Rewards-based training is a method of dog training that focuses on positive reinforcement, rather than punishment or dominance. At Two Dads Dog Training, rewards-based training involves using treats, toys, and praise to encourage desired behaviors and to motivate dogs to learn. Our trainers use a reward marker, such as a clicker or a verbal cue, to signal to the dog that they did something correctly, and then provide a reward.

This type of training is effective because it creates a positive association between the behavior and the reward, making the dog more likely to repeat the behavior in the future. It also fosters a stronger bond between the dog and their owner, as the dog learns to trust and rely on their owner for positive experiences. At Two Dads Dog Training, our mission is to provide humane and effective training that improves the lives of both dogs and their owners.

The collective attraction to "quick fixes" in dog training stems from a desire for immediate results and convenience. Quick fixes often rely on punishment-based techniques that can be detrimental to a dog's well-being and can hinder their ability to learn and trust.

Punishment-based training methods, instead of addressing the underlying motivation of a dog's behavior, often exacerbate their insecurity and hinder their learning ability. Punishment can cause fear, anxiety, and mistrust in dogs, leading to further behavioral issues and a deterioration of the human-dog bond. Positive reinforcement training, on the other hand, fosters a safe and trusting environment that encourages dogs to learn and make positive behavioral choices by rewarding desired behaviors instead of punishing unwanted ones.

Let’s start with the bad news. Anyone can call themselves a certified dog trainer. We are 100% unregulated. That’s the ugly truth of dog training. Independent certifications are more rigorous and objective. They are awarded by testing bodies rather than teaching institutions. The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) issues the Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT) certifications. Earning their certification requires:

• 300 hours of experience

• Recommendation from a veterinarian, behaviorist, or Certified Dog Trainer

• Passing a 200 question multiple choice test covering – instruction skills, animal husbandry, ethology, learning theory, and training equipment.

The trainers at Two Dads and a Dog have attained National Certification. You would never go to a chiropractor or a therapist who was not certified and not credentialed. Why would you choose a non-certified hobbyist for your dog?

Breaking up training sessions into smaller 5-minute frequent sessions throughout the day. It allows for more effective learning as it is easier for the puppy or adult dog to process information in smaller increments. Additionally, it is more convenient for busy schedules as it can be done in short bursts of time rather than needing a longer uninterrupted block.

Some of the advantages of "Less-than-5-minute" sessions are:

• Avoids over-arousal (less nipping and more attention)

• No over-feeding (if using food in training)

• Avoids training fatigue

• Less frustration

• More fun for you and your dog

Management refers to the strategies and techniques that are used to prevent a dog from engaging in unwanted behaviors. It involves creating an environment or setting up conditions that minimize the opportunities for the dog to practice or reinforce undesirable behaviors. Examples of management include measures such as closing blinds, crating, or leashing the dog to control their access or limit their interactions in certain situations.

In other words, management is what must be done when you are not actively training your dog or working toward modifying specific unwanted behaviors in your dogs. Management and dog training go hand in hand.

Reinforcement is actually a somewhat complicated subject. Using food in training is easily misunderstood and only a small percentage of what “reinforcement” means.

When training a dog, it is important to determine if the desired behavior will be reinforced by food in a given situation. Using food as a reward during training is effective, but it should be gradually phased out as the dog learns to respond to cues. This is very different than waving a piece of hotdog in front of his face hoping he will do what you ask. Other forms of reinforcement Two Dads Dog Training uses are play, petting, or engaging in activities the dog enjoys.

Our group classes regularly meet at the Rose Barn in North Park. The Rose Barn is a yellow building on Pearce Mill Rd (Allison Park), less than a mile from the park's administration building.

Generally, each class runs for about 55 minutes.

Absolutely! One-to-one sessions are not limited to your home. You can choose to have them anywhere you need assistance with your dog, such as in a park, a pet store, or even in your neighborhood. However, it is recommended that the first lesson take place at your home, as it provides a good starting point for discussing things.

For fearful dogs, it's best to have this session virtually to ensure the best learning experience for them.

During the initial lesson, our trainer will take time to get to know your dog's personality and the goals that you and your family have for your furry friend. We understand that every dog is unique, and every family has different expectations of their pet.

Therefore, we will create a customized training or behavior management plan tailored to your specific needs.

Our trainer will work with your dog and teach you the necessary skills to help your pet reach its full potential.

At the end of each session, you will receive homework to practice in between lessons.

Our philosophy follows the model of least intrusive principles developed by Susan G. Friedman, Ph.D.: the Hierarchy of Behavior Change Procedures. This Humane Hierarchy guides us in modifying a dog's behavior ethically and humanely by starting with a healthy animal and an appropriate environment. This means that our certified trainers strive to train dogs with the least amount of force, pain, fear, and intimidation possible.

Unlike other dog trainers who primarily rely on pain-inducing methods and electric devices to modify behaviors, we follow a human hierarchy framework to develop a behavior modification plan rooted in a humane, effective, and practical approach. Following the Humane Hierarchy, Two Dads Dog Training first looks at the whole picture to ensure you are met and your animal’s needs are met. This can involve collaborating with other professionals to address underlying medical issues, addressing environmental factors that contribute to undesirable behaviors, and identifying easy wins to help you and your pet.

At Two Dads Dog Training, we are committed to staying updated with the latest, most efficient, and effective dog training techniques through continuous education. We consistently review new studies and books and attend seminars to ensure your dog receives the best behavior intervention possible.