Dogs are products of their environment, which includes events, experiences, other pets and, most importantly, people.  Millions of unwanted dogs are euthanized every year in our great nation, often due to behavioral problems that are entirely preventable with the right training and socialization in a puppy's primary socialization period (age 8 weeks to 20 weeks), as well as rectifiable after problems occur - as long as the dog's owner makes the right choice, which is to invest in the assistance of a competent, professional dog trainer.  Most importantly, that trainer should use only force-free, positive reinforcement training techniques, like we do.  Dog do not understand "discipline" or harsh treatment or the use of force.  These severely outdated methods may seem to make your dog compliant, but he's becoming that way because he fears you - which can and does lead to eventual aggression or other fear-based behaviors.  Millions of dogs have lost their lives because they wind up in shelters after being innefectively trained, not trained at all, or trained using harsh methods.  We do not want to see this happen to any dog, and we are here to make a difference, one dog, one life and one one owner at a time.

 

Professional Dog Trainers are often put into the awkward position of justifying their profession, because, let's face it, many dog owners consider themselves to be trainers.  They "know" their dog like no one else, which is most often true, but what they do lack is the keen, refined expertise of the professional dog trainer.  Experienced, knowledgeable trainers have often spent years being trained themselves, learning about canine behavior and how to properly and accurately interpret it, how to best apply positive reinforcement training to instill lasting, reliable, good canine behaviors while eliminating unwanted behaviors, and how to use desensitization and counter-conditioning to rectify "aggressive" behavior. 

 

The best, most valuable trainers educate their human clients, too, because it is a lack of knowledge and technique that leads to problems and frustration. If all dog owners were required to attend professional training with their dogs we would not have millions of dogs surrendered to animal shelters and rescue groups every year - this is something I am absolutely positive about.  In all honesty, I would love nothing more than to witness the end of America being a "throwaway dog" society, to never see the "free dog" ads and the legions of dogs dumped at shelters.  All life matters, and with the right kind of professional help any dog can become a great, well behaved citizen and a big part of our lives.

 

When you hire Rocky Junior and me you'll be shocked by how little you actually know about dogs and their behavior.  You'll learn how dogs think and learn, how to build incredible value to the dog-human relationship (as seen by your dog), how to instill focus, how to teach and ensure your dog retains preferrable behaviors, how to ensure harmony in multiple pet households and resolve conflict, and, most importantly, how to avoid unintentionally reinforcing a dog's unwanted behavior (I've yet to meet a dog owner who doesn't do this).  

 

Our dogs need positive, knowledgeable leaders in order to reach their potential - and we will teach you how to become your dog's absolute best friend and role model.  Dog owners who do the right thing - employing a pro to help - experience wonderful, virtually problem free lives with their dogs.  To me, there's nothing better than the company of an incredible dog, and we would love to help you achieve that success with your dog!