Approach
All too often we see dog guardians either using out-dated training methods, bits and pieces from the web, and misunderstanding their dog's body language. The communication is misunderstood which leads to frustration and confusion from both parties. Understanding your dog’s body language and learning how to motivate your dog in a humane manner is also positively rewarding for guardian(s) and their dog(s).
My Approach
Devoted Dog's methods in reward-based training includes reinforcement ( rewards), shaping (steps to goal), stimulus control (cooperation without coercion), clicker training (marker), and untraining (inadvertently learned behaviour). Michele has extensive training in: breed genetics and effects on temperament, dog behaviour, body language and signals. The latest in today’s training techniques are used to get your dog in sync with you. Her IACT Academy training program was all hands-on, learning techniques both at the training centre and at the Delta dog shelter that was founded by her Instructor in 2004. Dogs had various behavioural issues, including jumping, pulling on leash, and reactivity to other dogs. Michele enjoyed the segment on animal behaviour the most and using that information with the training techniques is one of her stronger traits.
Mission Statement
Combining your dog’s loyalty and trust with his/her desire to learn in a reciprocal - respectful manner, Devoted Dog educates and trains guardians and their dogs to develop a lasting bond of trust and communication. The result will be a dog that is calm, feels secure, and looks up to you for guidance and safety.
Training Philosophy
Emphasis is on safety, rewarding your dog with dog treat for the right behaviour and working at your dog's pace of learning. The wrong behaviour is not rewarded (treat withheld) and provides information to your dog what doesn't work as a "wrong signal" because food reward is not available. In a nutshell how to and how not to. Devoted Dog does not use punitive training methods or equipment that is not BCSPCA Animal Kind approved. With Positive Reinforcement force free training results are reasonably quick, with the exception of some behaviour issues that may take more time. We train at your dog’s pace of learning with breaks anytime your dog needs them. Your dog should never ever be put in a highly stressful situation. In positive reinforcement training, trainers use treats, favourite toys and favourite play for rewards as reinforcers for the right behaviour. Constant food rewards called reinforcers in R+ training are just needed in the learning stages. Treat rewards are only reduced when behaviour is more reliable. Dogs are very observant and are fluent in our body language. Providing time to maintain your dog's training keeps your dog’s mind sharp and dogs like predictability and structure. The biggest part of training is the human part. Teaching with good communication, listening, collaboration, adaptability, empathy and patience. Michele keeps training engaging, provides value in real-world learning, exchanges the best practices, and also has a lifelong love of learning. Devoted Dog teaches how to lead with kindness, confidence and fairness. Ultimately you learn to be a calm, consistent, kind and fair communicator to your dog.