C.L.E.A.R Dog Training:Essential Training Tips
- GIVE your puppy a head start to his or her life
- CHOOSE a good puppy school very carefully
- REALISE how compulsion and coercion interfere with learning
- UNDERSTAND what positive reinforcement training is and what it is not
- FORGET the "Alpha Theory" - it's based on outdated and long discredited 1947 research
- AVOID becoming couch potatoes!
Workshops/Seminar
Terry Ryan (USA) in Brisbane for five days June 2012
Wed 20th/Thurs 21st 9am - 4pm
'Chicken Camp'
Click HERE for Video
Click HERE for Brochure
Fri 22nd 6.30-9.30 pm
'Relationship building'
Sat 23/Sun 24th 9am - 4pm
'Coaching People to Train Dogs'
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Click HERE for Registration
Important C.L.E.A.R. Links
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There are several approaches to dog training all of which undoubtedly work - some far better than others. The choices provided can be confusing when trying to decide on the best method for you and your dog. To make this decision it is helpful to know something about the traditional ways and the modern techniques.
These are more fully described in the 'ARTICLES' page of our website under "Training Options". In brief, the major difference - and choice to make - is a personal and philosophical one as to whether or not to include pain and fear as a motivator in order to get behaviour.
If a TV or magazine personality uses a particular training method it is often automatically but incorrectly assumed that they are the fount of all knowledge! Similarly if a local council or educational organisation endorses a particular training establishment it does not follow that modern, kind and efficient methods are used.
The dog training industry is still completely deregulated so, when making your enquiries, you will find it helpful to have a list of prepared questions ready. If the replies are vague, evasive or inadequate then you should keep looking. If necessary keep driving till you find the right place.
Decisions based on a low (or sometimes very high prices) from trainers with no qualifications and little experience can also lead to false economies and/or disappointment. So, it is important to investigate what is available and what value you get for your investment of money and time in terms of, firstly, quality of instruction, secondly, resources provided to help you succeed and, thirdly, results for everyday living in the real world.
Asking the following questions will assist you to make a good decision that will benefit both you and your dog:
| Question | C.L.E.A.R Dog Training's reply |
|---|---|
| What training methods are used? | Reward-based training together with a "Yes! That's right" marker signal. |
| Is food used as a training aid? | Yes, for new behaviours - definitely. Once something has been learned, rewards (food or a toy or whatever else is most wanted by the dog) are used only on a random basis. Being unpredictable when rewarding known behaviours will help make them solid and reliable. |
| Do you use check (choker) chains? | No. Medical studies and post mortems have shown that check chains can cause neck, nervous system or spinal injuries – see www.peta/org/feat/leash for details. We believe the only reason for a lead and collar is for safety and there is no need to use them for education. Check chains - as well as other correctional collars such as prong collars and electric collars - are not allowed. |
| What are your qualifications? What is your experience? |
Our instructors have actively participated with their own pet dogs in various dog sports - some to advanced and championship levels. All are members of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers Australia, whose objective is 'better trainers through education', and several have a Certificate IV in Behavioural Dog Training, the highest tertiary accreditation in Australia for dog trainers. They are well read and keep their theoretical and practical knowledge and skills up-to-date via use of the cutting edge resources in our extensive instructor's library, weekly discussion groups, training days, tele-courses, webcasts, conferences and hands-on workshops and live-in seminars. |
| How are courses structured? | Syllabus, lesson plans, at-home training exercises. Each week, time is set aside for practicing existing skills, addressing problems and learning new skills. |
| How many dogs are in each class? | Small classes, maximum of 7 dogs per instructor. Many classes also have an assistant instructor. |
| What resources are included in the price? | Free training aids and comprehensive manuals, video and book loans, weekly training sheets, photographs, certificate of achievement, telephone and e-mail support. |
| When is payment due? | Prior to commencement of the first group class. |
| How long are training sessions? | 60 - 75 minutes approx. Courses are 4, 5 and 6 weeks. |
| Where and when are the sessions? | In home tuition and behaviour modification sessions - by arrangement anywhere in S.E.Qld. Group classes at various times at our training grounds in Tingalpa. |
| Do you have any literature? | Yes - website, via e-mail or by post. |
| Do you have a guarantee? | The code of ethics of both the Delta Society Australia and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers Australia, as well as their counterparts overseas, strictly prohibit the giving of "guaranteed results" for a dog's behaviour. Why? There is NO such meaningful thing as 'guaranteed behaviour' for a person - let alone that person's dog! Nonetheless, some non-member training establishments do offer a "life time guarantee" on a dog's behaviour - after only one lesson! This promise is naturally appealing but, when analysed objectively, a meaningful guarantee for behaviour of any species (particularly for complex behaviour problems) is impossible. However, we do guarantee to show you the most effective, efficient, easy and enjoyable training method. We also guarantee that, if at the end of the first lesson you advise us that you won't be returning, we will refund your pre-paid course fees and you can keep our course manual, literature and training aids for free. |
| Are you insured? | Yes, we have a ten million dollar public liability policy as well as a professional indemnity policy. |
| Can I contact previous clients? | Of course! Several vets, breeders and dog owners who have brought their dogs to our training have indicated they are more than happy to be contacted. Please also see Owner's comments and references |
| Can I observe a lesson first? | We actively encourage you to do so! We have ample space both inside and outside and welcome anyone who makes prior arrangements to watch. |
