Our Approach

  • You’ll hear a lot of terms in dog training. Let’s make sense of some of them!

    For years, “Dominance” and the “Alpha Model” have been at the forefront of dog training. You’re likely already familiar with this style of dog training as it has been widely popularized on TV. These dog training theories came about because in 1947 Rudolph Schenkel wrote a paper titled: “Expressions Studies on Wolves”. What you may not know is that competing for dominance is not a natural dog behavior and has long since been debunked.

    A new term, “Balanced Training” has arisen in the dog training community as a response. Balanced trainers will utilize both punishment and reinforcement and often use physical aversives to provide correction to undesired behavior.

    You’ll also hear “science-based” thrown around a lot. Mostly by us, The Positive Pack.

    What the science tells us is this: stressed and shut-down dogs cannot learn effectively. When dogs are afraid they release the stress hormone cortisol into the brain. This stress hormone inhibits learning.

    The Positive Pack understands that using physical punishment when training a dog often results in emotional suppression. So, even though a dog may look compliant and may look like they are learning a desired behavior, rather, what they are often learning is fear.

    Instead, at The Positive Pack, we aim to create pleasurable associations with the dogs we train. The Positive Pack wants your dog's brain to be full of oxytocin for bonding, serotonin for happiness, and dopamine to motivate learning.

    The Positive Pack knows that our clients love to learn that you can train your dog without having to cause them physical pain and discomfort. A happy brain is a learning brain. This, along with a growing list of benefits coming from new scientific studies, is why in recent years, positive reinforcement, “R+” training, Force-Free, and Fear-Free training methods are gaining traction.

  • The Positive Pack are Positive Reinforcement Dog Trainers. Positive reinforcement is a training method that focuses on rewarding your pet for good behavior, rather than punishing bad behavior. Giving rewards when your pet behaves in your desired manner encourages your pet to repeat these actions or behaviors in the future. Good behavior becomes inextricably linked with a reward.

    Positive reinforcement training is also called R+ training. Positive reinforcement comes from The Four Quadrants of operant conditioning in psychology. In the dog training world, it is used to describe trainers who strive to create strong and happy relationships with dogs. R+ trainers build relationships based on understanding a dog’s natural needs, wants, communication, and expression.

  • The Positive Pack knows that positive reinforcement training builds confidence in your dog. It is a fun way of learning that builds a positive bond between you and your dog. It also encourages dogs to actively think about what is being asked of them. This helps your dog to make better decisions in the future when faced with a similar situation. Skills learned through positive reinforcement training have been proven to last longer and require less maintenance down the road.

  • The Positive Pack recommends our clients have a well fitting collar with ID tags, a harness, a 6 foot leash, a 15 to 30 foot long line leash, a treat pouch, lots of treats, lots of toys, and lots of patience!

Our Code of Ethics

We are S.A.F.E. and science-based trainers, working to stay up to date with the latest research in the field of positive reinforcement dog training. We recognize that different methods work for different dogs and as such we are committed to the LIMA principle which means we will suggest the Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive method available to achieve your training goals. To do this effectively, we follow what is referred to as The Humane Hierarchy in order to guide our decision making process.

Medications for behavioral modification are backed by science, but they are not for every dog. As such, we will always recommend that any medications are prescribed and monitored by your veterinarian or veterinary behaviorist. It is imperative that medical conditions be ruled out prior to diagnosing a behavioral disorder. There are many endocrine, neurologic, gastrointestinal, dermatological, and musculoskeletal disorders that may be contributing to or causing behavioral issues.

As members of the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, we also adhere to their Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics, we agree with The Association of Professional Dog Trainers’ Position Statements, the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior’s stance against dominance theory, and Best Friends Animal Sanctuary’s euthanasia policy. We are also advocates for Fear-Free techniques.

“Punishment (e.g. choke chains, pinch collars, and electronic collars) should not be used as a first-line or early-use treatment for behavior problems. This is due to the potential adverse effects which include but are not limited to: inhibition of learning increased fear-related and aggressive behaviors, and injury to animals and people interacting with animals.” - American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior

Organizations advocating against the use of aversive-based training methods include: CAPDT, BC SPCA, Montreal SPCA, CHS, EHS, PEI Humane Society, AVSAB, ASV, ACVB, RSPCA UK, RSPCA Australia, BVA, BSVA, AVA, PPG, APDT UK, APDT Australia and The KC (UK).