Fear free Training

Training should be fun. If you or your dog are afraid of your trainer, it's time to find a new trainer. Fear should not have any place in training whether it's humans or dogs. I just don't get it. No one needs or wants a robot dog. Your relationship with your dog is built on trust and love. Not fear. How in the world is a fear filled dog going to come when you call. Oh yeah, a shock collar. Seriously? that makes no sense at all.


I just had to make this post today as I was speaking with some folks today that train with a trainer that makes them and their dog afraid. Why would you? Probably just that they have never been introduced to a positive, force free trainer before. Once you train that way, pain and fear will never be a part of your dog's life. There is no need for it.


Science proves that positive, force free training is the preferred and better way to train. It helps the owner and dog bond together and lasts longer than pain based training. It is used on all kinds of animals and all sizes. WITH SUCCESS!  


Clearly trainers that use fear and pain do not understand or know much about animal behavior. I'm surprised and shocked that this person is still training at this place. I shouldn't be actually as there are many of these trainers popping up all over our city.


So all of this to say: BEWARE. There is NEVER a reason to use pain and fear in dog or any animal training. Don't fall for their BS. If you are looking for a trainer, check with me first. I'll give you the lowdown. I don't want you to be fooled and your dog to suffer fear and pain. There is no need for it. You guys know about positive training. It's the best method! Hands down!

Thoughts on Retiring

So this is my last week before I retire. Semi retire I should say as I will still teach in home consults for a while. It's sad in a way but I'm thrilled to have more leisure time, not have to rush around as much, time to devote to my dogs and time with grandbaby Lydia. And time to make some much needed home repairs and upgrades. Time to do some yardwork which I love. Time to visit my mom's grave site which I haven't done. Time to go to flea markets, yard sales and cook more for my dogs. Maybe get a new puppy, (possibly therapy dog )this fall or next spring.

You guys will still see me around. Maybe at the Family Pet Center, the parks, dog events, dog classes with the new trainers I've help mentor. Maybe at Krogers or Aldys or Wal-Mart. I'll have time to chat and not have to rush. 

I'm still going to keep my Playful Pooches and Parents Dog Training Facebook page, this blog, my website and Instagram. When I get a new puppy, you'll be the first to know. I'll keep you updated on Lil Lydia, Mac, Tulip and Sage. 

It's been a joy and pleasure to be your dog trainer of choice. If you only remember one thing from my classes, remember to train force free and positive. Always. Don't let anyone tell you different. 

I'm always reachable by phone, text, email or pm me. I leave you in good hands with 3 trainers I've mentored: Allison Camp, Diana Healy and Haley Howe. All great and awesome trainers. 

The past 15 years have flown by. It's been wonderful and I have the best clients and dogs! Truly!

Love, 

Your trainer

Lydia 

Should...

Here's a great article. I witnessed this the other day. An incident happened and folks yelled at a dog that it should know better. It was concerning to me for a couple reasons.

Person with reactive dogs should be seeking help for that issue because it's only going to get worse. And it might not end as well as it did this time. In my Help for Reactive Dogs classes I teach both owners and dogs to learn better choices especially when faced with a stray or loose dog. I even teach some of that in my regular classes.

Dog that was yelled at was just acting like a dog would on the loose. It was an accident and he just ran.

But if you have a reactive dog, you gotta have a plan and be aware of your environment and move quick to avoid your dog going over threshold.

Soon I will be setting up my Help for Reactive Dogs classes at the park. First we'll be teaching a workshop on reactivity, what it is, what you can do and what you can teach your dog. Then we'll schedule the classes. Watch your email inbox, my Facebook page Playful Pooches and Parents Dog Training and my website Playfulpoochesandparents.org for more info soon. I can help you and your dog be the best you can be.


https://muttabouttown.com/2017/02/24/the-trouble-with-should/

Missing Nitey

Nitrox passed away Jan 13 this year. He was 14 years and 2 mos. He was part chow and part lab. And he was a barker. That's what I miss the most. Food time-he'd bark. First up in the morning-he'd bark. At Buster the lab chow that looked like his twin-he'd bark. Even broke a tooth fence fighting with Buster. Buster crossed the bridge Jan 16 2012. Nitey and him must be making up and playing right about now. Barking their heads off because they can. Funny that's what I really miss. Sage misses him too even though they weren't the best of friends. Sage barks, and howls but nothing like that annoying, lovable lab chow bark. Run free guys. Run like someone left the gate open. And know that you are loved and missed. 💔

Facebook Live today!

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1249393181776806&id=109545642428238

Sitting at the park having some "me" time. Haven't blogged in a while. So just sharing some thoughts and a pic today. My mom passed away Christmas Day. It was hard but also fitting as she loved Christmas and we spent lots of Christmases with her at my house. Next year I'm putting up a big tree in her honor. Miss you Mom. 🎄

I'm also going Live! Facebook Live This Tuesday 6:15pm. Question and Answers. Because sometimes there's just not enough time to answer all your questions in a one hour class. 🐶

And announcing a new trainer added to the Staff at the Family Pet Center in Anderson. Allison Camp of Pups Unleashed. Check her out on Facebook. She will be teaching on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings. I think you will love her! We will team up on some seminars and workshops this spring. Can't wait for you to meet her.😄

Interesting articles

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/November-Newsletter---Human-Centered-Dog-Training.html?soid=1109003465707&aid=YJGPbLooM5o