my loyal companion
Our Outlook
Reward Based
rewaRDS AND POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT
My Loyal Companion provides training with extensive use of different types of rewards. EVERY behaviour and command at My Loyal Companion is taught through the use of rewards and positive reinforcement. Once a dog has a good foundation of the understanding and knowledge of what is being asked of them, then and ONLY then can we add in correction for non-compliance. Corrections are necessary for reliability of behaviours, commands, and outcomes. All escape and avoidance training techniques used; are selected with the smallest amount of pressure required. Every training tool is conditioned to the dog in a slow and positive manner. I love training and I want your dogs to love it too!
Nobody works for free – not even dogs 😉
TYPES OF REWARDS
- Food
- Toy
- Play
- Affection
- Trick
- Break & Sniff
*Mix it up and be creative to keep your dog’s engagement!
TYPES OF PLAY
- Lure w/ Food into Chase
- Tug of War
- Retrieving Games
- Flirt Pole
*Play the way your dog finds satisfying!
RULES AROUND PLAY
- OUT the toy when asked
- Bring the toy back to ME!
- Wait for PERMISSION to have the toy
*Play starts with NO rules or control. Slowly
add rules into play sessions to create control. Don’t destroy your dog’s desire to play!
Balanced Approach
balanced dog training
A dog training approach that uses both classical and operant conditioning to establish effective communication techniques, marking the exact point in time when either a dog’s behaviour is correct or incorrect.
This training methodology uses a balance of both positive (adding) reward and negative (taking away) pressure based styles of teaching.
Here at My Loyal Companion, I use a 5-word communication system, along with visual direction using hand signals, spatial pressure with body movement and proximity, and the leash for guidance. It’s as easy as ‘Yes.’ ‘No.’ ‘Good. ‘Try.’ ‘Break!’
Understanding Classical Conditioning in Dog Training
A method of learning that creates an unconscious behaviour or automatic response! Neutral Stimuli (bell ring) predicts Meaningful Stimuli (delivery of food). When classical conditioning is achieved your dog’s internal response will be involuntary, meaning it is not by choice.
Response to Bell = Response to Food.
At My Loyal Companion we begin using classical conditioning on Day 1! This is an effective way to improve communication between the handler and the dog. In our program we start using classical conditioning with Marker Words – ‘Yes’ and ‘Good.’ The marker words will promote the same internal excitatory response to the dog as a food reward.
Don’t Worry – this doesn’t mean your dog gets less rewards during our program!
Marker words are charged-up like a battery on a daily basis!
Nobody works for free – not even dogs 😉
Basics of Operant Conditioning in Dog Training
Positive Reinforcement: Give a dog reward for a behaviour. Adding Reward. Behaviour is more likely to occur in the future.
Negative Reinforcement: Sit. Then pull up on Buckle/Leash. The dog stops pressure on the buckle/leash with their behaviour of sitting. Removing Pressure. Behaviour is more likely to occur in the future.
Positive Punishment: Dog jumps up on furniture. Say “No!” Adding Correction. Behaviour is less likely to occur in the future. Behaviour has been punished.
Negative Punishment: While luring a dog with food into a sit, the dog jumps up to get food, putting the food behind your back. Removing Reward. Behaviour is less likely to occur in the future. Behaviour has been punished.
Holistic View
At My Loyal Companion we thrive on a holistic (Body, Mind, Soul) view when it comes to dog training and pet ownership. Before we can expect any domesticated behaviour from our dogs we must ensure their basic daily canine requirements are met.
BODY
Nutrition:
Very controversial subject in the pet world. Pet food industry is NOT regulated. Veterinarians are only minimally trained on food and nutrition. Pet food standards are drastically lower than “for human consumption” food standards. Multiple factors lead to poor dog nutrition causing health related diseases and even death. Knowledge is the Power that FEEDS our Soul!
important factors:
- Variety
- Nutritionally Balanced
- Biologically Appropriate
- READ Ingredient List.
- Research! Research! Research!
- Recalls
- Reputable Pet Stores – Bone and Biscuit Rymal Rd.
type of dog diets:
- Kibble
- Canned
- Raw
- Cooked
- Dehydrated
- Freeze Dried
- Air Dried
*Feed based on Caloric Requirement NOT on Manufacturer’s Recommendations.
suppliments:
- Probiotics
- Omega 3&6 Fatty Acids
- Coconut Oil
- Pumpkin
- Kefir
areas of concern:
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Hip & Joint
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Skin & Coat
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Teeth & Gums
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Eyes & Ears
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Digestion
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Allergies
Physical Stimulation
Exercise:
It is your responsibility as an owner to ENSURE your dog meets their daily physical demands. Many behavioural issues arise from simply NOT enough exercise or stimulation. A dog’s energy constantly needs to be drained, if the owner doesn’t allow ample opportunity for a dog to release their pent-up energy, the dog will find their own way to release it!
Minimum daily requirements for EVERY dog:
- 30-minute Park Sniff & Play
- 30-minute Structured Walk
- 30 to 60-minute Daily Social eg: hike, pack walk, controlled play, downtown group heel session, beach trip, training session, controlled car rides
Grooming:
One of the most overlooked aspects of pet ownership! Even if you take your dog to a groomer, you will notice the minimum requirements are on a weekly basis – NOT every 6-8 weeks. A regular healthy grooming experience with your dog can be very rewarding for your bond and relationship. It also gives you an opportunity to “check over” your pet for any new or existing abnormalities or health issues.
Effects on Training Tools: Dead hair, oil, dirt and skin cells impede the connection of the collar pads to dog’s skin, alternatively requiring higher levels of stimulation for a response.
Minimum Grooming requirements for EVERY dog:
- Brushing: 1x per week – 1 hour duration (Eliminates shedding, matting, discomfort, ventilation)
- Bathing: 1x per month or as needed. (Monitor fleas & ticks, reduces oil and dander)
- Nail Trimming: 2x per month – biweekly (Protect feet & joints)
- Ear Cleansing: 1x per month (Ear infections)
*Adding Supplements such as Coconut Oil and Omega 3&6 Fatty Acids aid in reducing shedding*
MIND
Training:
Our training focuses on creating a calm state of mind. A calm mind encourages the dog to make more reliable decisions through managing their impulse control. Your dog will learn how to stop and think before making unreliable choices, prompting easy redirection if necessary.
- Proper Socialization
- Confidence Building
- Crate Manners
- Sit
- Touch
- Place
- Release
- Down
- Stay
- Recall
- Heel
- Thresholds
- Structured Walk
- Off Leash Reliability
- Treadmill Training*
Canine Enrichment:
An activity that improves the dog’s quality of life by resembling wild behaviours. These behaviours are meant to stimulate their mind and encourage physical exercise. Use these to help reach your dog’s daily mental and physical requirements.
Enrichment Games:
- Digging
- Foraging
- Hide & Seek
- Search
Enrichment Toys:
- Kong Wobbler
- Lick Mat
- Outward Hound
- Omega Paw Tricky Ball
- Snuffle Mat
- Slow Feeders
- West Paw
Enrichment Activities:
- Agility
- Car Rides
- Flyball
- Herding
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Swimming
SOUL
Relationship Building:
No one can deny the euphoric feeling of our dog loving us! The pure joy and happiness they bring into our lives is magical. The feeling so deep inside your heart all the way to your bones of love and fulfilment. Dogs improve our quality of life, just ensure as responsible pet owners we improve their quality of life as well!
Dogs aren’t Humans. They require a different approach to receive the fulfillment in life they require and deserve.
Help build the relationship with your companion through trusting experiences, structure and consistency, as well as fun and enjoyment!
Be someone your dog looks up to!
Ways to Build your Relationship:
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Training
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Hikes
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Structured Walks
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Field Trips
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Positive Associations and Reinforcement
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Calm State of Mind
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Rules
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Boundaries
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Consistency
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Fairness
Confidence Building:
Everyone requires confidence to overcome new hurdles in our lives, and so do our dogs! Our dogs don’t have the same knowledge power as the human brain, so understanding the concept of reactive or fearful triggers can be difficult to teach your canine companions. Proper socialization, and this does NOT mean dog parks. You choose your kids’ friends wisely, you should do the same for your dog! Playground, exercise disc, wobble boards, benches help a custom dogs to different textures, movements and barriers. Playing an interactive game of Tug is a real confidence booster when you “let” them win! Make sure you play by the rules or you aren’t building confidence, you are building frustration, excitement, and unreliability!
Indulge in Happiness:
Like dogs jumping and splashing in muddy puddles, we as pet owners have to learn to let loose too! Without My Loyal Companion’s Benzo, Pip, Kowa (dogs), Darcy Tucker and Fig Newton (cats), my dreams would never have been able to become a reality. We only live once. Live happy, calm, positive lives, never settle, and follow all your dreams as they may one day become your reality!
Future Dreams and Aspirations:
Bernedoodle Rescue
Become Reputable Breeder
Training Tools,
Supplies & Drills
toolkit
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Marker Word –
Yes. Good. -
Primary Enforcer – Reward
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Luring
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Spatial Pressure
- Leash
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Play
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Verbal Command
Steps:
1. Verbal Command
2. Physical Lure
3. Mark Behaviour
4. Reward Given
supplies
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Crate
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6-ft Mendota Slip Lead
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Elevated “Place” Bed/Cot
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6-ft Basic Training Lead
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Herm Sprenger Prong Collar*
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Mini Educator E Collar*
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Baskerville Muzzle*
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15 to 30-ft Long Line
dog training drills
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Charge up your Markers!
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Reward Building
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Restrained Recalls
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Straight Lure
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Lure into Sit
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Lure into Touch w/ Foot Target
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Spatial Pressure into Down
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Spatial Pressure into Stand
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Call Away from Food
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Pre-Heeling – Lure along Barrier
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Pivoting w/ Touch & Foot Target
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Food Lure to Chase Game
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Targeting Toy – Play
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Tug of War
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Retrieving Game – Fetch
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Targeting – Ball on String
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Restrained Play
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Leash Pressure – Resistant and Yielding to Leash with Straight Lines
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Pre-Heeling – Stationary Focus
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Pre-Heeling – Moving Focus
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Verbal Command: Introduction to Stay w/ Foot Target. Build duration before adding Distance & Distractions.
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Long Line or Flexi Recalls
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Reward Placement for Heeling
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Threshold
- Verbal Command: Touch
Steps:
1. Verbal Command
2. Physical Lure
3. Mark Behaviour
4. Reward Given
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Verbal Command: Sit
Steps:
1. Verbal Command
2. Physical Lure
3. Mark Behaviour
4. Reward Given
