08/12/2023
I get a lot of call from owners who have small dogs or poodles/doodles/puppies.
Usually these people have already consulted with other trainers and were put off by the amount of shepherds/working dogs they have, the abrasive educational conversation the trainer has with them, or the kennel space they’re expected to leave their dogs in.
When the owner finally sits down with me and sees my house of shepherds and the kennels in my house, they’re not put off. They’re intrigued.. why? Because they can see my dogs are quiet, calm, well cared for, and sitting in the 70 degree house on a hot summer day. They ask about the time I’ll have to spend with their dog, how long their dog will sit in a crate, and if their dog will get to socialize..
My answer is what makes them choose me.
My day revolves around your dog. Dogs do not want to train for hours and hours every day. They need play, structure, mental games, quiet time, personal space, consistent training sessions, walks, exposure to new environments, and even the ability to learn social skills. I don’t write my day out on what I’m going to do with each dog. I simply include them in my daily routine and errands and set fair expectations on how they should behave. I may need them to come, sit, down, place, heel, or stay. So I teach those behaviors on a walk, in the store, at the park, in the living room, at the beach, in the yard… just like the owners will when the dog goes home.
We don’t need to get the same level of obedience out of a Malinois as we do a Yorkie. They won’t be treated the same in their normal environment, so how would I be helping that dog and owner coexist better?
By training each dog based on their individual needs, genetic characteristics, and owners lifestyle.
