Wizards of Paws

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10/12/2022

Wizards of Paws Dog Training

So you've decided to have your dog professionally trained. There are some things that you need to be aware of when you have someone, besides yourself, train your dog. The first is that you will have to practice for this to work.
You will be given instructions on how to practice and maintain the skills your dog has learned.
There are basic commands that your dog will learn and you will need to understand and employ;

“The Rules of the Game”
This is a game and your dog will expect you to know how to play the game without changing the rules.
In time. you may decide that certain aspects of the game are not necessary in your environment and that is okay as long as whatever rules you use, remain consistent.
There is a beginning and an end to each command and always a reward, be it a kind word, a pet, a treat, a toy or when he deserves it, exuberant praise. Never a negative response from you.

For example;
I have taught your dog to come when you blow the whistle and that he will always receive a positive response from you.Then one day there is a loud plane going over and your dog doesn't hear the whistle so does not respond as trained. You blow it again and become angry because you spent a lot of money on training, late for work, etc. etc.This time the dog hears the whistle and comes to you as he is trained to do but you are angry so instead of praise, you scold the dog. Now you have broken the trust that you have worked so hard to develop. Now the dog responds slower on his return or doesn’t come at all. You’ve broken your trust with him. Can it be fixed? The answer is, yes but depending on the degree that you broke the trust, it may take some time and the command will have to be rebuilt. You will receive instruction on how to do that also.
Training develops a form of communication. Lucky for us, they are also forgiving creatures and unless we create a traumatic experience. we can fix mist misunderstandings.
Dogs are not out to overthrow the government of your household and are not trying to be dominant. It is more likely that you are not leading your pack and there must be a leader.
Their society is set up differently than ours. They have a pack leader always and we, in our human society, try to be fair. They have a pecking order, top dog on down to the last. They are loyal and nurturing to their pack as you should be to yours. After all, your family is your pack, including your dogs.

The next pages are intended to give you the rules of the game that I have created for your dog as well as some basic tips for success in developing you and your dogs agreed upon language. You will grow from there. That is my hope. Please take the time to learn these basic rules of the game.
Thank you for choosing, “Wizards of Paws Dog Training.” Don't hesitate to call if you have any questions.

Sincerely,
Cynthia Kerrigan
253-431-1540

09/14/2018

Good morning,
When I train a dog for someone, the first thing I do is have a conference with the owners discovering what it is that they want out of the training. I consider is the environment in which the dog will live. I then figure a plan that the owners will be able to do to continue training since training is an on going lifestyle that must work for both the dog and human. Obviously you can't expect an English bulldog to go jogging or a non-verbal person to spout commands, for example.
Next, I begin to communicate with the dog, discovering the dogs likes and dislikes, stress points and desensitize those while beginning to create a foundation to build our communication system on, whether it be clicker, verbal or visual.
Next, I create the first "marker." A marker is a sound that tells the dog that his actions are correct and a reward is awarded. I then teach the dog to work for me, not the reward, yet at this point there is ALWAYS a reward for correct responses and it is always accompanied by affection. At some point in the future, affection may be the only reward available and I would hate to have the dog associate disappointment with obedience at this point.. Other rewards could be playing with me, tug, ball, etc. This marker also tells the dog that he/she doesn't have to perform this action any more. End of Game.
A "not correct" marker is also introduced. This indicates to the dog that his response was "not correct" and that he should try again. No physical punishment is given at this point although I do introduce pressure and release about now." Soon after this point, I may also begin introducing a physical signal, a small tug, for, "Not correct." The dog is now learning how to handle the stress of a correction. If a correction is given too soon in the program the dog could, Shut Down" or quit wanting to play the game.
Once this is developed, I create a sound that sustains behavior until the end marker is sounded. This develops, memory, duration and stamina while building physical endurance in some cases. For example, the length of time a dog has to maintain a sit, stand, or stay.
I use luring or baiting to motivate and translate to the dog, which behavior I wish him to perform and give an immediate reward when it is accomplished. Once I am sure that I can recreate the behavior, I add the word (sit, for example) and reward/release. Soon the dog begins to offer the behavior when the word is spoken or signal is given. Eventually the lure of bait doesn't exist and only body English remains.. Finally even the body English fades away leaving a dog that responds to our command. By this time the dog is compelled to perform the action once he hears the command.. It becomes habitual
Basically, these are the tools that I use to train a dog. There is much more involved in the process such as learning to read the dogs communication signals and respond to them so the dog doesn't think that I am ignoring his opinion, etc.. But in a Nutshell this is it.
Hopes this helps someone train their dog.
Many people use Pinch collars, choke chains and e collars. I'm not saying these tools are bad when used correctly but only after a foundation like this exists or in an emergency situation, they can be effective but It is unfair to Painfully PUNISH any living thing especially if they have never been taught.

This is our little training area and canine housing..not to mention this is in a gated RV resort with 6 foot concrete wa...
09/14/2018

This is our little training area and canine housing..not to mention this is in a gated RV resort with 6 foot concrete walls and an off leash park. To me, these are perfect conditions to Train A dog. Plus the car for outings.

09/06/2018

Seminar is at
Rancho Vet Tack and Feed Supply
625 W. Esplanade Ave.
Hemet, CA.92543

Thanks to Molly, The owner of Rancho Vet Tack and Feed Supply

Hope to see you all there Sat. October 6th At 11 am.
Can't Wait to meet you all
Yes, you can bring your dogs .However, we won't be training that day and it will be very warm so please consider your pets. I wouldn't leave mine in the car if it is hot outside and if being inside is a stressful situation for your dog, you might consider leaving them at home and scheduling a home visit/evaluation for a later time. Evaluations are free if within 20 miles from Hemet or pay a low cost travel fee if further than that. Molly, the owner is very knowledgeable and stocks many brands of dog food and supplies so plan on restocking while you are here...PS she may want us back for future seminars if it proves to be good for business.

Address

18131 Langlois Road N5
Desert Hot Springs, CA
92241

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+12534311540

Website

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