Training Methods & Handling

Learning is never erased, what are you teaching?

By Mary T. Ratelle Hepp, Director - Instructor for Results Dog Training LLC

For over 26 years, we have used the best positive reinforcement - praise! Our handling is a meld of a training, exercise, with proper diet and play with manners to develop confidence, trust, and mutual respect.

A pleasure at all times - whether in your home or yard, at the lake, park or when participating in a performance event. Foundation training is the same for practical or show training. Teaching manners, respect and the discipline to have self control are very important .

Interactive Exercise with You Canines need physically and mentally stimulating exercise. Natural and interactive exercise with you is better than turning your dog 'free' in an electronic yard or putting it on a boring, possibly scary treadmill.

Structured Socializing Is important for your pets well being. They need to be comfortable around other people and pets. Our pets are never turned loose at the start of an activity to teach your pet to run away from you. Group puppy parties, and unmonitored socialization classes can be very damaging to a pet if s/he has an unpleasant experience. Puppies have different perceptions of communicating due to breed and age. They should never be let off leash together to 'work things out'. Would you leave a toddler alone to play and work things out with a group of children that may not be kind or playing politely?

Not Used: Clickers and treats, sounds to incite reactive behavior, luring, squeak toys, squirt bottles, shaker cans and especially electronic or remote buzzing collars. The main influences responsible for the canine clicker training movement are people that are known for their wonderful work with dolphins and chickens - in controlled environments! We are not training sea mammals or chickens!

Not safe: Treat rewards will reinforce a pet to take treats from a hand quickly to reward a "Come" or "Down" may easily lead to an accidental bite. We do not consider this safe or respectful training - especially if a pet is excited.

We do not endorse alpha pins, scruff shakes, yelling, shaker cans or remote and electronic or buzz collars! Do not let anyone use these on your pet, even your well meaning friend, breeder, veterinarian or groomer. What may appear to be a quick fix done by another may not last or work with you. These approaches may actually teach your pet to be more aggressive and or fearful. If you want a happy and relaxed pet, take the time to treat the root.

You are living with your dog, thus you should be the trainer.

Our methods share how to communicate with your pet at each learning stage. Exercise, planned training sessions, and correct handling enhance the relationship as your pet develops. It is important for you to know how to establish your pack respect without teaching your pet to be afraid. This is important so your dog does not develop 'issues' with you or others when it is home or away.

Do Not Use Head Halters (they are not always gentle) or Retractable Leashes!

Neither are not allowed on our training grounds. Either may cause injury and are not recommended for training for many reasons. Note that slip and choke collars should be used with caution. They are not generally recommended as their use may cause your pet trachea damage. If your pet needs more control, there are other methods RDT LLC prefers. We prefer a basic collar and a 4 or 6' leather leash.

Equipment is covered in more detail at the first class, before pets attend. Please do not purchase anything before class, we use basic equipment that you may already have.

Treats are only used for a few weeks with little puppies for leash training, and instruction is given for a quick wean.
Treats are also used for crate training, housebreaking, and just because!

This program wants to be known for dogs that are a pleasure to be around, well mannered and happy! Happy does not mean a tail wag in anticipation of a treat! Did you know that some dogs will wag their tails in a very fast way when they are nervous and anxious! They may be stressed - hoping - hoping - hoping that they are doing the right behavior and they will be given a treat, especially if they are hungry - not when they are happy and relaxed! Some trainers will even keep their dogs hungry to help ensure a response to a command. Sad state for these pets to live by, isn't it?

We strive to ensure that RDT LLC trained dogs are confident, well mannered and happy without needing a food treat in front of their face. Attention here is taught on the trainer, not on food or a toy the trainer could be holding. Trainers are encouraged to enjoy their dog and to incorporate polite play into handling and training.

All dogs deserve to be trained to their fullest potential. Even dogs that have had a sad start in life can learn to 'play' and be happier with the right approach. Not only can good training help dogs become great companions that are easy to handle and a pleasure to live with, it could save their lives! Living with a bratty dog for twelve to fifteen years is not my idea of having a pleasant companion.

Including Household Members

Results Dog Training LCC Class Format focuses on teaching people to train their dog. The instructor teaches the main class trainer and dog. This main trainer should be responsible for teaching new exercises and concepts to the dog. When the dog is responding, this trainer should then supervise the learned training and handling of the dog with all household members. Household members are encouraged to observe the classes that their dog participates in and train at home with the main handlers supervision for consistency in handling. Private lessons are available with household members if needed.

Our Methods Rely on Interaction with the Dog

This is a 'gentle hands on your pet' program The trainer must be physically able to do hands on training, interacting with praise and as training progresses - play. If necessary, the trainer must be able to restrain their dog from visiting other class mates.

Squeak Toys - Not Recommended

Think before allowing your puppy or dog to play with squeak toys. For many reasons they may not be a good idea. First consider the safety issue. The squeak toy can be demolished and swallowed, some dogs have not only swallowed the squeaker, but the whole toy. Squeak toys are not made of digestible materials, the toy may not pass and your puppy or dog may require a surgery to have it removed.

Second - what do most dogs want to do with squeakers? Get em, shred em & kill them dead!!! Why is this a concern? If you expect your dog to have manners in the company of other dogs without wanting to possibly get them, shred em & possibly... If your dog will be expected to have control around live squeak toys - four and two footed, don't encourage or teach them to play with dead ones.

The instructor has witnessed many pets brought in for help that have had serious problems maintaining control and attention when little dogs or people are present. Think ahead - think smart - get rid of the squeak toys, especially if your pet likes to 'kill them dead'! Bratty dogs sometimes become bratty with their own people and especially babies and little people when they are on the floor and in active stages. Be sure to train smart. Some of these behaviors do not become major problems until the dogs are several years old and are very difficult and possibly even impossible to undue.

Currently training? If your current training program is not working - change it, the sooner the better for you and your pet!

Basic Needs.

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