Introduction: We take a very holistic approach to training and behavior. Behavior is quite contextual and heavily layered; various factors and ingredients feeding into, influencing, and impacting it. What most people see and begin to address is the symptom and by-product of an underlying need not being met and fulfilled, and the stress, frustration, insecurity, and anxiety created due to this. The symptom is the problem, yes; but the symptom is also the expression and extension of the problem.
We're also heavily schooled, experienced, and educated in all these ingredients (e.g. Nutrition, Dog Psychology and Behavior, Human Psychology and Behavior, etc), so our programs are incredibly well-rounded and address both ends of the leash (after all, there are two; each directly impacting the other). "Behavior" is a web of many things that are interconnected and influencing the next.
Much like with people, unfulfillment leads to neurotic behaviors (excessive digging, barking, jumping, chewing, whining, aggression, etc). Dog training is, what I refer to as, "inadvertent life coaching". We are our dog's primary source of information, and we're helping to shape and develop their self and world concepts. Once we understand how to meet and fulfill a dog's instinctual needs as a member of a completely different species of animal, most misbehaviors tend to decrease in intensity or resolve themselves. Dogs look to us for their cues, guidance, directives, and how to feel about every situation they enter into, and they're not born understanding what we consider to be appropriate, polite, or respectful behavior. The onus 100% falls upon us to teach them this and help them connect those necessary dots.
Dogs are constantly communicating with us, everything is a conversation; but most people don't understand how to read or interpret what it is they're conveying. We can't teach, lead, or guide, without understanding how to best and most effectively communicate first. My goal is to help bridge the gap between human and canine, and build a foundation based upon mutual trust and respect ~ the platform from which all successful training stems. To help people step up and into the role their dog needs them to play, therefore enabling the Dog return to calm and balance.
Gosh, this work is so rewarding on so many levels. Everything learned in working with our dogs literally ripples out into every other arena and aspect of our lives. Showing up as calmer, more grounded, better versions of ourselves. Becoming more aware of ourselves and the energy we're bringing into each space. Learning how to communicate more effectively. Helping the human to realize his or her strength, influence, and confidence. Through empowering the human end, we enable people to become the leaders their dogs absolutely need them to be. This inevitably and directly affects the canine end. Teaching and empowering the human, training and guiding Dog. Vastly improving quality of life and peace of mind for both. After all, there are two ends of the leash.
This works lends itself to positive shift and change, and even complete transformation. What we offer, you simply can't put a price tag on: Hope. Possibility. Relief. Peace of mind. And quality of life.