While it’s important to note there are four quadrants of operant conditioning at our disposal, every client’s training plan will include the use of positive reinforcement. Dogs must be rewarded and incentivized to perform behaviors for us. While that is often accomplished by using food, a reward can also come in the form of pets, play, or praise.
Training Philosophy & Methods
I am a LIMA trainer.
“LIMA’ is an acronym for the phrase ‘least intrusive, minimally aversive.’ LIMA describes a trainer or behavior consultant who uses the least intrusive, minimally aversive strategy out of a set of humane and effective tactics likely to succeed in achieving a training or behavior change objective. LIMA adherence also requires consultants to be adequately educated and skilled in order to ensure that the least intrusive and aversive procedure is used.
LIMA does not justify the use of punishment in lieu of other effective interventions and strategies. In the vast majority of cases, desired behavior change can be affected by focusing on the animal's environment, physical well-being, and operant and classical interventions such as differential reinforcement of an alternative behavior, desensitization, and counter-conditioning.
Building the Foundation
Behavior doesn’t exist in isolation; it’s affected by your dog’s health, diet, environment, and relationship with you.
Effective training begins when your dog’s physical and emotional needs are met. That’s why I emphasize mental stimulation, structured exercise, and enrichment as key components of every plan. We’ll explore activities and tools that fit your lifestyle while supporting calm, focused behavior.
Whether you already have a strong bond with your dog or are still building one, our work together will help deepen that connection. My goal is for you to become your dog’s most effective teacher.
understanding the "Why" Behind Behavior
Lasting behavior change starts with understanding why your dog behaves the way they do. Every behavior your dog performs serves a purpose. When you understand the reasons for your dog's behavior, you're not just going through the motions; you're aware that you’re taking meaningful steps to address the root cause rather than just the symptoms.
Teach Your Dog What To Do, Not Just What Not To Do
Imagine how confusing it can be for your dog if we're always saying "no," but don’t guide them on what to do instead. Dogs learn best when they know what earns success. By providing specific alternatives and guidance, we're giving dogs a clearer understanding of what's expected from them. This method prevents frustration, reinforces desirable behavior, and strengthens trust between you and your dog.
clear communication
I firmly believe that a harmonious and content relationship between dogs and their owners is built upon the foundation of clear and effective communication. This involves teaching effective methods of communication through an owner’s body language, hand signals, verbal cues, and well-timed verbal markers. Clear communication also means that we provide consistent consequences, expectations, and incentives. Together, we'll work on refining your communication skills, ensuring that you and your dog have clarity in your interactions.
win the attention competition
For the majority of dogs, the allure of the outside world tends to overshadow their owners: squirrels, smells, people, sounds. My job is to make you the most rewarding part of your dog’s environment.
Using the right incentives, we'll teach your dog that choosing to focus on you is always the best option. The result is better recall, calmer walks, and a stronger connection that holds up in real-world situations.
