Training Styles

You're looking for a trainer for your canine companion. Whether it be for pet or for sport, it's a necessity for you to know just what that trainer practices and how that can benefit your team.

Positive Reinforcement/Force Free Training

Positive Reinforcement/Force Free Training is an extremely effective tool in the canine community. A trainer that practices positive reinforcement/force-free training rewards the good behavior the dog does with a motivator such as food or treats. When the dog performs an undesired behavior, it is ignored with very specific intent. There are no physical corrections when using force-free, positive only training. This can be quite effective for some dogs who are shy in nature with soft temperaments. 

Compulsion Training

Compulsion training is a method of training in which aversive methods are used. Consequence is a focal point in compulsion training and is not recommended by professionals, especially if you are a pet owner or novice handler. It is important that you are aware of this training style as it may not match your beliefs, skill set, nor be sustainable to training with your pet. Compulsion training is used frequently in military and law enforcement. Educators are prioritizing newer methods and transitioning agencies to different methods that are more humane, also known as balanced training methods.

Balanced Training

Balanced training refers to a strategic combination of positive reinforcement training and compulsion training. It is a beneficial tool in training to have consequence (i.e. behavioral modification whereas consequence is needed to intervene undesired behavior such as chasing chickens) just as much a benefit as positive reinforcement (to positively associate the behavior desired around said chickens). Balanced training is being used worldwide, making it's way into pet homes and working agencies. 

An ideal trainer for us is a trainer that can meet us where we are and work with our canine/handler team to bring us up, together. At Neutral K9, we are focused in the heart of positives. While we are considered "balanced" in our training methods, we strive to find the positive in each transaction with our teams.

Don't make decisions for your pet or working companion based off of what is advertised. Marketing can make any trainer look desirable. Take your time, do your research, and audit the trainer in real time to ensure both you and your pet can learn with that trainer. A trainer that does not let you see the process from consultation forward is a red flag. You can see more questions complete with answers regarding trainers and training in our FAQ.