Dog Training Methods


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Training with Treats = Bribery It doesn't take a genius to figure out that if you use treats to teach a dog a command, he's going to want a tasty tidbit every time you give him that command. If it's a cookie to "Sit" and a bone to "Heel," you'll need a pretty big nap sack when you're out and about! And the dog will eventually need a diet! It's like giving a child a toy every time he's good. Pretty soon the toy box is bigger than the house! Uncle Matty says that there are some times when treats are useful in behavior modification, especially in the case of aggressive and frightened dogs.		Training with Praise = Respect Dogs want to please their owners - and a trainer they respect. "S- i -i -i - t" says Uncle Matty as he gently eases the puppy into a sitting position! "Uncle Matty's proud" he says in high-pitched dogeese, and the puppy's tail vibrates with genuine satisfaction. Before you know it, there's a well-trained dog who is motivated by love, praise, and affection, not bribes. Uncle Matty also says that once in a while, in extreme situations, treats may initially help the dog feel more secure and comfortable if he has a timid or aggressive temperament.

Training by yelling = Abuse Believe it or not, there are trainers who think that the only way to communicate with a dog is to demand a response by yelling a command and yelling "No." They even yell the words, "Good boy!" Dogs are not hard of hearing. Quite to the contrary. Trainers who employ verbal abuse haven't learned to communicate with canines any other way. They are lacking in technique and can't see training from the dog's point of view. Yelling is abusive among humans. Uncle Matty says "It's also abusive to yell at a dog. You have to know the difference between being firm and being abusive."		Training with love = a responsive dog People who watch Uncle Matty work with a dog he's never seen before are amazed at how quickly the dog responds, even if the dog has never had any training. How could the dog resist? Just listen! Matthew's voice speaks mountains. It's loving and gentle. And then, of course, there is his trademark praise in high-pitched dogeese. It sounds encouraging. Even when Matthew says "No," it is understandably firm, but never threatening or abusive. Just call it positive communication. It's what dogs respond to. And imagine the positive effect on the bonding process.

Training with force = Abuse There are some trainers who mistakenly think that force is the only way to get a dog to obey commands. In fact, some still use primitive things like rolled up newspapers and shock or pronged collars. Uncle Matty says these are concepts from the dark ages, to say the least! Training is not an excuse for abuse. It's the basis for communicating with your dog. And how can a dog respond in a loving, trusting way to physical abuse? It's impossible.		Training and affection = a loving dog Big dogs, small dogs, shy dogs, fearful dogs and dogs with problems all deserve to be treated with love, praise and affection. Trainers who understand this also have extensive knowledge about dog behavior. They know that love, praise and affection can motivate dogs to respond better, learn quicker and solve problems easier. The result is a loving, well-behaved dog that's a wonderful companion and a treasured family member. Isn't that the point?

All Kinds of Dog Training: There are more methods of dog training in the world today than you can imagine -- everything from reading the dog's mind to letting the dog find his own best behavior. That's in addition to Clicks and treats, bribes and auto responses. A well trained dog learns to communicate with you while you learn about dog behavior. And of course, effective training is better achieved when the dog is rewarded with lots of love, praise and affection, Uncle Matty style.

In-Home Training: Uncle Matty and his experienced professional trainers will train your dog and solve problems with love, praise and affection utilizing Matthew's techniques. The experts come to your home if you live in most areas of Northern California.

Kennel Training/Doggy Camp: Wherever you live, Kennel Training is the best option for some dogs and for some families. Uncle Matty offers consultations to help you choose the best kennel for your dog.

Wherever you live: You and your dog can enjoy Uncle Matty's professional help. Find out about Sessions by Phone working personally with Uncle Matty on basic training and/or selected problems like housebreaking.

If you choose another trainer, please find out what techniques are used. Find out where they received their training and how much experience they have. Don't hesitate asking about their training methods or requesting to watch them work with a dog or two. Talk to some of their clients. If you are going to leave your dog for in-kennel training, check out the facility. Make sure accommodations are adequate and clean, with 24-hour supervision. Make sure all dogs must have required shots before coming to the kennel. Above all, avoid abusive training methods.