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Training Basics for You and Your Dog

1/31/2017

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Training dogs and young puppies can often be a daunting task. Many owners wonder if they're doing more harm than good with training methods often developed out of necessity, rather than sound research and experience. I've complied a short list of some of the basic 'golden rules' of dog and puppy training to help you and your dog get the results you want.

Consistency First
Consistency is a necessary element of your dog's life. Not just as a puppy, but for the duration. Dogs thrive on consistency; consistency of command cues and gestures, consistency of routine, and consistency of care. It is important that your dog understand what it is you're asking of them. This is only possible with consistent behavior from you, the pet parent, and any other members of your household.


Learn the basics and set your dog up for success!
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Reward the Positive, Ignore the Negative
​When your dog or puppy performs with good manners and behavior and you reward her, it makes the dog more inclined to repeat the action. To any animal, actions that result in a reward are actions that are worth repeating. Healthy treats are a perfect way to reward your pup for good manners, but like all things, be sure to use treats in a controlled manner, to reinforce the good behavior you want.

Negative rewards, for a dog or puppy, have nothing to do with scolding, yelling, hitting, yanking, etc. Believe it or not, this expenditure of energy on your part will actually reinforce the behavior you do NOT want, encouraging your dog to repeat it again and again. Instead, don't use your voice at all. Avoid making eye contact with your dog or puppy, and quietly, calmly, redirect your pet's attention to the behavior you DO want.

Shorter is Better!
Dogs, and especially puppies, have very short attention spans. They will also get frustrated in long sessions that require their undivided attention, making your job as the pet parent that much more difficult. Instead, keep the sessions short and if your dog's attention does begin to waver, stop for awhile and do something else for a little while. After a few minutes, come back to the lesson you were attempting to teach initially.


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Finding the Key!
​One of the most powerful ways to motivate your pet is to figure out what her favorite reward is. Sometimes, it's a particularly delicious treat. For other dogs however, it's a game of catch-the-ball, frisbee, or access to their favorite toy. Even just a big heap of love and compliments on their fuzzy heads are all that's needed. No need to overcomplicate this one, dogs are easy to please!  


​Punishment Never Works
You may be inclined, due to what you've experienced in the past as regards raising a well mannered dog, to punish your pet's bad behavior. Fortunately for everyone involved, punishment of a pet, whether it be physical, verbal, or otherwise, it simply doesn't work. All that punishment of your dog will do is reinforce what you do not want, forcing your dog to become sneaky and hide the behavior. Eventually, your dog will become fearful of you, reluctant to share your affection, and self-isolating. This is not the path to a trusting, healthy relationship between you and your pet.

​One of the most powerful ways to motivate your pet is to figure out what her favorite reward is. Sometimes, it's a particularly delicious treat. For other dogs however, it's a game of catch-the-ball, frisbee, or access to their favorite toy. Even just a big heap of love and compliments on their fuzzy heads are all that's needed. No need to over-complicate this one, dogs are easy to please!   
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    Author

    Camille Salter is the founder of All Dogs Toronto and a certified, knowledge-assessed dog trainer (CPDT-KA). She is the author of two books on dog behavior: Pandemic Puppy, Decoding the Dog Park, and the Big Book of Dog Training. 

    Camille studies neuroscience, applied animal behavior, canine  physiology and nutrition, ethical behavior analysis, evolutionary behavior psychology, neural networks, stress-free animal handling, behavior economics, coaching and consulting. 

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Books On Dogs and Dog Behavior by Camille Salter, CPDT-KA

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Urban dog parks are fraught with risk. These environments host to an ever-changing assemblage of dogs with different backgrounds, life experiences, tolerances, and drives. Learn how to navigate them with confidence, safety, and skill with this navigation guide designed for the active dog parent in mind.​
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"Pandemic Puppy" is a mini-book designed for the undersocialized puppy, and outlines best practices for puppy rearing, socialization during a pandemic, obedience, attention, calming behaviors, and compliance. All delivered in a force-free, scientific manner. Read this book. Once you have these lessons under your wing, you and your puppy will soar with excellence and never look back.



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What Our Clients Are Saying

I adopted Frank not even a month ago. I’ve been training him myself, and got him to do ’sit,’ ‘down,’ ‘come,’ and ‘wait,’ at home. But when we went outside, it was a different story: he got a bit too excited, and that led to pulling on the leash, which wasn’t a pleasant experience for either of us. He never made eye contact with me, and calling his name and offering treats of all sorts didn’t do much, either. Working with Camille turned this around after just one session — she was so patient and calm with both me and Frank, and taught me how I could get Frank to connect the dots between paying attention to me and getting food. Since then, he comes and sits upon command even in the most distracting situations like being surrounded by other dogs in a park with firetruck siren blaring in the background. It’s been so rewarding to start developing this bond with Frank that will last a lifetime. Thank you Camille!” - Maythe Han

"There is only one word to describe Camille: AMAZING. My dog developed separation anxiety during the pandemic. I couldn't even use the washroom without my dog having a panic attack and after a single session and doing the homework, I'm suddenly leaving her alone for 3 hours like it's nothing. MIRACLE. Also, the GTA is filled with irresponsible dog owners who let their untrained dogs off leash in clearly on-leash areas. They sometimes come after us. It's very scary especially since if my dog reacts, she can get in trouble despite them breaking the law and us following it. Camille walked my dog and kept her calm as these inconsiderate owners and their dogs ran about. She teaches dogs and trains people. It was like watching a magician. I'll admit, I had my reservations our first session just based on the steep price, but after working with Camille I know without a doubt she is worth all that and more. Her methods are not for people looking for an easy fix with minimum work. You need to do the homework and put in the time. If you need a dog trainer, there is no one I recommend more than Camille. She will care for your dog like its her own. And just be aware, sometimes she will say things you won't like, but need to hear. When I heard my dog's timeline for separation anxiety was a few months and that I would need to keep her in daycare to avoid worsening things, I was pretty disheartened. Daycare isn't cheap. But she was giving me her professional and realistic opinion and it ultimately paid off. It really REALLY paid off. I honestly can't say enough about this canine miracle worker." - Evalina Ho

"Camille is a brilliant, caring and amazing trainer. She explains a range of outcomes and effort levels and helps navigate the emotional trials of puppyhood.

We are grateful for her knowledge and weekly check-ins to ensure we are on the right path with Hermes (our dog).

We truly support her positive reinforcement approach to dog training and are very satisfied with the results." - Graham Knowles

"I cannot say enough positive things about Camille Salter, the owner of All Dogs. From the moment my rescue dog and I met Camille, I knew she would work wonders. Her demeanor, grace and confidence made my dog fall in love her instantly. She is so incredibly knowledgeable that I try to soak up as much information as I can from her.

I highly highly recommend Camille Salter and All Dogs. Whether you are looking for a professional trainer or walking, she will provide you with all of the tools needed to ensure your dog is set up for success.

Camille is truly a pillar in the community of canine training within Toronto.

Thank you Camille!!" - Tessa Vaskas


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