RELATIONSHIP-BASED TRAINING:

Derived from the theories of symbolic interactionism.

Relationship-Based Training exploits the patterns of communication, interpretation, and adaptation between dogs and their trainers. Building on a positive relationship between them, the method sets out to achieve results that benefit both the dog and the trainer, while at the same time enhancing and strengthening their relationship.

This basic principle includes ensuring that the dog's basic needs have been met before beginning a training session. Finding out what motivates the dog and using it to elicit desired behaviors. Interpreting the dog's body language to improve communication between the dog and the trainer, and then using positive reinforcement to encourage that desired behavior. Training incompatible behaviors to replace the unwanted behaviors, and finally, controlling the dog's environment to limit the possibility of unwanted behaviors.

Because of this, any trainer who "guarantees" results is being dishonest, as well as violating the profession's code of ethics.

"Refrain from giving guarantees regarding the outcome of training, because there is no reliable way to guarantee the cooperation and completion of all parties involved."

(This statement is supported by the (IACP) International Assoc for Canine Professionals, (NADOI) National Assoc of Dog Obedience Instructors, (APDT) Assoc of Pet Dog Trainers, (PPDT) International Positive Dog Training Assoc, and (APDTA) American Professional Dog Trainers Assoc.)

At GOLDEN RULE K9, our pledge to you is that upon conclusion of the program, your dog will possess the foundation for obedience, manners, and good behavior as well as a dramatic improvement with regard to his or her primary behavioral issue.

—Shylo Gray
GOLDEN RULE K9

To understand dog training, it's necessary to have some basic knowledge of how dogs think, learn, and behave. A dog decides whether or not he is going to repeat a behavior by the direct consequences of that behavior. If a behavior brings a reward either from you or the environment, it's more likely to be repeated.

There are several factors that go into reinforcement training. First of all, what makes a "reward" "reinforcing"? Think of a reward as a motivator in the eyes of the dog. Reinforcement is anything that the dog finds motivating. The more you reinforce your dog's good behavior, the more these behaviors become good habits. You need to find your dog's motivating triggers such as play, praise, toys, affection, and the occasional food treat. This is your dog's "salary", it's what he's willing to work for.

3-WEEK HOMESTAY FUNDAMENTAL BEHAVIOR TRAINING

Your dog will live with us in our home for 3 weeks and be trained in the fundamentals of obedience, commands, manners, and most importantly general good behavior. At the end of the 3 weeks, we'll do two private lessons with you, to ensure that you know the how's and what's your dog has learned, control problem behaviors, and be an effective leader.

18-Day PupStart

Kickstart your puppy's journey with essential skills and socialization in just 18 days. This program lays the groundwork for a well-adjusted and obedient dog.

• New loafers chewed up by untrained puppy: $200
• Vet bills from stitches when untrained Fido got off leash and ran into the busy part of the park... and attacked by another dog: $1,300
• New couch to replace scratched, ripped, and chewed up cushions after 10 months with an ill-mannered untrained dog: $3,000

You and your well-trained dog's happiness & safety... pricing your best friend's LIFE: PRICELESS!

I once read that "people get pets because of their behavior, and often get rid of them because of their behavior". When pet owners fail to teach their pet's appropriate behaviors, both animals and people can be injured and pets can lose their homes.

Training is important in helping to keep pets safe, and I believe the most important part of any training is clearly communicating to your dog what you want him to do. While many dogs learn how to perform tasks while "on leash" some dogs' responses deteriorate once the leash is removed. The most important task for care givers is training their pets for life in and outside their homes.

Behavior training is one of the most important aspects of raising a dog. In fact, a well-trained dog is by far a happier dog! Why? A trained dog is safer and requires fewer restrictions. The more reliable the dog, the more freedom he is given. You and your dog's lives will be more pleasant and fulfilling with training.

For example, many stores and businesses welcome a dog that will walk nicely by his owner's side on a loose leash or will sit, down, or wait without hesitation. Without company stores, there's no need to banish a well-behaved dog to another room for fear that he will be a royal nuisance. A well-mannered, obedience-trained dog is both a joy and welcome. Is receives more attention and interaction from family members, visitors, and passers-by, than does the ill-mannered dog.

You as Your Dog's Leader:

Training serves to strengthen the bond between a dog and his owner. It builds communication, interaction, and mutual respect, and subtly demonstrates to your dog that you're the leader of your pack. If your dog doesn't respect you as his leader, you may both be in big trouble, particularly if he's a bit rowdy or dominant by nature.

Training May Save Your Dog's Life:

Behavior training helps your dog become more responsive. It enables you to have immediate control over your dog's behavior and in emergency situations obedience training may save your dog's life.

You can, and undoubtedly save the lives of many dogs, because far fewer dogs would end up in animal shelters if their owners would have trained them.

For those dogs that do need homes, a trained dog is far easier to adopt out to a new home than an untrained one.

Statistics show, puppies that receive early socialization, obedience, and temperament training are far less likely to end up being destroyed by the time they are three years of age than those that do not receive this early training.

The Consequences of an Untrained Dog:

Without proper training, many dogs are likely to misbehave, and when owners allow their dogs to misbehave, everyone suffers:

• The owner, because he or she lives with an unmanageable dog
• The dog, because everyone's down on him for misbehaving
• The neighbors because living next to a difficult dog is no one's idea of fun
• And ultimately every dog owner, because each incidence where a dog creates a nuisance increases anti-dog sentiment, and contributes to the likelihood that tougher legal restrictions will be placed on all dogs and owners.

Behavior Training Benefits Everyone:

A well-behaved, trained dog is a pleasure to own because he can go virtually anywhere without being a risk or nuisance to others. Don't we all want a dog who exhibits appropriate behavior in a crowd, with guests in our home, around children, with other dogs, and with passers-by?

The bottom line is that fundamental dog training truly benefits everyone, and makes it easier for dogs to live in human households.

Transform Your Dog's Behavior

At Golden Rule K9, we believe that every dog deserves a chance to thrive in a loving home. Our relationship-based training methods not only teach obedience but also foster a deeper bond between you and your dog. Whether you're looking to enroll in our 18-Day PupStart program or seeking guidance through our Advanced Obedience training, we are here to support you every step of the way. Reach out today for a consultation and discover how we can help you and your furry friend.

Join Our Training Community

Ready to take the next step in your dog’s training journey? Contact us to schedule a consultation or enroll in one of our specialized training programs. Our experienced trainer, Shylo Gray, is dedicated to helping you and your dog achieve lasting success through positive reinforcement and effective communication. Don’t wait—let’s work together to create a well-behaved companion that you can enjoy for years to come.