Dog Training Philosophy

The reason that I started to train dogs was to help improve the overall human/canine relationship. The reason I continue is that I love it.

We enjoy the process of training dogs, and the process of teaching and learning from their owners. We enjoy the company of dogs, and seize every opportunity to be around them. We enjoy watching the relationship between owner and dog improve as their communication improves.

Our dog training philosophy is based on the application of four main principles: Simplicity, Moderation, Balance, and Awareness. Our experience with dogs is influenced by these principles and informed by our study of dog breeds, dog behavior, the relationship between humans and dogs, dog body language, the ways that dogs react to people and people react to dogs.

What is Dog Training?

Our definition is the act of intentionally communicating with a dog. It is a Practice, and something that should be practiced daily. It is a conversation that continues between the dog and the trainer or owner for life.

Purpose of Dog Training:

While socialization helps to domesticate your puppy, dogs must also learn how to communicate with people in everyday life. Training is the key to effective, clear and consistent communication. This form of canine education is based on consistency, trust, and mutual respect.

Method of Dog Training:

Argos Dog Training practices balanced dog training. We look to achieve balance between the owner and the dog in the dog’s environment and in the dog’s life. We balance our lesson time between teaching the owner and training the dog. To achieve this balance, we teach the dog owner how to reduce the latent stress that naturally occurs in a dog’s life; how to create structure in the relationship and environment of the dog; how to enhance the relationship between dog and owner; and how to improve communication between dog and owner. By doing these things, your dog will begin to give you more attention and look to follow your lead. To communicate with your dog we employ all four key concepts of operant conditioning in a disciplined, organized, and fun way. Our goal in communication is to teach your dog:

1. Doing certain things is really good and will be rewarded
2. Not doing certain things will cause loss of reward.
3. To trust you; it is better to do what you, the owner, asks because your understanding of the environment is better and because you keep your dog’s best interests in mind.
4. There are certain things that the dog cannot do, like being violent to get his/her way.

Argos Dog Training, Inc. has helped thousands of people meet their dog training goals and solve their dog problems by continuing to practice our brand of balanced dog training. Argos Dog Training continues to learn, to refine our human teaching and dog training methods, and to share the practical things that will help you Enjoy Your Dog!!!

Approach to Dog Training:

Our suggested approach will vary based on each individual dog and situation. This allows for flexibility; as owner and dog learn how to better communicate, the situation changes and adjustments can be made.

Dog Training Tools:

Before we start training we’ll discuss any and all methods we use. This includes the proper and responsible use of common dog training tools, the correct use, history  and intent of the tool, and any health effects that incorrect use of the tool may have on the dog. We select training tools based on the dog and the owner. We will not use a tool if we do not agree with its use on that dog, or if the owner does not agree with its use.

Benefits of Training and Good Communication:

A trained dog is a pleasure to be around. Any dog that listens to his/her owner and is respectful of others lives a fuller and freer life. The primary purpose of obedience training is to give the dog owner peace of mind that the dog will respond to them in a positive way. From stopping a hyper dog from running away or jumping on people to helping a shy dog come out of its shell, training helps to solve a wide range of behavior problems. Obedience training is a solid foundation for other forms of training. From Frisbee dogs to service dogs, tracking dogs to herding dogs, it all starts with obedience.

The Importance of Owner Instruction:

Each dog responds to an individual according to the way that person acts toward the dog. Dog training is useless if your dog listens to the trainer but ignores you. Therefore, owner instruction is the most important component of these training programs, to ensure the training is effective even when your trainer is not around. Our method for owner instruction is based on listening to the owner and observing the dog’s behavior around the owner. Our goals are to help the owner to see and understand the dog’s behavior, and learn how their actions affect that behavior. Once this is accomplished, it becomes easier for the owner to achieve the desired behavior from the dog on a consistent basis.

Added Benefits of Dog Training:

This form of communication increases the bond between human and canine. The act of focusing intently on your dog during regular training sessions for short periods of time deepens and strengthens the trust in the relationship. The owner learns to predict or anticipate the dog’s behavior. The biggest benefit is that the dog gets to travel more freely and safely in the human world.

Got a question? Ask The Trainer!