Philosophy of Training

Keys to Successful Training

Training should begin as soon as you bring your new puppy home. This also applies to newly acquired older dogs. House breaking, play biting, chewing, jumping, digging, etc., should be addressed and corrected as soon as it occurs.

Repetition and consistency are the keys to successful training. However, if the wrong correction is done with repetition and consistency the dog will not only be confused, but will continue the habit you are trying to break.

When you bring your new dog home, he is going to behave in the manner to which he has become accustomed. Puppies instinctively explore with their mouths and can't distinguish between a chew toy and furniture. They must be taught the rules for your particular home -- what is acceptable and what is not. It is your job to communicate these rules clearly, effectively, and in a way your dog can understand.

JCM's offers professional obedience training founded on a realistic and practical approach. Our program format is based on dog psychology, (how dogs actually think and learn), not human psychology, (preconceived notion of how people think dogs should think and learn).

Successful training begins with having an accurate understanding of the way dogs perceive their environment. Dogs do not have the ability to reason and are not capable of abstract thought. Dogs live "in the moment," and learn through "cause and effect." Corrections for unwanted behavior have to be applied at the exact moment of incident, not before and not after. In addition, 95% of the dog's communication skills are conveyed through body language. Understanding this body language, and knowing when and when not to apply it, is also critical to successful training.

Training must consist of contrast and balance. It cannot be all positive or all negative. Ignoring unwanted behavior only rewards and promotes that same unwanted behavior. By the same token, neither can dogs learn under fearful conditions. Correcting the dog (verbally and/or physically) after the fact or inappropriately only leads to confusion and intimidation. JCM's All Breed Dog Obedience School is designed to teach owners how to train their dogs and how to become the dominant pack leader. Our program is so effective you will see dramatic results within the first hour.

Our first class addresses all behavior problems with a hands on approach: jumping, chewing, digging, barking, taking things (such as clothes or towels), housebreaking, play biting, aggressive behavior, and so forth. There will also be an in-depth discussion and insight into dog psychology. Additionally, owners will learn the proper way to walk their dogs without being pulled.

Included in the introductory class, and throughout the course, there will be demonstrations with a trained dog that has been taught by the same method in which your dog will be trained. You can expect similar results with your dog using these same techniques. However, you must work your dog and follow the instructions you receive in class.

The JCM's Dog Obedience Course is a structured and progressive program. This eight (8) week course is taught to AKC (American Kennel Club) regulations. It covers the complete range of basic commands, including hand signals and off-leash. Each week the previous lesson is reviewed and new material is added. Training taught in this way gives both owner and dog the advantage of learning step-by-step.

Food reward is not a practical form of training, so no treats are used in our program. The dog and owner should form a partnership based on communication, not manipulation. In other words, your dog should listen to you, not a piece of food. In addition, using food obligates the owner into carrying a food pouch everywhere. The use of food in dog training can also have detrimental consequences.
In the wolf, or dog pack, there are rules that each pack member instinctively follows. The top or "alpha" dog eats first. Each member, according to rank, eats next. The bottom, or "Omega" dog always eats last, getting whatever scraps are left. He will even bring food to the dominant dog as a way of appeasing him. By using food to teach your dog to obey, you allow your dog to eat first, subsequently placing yourself in a lower ranked position. In addition, being the food dispenser further reinforces the fact that your dog has top dog or "Alpha" status.

Dogs of Alpha status show dominance, defiance, and aggressive behavior when interacting with lower pack members. They can be very loving, but it is always on their terms. They will play bite excessively, snap and lunge when corrected, drag you when being walked, not come when called, and fight if you try to hold them. They will also show aggression and possessiveness toward their food bowl, toys, and anything else to which they lay claim.

In training your dog to listen, his full attention has to be on you. If the dog is working for food, his attention is on the food. He will do whatever it takes to get his choice morsel. However, when the food runs out, or something is more important, such as a cat across the street, a child on a bicycle, other dogs, etc., you realize that you have NO control. On leash, he will pull relentlessly, oblivious to your commands. Off leash, your futile cries of "TREAT, TREAT" fall on deaf ears. Your dog is a loose cannon, and possibly in real danger. The reason your dog chooses to ignore you is because no dog will listen to a lesser ranked pack member, be it a person or another dog.

Properly applied corrections, balanced with properly timed praise, reinforces leadership. Even the most dominant dog will relinquish his position. Unlike people, dogs don't get angry, nor do they retaliate. Once dominated, the dog will take his place as the lower pack member. Results will be seen immediately.

It takes talent, skill, and experience to train dogs properly. Only a true professional can convey the necessary techniques to train the canine, and educate his human counterpart.

Before you choose a trainer, you should consider what their knowledge and skill levels are.

JCM's...

JCM's...