FAQs

What is positive reinforcement training?

Positive reinforcement training is a proven, kind and effective way to teach any dog while strengthening your bond.

Whether you’ve got an energetic puppy, a nervous rescue, or a cheeky teenager, positive reinforcement helps dogs learn in a way that’s clear, fair, and fun.

Myths about positive reinforcement training

Myth: Positive reinforcement is just bribery.
Reality: Treats (or toys, praise, play) are tools to teach new skills and build lasting habits. Once your dog understands what we want from them, rewards can be varied and gradually reduced.

Myth: It’s too soft and lets dogs get away with things.
Reality: It means showing your dog what to do instead of just punishing what not to do. Clear boundaries still exist – they’re just taught without inciting fear, using force or inflicting pain.

Myth: It takes too long.
Truth: Quick fixes from punishment can be effective at suppressing behaviours in the moment. However, we can’t control the fallout from these “corrections”. Your dog may form new negative associations with the people or animals present at the time of the punishment.

Myth: It doesn’t work for serious problems like aggression.
Reality: Modern behaviour science shows positive reinforcement is the most effective, ethical way to help with reactivity, fear, and aggression.

Imagine that you, like Indiana Jones, have a mortal fear of snakes. Now imagine every time you see one, someone shouts at you, jerks you by the arm, or shocks you. Would that make you less afraid of snakes?

Myth: You can’t say “no” with positive reinforcement.
Reality: It’s not about ignoring unwanted behaviour. In fact, I actively encourage you to interrupt unwanted behaviour and redirect it to an appropriate outlet. If it’s something your dog does frequently, we want to prevent it through management, redirect if management fails, and teach more desirable and successful alternatives.

Myth: It only works with food-driven dogs.
Reality: Every dog is motivated by something, whether it’s toys, play, praise, sniffing, or simply spending time with you.

“Is it my fault?”

Plenty of people come to me carrying guilt, shame, or worry that they caused their dog’s reactivity, anxiety or unwanted behaviours. I just want to reassure those people that behaviour is shaped by a mix of genetics, environment, and experience – not just a guardian’s choices.

I know exactly what it feels like to be embarrassed by my dog’s outbursts and to take exception to people’s unsolicited and usually unhelpful advice.

Seeking support when you feel in over your head is a huge step. By focusing on small wins and working as a team, you’re already giving your dog their best life.

What is a behaviour consultation?

I’ll get to know your dog – their learning history, lifestyle and individual characteristics (genetics, personality, age, health, etc.) – so we can put together a personalised plan that works for everyone. We’ll look at how to set things up at home to make life easier, work on teaching the behaviours you’d love to see, reward them for good stuff, and gently steer them away from what you don’t want.

What behaviours can you help with?

I can help you with excessive barking, resource guarding, separation issues, noise sensitivity, frustration and over-arousal, reactivity (toward dogs, people, or vehicles), and refusal to go on walks.

Do you work with all dogs?

While I won’t deny that I have a soft spot for sensitive rescue dogs – after all, it’s where my dog training journey began – the beauty of positive reinforcement training techniques is that they apply to all dogs, regardless of age, breed or background.

In certain instances, if I feel that another trainer might be a better match – due to their location or expertise – I may refer you on after an initial discovery call.

How long will it take to ‘fix’ my dog?

When it comes to an animal’s learning and behaviour, there’s no such thing as a guaranteed training outcome. No one can predict a dog’s (or anyone’s) behaviour without fail – there are simply too many variables.

However, I do promise to set you and your dog up for success, providing tailored plans and ongoing support throughout the training process to bring out the best in your pet.

With patience and consistency, most families see positive changes within weeks.