REWARD, CHOICE BASED
Modern dog training based on proven scientific methods continue to show that Reward Based Training gets consistent results. Dog's are more likely to repeat behaviors they find rewarding. A relationship built upon a dog's eagerness is more rewarding that one built upon fear. The use of positive reinforcement methods when teaching your dog has been universally endorsed by the behavioral scientific community at large as the most effective, long-lasting, humane and safest method in dog training. Moreover, I am kind and tolerant when training dogs. It is who I am in life, not just when I am training dogs... kind, tolerant and compassionate.

POSITIVE, NOT PERMISSIVE
Criteria, structure and rules are important for consistency of performance in dog training. I start off from puppy hood setting up my dogs to be resilient.  They happily come when called; they automatically sit for anything they want (‘say please’); they have good manners.  My training philosophy involves rewarding good behavior and teaching self-control. All animals make choices constantly; choice based training teaches the dog that making the right choice is very rewarding. The wrong choice 

gets nothing, but an opportunity to try again. I guide a dog into making the right choices and I train in loops as much as possible. These methods are at the core of positive reinforcement training.  I help my students see training from the dog's perspective. 

SCIENCE.  NOT WHISPERING
I have more than 30 years experience in applied canine behavior science. I understand how dog's think, learn and communicate. I am experienced in canine cognition, using Classical and Operant Conditioning to train dogs. I use methods that have been scientifically proven and peered reviewed. I motivate dogs to learn to earn. I am a Certified Professional Trainer who is always on a quest for furthering my education so that I can be the most effective trainer possible. I do not use choke, prong or shock collars. I do use NRM's for some dogs. I set up training so it is quite likely the dog will be successful with learning.  The most respected and successful trainers are able to effect change without the use of force. 

AGILITY & SPORTS
My philosophy in sports is that dogs are "trying to get it right" and I train from the dog's perspective. In order for dogs to have true independent obstacle performance, the dog has to feel that it has your permission to do them when they are cued. I use consistent markers to communicate that build solid behaviors and positive CER's (conditioned emotional response). I create resilient dogs that can handle competition environments and be reliable around other dogs and people, resulting in a confident

dog that will give you everything they got! 

      

YOUR EXPERIENCED CANINE EDUCATOR

Laura Bussing, CPDT, CCFT, CASPC