All of my clients know I am a positive reinforcement trainer. It’s much better to be proactive and teach your dog obedience and good manners rather than let unruly behavior occur. Nevertheless, owners will have times when it is imperative for them to correct unruly behavior e.g., jumping on quests, barking at other dogs. Dogs, like all higher mammals, learn by associations and consequences. If you don’t give a consequence for bad behavior the behavior will never change. If you love your dog you’ll teach her what’s right and what’s wrong! Therefore, you can’t be quiet when your dog misbehaves! Canine Command teaches auditory corrections which disrupt and stop the bad/primal behavior. Most people have seen Cesar Milan a.k.a. “The Dog Whisperer” use the “sheee, sheee” sound to stop unwanted behavior. This approximates the sound of a snake. Dogs and wolves are mortal enemies of snakes and will stop in their tracks when they hear the sound. Someone got smart and relabeled a can of key board dust buster as the “Pet Corrector” and is selling it on the Internet at a hefty profit! Canine Command uses various auditory corrections paired with no reward markers. such as “Eh. Eh,” “off,” “quiet” and “leave it” to stop unwanted behavior. We also teach escalating corrections i.e., space restriction, for dogs that continue unwanted behaviors despite an auditory correction. The concept- space is a privilege in my house and if you abuse that privilege, e.g., jumping on my quest, your privilege is taken away! Importantly, the corrections we use never involve your hand touching your dog. Your hand should only bring petting praise and treats to your dog. In this way, you maintain your bond and your leadership with your furry friend!
The timing of the correction is just as important as the type of correction. If the correction or reward occurs more than a second or two after the behavior, your dog will not make the connection! Canine Command teaches owners how to time the correction for maximum effect. Also, every correction must be paired with a reward as soon as your dog offers the appropriate behavior. Canine Command teaches owners how to time the positive reinforcement for maximum effect. Proper corrections/reward timing enables owners to reinforce and strengthen good behavior while quickly extinguishing bad behaviors.