Dogmanship

 A well-rounded, relationship-based approach to training, because dog training is more than just teaching obedience commands

Training is all about communication and relationship; whether it is a matter of simply managing your dog in your home and everyday life, behavior modification to eliminate problem behaviors, or preparing for dog sports or shows, you must help your dog understand what you are asking and you need to know what your dog needs from you in order to succeed. Understanding how dogs learn and what motivates them is essential.

I have been educated in various approaches to dog training over the years since acquiring my first dog and in my journey to becoming a professional dog trainer, from the outdated coercive methods used 30 years ago, to balanced training, and pure positive. I have studied cynopraxic training using LIMA (Least Intrusive Minimally Aversive) approaches and have found this resonates with me and is the most effective method. My approach is based on this and is best described as dogmanship; I’m a relationship-based trainer who emphasizes clear communication, fostering cooperation through reward based training, and I advocate teaching a dog structure and boundaries. I don’t eschew any tools; choice of appropriate tools depends on the dog, the owners, and their objectives and needs. But ultimately the goal is to have a dog who responds and behaves when at liberty, with no training tools. That is a socially responsible, well-behaved dog.

Good dogmanship is crucial to successful training. But what is it? Dogmanship is often defined simply as the ability to interact with and train dogs, but it goes much deeper than that. The term is a spinoff of  the term horsemanship (generally defined as the ability to ride a horse), which reflects not only riding and training ability, but also treating animals with respect, fairness, and understanding. For me, Dogmanship is an approach to training rooted in respect for the dog and knowledge of how dogs perceive and respond to the world around them. It is diplomacy, the ability to deal with dogs in a sensitive and effective manner. It is an approach to training based on establishing clear communication and building a relationship with the dog. Training is about motivating the dog to do something rather than forcing him, helping the dog make the right choices, rewarding him when he does, and guiding him when he is wrong.

Paws & Repeat K9 takes an individualized approach to each client, addressing your specific needs and giving you the resources to help your dog be the best he can be.