Why Train My Dog?

One of the first things you'll talk about in your first lesson with Janice is what it means by the fact that dogs are pack animals and how that works in your home with your family and your dog.

We've all heard that by nature dogs are pack animals, which also means that they prefer to live with, and they definitely thrive in, close-knit social circles. A lot like us humans! And they will definitely flourish in a well-structured, secure environment where all their resources are provided for them (food, water, security, protection, etc.). Again, a lot like us! It must also be made very clear to the dog where they belong in the family "pack". It is the human's responsibility to learn how to provide this stable and comforting environment for their loved dog.

How do you provide this ideal environment for your dog? You provide it by incorporating basic manners and simple obedience techniques into your dog's daily life. Again, dogs are social animals and without proper training, they will behave like animals. They will dig, bark, chew, jump, run, bully, and even bite. The key to preventing or treating these behavior problems is to teach the dog to redirect his natural behaviors into behaviors that are acceptable in the domestic setting. Training is one of the best things you can do for the relationship between you and your dog. It's a very natural way to establish the "pack order" of your family in your dog's mind. It will send clear signals to your dog and eliminate the confusion that again can lead to behavioral problems like excessive barking, jumping, bullying, chewing, digging, house soiling, separation anxiety, fear aggression, etc.

Incorporating good manners and basic training into your dogs daily life is the way to establish the social hierarchy in his world. When your dog sits for you on command, or comes to you on command, and even "shakes" on command, this is not only showing respect for you in your dog's mind, but is also sending a clear message to your dog that you are the pack leader, you're in charge, and your dog has nothing to worry about. Remember, it is NOT necessary, and can generally cause more problems, to use extreme hurtful, harmful measures such as the "alpha roll-over", screaming and yelling, hitting or even tapping on the snout or butt, jerking on the leash, etc.

Extensive studies in canine behavior have proven that the most effective dog training comes from understanding your dog and teaching your dog to understand you through gentle balanced training methods.

Working with Janice, you'll learn all this and more. You'll see how much your dog will love working for you and simply performing sits, downs, comes, shakes, etc., while you are naturally sending the message that you are "top dog". Dog Training With Janice is custom-tailored to your dog's unique personality along with the human's lifestyle. You'll learn the importance of not only exercising your dog physically, but also mentally.

If you have no formal training as a dog trainer, can you train your own dog yourself? Janice answers that question with another question. Can you use just common sense to be a doctor, lawyer, plumber, carpenter, pilot, etc.? Of course not. In fact, sometimes, the wrong approach to training can make life more difficult for you and your dog. If you say "sit" to your dog and he doesn't sit on the first command, 95% of the time, then you are not properly training your dog. When you have a lesson with Janice, you will see results after just one lesson.

Take the step and call Janice. Learn how to understand your dog and how to allow your dog to reach his full potential. And remember that a small investment now in training your dog will bring you and your dog a lifetime of harmonious living!