Dragon Canine Training

What does IAABC-ADT mean?

IAABC-ADT stands for International Association of Animal Behavioral Consultants Accredited Dog Trainer. This means I have been tested to high standards by the IAABC on my knowledge and experience in dog training. It also means I follow a specific standard of practice and have to complete mandatory continuing education hours to keep my status.

The credentials I hold remind me in my training to uphold and honor my values and standards. I believe in maintaining well-being in the five domains of Nutrition, Health, Physical Environment, Behavioral Interactions, and mental state. I care about procedural selection, choosing the best procedures that utilize non-aversive techniques.

I maintain anti-discrimination in all my training with my clients, and do my best to recognize my own inherent biases when it comes to my procedural selection, keeping in mind the experience of the learners, both human and animal.

What type of training do you do?

My training is positive reinforcement-based with the dog’s welfare as a top priority. We keep in mind the dog’s health, emotions, exercise, and mental fulfillment needs. When it comes to training a dog, we focus on what we want the dog TO do rather than what we want the dog to stop. We work on communication and teaching you to not just communicate to your dog, but listen to your dog’s communication to you as well. Positive reinforcement-based methods are the most scientifically backed information we have when it comes to dog training.

What do lessons look like?

Lessons look different depending on whether it is private or in a group, as well as if it is online or in-person. For instance, if we are having in-person private lessons, we will likely meet at your house, a park, or a pet-friendly location. Lessons are booked in hour-long sessions, and we meet at the same time every week. During the lesson, I will be teaching you how to achieve your goals with your dog. We will often take a couple of short breaks to “reset” and play, to ensure the dog is not feeling overwhelmed, and during these breaks we will often talk about the science behind what we are doing, talk about training situations you have had in the past with your dog that have been hard, and much more. I will often leave you with resources or notes from the lesson so you can continue to practice. Virtually, we will meet over video call; I can demo things with my dog if needed and watch you work with your dog over the call, and I will write down notes to give to you as well.

What is AKC testing and titles?

The AKC is the American Kennel Club. AKC has tests to earn titles that prove your dog’s ability and skills. Any dog can get a title with the AKC, whether purebred or a mixed breed. Titles like the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test your dog’s manners and obedience, such as being able to come when called, be pet politely, walk by another dog, and more. Titles like the Trick Dog titles show your dog can do a certain number of tricks from a list. When you get a title, your dog gets a ribbon and certificate from AKC. I have had some people reach out to me for CGC testing because if their dog passes the Canine Good Citizen, they get a discount on their rent. Getting titles is a good bonding experience, helps fight off boredom, creates better behavior for the real world, and is a reminder of all the hard work you have put into your dog and your bond. For more information on titles, see the AKC’s website.

What do I have to bring to lessons?

I would recommend a standard 6-ft leash that is not bungee, a flat collar or Y-Front harness, a treat pouch with a variety of high- and lower value treats, current vaccination records, and poop bags. Additionally, if your dog is very toy motivated, I suggest bringing a toy. A longer line (about 15-20 feet) is also useful in many instances, if we are working on recall, engagement games, and loose leash walking. If we are working on heeling or loose leash walking, some people also like to bring a spatula or SodaPup Lick Stick with either peanut butter or Kong Spray treat.

If you ever are considering bringing a certain item but aren’t completely sure, just ask, or bring it anyway.

Do you train difficult dogs?

Yes, I have worked with many dogs labelled as stubborn, independent, difficult, fearful, reactive, spiteful, vengeful, and more. However, some of these labels are not completely accurate for a dog’s emotions. I utilize a variety of techniques to help dogs succeed. Additionally, my training utilizes classic and operant conditioning principles. This science-backed approach is effective on all dogs, regardless of age and breed. Breed often plays a role in a dog’s learning style, and I am prepared to adapt to your dog’s unique needs. I take pride in my ability to train a variety of dogs but also recognize that some cases are beyond our scope. When appropriate, we may refer you to a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, Behavioral Consultant, Veterinary Behaviorist, or other professional if needed.

I do not currently work with severe behavioral or aggression cases. Contact me for a referral to a qualified Behavioral Consultant, Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, or Veterinary Behaviorist.

Do you offer payment plans? How much is training?

Training packages need to be paid upfront before the first class. I do understand tight budgets, which is why I have kept my pricing as affordable as I can. I do offer individual session purchases instead of packages, so while it is overall less expensive to choose a package class deal, it is still an option to pay for each class individually.

Thank you for your understanding that currently I can not risk having my schedule full of partially paid classes.

Please see the pricing tab for the full current price list. If you have questions about it, please reach out!

What does Science-Based even mean?

Dog Training is Psychology. We utilize classical and operant conditioning in dog training to teach a dog what we desire, and reinforce behaviors we want to see. Ever heard of Pavlov’s dog? That is classical conditioning. If you haven’t heard of Pavlov, but you have seen the show The Office, you may have seen the episode where Jim dings his computer and gives Dwight a mint. We use classical conditioning in the form of markers, with the word “yes” or a clicker, where you push a button to make a sound. We pair the marker with a treat to let the dog know that right there is what we want, and it predicts good things.

The study of Behaviorism in Psychology has been around for quite some time, and was most popularized nearly a hundred years ago with B.F. Skinner. You may have also heard of a Skinner Box. B.F. Skinner did experiments with rewards and punishments. In his writings in 1937, he argued that the effects of punishment were immediate but temporary, meaning it was not conducive to long-term learning. When the threat of punishment was removed, the desired behavior stopped. In addition to the behavioral fallout, he observed negative consequences in the rats, including increased aggression, fearfulness, and distress. Since then, we have seen numerous studies back up these findings: that punishment is not as effective for long-term learning and can leave worse psychological damage.

Lots of people take the quadrants of Operant Conditioning at face value and think punishment stops unwanted behavior, when it is a lot deeper than that. Reinforcement is stronger than punishment, even for dogs with low emotional regulation skills.