​​Hi I’m Clara and my dog training journey started when I watched a video about teaching dogs through positive reinforcement.

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Do you find these phrases familiar - “Don’t do this!” “Don’t do that!” “Why you do like this?” Growing up, I often hear these whenever I’m taught a new skill. 

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This is similar to how some of us teach our dogs, we tell them what not to do but provide insufficient feedback on what to do. Positive reinforcement training caught my attention because one of the guiding principles was to teach your learner (dog) what to do. This method of teaching sounded less frustrating to me and I was excited to be a teacher with it.

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That inspired me to get my dog Maki (yes what an unusual reason to get a dog) and began my journey of teaching. I started off as a student of the puppy class with Al from My Dog Trainer into a Trainee in his school.

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To enjoy our dog’s companionship, it’s helpful for our dogs to learn rather unnatural behaviors such as walking by a loud trolley or other dogs, standing stationary while a vet checks them, and the list goes on! I believe in teaching our dogs these skills to prepare them for their lives with us. And we as owners, learn how to teach them for their life with us.