Big Sky Canine Training

What is Balanced Training?

Balanced training combines positive motivation and gentle corrections

 with canine management. This creates a healthy, well-rounded and

adjusted canine. Dogs go through 4 stages of training, Aquisition,

Automation, Generalization, and Maintenance.

What is postive motivation?

Using treats, toys, petting, and other fun things that your dog enjoys

for performing behaviors. This is important and essential to making

training fun and positive for you and your dog! Clicker training is a special

part of Big Sky Canine's training program, and you will be shown how to

use it! You can teach all kinds of new and fun behaviors with just a click!

What do you consider corrections?

Hand signals, body language, verbal, and  witholding something the dog

wants, such as toys and treats; leash corrections are may also be used a

certain stages of training, depending on each dog's temperment, the

corrections may vary within the previous methods listed.

Dog's will not be corrected unless they have

a clear understanding of the command and have at least a 90%

performance history of that command.

*Big Sky Canine does not use choke chains or 'yank and crank' methods because they are damaging to dog's health (specifically their trachea) and mental well-being. Did you know that the compulsion method using choke chain collars became popular after World War II? The study of animal behavior since then has shown that positive reinforcement can be much more effective, and ensures the integrity of your canine, both mentally and physically.

If you are concerned with perserving your relationship with your canine, and understanding his behavior, Big Sky Canine is the right place for you. 

What is canine management?

Using prevention techniques and equipment such as crates, and leashes to

prevent unwanted behaviors from being reinforced. Common behaviors such

as going

potty inside the house, jumping, biting, and barking can be often

solved by redirection and prevention.

For example, your dog runs to the door and barks at people when they

come to visit. Once they are inside he jumps on them.

To change this behavior your dog will wear a leash and when someone

knocks on the door you will have control of him. You can give him a

command like sit to redirect his barking, then reward him when he is quiet.

Next, when you go to the door, put your dog in a sit or down. Again he will

be on the leash to ensure this. Lastly, you will require that he stay in a sit

to recieve attention and rewards. Lots of praise and rewards will be given

when he performs his commands. Every time you practice or have a new

visitor you will practice these exercises and it will become habit for your

dog!

Nutrition and Exercise

Did you know that your dog's food can greatly effect his behavior? Do you

know what common allerns and poisonous foods are out there? BSC will

help you evaluate your food and treats.

Exercise is also essential to your dog's well-being, and good behavior!

Exercise is a great way to practice commands and training, and BSC has a

couple fun ideas for you!

Leadership is also important in training your dog. A great and easy

way to to accomplish this is follow the Nothing In Life is Free method.

To learn more about NILIF visit the following web link to the Humane Society of the US:

http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/our_pets_for_life_program/dog_behavior_tip_sheets/basic_training_techniques.html