I developed my nature-based training style based on my early life on the farm. I observed our cows, horses and dogs organizing and operating within their own world and saw how they chose their leaders and most importantly — how they maintained their peace.
As an adult, I could see how trainers and dog owners used harsh and intimidating techniques that were not consistent with how my familiar animal leaders acted. I wanted people to stop yelling at their dogs! To stop instilling fear with the misguided notion that that was the way to “be the boss” and get obedience.
The leaders in the animal word are not loud or mean – they are direct and calm, but establish themselves as Leaders by making and enforcing rules and boundaries. They don’t rely on treats, nor do they need to fight. They enforce their boundaries with symbolic gestures of power. (Nips, barks, bumps.) They avoid conflict through these gestures, but get what they want thru status and respect. A respect that is earned, not through fear, but through follow-through.
Now, in my Dream Dogs program at our Dairydell training school, we give clients the tools and techniques to be the natural Leader their dog is seeking. A Leader their dog can respect, obey and follow.
