RELATIONSHIP TUNE-UP

Looking for something different? 'Relationship Tune-up' is for anyone who thinks "it could be better" but isn't sure how.

A relationship tune-up might be in order if:

• You have done basic training, but find yourself frazzled or overwhelmed by your dog
• You are not interested in 'training', but would like to do more with your dog
• You need support for sadness and stress caused by illness (yours or your dog's) or other difficult life circumstances
• You want to ensure your dog is having their best life
• You or your dog have lost your emotional or physical zest and need new routines
• You are a creative person and want to 'improv' your relationship with your dog
• You need help to build a better relationship between your children and your dog 

Q & A

How do I build a more positive relationship with my dog?

The first step is to become more aware: simply observe and assess! Pay attention to the number of positive, fun or affirming interactions you have with your dog, compared to the number of negative or repressive ones.

Ideally the ratio is 5:1 — often hard to achieve in busy households!

For more on building a positive relationship, contact us.

Why do so many animal professionals use positive reinforcement these days?

Positive reinforcement training is gaining popularity because it's effective and it's ethical — that's why many Humane Societies and SPCAs have adopted it.

It's worth noting the prevalence of a different but related field, positive psychology, used by many therapists with their human clients. Positive psychology focuses on what promotes well being, rather than focusing on mental illness and pathology. https://www.coursera.org/learn/the-science-of-well-being

What is relationship-based dog training?

Relationship-based training means different things to different dog professionals. In simplified terms, traditional positive reinforcement dog trainers teach clients to see dogs as learners to be taught behaviours using positive reinforcement.

Most relationship-based trainers also use positive reinforcement, but put more emphasis on the reciprocal nature of the learning process between human and dog. More focus is given to building attunement and attachment.

There's a lot of overlap amongst trainers, and labels might not be the best basis for selection. Instead, talk to us.