What are your qualifications?

I am a KPA-CTP, which stands for Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner.  That means I have graduated from the Karen Pryor Academy‘s Professional Dog Trainer program.  I am also committed to ongoing education, and am constantly building on my knowledge.  I keep a complete list of my education in my “About Me” section.

Why is that important?

In North America, unfortunately dog training is not a regulated industry.  That means that anyone can say that they’re a dog trainer, and so they are!  By putting time and energy into my education, it means that I have an understanding of the science behind animal behaviour and dog training, so I can help you do right by your dogs.

What methods do you use?

I train using primarily positive reinforcement and force free training.  That means that I try as best as possible to set the animals I train up for success to prevent problem behaviours, and I reinforce behaviours I want to see.

©2012 Lili Chin
©2012 Lili Chin

What tools do you use?

I tend to use a lot of marker based training (primarily clicker training), though not exclusively.  I train using reinforcement, which means something the dog likes – this is most often food, but can be anything that is reinforcing to the dog; play, praise, touch, etc.

What tools do you not use?

I do not train using correction/punishment based tools, the most common of these being choke chains, prong collars, and shock collars.  I also do not training using fear or intimidation.

Train without pain

 

Can you recommend some good educational resources?

Absolutely!  Here are some good jumping off points:

My question wasn’t covered here!

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For service inquiries in Lincoln, ON and surrounding areas, please email info@pawsitivelygenius.com.