Is Mindful Paws for me?
At Mindful Paws we use a balanced and permission based training approach; We reward desired behaviors and we correct unwanted behavior. Once the dog has been taught what we're asking, we move to the phase where they are required to look to us/you for permissions (to walk out the door, load in and out of the car, break from structured walk, etc). So many naughty behaviors surface simply because dogs don't understand what is expected of them and it is up to us to guide and teach them what is expected of them. By setting forth rules, establishing boundaries and guiding them through the learning process we can create a very clear understanding in your dogs mind of what they can and cannot do. Please dive into our site, make yourself familiar with our videos and training philosophy as these are the best ways to establish a strong understanding of who we are and what we do.
Who will be training my dog?
Meg currently works as the only trainer at Mindful Paws, but does from time to time employ the help of close friends and family when she needs an extra set of hands for certain training scenarios.
YOU will also be training your dog. While we get things off to a solid start and provide you the tools needed to maintain our work, you will still need to practice and maintain the training we have established.
How long will the sessions be?
Sessions average 60-90 minutes.
What will my involvement be?
We often ask for video of your dog displaying behaviors you wish to correct and will ask you to provide that to use prior to our consultation. For best results, we will work with your dog without you present, but will bring you back in and involve you in the last 1-2 sessions where we will go over everything your dog has learned and coach you in how to maintain the training. Dog training never stops and it is for that reason that you must understand that YOU WILL have to continue to work with your dog, at a maintenance level, every day. As soon as you start to let things slip and let behaviors slide, your dog will begin to test the boundaries and fall back into old habits.
Do you use tools on puppies?
We do not graduate puppies to a prong or e-collar until they are at least 4 months old. Our primary training tool for puppies is food.
Will I have to change how I interact with my dog?
The short answer is probably, yes. For you to achieve best results we will spend some time evaluating your current routine with your dog and identify what daily rituals may be negatively effecting your dog's behavior. Boundaries and structure will have to be established in and outside of your home. You may be required to start crate training your dog, if your dog is allowed on furniture this may need to stop, you may be required to reduce the amount of affection you give your dog. Not all of these things will necessarily be for forever, but we won't know what or how things will need to change until we can evaluate your specific situation. Every dog is different!
Why do you use prong collars?
Prong collars are one of the best tools we have to gently share information and create a harmonious relationship with the least amount of physical stress to the dog. By applying even the slightest amount of directional pressure with the prong collar we can guide your dog and help them better understand what we're asking. Prong collars are often portrayed as dangerous or harsh tools, but don't let their appearance or the uniformed opinions of others mislead you, they are actually one of the safest and most gentle tools available to allow us to almost effortlessly communicate with your dog.
Why E-Collars?
Because it’s so neutral, mild, and involves very little mechanical mastery, modern e-collar training allows for the very best communication and transferring of skills from trainer to owner. While many are concerned that the dog is being “shocked” into listening, the truth is, contemporary, high-end e-collars are based on the same technology as TENS machines used for physical therapy in humans. Which means, your dog feels a mild, benign sensation that is not harming to them mentally or physically. Amazingly, most dogs work at levels that most humans often can’t even feel. In addition, the e-collar enables many challenging issues (reactivity on walks, jumping, barking, stealing food) to be resolved quickly and easily.
My dog is fearful and nervous – I shouldn’t use an E-Collar with him, right…?
Actually, modern e-collar training, combined with our unique approach to it, is the very best solution for seriously fearful dogs. E-collars help guide dogs out of the negative loop they've created in their head and helps them to find a calmer and more comfortable state of mind.
Do you use treats?
We use what works. All dogs have different motivators, some love balls, some love food, some aren't food motivated at all, some get way too excited about food. While we still use tools, we will use other motivators to teach and encourage dogs as well. If we are going to use food, we typically do not use treats, but the dog's regular kibble instead. With puppies, food is our primary training tool.
Do you work with aggressive dogs?
This is a case by case basis as it depends on the level of aggression. Please do submit a contact form to us for review and please do not assume that because your dog has been labeled as 'aggressive' that we will turn you away. Sometimes what his perceived as aggression is actually something else and can be easily reformed. If your dog has a bite history (human or dog), we may require you to muzzle train your dog prior to our sessions.
At Mindful Paws we use a balanced and permission based training approach; We reward desired behaviors and we correct unwanted behavior. Once the dog has been taught what we're asking, we move to the phase where they are required to look to us/you for permissions (to walk out the door, load in and out of the car, break from structured walk, etc). So many naughty behaviors surface simply because dogs don't understand what is expected of them and it is up to us to guide and teach them what is expected of them. By setting forth rules, establishing boundaries and guiding them through the learning process we can create a very clear understanding in your dogs mind of what they can and cannot do. Please dive into our site, make yourself familiar with our videos and training philosophy as these are the best ways to establish a strong understanding of who we are and what we do.
Who will be training my dog?
Meg currently works as the only trainer at Mindful Paws, but does from time to time employ the help of close friends and family when she needs an extra set of hands for certain training scenarios.
YOU will also be training your dog. While we get things off to a solid start and provide you the tools needed to maintain our work, you will still need to practice and maintain the training we have established.
How long will the sessions be?
Sessions average 60-90 minutes.
What will my involvement be?
We often ask for video of your dog displaying behaviors you wish to correct and will ask you to provide that to use prior to our consultation. For best results, we will work with your dog without you present, but will bring you back in and involve you in the last 1-2 sessions where we will go over everything your dog has learned and coach you in how to maintain the training. Dog training never stops and it is for that reason that you must understand that YOU WILL have to continue to work with your dog, at a maintenance level, every day. As soon as you start to let things slip and let behaviors slide, your dog will begin to test the boundaries and fall back into old habits.
Do you use tools on puppies?
We do not graduate puppies to a prong or e-collar until they are at least 4 months old. Our primary training tool for puppies is food.
Will I have to change how I interact with my dog?
The short answer is probably, yes. For you to achieve best results we will spend some time evaluating your current routine with your dog and identify what daily rituals may be negatively effecting your dog's behavior. Boundaries and structure will have to be established in and outside of your home. You may be required to start crate training your dog, if your dog is allowed on furniture this may need to stop, you may be required to reduce the amount of affection you give your dog. Not all of these things will necessarily be for forever, but we won't know what or how things will need to change until we can evaluate your specific situation. Every dog is different!
Why do you use prong collars?
Prong collars are one of the best tools we have to gently share information and create a harmonious relationship with the least amount of physical stress to the dog. By applying even the slightest amount of directional pressure with the prong collar we can guide your dog and help them better understand what we're asking. Prong collars are often portrayed as dangerous or harsh tools, but don't let their appearance or the uniformed opinions of others mislead you, they are actually one of the safest and most gentle tools available to allow us to almost effortlessly communicate with your dog.
Why E-Collars?
Because it’s so neutral, mild, and involves very little mechanical mastery, modern e-collar training allows for the very best communication and transferring of skills from trainer to owner. While many are concerned that the dog is being “shocked” into listening, the truth is, contemporary, high-end e-collars are based on the same technology as TENS machines used for physical therapy in humans. Which means, your dog feels a mild, benign sensation that is not harming to them mentally or physically. Amazingly, most dogs work at levels that most humans often can’t even feel. In addition, the e-collar enables many challenging issues (reactivity on walks, jumping, barking, stealing food) to be resolved quickly and easily.
My dog is fearful and nervous – I shouldn’t use an E-Collar with him, right…?
Actually, modern e-collar training, combined with our unique approach to it, is the very best solution for seriously fearful dogs. E-collars help guide dogs out of the negative loop they've created in their head and helps them to find a calmer and more comfortable state of mind.
Do you use treats?
We use what works. All dogs have different motivators, some love balls, some love food, some aren't food motivated at all, some get way too excited about food. While we still use tools, we will use other motivators to teach and encourage dogs as well. If we are going to use food, we typically do not use treats, but the dog's regular kibble instead. With puppies, food is our primary training tool.
Do you work with aggressive dogs?
This is a case by case basis as it depends on the level of aggression. Please do submit a contact form to us for review and please do not assume that because your dog has been labeled as 'aggressive' that we will turn you away. Sometimes what his perceived as aggression is actually something else and can be easily reformed. If your dog has a bite history (human or dog), we may require you to muzzle train your dog prior to our sessions.