Training Humans to Speak Dog!
WHAT IS BALANCED TRAINING?
When you google the definition of balanced dog training, you’ll get all sorts of results such as “using rewards and aversive methods such as physical punishment.” For a lot of owners doing their own research, reading information like this can be scary and completely steer you away from balanced training altogether. While there are absolutely people out there who “train” in a forceful style, Premier Pack Training does not subscribe to those methods.
For us, balanced training is simply the use of rewards and corrections to communicate with a dog. We use a lot of praise, treats, and play in our training, while also incorporating properly-conditioned training tools used to better communicate and correct for a behavior that does not need to continue. Similar to parents of human children, we have lots of fun with our dogs, but also have to correct and teach them when they are doing the wrong thing.
You may be wondering what a correction looks like. When people hear the word “correction” or “punishment,” their minds may immediately think of yelling at or spanking a dog. When in reality, a correction can (and should!) actually be gentler than you think. We believe in the proper use of training tools such as: Slip-leads, E-collars, Prong collars, and FOOD! A correction can absolutely be uncomfortable for a dog, but should not cause them pain. Oftentimes, a single moment of being uncomfortable can clearly communicate to a dog that a behavior is unacceptable far more than using a hundred treats to teach an alternative behavior.
PRONG COLLAR
Training & Behavioral Specialists
Let’s talk about the prong collar! The prong collar can seem like a “scary” tool to use, when in reality, it’s one of the SAFEST! When fitted properly, this collar applies pressure around the entire neck, compared to a regular flat collar which applies all pressure to the dog’s throat. A correction is only felt when the dog pulls against the collar. The BEST thing about the prong collar is that it mimics a mother dog’s correction, providing an instinctual correction. The dog immediately understands the feeling and quickly catches onto the idea of “pressure and release”. Your walks will be TRANSFORMED when properly using a prong collar. We teach you how to use it properly and safely.
E-COLLAR
Training & Behavioral Specialists
Now for the E-collar - this is our FAVORITE tool for almost any dog, especially timid or fearful dogs who need a very gentle touch. The E-collar is NOT a shock collar. Instead, it functions exactly like a tens unit used in physical therapy and at the chiropractor.
The brand of E-collar you use is VERY important. The Dogtra 280C is one of the most popular systems we love and use. It is simple, reliable and easy to learn. It is so important to use a system that has at least 100 levels. Most “E collars” with only 10-20 levels use more of a “shock” rather than a mild “stimulation”.
The E-collar is an INCREDIBLE way to communicate with your dog in a way you’ve never been able to before. We teach dogs to understand the E-collar before ever using it for corrections. When used properly, your dog will be excited when they see their E-collar come out! We also use the E-collar to teach reliable, off-leash communication. The E-collar is used like a seatbelt, there when you need it, but you’re not relying on it.
