Our Behavior Modification Approach
We provide you with the knowledge and practical techniques necessary to resolve issues and enhance your relationship with your dog. Our approach is to listen intently to your concerns, rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all dog training methodology. With nearly two decades of experience in dog training, we understand that tailored solutions yield the most effective outcomes.
Communication
The first aspect of training is communication. Whether we are aware of it or not, each dog lives by a clear set of rules that predict behavior. So while bad behavior may seem to emerge from out of the blue, if your dog could speak she would tell you exactly where the behavior stems from— a combination of genetics, habit, environment and your reactive triggers and responses.
After all, 90% of unacceptable behavior is the result of an owners inability to communicate effectively with their dog. At Bullys Behaven, our job is to determine where your dog’s unwanted behavior comes from and then modify it. We will teach you the language of your dog to get you the results you are looking for and to make them last.
2. Correction and Modification
The other component is correction and modification. Because dogs will respond to a repeatable set of commands if trained properly, at Bullys Behaven we spend a lot of time helping owners to understand how cause and effect work. We will work with you on timing, duration and intensity. All key to effectively correcting or modifying a behavior.
For example, dogs will only learn to change their behavior if you address them while they are in the act of doing the behavior. This may sounds simple, but you would be surprised how many dog owners unwittingly undo their dog’s training by mistiming corrections and praise.
Much like with children, there is never a quick fix, but a lifetime commitment to dedicated consistency. Once you tell us what your problems are, we begin a to build a customized, step-by-step approach to training that leaves you, the owner, both informed and confident enough to continue the process on your own as you share your life with your best friend.
TRAINING MODALITIES
Behavior Modification Training includes changing routine behavior, while Obedience Training involves teaching verbal and hand commands to dogs so that they respond in a certain way. At Bullys Behaven we believe these two disciplines go hand-in-hand and so we typically use a combination of both. We focus on correcting problematic behaviors in the moments they occur.
“Unteaching” bad habits that result from bad training
As with everything in life, there is cause and effect. When misguided training is prescribed the long-term effects can be worse than the initial behavior you were trying to correct. Many dogs come to us with bad habits learned as a result of their previous training. In these cases we act as revisionists, “unteaching” the dog rather than “teaching” them.
Understanding dog psychology
At Bullys Behaven our training is based on leadership and understanding how the canine mind works. Our training methods include, but are not limited to: reading body language, leash corrections, motivation, determent and when suitable, reinforcement. Our training methods frequently involve working with our other dogs, because often dogs can teach each other better than humans can.
A large part of our training also includes teaching owners techniques and fundamentals that if improperly applied can undo the best training in the world. We will spend time working with you on critical skills like timing and understanding the intensity of correction required. We stress this part of training because many owners unwittingly encourage bad behavior by mistiming their reaction to a dog’s behavior. For example, praise offered at the wrong time can cause a dog to misinterpret an action as praise.
Where is our dog training conducted?
Training sessions are conducted either in your home, an outdoor location or at our facility. It all depends on the issues your dog is having. We will discuss the best course of action based on your concerns.