Sacramento Leashworks

What is the purpose of dog training? Is it simply teaching a dog to respond to cues like "sit" and "stay," or is it more than that? The more progressive in the crowd will respond that training is also a way to teach a dog manners, with the goal of imparting the "rules" of the human and canine worlds that a dog will inhabit. But, what if dog training is even more than that? What if, instead of approaching training as a process which is akin to the pruning of a developing cani...ne's behavioral tree (where the branches of undesirable actions are cut off from the things that reinforce them while acceptable or preferred behaviors are allowed or encouraged to mature) we instead begin to see the interaction between dog and human as a true interspecies relationship. One that, although different, is just as full and complicated as the relationships between human friends and family. Admit it. Whether its evolution or divine ordination, you've been convinced that, being human, you are at the top of the animal hierarchy. We're the best, the smartest, the most accomplished. But what if we didn't approach dog training this way? Instead of assuming that we as humans are the keepers of all knowledge, can we see this interspecies interaction as a meeting of different but equal beings, each with their own valuable tools to develop? In short, can we see the relationship between dog and human not from the perspective of owner or master, but as a true friendship? Think about it, just as with our dogs, we may need to help our human friends from time to time. We may teach them something they don't know or help them through a situation that they are having a hard time with, but does that make us better than them? Of course not. We realize that people are complicated beings that need help from others to succeed in life. Well, so is your dog. Look, no one is the best at everything, but we all have the potential to be good at something valuable; something good that helps others learn, or do, or be more. Our dogs are no different. Yes, as with all beings, there are things about the world that we should teach our dogs, but we must also remain open to learning what they have to teach. We must listen and watch as well as talk and show. And, most importantly, we must be friends, not masters.

Before regular Thanksgiving I’d like to send out some love to my people with doggie family’s like ours. I get you. Hang in there tomorrow . Happy Thanksgiving!

Puppies! Puppies! Puppies! That is all.

Cool! https://www.facebook.com/Hometalk/videos/1900575106626703/

This is why good dog owners and trainers are leaders to their dog(s), not "masters." Building trust by helping your dog to successfully solve problems encourages a deeper bond and facilitates learning. That's why our motto is Love, Trust, Training https://www.psychologytoday.com//dogs-prefer-advice-people

I've always preferred a verbal marker over a clicker. Using your voice is easier, more instinctual, and gives you one less piece of gear to worry about. Plus, using your voice encourages the savvy trainer to consider the application of tone, duration, and intensity when delivering a marker. "YES!" https://www.facebook.com/stanley.coren/posts/1337734589628705

Ziggy and Parker doing what dogs do.

A dog and his hydrant. #classic

https://www.facebook.com/richard.major.7//1567210219956395

Pinky teaching me to play fetch with Roxi "helping."

Ah, the trusty #kong. So boring until you fill it with deliciousness. Yum!