At Puppy Plus we take a holistic view, when determining the right path for you and your dog. We take into account your dog's breed influences, their age and sex, their nutrition, sleep patterns, previous learning experiences and other factors that will influence your dog's behaviour, as well as their mental and physical health and wellbeing.
If a dog's needs are met, if they feel safe, understood and cared for, as well as having an understanding themselves, of how to behave appropriately in our world, then everyone is happy.
That is how the best relationships are created.
This is why we use positive reinforcement dog training methods. We reinforce the appropriate, desirable behaviours with praise, food rewards, play or something that the dogs like (e.g. sniffing/freedom/environmental reinforcers).
Our main training methods include lure and reward, capturing behaviours, targeting, and 'shaping' behaviours using a clicker or 'marker' word.
Using a dog training clicker is not essential in our classes as we can work without one, but we would be happy to explain how these can improve communication, make things clearer and aid the dog's learning.
We would prefer our clients not to use aversive techniques such as physical punishment, harsh jerking on the lead, shouting or any other forceful handling.
These techniques cause stress to our dogs which in turn affects their learning. They are unnecessary and damage the bond you have with your dog.
Here at Puppy Plus, we adhere to the PACT code of conduct, in particular their stance on the importance of knowledge, skills, ethics and science, in regards to working with dogs.
We also adhere to their stance on both punitive techniques and equipment that may cause harm to dogs.
The following has been taken directly from the PACT Code of Conduct.
Members will refrain from giving advice and acting in a way that would knowingly cause harm, psychological and/or physical distress, damage, or injury. Specifically:
Refrain from using confrontation, force, rough handling, bullying, intimidation or coercion whether verbally or physically, towards persons or dogs in receipt of their services.
Refrain from using punitive and/or non-scientifically backed and approved methods and techniques.
Refrain from using punitive techniques or any article listed in Appendix 1 of their Code of Conduct namely;
Prong or spike collars
Hanging collars
Slip leads or check /choke chains or half-check/choke chains (NB there are specific circumstances we will permit the use of slip leads where they are specified - for example in a working environment or ringcraft or for safety when transporting rescue dogs. However, the lead must be loose at all times, the dog must be trained using +R without this equipment and the lead must have a blocker to prevent it from tightening further than a fixed collar would.
Electric shock, or high frequency sound or buzzing devices which apply an aversive stimulus such as pain or startle.
Spray collars of any kind, whether remote-controlled, automatic, and citronella or water-based or other.
Tightening harnesses, i.e. harnesses that tighten around the chest or abdomen when a dog pulls.
Cloth or mesh muzzle, or any muzzle that restricts breathing and/or panting (only safe basket muzzles should be used when necessary)
Any other device, training aid or piece of equipment the PACT deems inappropriate.
Pet Corrector, Dog Stop or similar devices (sonic devices which release pressurised air, citronella or other).
Anti-bark collars of any type.
Training discs, or any similar training item designed to startle and interrupt.
Any type of water or liquid spray, e.g. citronella.
Any commercial or home-made device emitting a loud noise e.g. rattle cans or bottles containing stones.
The throwing of keys, chains, sticks, or any other item.
Strong olfactory repellent substances, e.g. smelling salts, bite back, chilli (or other capsaicin containing substance), pepper, lemon, etc.