DOG TRAINING IN AND AROUND TOPSHAM, EXETER & SE DEVON – Phone 07582 645580 : Testimonials

Welcome to the Website of Richard Jarrold MIACE (Institute of Animal Care Education). As a cynologist and dog trainer I am able to help with your dog training needs. Consultations are on a one-to-one basis and followed up with a full written assessment and training plan. My academic qualifications and continuing professional education, through The College of Canine Studies, COAPE and Compass Education, have been passed with distinction up to Diploma level; my certificates may be viewed upon request. I am Home Office (DBS) checked and fully insured. I may be contacted via the Contact Page for further information or to arrange a home visit. I look forward to hearing from you.

There is an up to date blog viewable from the link in the menu bar above. Also for more information and general advice on training you may wish to join our active forum group or visit my Facebook Page at www.facebook.com.

I believe in taking an holistic and long term approach to training by nurturing a dog’s potential in a positive and force free way. This relies largely on COMMUNICATION and understanding the dog’s EMOTIONAL state. Yes, it may take longer than punishment based training using physical corrections, verbal reprimands and aversives such as choke chains, pinch collars and ear pinching to ‘teach’ the dog to comply, but it stays with the dog for the rest of his/her life. The ‘pack theory’ and use of dominance is now discredited after decades of misinformation. Dogs have lived alongside humans as group members for many thousands of years because they choose to and it’s to their mutual benefit.

As responsible trainers it is imperative that we use positive reinforcement; that is to say we reinforce desired behaviour with rewards – whatever this may be depending on the dog. This could be food, a game, a chin rub, verbal praise or a mix. We are more likely to see a repeat of this behaviour. Unwittingly, we may use negative punishment (by removing or withholding something desirable to reduce the likelihood of an unwanted behaviour). This could, for example, include the withholding of praise or a treat in the event of jumping up at visitors rather than sitting calmly. The polar opposites – positive punishment and negative reinforcement, shown here for illustrative purposes – should only be used in exceptional circumstances. If in doubt it is important to seek a second opinion from a professional trainer.