Training methods

Dogs, like humans, need to be taught in a way that they can understand. The origins of Thedogman’s training are taken from Pavlov and Skinners theories and a host of others that followed. The modern and positive based learning technique is fun, easy to learn and is satisfying for both dog and owner. The system is regularly used by many professional dog trainers and behaviourists, all it takes is a little time each day, patience and understanding.

The training will promote the dog's lateral thought, allowing it to think for itself. The positive based practice encourages and accelerates the dog’s learning process, which will also secure a trusting relationship with the owner. Each coaching session will have a briefing, stating the aims and objections for the training session and how it will be achieved. The coach will, with the owner’s dog give a practical demonstration allowing them to see the exercise and demonstrate a proofing technique; this step ensures that both dog and owner has an understanding of the required behaviour before attempting it themselves.

What behaviours will the team learn?

All of the behaviours reflect a practical ability for the owner to be able to control their dog in the community. The skills are based on the ‘National Code’ as defined by the British Institute of Professional Dog Trainers

They include basic practical control exercises – getting the dog in and out of a vehicle, going through a doorway, control whilst meeting people, reaction to another dog, controlled walking on a lead, recall from free a play situation, sit, down and change of position in the sit and down position.

The structured training program also includes examination and grooming, canine National Laws and Local Bylaws, the Country Code and the general dog owner’s code of ethics.

Each training session is tailor made to suit the needs of each dog and owner team.