How we train animals

Passion for training

Helping Both Handlers and Dogs Thrive Through Tailored Training

Positive reinforcement animal training is a humane and effective method that focuses on rewarding desirable behaviours rather than punishing unwanted ones. This approach strengthens the bond between animals and their handlers by using rewards such as treats, praise, toys, or play to encourage repetition of good behaviours. Rooted in behavioural science, positive reinforcement relies on timing, consistency, and appropriate rewards to shape an animal’s actions.
Unlike punishment-based training, which can cause fear or stress, positive reinforcement fosters trust and confidence. It is widely used in dog training, horse training, and even with exotic animals in zoos. By making learning enjoyable, this method enhances problem-solving skills and engagement while reducing behavioural issues.
A well-timed reward immediately following a desired behaviour ensures the animal understands what it did correctly. With patience and consistency, positive reinforcement training creates lasting behavioural change, making it an ideal choice for pet owners and professional trainers alike.

My passion lies in helping both handlers and dogs build strong, trusting relationships through effective training and clear communication. Every dog is unique, and every handler has different goals, whether it’s improving obedience, addressing behavioural challenges, or enhancing teamwork in dog sports. My approach is about empowering handlers with the knowledge and skills to understand their dogs better, creating a partnership built on trust, cooperation, and mutual respect.
For dogs, training isn’t just about learning commands—it’s about confidence, enrichment, and problem-solving. Whether working with high-energy working breeds, anxious rescues, or family companions, I tailor my training to meet the needs of each dog while ensuring the handler gains the tools to reinforce success at home.
Incorporating Proven Training Methods
I draw from a diverse background in canine training, incorporating science-based methods and real-world applications. This includes:
• Constructional Aggression Training (CAT), developed by Dr. Jesús Rosales-Ruiz and Kellie Snider, M.S., which helps reactive and aggressive dogs make better choices by reinforcing calm behaviour in the presence of triggers. Instead of relying on avoidance or force, CAT reduces stress and builds new behavioural responses through structured interactions, allowing dogs to take control of their learning in a safe environment.
• Predation Substitution Training (PST), pioneered by Simone Mueller, which channels a dog’s natural hunting instincts into controlled, structured activities like scent work, toy play, or controlled chase games. By working with a dog’s instincts rather than against them, PST strengthens recall, impulse control, and engagement, making off-leash activities safer and more enjoyable.
• Constructional Affection (Caff), a method developed by Sean Will and Chase Owens, which uses structured affection as reinforcement for desirable behaviours. This approach teaches dogs that calm, relaxed behaviour leads to access to affection while helping handlers build strong, positive relationships without reinforcing demanding or pushy behaviours. This technique is especially valuable for hyper-social dogs that struggle with overexcitement or impulse control when interacting with people.
Additionally, my training is influenced by:
• The American Youth Program 4H (4H), Animal Training, which laid my early foundation in ethical training methods, animal care, and youth mentorship in animal handling.
• United States Marine Corps (USMC 0331), K9 Training, where precision, discipline, and high-reliability obedience are key in preparing dogs for high-stakes environments. These methods emphasize clear communication, engagement under distraction, and real-world applications of working dog training.
• Schutzhund Training, which fine-tunes obedience, tracking, and protection work, developing confidence, control, and teamwork between dog and handler. This training highlights drive management, impulse control, and problem-solving under pressure.
• The Delta Institute, Animal Behaviour and Training, where I gained a deeper understanding of canine psychology, behaviour modification, and force-free training techniques that promote long-term behavioural success.
• Susan Garrett’s Recallers Program, which provides a structured, game-based approach to building an incredibly reliable recall, ensuring dogs choose to return to their handler even in the face of high distractions.

Customizing Training for Every Dog and Handler

By integrating these proven methods, I can adapt training to suit each dog’s temperament and needs, from high-energy working breeds to anxious rescue dogs. Whether it’s rehabilitating reactive dogs through CAT, giving high-drive dogs an outlet through Schutzhund-inspired training, reinforcing affection-driven behaviours with Constructional Affection, or ensuring pet dogs have a strong recall through game-based learning, my goal is to make training engaging, effective, and rewarding for both dog and handler.
By helping handlers read their dogs’ behaviour, respond appropriately, and use evidence-based training methods, I foster stronger connections between dogs and their humans. Seeing both dog and handler grow together, overcoming challenges, and building confidence is the most rewarding part of my work.