The The Dog Squad uses a variety of training tools to train dogs. I am not against any tool that helps a dog learn in a positive and humane way.

I sometimes use a combination of training aids and yes I do use treats when called for. I work with a variety of dogs, breeds and ages running the gamut from normal puppy and dog obedience to severe aggression and other behavior problems that are life threatening to the dog.

 

Because I am not afraid to use an electronic collar when it is appropriate I get labeled by naysayers as a "Shock Collar" trainer. The people who use this label want it to sound bad by using the emotionally charged term "Shock" when in reality I never shock dogs with my training method that predominantly uses low level electrical stimulation. Also, I only use the e-collar when it is the right approach. I use treats when it is the right approach and I use other types of training collars when it is the right approach. It is not the tool but my understanding of canine behavior and how to communicate with a particular dog and how to solve a particular problem that is important. It is also as important to use a tool that the owners can easily use and duplicate the results that I get with the dog. If the owner can't use a pinch collar then regardless of how the dog responds to me it may not work for the owner and their dog.

 

Over the past few years there have been a rash of articles bashing the use of electronic collars in local and in some national dog publications. As a professional dog trainer I feel the need to stand up to these false and misleading articles that present hearsay stories, urban legends and misleading pseudo science to espouse their philosophical beliefs about "All Positive" dog training. 

 

Some of these trainers denigrate other trainers who use any method other than the "All Positive" approach portraying them as "in-humane", "uncaring" and go as far as calling us "dog abusers."

 

Renowned author Steven R. Lindsay who has written the most coherent and comprehensive body of scientific knowledge about dog behavior and training, in his "Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training: Volume Three. In chapter Nine, "Behavioral Monitoring and Electronic Control of Behavior", he debunks many of the so called scientific articles and arguments against the e-collar and writes the following in his concluding remarks:

"When properly understood and employed, ES (Electrical Stimulation) can be effectively used to modify dog behavior without eliciting significant stress or fear. Given the potential benefits of LLES (Light Level Electrical Stimulation) for dog behavior control and the relatively harmless and innocuous nature of LLES, it is nothing short of appalling that so many respected authorities, who otherwise show evidence of intellectual integrity and scientific restraint, have chosen to condemn electronic devices, based on personal prejudice and the hearsay opinions of others. 

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Off Leash II:  Open to Dog Squad Clients who have completed Off Leash I - E-collar Trained only, San Leandro, CA

The "Dogs Downtown Excursions" have expanded to 3 Locations: Walnut Creek, Danville and Pleasanton starting Saturday April 6, 2013. The schedule will work as follows: The first Saturday of the month will be Walnut Creek, the 2nd Saturday will be Danville, the 3rd Saturday will be Pleasanton. I will be taking off the 4th weekend of every month. When a Saturday falls on the 5th weekend then an Bonus Class with location will be announced by email.

 

Date: Saturday May 11, 2013 at 1 PM.
Vasona Park, 333 Blossom Hill Rd.,Los Gatos, CA (Peppertree Site) 

Fee is $10 per dog. Pre-Registration only. Limit 10 Dogs.

Test will be run rain or shine. 

 

Sign-Up Information

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