Why should I hire a certified dog trainer?

The dog training industry is unregulated and unfortunately there are dog trainers that are not training according to best practise, humane and welfare first standards. This can cause harm to your dog - both behaviourally and physically

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I am proudly certified by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, an organisation that values integrity, continuing education, excellence, scientific principles and transparency. Their code of practice involves the use of least intrusive minimally aversive (LIMA) training methods for dog training.

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What is LIMA and why is it important?

Least Intrusive and Minimally Aversive (LIMA) is not just a training system but a belief system underpinning everything that I do. It means that I will adhere to the Humane Hierarchy and ensure that any behavioural intervention priorities the health and welfare of the dog (and the humans!). 

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This is a competence based system of training, which requires me to never stop learning!  I will first set up the environment for the dog to be successful with management strategies and addressing the dog's individual needs. Then I will use positive reinforcement and teach the dog behaviours that are incompatible with the problematic ones.

And if a behavioural problem or case is out of my knowledge/experience threshold, I will consult with fellow trainers and/or refer you to another before ever reaching for more aversive methods. Being honest and transparent to my clients is vital to me and I'm always happy to answer any questions about how I train and why!

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Why don't you use aversive tools (prong, choke and shock collars) in your training?

Short answer: I don't need to use tools that cause fear, pain or discomfort to teach behaviours. Long answer: There are many scientific studies that support the theory that living beings do not need harsh punishments in order to learn. I worked with many powerful and dangerous animals in my career - wolves and dolphins to name a few - and I never needed to use any aversive tools to work with them. 

Instead, I built strong relationships with these animals so they trusted me and felt safe with me. Even with aggression, it was about recognising the emotion behind the behaviour and teaching them how to self regulate those emotions and how to behave when triggered - instead of how not to behave. 

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Behaviour is wonderful and complex and I believe in creating harmonious relationships with our canine companions rather than suppressing behaviour with aversive control.