Dogs Best Friend Training Philosophy
Selina McIntyre here of Dogs Best Friend.In my work, cementing the foundations of a positive relationship with your dog is of foremost importance.
My behavioural modification and training approach wherever possible, aims to work in with your life and lifestyle. Let’s face it, if training is impractical and is unrealistic, you will not follow-through in undertaking the plan set out before you. I want to make things easy for you. Having children myself, I 'get the juggle,' the challenge of family life and work commitments, all the while you want to do the best for your dogs as well.
I aim to always explain why I am getting you to undertake a task, this probably stems from my own stubborn streak with wanting the same, but again, I believe you will be more likely to follow-through with our plans.
Funnily enough, I realize neither you nor your dog are robots, or perfect, so cannot be ‘push buttoned’ trained. All of us have failings and good and bad days but being open to learning about the what’s and why’s of a situation enable us to move forward.My approach will always be positive in intent towards your companion, including using positive reinforcement training. My thoughts on 'Leadership Training' - Leadership and dominance are not the same thing. The mark of a true leader is the ability to control without force. Your attitude communicates leadership, and you owe it to your dog to be a great leader.To me, using physicality to dominate your dog is a sign of weakness. If you feel the need to dominate your dog, it means you havent read their behavioural cues, which can be quite subtle. An effective leader works with patience and empathy, wanting to inspire trust and confidence. You want your dog to look to you to make the right decisions. How you feel and act have a huge influence over your leadership. Gumption in attitude is a must, you cannot meekly lead.A dog who feels safe and secure is far less likely to over-react to the stresses of daily life. Your dog is looking to you for guidance and you get what you reflect, so we look for you to set a good example. It was my desire to see happier and more content dogs in the world, that saw me begin this consultancy journey in 2004 and that driving force is still going strong.
My approach is natural and direct, based on canine behavioural communication. This has been an area of fascination for me since a child and I feel I will continue to learn about this every day. I would love to learn more about about what's going on with your dogs behavioural picture. Call me today on 021 353 669 utilise my Contact Page for me to get back to you or email, selina@dogsbestfriend.co.nz thank you 🐾
I aim to always explain why I am getting you to undertake a task, this probably stems from my own stubborn streak with wanting the same, but again, I believe you will be more likely to follow-through with our plans.
Funnily enough, I realize neither you nor your dog are robots, or perfect, so cannot be ‘push buttoned’ trained. All of us have failings and good and bad days but being open to learning about the what’s and why’s of a situation enable us to move forward.My approach will always be positive in intent towards your companion, including using positive reinforcement training. My thoughts on 'Leadership Training' - Leadership and dominance are not the same thing. The mark of a true leader is the ability to control without force. Your attitude communicates leadership, and you owe it to your dog to be a great leader.To me, using physicality to dominate your dog is a sign of weakness. If you feel the need to dominate your dog, it means you havent read their behavioural cues, which can be quite subtle. An effective leader works with patience and empathy, wanting to inspire trust and confidence. You want your dog to look to you to make the right decisions. How you feel and act have a huge influence over your leadership. Gumption in attitude is a must, you cannot meekly lead.A dog who feels safe and secure is far less likely to over-react to the stresses of daily life. Your dog is looking to you for guidance and you get what you reflect, so we look for you to set a good example. It was my desire to see happier and more content dogs in the world, that saw me begin this consultancy journey in 2004 and that driving force is still going strong.
My approach is natural and direct, based on canine behavioural communication. This has been an area of fascination for me since a child and I feel I will continue to learn about this every day. I would love to learn more about about what's going on with your dogs behavioural picture. Call me today on 021 353 669 utilise my Contact Page for me to get back to you or email, selina@dogsbestfriend.co.nz thank you 🐾
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Photo credit below - Lottie Hedley
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Selina McIntyre, a Dog Behaviourist, Dog Trainer and Author in the Hamilton, Waikato, Tauranga /Western Bay of Plenty and Rotorua areas of NZ
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