Dog obedience classes at Greenwood are taught with clicker training, using the principles of behavior modification (or "shaping") through the use of positive reinforcement. The clicker, used in the initial training of each new behavior, serves as a precise way to communicate with the dog.  Although considered fairly new in the world of dog training, these techniques have been used with great success at places like Sea World and Hollywood for many years.

In the beginning, food treats are often used as "lures" to guide the dogs into the desired positions (sit, down, etc.).  Students are then shown how to quickly "lose the lure" so that the dog learns to respond to just the verbal or hand signals.  Rewards are never completely phased out, however!  They simply then come at unpredictable times and are varied.  The dog who responds well never knows what he might get -  praise, a tasty treat, a ball tossed to chase, or a quick game of tug 'o war! 

Great emphasis is placed at all levels on "attention work."  Dogs learn to respond to their names, turning to look at their owners even amidst sometimes great distractions.  Once you have captured a dog's attention, it is easy to have them respond to a cue such as "Come!" or "Sit".  The wonderful bonds that are forged between owner & dog are best proved when we practice the Recall under distraction:  while the instructor tempts the dog with tasty treats & toys, the owner leaves to call the dog from across the room.  The speed with which the dogs whip around & fly across the room is amazing!

Throughout the training, owners are encouraged to stop thinking about what they want their dogs to stop doing.  Instead, they are taught to think about what they would rather the dog be doing!  The chart below describes many common problem behaviors... and what else dogs can be taught to do instead.

If this all sounds good to you, then give us a call or come observe a class!  We look forward to working with you and your dog.