Positive Response Dog Training utilizes ONLY Positive Reinforcement (Force Free) Training methods.
Force Free Training is NOT just about food!
Operant conditioning (as it is known) is a method of learning that occurs when an animal makes an association between a behaviour (e.g. sit) and the reward (e.g. food, toys, pat, etc.). The reward helps to increase the animal’s behaviour so that it earns as it learns.
We can find examples of operant conditioning all around us:
- Children completing homework to earn a reward from a parent or teacher
- Employees finishing projects to receive praise or promotions.
In these examples, the guarantee or possibility of a reward causes an increase in the behaviour. This method of training allows the dog to freely decide to participate.
There is no force or coercion.
Gone are the days of pushing an animal into place or using aversives such as check chains, prong collars and other barbaric equipment. If you are told to use any old-school methods – say NO to force and join a training organisation that works with the latest scientific information as listed above.
Only you can make the difference to your pet in training!
Prior to your Training Session
- Please ensure that you confirm your scheduled appointment time within 24 hours of receiving notification – if not confirmed, your session will automatically be cancelled
- Please ensure that the information you provide to us about yourself and your dog is true, accurate and current and that you have disclosed any and all behavioural issues relating to your dog
- Please promptly advise us of any changes to the information provided including your contact information e.g. lost your phone
- You must use the Service within eight (8) calendar weeks of payment (unless otherwise arranged with your trainer)
What’s Required at your Session
- Ensure that your dog is wearing an acceptable collar/harness and lead (see below for full explanation)
- No other pets (unless a multi dog training session has been booked)
- Ensure that your dog is restrained throughout the session
- Ensure that other pets are kept away during the session
- Family members willing to attend (where possible we recommend the whole family attends the sessions – see below for young children)
- SOFT treats (See Below for full explanation)
- Poo bags
Acceptable Collars & Leads
- Flat Collars
- Harness – if you are looking to buy a harness we sell and strongly recommend the Harmony Harness (front loaded harness). These can be purchased on the day or pre-purchased online. They come in many colours and can also be made to measure for dogs if required.)
- NO retractable leads or chain leads or bungee leads.
- DO NOT bring your dog on a check chain, electric shock collar, citronella or prong collar.
Treats for Training
Bring high value human food to treat your dog during your training session. Ensure that treats are cut up into small portions. Please see below for suggestions:
- Devon/Luncheon Meat
- Sausage/Cabana
- Chicken Roast
- Boiled Chicken (good for sensitive tummies)
- Steak
- Hot Dogs
- Cheese
- Dog dry food – please bring only a small portion along with another type of treat as your dog may not focus on you for dry food only
Young Children
Children are welcome to attend training, however, there are important safety considerations that must be adhered to for the benefit of your children and yourselves:
- Can your child sit still and be quiet for up to 1 hour under your strict supervision?
- Will they take directions from a trainer and from you the adult?
If your children attend the training sessions please bring them something to keep them entertained (e.g. a snack, colouring book, etc.). Children must stay seated with parents or carer at all times unless the trainer has asked them to do some of the training.
As a policy, children under 16 years of age are not permitted to hold the lead during training. We do encourage children to participate in the exercises while parents hold the lead. It is the responsibility of the adult over 18 to control the situation with a child under the age of 18 and above the age of 16 who is holding the lead. At any point in time the adult must still give the child permission to work with the dog and must be in full control of the situation. Please note children under the age of 8 must be able to sit still or sit quietly under your supervision.
Training Considerations
Consideration is the key to a successful training program.
- SWITCH OFF MOBILE PHONES prior to training.
- Keep outside noise to a minimum i.e. television turned off or volume low
- Smoking, consumption of alcohol or use of illegal substances is prohibited during training (we reserve the right to refuse service if you breach these conditions).
- Give your trainer your full attention.
- NO hot beverages are permitted during training
In Case Of Incidents
Please advise us IMMEDIATELY if you or someone else is sick or injured. All trainers carry mobile telephones and will organize medical assistance if required. We have a first aid kit on hand for minor injuries.