About ABC For Dogs

Consent is of utmost importance when it comes to counselling and coaching; I will always endeavour to ensure you’re comfortable with my approach, your dog’s training plan, and every step in the training and behaviour change process, and I will always invite your feedback and engagement. I’m committed to using accessible language and methods of teaching and coaching that enable you to understand your dog’s behaviour and empower you to change it. I’m always happy to break things down, provide resources that explain or support the methods I’m using, and tailor my approach to whatever makes you and your dog most comfortable.

When it comes to behaviour change, we can either use the carrot or the stick—it’s really that simple, which makes the choice easy. I’m committed to using modern force-free methods, which means my training approach will never involve doing anything that will hurt or scare your dog or cause discomfort to train or change behaviour. I endeavour to use the least invasive and most comfortable method, first and foremost, for achieving or modifying behaviour. I do not use choke, prong, shock, or choke collars, flooding, or other aversive training tools/methods.

The training methods I utilise are based in applied behaviour analysis, learning theory, and scientific knowledge on dog behaviour and how dogs learn. Evidence-based practice means the conscientious use of the best practices available. These treatments are scientifically proven to produce positive results. An evidence-based approach constantly looks at new research and studies and re-evaluates practice based on findings. Depending on your training goals and your dog’s presenting challenges, I may use any combination of the following methods: positive reinforcement (rewards), negative punishment (time-outs), classical/counterconditioning, desensitisation, or habituation. Utilising scientific methods that are backed by research ensures we’ll make fabulous progress together—training as efficiently and effectively as possible. As a professional, I’m committed to providing you with the most up-to-date knowledge and skills, which is why I’m committed to ongoing education.

First and foremost, I use lots of rewards in training. Dogs are motivated by the things that they enjoy and are interested in, which is primarily food and play, as well as socialising, sniffing, walking, and investigating. Food happens to be my primary reward because it’s the fastest, easiest, and most convenient way to reinforce behaviours. Dogs just do what works, particularly whatever is reinforcing for them, and it’s our job to make the behaviours we desire from our dogs worth their while by using rewards. When we use rewards to motivate dogs to learn, we get enthusiastic and reliable results and a dog who’s happy to work with us on tasks that feel relevant to them. Reward-based training is family-friendly, and it’s fun for you and your dog.

Communication is key; a large part of dog training is all about making sure that you and your dog feel confident and capable. I take a collaborative, client-centred approach, and I’m deeply invested in honing my counselling and teaching skills through continual CPD. I’m a highly compassionate person, and I know how upsetting, frustrating, and stressful training challenges can be, and I’m here to support you and cheer you on. I understand and value working with you and your dog as a team, which is the most effective way for us all to be successful.