Training Philosophy

Helen uses positive reinforcement, evidence-based training methods, proven to be the most effective way to train your dog.  Helen's approach takes into consideration several factors including behaviour history and current lifestyle, breed specific needs of the dog, genetics, and the individuality of the dog. She uses this information to determine what the motivation behind a particular behaviour might be before deciding on an appropriate training plan.

Positive reinforcement training uses rewards including food, praise, petting, play and life rewards to create strong patterns of behaviour. It can be defined as "rewarding a positive or desired behaviour in order to encourage it to happen again in the future".  Rewards that  your dog loves help to motivate them to participate in training with you.

Helen strives to help you to create a strong, trusting relationship between you and your dog.  She specialises in teaching you how to observe and interpret your dog’s body language so you can understand what your dog is trying to say as well as the essential life skills (such as recall, sit, down, stay, polite greetings, polite walking, wait-there, handler focus, hand target) to help your dog co-exist in our human world. 

Learn how to enjoy your time together, to use relaxation for great benefit, to use enrichment and exercise to meet the individual needs of your dog which can help prevent problem behaviours occurring, to help your anxious or fearful dog build confidence and to provide the necessary tools to help with challenging behaviours including reactivity and over arousal. 

Enjoy the journey and enjoy of being part of a fabulous human-canine team.

This is all done with patience and kindness and without the use of pain, fear, force or intimidation. 

Want to learn more? Contact Helen today!