of their life. Yelling, getting frustrated, inappropriate feeding schedules and praise, using the wrong toys and poor leadership are the result of habits that are ingrained from a very young age.

We do not expect too much from puppies as far as verbal commands like down, heal or stay until they are at least 16 weeks, but potty training, jumping, chewing, play biting and all the things that come with puppies can be a huge help. Our lessons are in your home so you don't have to worry about taking the puppy out before the final series of shots.

Q: How EXACTLY do you train dogs and modify behavior?

Dogs are pack animals; they are naturally inclined to leadership. Some dogs are submissive and some are dominant in nature, but both recognize leadership if it is placed over them properly. You have the advantage as you are already over them by providing food, affection and a place to live. We will utilize all these things and more.

Everything we do to control problems and to instill obedience is consistent with the answer to the next question.

Q: Will dog training affect my dog's personality? I want a happy dog.

Dog training should be fun for both you and your dog. If done right, it will take away your dog's anxiety and nervousness because you are now the boss and they don’t need to worry about who is in charge. Their only job is to please you, the leader. Good training enhances a dog's personality, bonds dog to master, and makes it easier to spend time with your best friend.

It is very important for you to be fun, fair and firm with your dog. What firm means is making the rules and utilizing clear discipline. If you don't make the rules, your dog will make them, and you won't like them.

A good dog trainer can show you how to make the rules without bribing with treats, being mean, yelling, hitting, and without you getting as frustrated, or angry.

Q: How much time do I need to practice?

This will vary on how old your dog is, what situational problems you are having and even what breed or how quick your dog is at understanding. The more you work with them the better your dog will be regardless of where they are in these areas. The right structure and repetition will bring the results you desire.

Q: Why aren't you a "Positive Reinforcement" trainer?

When you hear "Positive Reinforcement" it usually means bribing with treats. It is slow, unreliable and does not work in real life for many issues. Real life is when there are distractions present and no treats to bribe with!

Almost half of our customers have been through "Positive Reinforcement" training and they tell us the frustration of it not working in real life situations. We can help you to avoid this waste of time and money!

If you have a specific question not listed here, please give us a call. We would be happy to answer your questions and walk you through our process and methods so that you are totally comfortable.

(909) 841-9028

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You can also visit our Upland Dog Training Blog for more dog training tips and advice.