Four modules. $860

Unlike most trainers, I gained my knowledge in a vacuum by solving problems and adapting to circumstances. Unsatisfied with limited training perspectives, I was forced to invent my own, to adapt to the real challenges of training and behavior work. I never left gaps in my education. I used a rule I got from my classical violin teacher – if you have trouble with something, do more of it until you no longer have a problem. My client’s dogs didn’t allow me to use recipes. By solving thousands of problems over more than 30 years, I have an unique perspective on behavior. It is my passion and from the beginning of my career, I was never conventional - I do things with effectiveness as the highest value.  

If you are not familiar with my perspective on training, this preparatory course will get you ready for the main course. To have fluid progress with the Advanced Course requires demonstrating skills that are not common to other forms of training. If you do well with any of the topics, we blast forward to the others. The goal is a solid platform to launch your journey. Meaning you will not be penalized for prior knowledge, but demonstrating these skills is the prerequisite for starting the main course.

1.     Intro to clicker. Basic shaping. Intro to wrong. Shape a behavior. Add duration
If you can’t yet write a cogent paragraph around all of these terms, you’ll be lost when we get to the Advanced Course. These are critical, fundamental topics. You cannot go upward unless your foundational knowledge and skills are solid.

2.     Targeting. Target stick and remote target
I introduced the use of inedible targets to dog training. Far more effective than lures, using targets makes teaching a snap. Until you become familiar with both target sticks and remote targets, your work will always be limited.

3.     Commands and signals:
Connecting signals to behaviors and consequences is a necessary part of training. The actual process of doing that efficiently is relatively obscure. Learning the ins and outs of using signals for teaching and for immediate control is crucial to your skill as a trainer.

4.     Stopping behaviors/compelling behaviors.
The rules of aversive control. The mechanics of how to apply those rules. No one has delved into the underpinnings of aversive control as I have. I didn’t just want to know how to use it, but how it relates to behavior as a whole. After this module, you will be able to say the words ‘reinforcement and punishment’ with no bias other than what works best, when. To be able to inhibit dangerous and unsafe behaviors is the most important skill a modern trainer can have. Otherwise, Fido becomes another ‘rescue’ dog with a backstory of failed training  – and nobody wants that.