The canine world is constantly evolving and professionals are growing in number. Among these professionals, we find very different ideologies and it is sometimes difficult for an owner to navigate them. I therefore wished to clearly express my values and beliefs regarding dog training through this page.
THINK DOG was created with the deep intention of changing mindsets regarding dog training and the dog's place in the family. That is why you will never hear me speak of a «pack», a «leader» or being «dominant». These notions very often lead owners to be «annoyed» with their dog, thinking that the latter is conspiring to take over the household. From my perspective, as well as being based on incorrect information regarding how dogs operate, these notions drive owners to use training techniques that are detrimental to their animal.
A small example to illustrate this: Your dog gets on the sofa and despite your requests he does not get down.
If you approach it with the mindset «He's doing this to test me and wants to dominate», what will your reaction be? It is very likely that your tone of voice will escalate as the demands continue and you will set up a power struggle between your dog and yourself, sometimes even grabbing him by the collar or even shouting at him «so that he understands who's in charge».
Now assume that your dog gets on the sofa because it's comfortable, would your reaction be the same? Would you be just as upset?
Our emotions undeniably influence our reactions, which is why starting from the assumption that a dog adopts certain behaviours to spite us, can only lead to negative reactions on our part. With THINK DOG, you will learn to first look for the exact origin of a behaviour in order to react appropriately while respecting your dog's emotions.
What does force free training mean?
The dog is a sentient living being. This means that it's capable of feeling the same emotions as us. If we want to respect the dog, we must take its emotions into account by avoiding putting it in situations of physical and psychological discomfort. Therefore, no choke, prong or shock collars are permitted during the sessions. You will learn to train your dog without annoyance in a calm and peaceful atmosphere.
To ensure your dog feels at ease wherever he goes, I believe he must first feel completely safe by your side in everyday life – which, in my view, is impossible when training is based on intimidation. My aim is therefore to train your dog whilst helping you to build a strong, trusting relationship, so that your dog feels completely safe.