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Balanced Training

A More Effective Approach to Training

 In order for dogs to learn, they need to be taught what behaviors are desirable, and also those that are undesirable. Imagine taking an exam and being given your score, without being able to assess which questions you got correct and which you got incorrect. You are just told you failed and are given no explanation. That is what we are doing to our dogs when we do not use a balanced approach.

When canines communicate with each other, they are able to clearly demonstrate with their mouths, the behaviors they find undesirable. Their friends who have received that communication from them are then met with the consequence of being growled at, snapped at, or biten. This is the most biologically and psychologically appropriate method of learning for a dog. If we do not have a way to communicate with our dogs that makes sense to them, we are not going to be able to effectively train them.

Balanced trainers use prong collars and ecollars (not to be confused with choke chains and shock collars), in order to establish an intricate language that owners and dogs can use to effectively communicate, develop an appropriate bond, and live comfortably together.

Even though prong collars and ecollars are often portrayed as dangerous or harsh tools, they are far from that. Do not let their appearance or the ignorant and uneducated opinions of others mislead you into making the wrong, and often detrimental, decision for your dog. Prong collars are actually one of the safest and most gentle ways to effortlessly communicate with your dog both during training and after.  Because the e-collars we use are so neutral and mild, modern e-collar training allows for the very best communication and transferring of skills from trainer to owner.  While many are concerned that the dog is being “shocked” into listening, the truth is, high-end e-collars are based on the same technology as TENS machines used for physical therapy in humans. Which means, your dog feels a mild, benign sensation that is not harming to them mentally or physically. The sensation, in many cases, will relax your dog when they are otherwise highly fearful, aroused, stressed, etc.