North Florida PAWS, Inc.
Florida not-for-profit corporation with IRS Tax Exemption 501(c)(3)
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Dog Training and Behavior

Nothing replaces hands-on training; however, we recommend everyone wanting to learn the best and most up-to-date training methods should watch "IT'S ME OR THE DOG" on Animal Planet.  Victoria Stillwell represents the most humane and effective methods available today.  That's how we train dogs without harming them physically or psychologically.
The next four-week Obedience Class, held on Saturdays, will be announced shortly.  If you wish to be included on the WAITING LIST, please e-mail Katie at northfloridapaws@windstream.net.
Class size limited to four students with pre-payment.  Number of classes depends upon total number of students.  Small dogs are usually in a "class of their own."   

  PRIVATE SESSIONS can be scheduled for obedience training, behavior and/or aggression issues by calling
  e-mailing northfloridapaws@windstream.net.  Give a brief description of your dog and problem(s).

 HOW MUCH DOES TRAINING NORMALLY COST? 

$40 for 4-week Basic Obedience Class.  Each session is one and a half hours.  

$60 for Private Sessions for obedience, behavior, and/or aggresssion (dog-dog or dog-human) and lasts 2-3 hours. 

WHAT DO YOU TEACH?

* Basic Commands  Sit, Stay, Down, Come when called, and  Walk on a Loose Leash.

 Behavior Modification  for Housesoiling, Jumping, Chewing, Biting, and other common unwanted behaviors.

* Advanced training  to learn all the commands to pass a Canine Good Citizen's test.

Aggression  including dog-to-dog and dog-to-human aggression  and similar problems.

WHAT METHOD OF TRAINING DO YOU USE?

Modern trainers use POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT.  Our trainer is a "Certified Pet Dog Trainer" through CCPDT (Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers, Inc.) and a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, Inc.   For details on style of training, mission, and code of ethics, Please visit www.apdt.com and www.ccpdt.org     

Old-style training
 
requires you to set your dog up for failure then correct him/her with a leash jerk or other aversive move.  Very confusing to the dog and harmful to the relationship.  This does not teach leadership; just fear.

Positive Reinforcement lets you set your dog up for success and reward your dog when he/she gets it right!  Your dog understands what you want him/her to do without harm. 

WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU RECOMMEND?

Choke Chains, Prong Collars, and Shock Collars are NOT necessary to good training!  They hurt the dogs and harm the human-dog relationship.  Most dogs learn well on a regular flat collar and leash.  When additional physical control and/or safety are an issue, Premier Easy Walk Harnesses, No-Slip collars, and Gentle Leaders are much better options.

  • FLAT (buckle or snap) COLLAR:   Permanent collar with identification. 
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  • LEASH:  A simple leash, not more than 4' long, is sufficient.  A 2' leash is also recommended.  We do not recommend retractables for training but are fine for post-training walks.
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  • Premier EASY WALK HARNESS:  A unique harness which keeps the dog from choking and, best of all, stops the dog from pulling the owner by attaching the leash to a ring on the chest strap rather than off the back. 
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  • Premier GENTLE LEADER:  The best head collar for dogs who are stronger than their owner and is at risk of biting another animal or person.  Works like the headcollar on a horse. 
  • Premier NO-SLIP (Martingale-style) COLLAR:   This cloth version of a choke chain works better and is much safer for your dog.  Properly fitted, your dog cannot BACK OUT of it.

WHAT AUTHORS, BOOKS, AND VIDEOS DO YOU RECOMMEND?

There are many excellent Positive Reinforcement Training  books and videos on the market.  Dog trainers/animal behaviorists we recommend include, but are not limited to,  Dr. Patricia McConnell, John Fisher, Dr. Ian Dunbar, Jean MacDonald, John Wilkes,  Karen Pryor, Nicole Wilde, and Victoria Stillwell.   A good source for dog training and other pet-related resources is DOGWISE.com.   If you visit by clicking the button below, North Florida PAWS receives a portion of each sale.  Thank you!

 

Dogwise, All Things Dog!

 

 

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