Positive training methods create positive results.

Training Dogs with Respect.

A well-trained dog demonstrating Loose Leash Walking

Although dogs are not humans and shouldn’t be treated like children, we can take a parenting type approach to training and create a safe and positive environment for them to learn, play and grow. Play is just as important as learning, and if done well, training and play can be the same thing. We approach dog training as a creative process by understanding what the dog wants and using it to the owner’s advantage. Meet Romping Dogs’ trainer, Kat Camplin, to learn more about her background.

The truth is, as humans we didn’t have the best learning experience ourselves. Our school system is designed to memorize facts, mathematical equations and the alphabet by repetition and then test to see how well we remember. Early dog training used this same scenario. By repeating the command over and over and forcing the dog into the position, we could make the dog understand what we wanted. By saying the command, we were testing to see if they remember.

If you’ve ever had a wonderful learning experience it was probably hands on, like getting to mix chemicals together to make a small explosion or turning a pottery wheel at just the right speed to make the clay move how you wanted. It was a bit of trial and error and you felt a sense of pride when you figured it out. Hobbies usually fall in this category like making scrapbooks, photography or rebuilding cars. They take some technical knowledge, but they are mostly a creative process.

Dog training can be a creative, fun process for both you and your dog, and you can both get that sense of pride when you figure it out. For you, it’s learning how to move your body and set up your environment so your dog can figure out what you’re trying to teach. For your dog, it’s a very fun game.

Dog wordsearch game

CLICKER, DOGS, DOWN, LEARNING, LOVE, POSITIVE, RESPECT, SHAKE, SIT, STAY, TRAINING

Can you find the words in the puzzle above? You have context, you know your alphabet, and with some attention you can find the words. Dogs do the same thing. They figure it out. It’s not guessing. It’s looking at the environment, looking at you, and listening to what you’ve said you like as you lead them in the right direction. They put all this together and come up with a behavior. That’s positive dog training.

We take the robotics out of dog training and give dogs the ability to shine with their own personality and abilities.

Dog Obedience Goals

Before you embark on a journey, have a destination in mind. Before you contact any trainer, figure out what you want and ask the trainers you contact how they will help get you there. Visualize what you want your life with your dog to look like, what your day and schedule is like and the time you can devote to your dog, then find the right person to help.