"Positive training is the only way to develop a common language based on mutual trust, respect and love which guides dogs into making the right choices without damaging the relationship between man and dog."
Victoria Stilwell
FAQs
What does Jennifer's Dogs do differently than others in your field?
I come from a background of working with dogs with reactivity or fear/anxiety issues. This means that your dog being comfortable and stress-free is my number one priority. I focus on having a calm environment for your pet to succeed in.
What is your training methodology?
I use Positive Reinforcement as well as Behavior Adjustment Training (BAT). I also follow LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive).
What is dog reactivity?
Reactivity is exactly how it sounds! Your dog is reacting to something in the environment, but in a way that is out of the normal spectrum of dog behavior. This includes lunging at joggers/bicyclists, barking/lunging at dogs/people or even fear of unknown dogs/people. A lot of dogs have these behaviors, but it is when they become problematic that behavioral training is needed.
What is Positive Reinforcement?
Positive Reinforcement is adding a reward (treat) to a behavior we want to increase (sitting). Jennifer's Dogs is based on the principle that if you reward the behavior you want then you will have a better result for a longer period of time. However, if you punish a behavior you don't want, you will have a lesser result for a shorter period of time.
What is Behavior Adjustment Training (BAT)?
Behavior Adjustment Training is a technique developed by Grisha Stewart. It can be used to treat dogs with fear, anxiety or even aggression! It uses a gentle approach by slowly introducing a dog's trigger from a safe and comfortable distance. For more information about BAT please watch this video!
What is LIMA?
LIMA stands for Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive. It is exactly as it sounds! It means that you start with the least intrusive method and with the least aversion when it comes to dog training. At Jennifer's Dogs we never use aversive training methods such as choke collars or shock collars.