Dog Eared Training & Behavior believes…

in using the least invasive, minimally aversive training methods.

This means that we will always approach training with a systematic heirarchy, starting with the physical health and wellness of your dog, before progressing to changing the environment (also known as antecedant arrangement) and management, then positive reinforcement training methods.

For the majority of cases, a healthy dog + effective management + solid positive reinforcement training allows us to achieve our training goals!

We may also decide to use extinction, negative reinforcement, and/or negative punishment, but only after employing a positive reinforcement based training plan.

To learn more about LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive), click here.

that positive reinforcement training is the most efficient, effective, and ethical way to train.

This belief isn’t just a personal one – it’s backed by science, and recommended by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. 

And no – your dog isn’t trying to dominate you. Dominance theory (the thinking behind needing to be the alpha in your relationship with your dog) has been debunked for quite some time.

that empathy and compassion are necessary for good training –
and not just for the dog.

It is easy to be compassionate to the animals we share our lives with – but many trainers seem to have trouble extending that same courtesy to their human learners.

We love dogs and their people, and because of that, we promise to always prioritize your learning experience, emotions, and quality of life, too. After all, we aren’t doing our jobs if we can’t also effectively teach you, too.

everyone is doing the best they can with what they know.

When you know better, you can do better.

We are passionate about helping to share information that will allow you and your dog to live a better life together – without judgement.