Training Method

Zabrina follows the National K-9 School for Dog Trainers' philosophy of training called the training scale approach. The base of the scale is motivation. The two parts of the scale to keep balanced out are the amount of quick leash and collar corrections and the amount of verbal and touch praise. The goal for every dog is to RESPECT their owner, not fear them.

Motivation can be given by talking to your dog in an encouraging voice, patting your side to direct them where you want them to go, and more!

Leash and collar corrections are never intended to injure or scare your dog. Zabrina will teach you how to properly give a correction so that it gets your dogs attention, and stops the unwanted behavior. With each correction we associate the word "No" in a calm/firm tone of voice, never yelling. The handler should always display relaxed body language too. This will allow you to eventually transition to off-leash obedience and have a way of alerting your dog verbally that they are doing something wrong. Zabrina uses all varieties of collars, depending on the dogs temperament, pain-tolerance level, and size (ie: large dog with a small handler) to include: buckle collars, combo-collars (martingale), training collars (all chain collar), pinch collars and in extreme cases, e-collars. The ultimate goal for every dog is to behave appropriately on a buckle collar and/or off-leash.

Praise is given by talking to your dog, letting them know they are doing well and by petting your dog. Zabrina will help you evaluate what kind of praise your dog enjoys so that you are getting the best results. Toys are occasionally used to encourage/praise.

**Please note that in formal obedience training work, Zabrina does not use food reward. In rare occasions, food will be used to work on object desensitization.