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Positive reinforcement is a key component of gold star dog training, where good behavior is rewarded with treats, praise, and affection. This approach encourages dogs to repeat desired actions.
By focusing on what your dog is doing right, you can build a strong bond and improve behavior. Consistency is essential in gold star dog training, so establish a routine and stick to it.
A well-designed training plan can help you address specific behavioral issues, such as barking or chewing. With patience and persistence, you can see significant improvements in your dog's behavior.
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Training Methods
Our training methods are designed to address the root of anxious, hyperactive, or problem behavior in your dog. We focus on relationship building, which helps strengthen the bond between you and your dog.
We use a five-step training process that creates a strong foundation for life-long skills. This process pairs well with direct techniques like interruption, redirection, correction, and counter conditioning to tackle problem behavior head-on.
Imprinting is an essential part of our training, where we teach your dog expected behaviors through verbal commands like sit, stay, drop/leave it, and more. This helps develop a natural rhythm in your dog's behavior.
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Balance Training Technique
At the core of our training methods is the Balance Training Technique, which aims to engrain what your dog has learned into their daily behavior. This technique is designed to address the root of anxious, hyperactive, or problem behavior during early sessions.
Our instructors will initially address problem behavior through relationship building, which is a crucial step in creating a strong bond between you and your dog. This helps your dog feel more secure and trusting.
Interruption is another key method used to interrupt unwanted behaviors, allowing your dog to learn healthier ways to cope with their surroundings. By interrupting the behavior, you're giving your dog a chance to refocus and calm down.
Redirection is a powerful tool that helps your dog redirect their attention away from the object of their aggression or fear. This can be done by offering a more appealing alternative or distraction.
Correction and counter conditioning are also essential components of the Balance Training Technique. Correction helps your dog understand what behavior is expected of them, while counter conditioning changes how they feel about the object of their aggression or fear.
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Behavior Shaping
Behavior shaping is a crucial part of the training process, helping your dog focus and respond to cues and commands in a distracting world.
We take the time to adjust your dog's willingness to respond through behavior shaping, which involves learning to focus, avoid distractions, and redirect their attention back to you.
The world is an exciting place for dogs, with new sights, smells, and stimuli constantly bombarding them, making it hard to maintain consistent focus and receptiveness to cues and commands.
By giving your dog tools to help find a center of calmness, we make it possible to achieve milestones like maintaining focus and responding to cues.
In this stage of the program, your dog will learn to redirect their attention back to you, even in the face of distractions, which is a vital skill for everyday life.
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Certification and Evaluation
Certification is a crucial aspect of gold star dog training, and it's essential to understand the evaluation process to ensure your dog receives a gold star certification.
A gold star certification is awarded to dogs that demonstrate exceptional obedience skills, with a minimum score of 95% required in the evaluation process.
To achieve a gold star certification, dogs must pass a rigorous evaluation that assesses their ability to follow commands, walk on a loose leash, and respond to distractions.
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Evaluation
Before starting your dog's training journey, it's essential to evaluate their current skill level and personality. This is done through a preliminary evaluation with a certified trainer.
The trainer will assess your dog's current skill level, which will help determine the best course of action for their training. You'll also have the opportunity to share your goals with the instructor, who will then draft a plan of action for training.
AkC Certification
The AKC Certification is a gold standard for good dog behavior, highlighting your dog's obedience and all the hard work they put into training.
This certification can be a valuable resource that helps you reach your personal goals, such as getting discounts or gaining trust from landlords.
A landlord may require this certification for prospective tenants with dogs, making it easier to rent a place with your furry friend.
Having your dog certified can also make it easier for you to trust yourself as a responsible dog owner, knowing you've taken the responsibility to have your dog trained.
In some cases, this certification can even be a requirement, so it's essential to consider getting your dog certified if you're planning to rent a place with pets.
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Training Locations and Services
Gold Star Dog Training locations and services vary, but one consistent aspect is the focus on positive training methods. Gold Star Dog School and Daycare in Washington, for instance, uses this approach to help dogs become their best selves.
You can choose from a range of training courses at Gold Star Dog School and Daycare, including basic obedience training, behavioral modification, and board and train programs. Their prices range from $50 to over $300, depending on the type of training you need.
Some Gold Star Dog Training locations offer online or in-person training, while others have more limited options. For example, Dog Academy offers both online and in-person training, while Gold Star Dog School and Daycare only offers in-person training. Here's a brief overview of some Gold Star Dog Training locations:
Customizable Training
Customizable training is a key aspect of effective dog training. Every pup learns differently, and trainers should adapt their approach to meet the unique needs of each dog and owner.
Many training facilities, like Greenlin's Gold-Star Dog Obedience Training, offer personalized training plans tailored to the dog's learning style and the owner's goals. They take the time to understand the dog's current skill level and the owner's objectives.
Some trainers, such as those at Gold Star Dog School and Daycare, use a combination of training techniques to create a positive and efficient learning environment. They offer various training options, including group obedience classes, private lessons, and specialty classes like K9 scent work and therapy dog training.
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A positive approach to training is essential for building trust and creating a lifelong bond between dog and owner. Trainers who use positive reinforcement methods, like teaching verbal commands in a positive way, can help owners achieve their training goals.
Here are some common types of training courses offered by dog training facilities:
By choosing a training facility that offers customizable training, owners can ensure their dog receives the best possible training experience.
Kent, Washington Highlights
Kent, Washington is a great place to train your furry friend. The city offers a variety of dog training options that cater to different needs and budgets.
If you're looking for a more affordable option, consider Dog Training Depot, which offers online training sessions for just $97. This is a great choice for addressing specific issues like potty training, barking, and digging.
For in-person training, Gold Star Dog School and Daycare is a popular choice, offering board and train programs, competition training, and K9 scent work. Their prices range from $50 to $300+.
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If you're willing to invest in a more comprehensive training program, Mindful Adventure Dog Academy offers puppy training, board and train programs, and service dog training for $3,000 - $6,000+. This is a great option for those who want to work with experienced trainers and see significant results.
Here are some key details to consider when choosing a dog training program in Kent, Washington:
Training Staff and Contact
Our training staff at Gold Star Dog School is comprised of experienced and passionate instructors who are dedicated to helping you and your dog reach your full potential. Terri, the owner and instructor, has been teaching dog training classes around the Puget Sound for 30 years and has a wealth of knowledge to share.
Terri's love for training dogs began with her own German Shepherd, Baron, in 1987, and she has since trained various breeds, including shelties and golden retrievers. She has won numerous awards and has a strong background in obedience and rally competitions.
Diana, another instructor, has a special passion for therapy dog work, which she began with her Golden Retriever, Harli, in 2006. Diana and her dogs have been registered Pet Partners Therapy Animal Teams and have visited hospitals and children's facilities, spreading joy and comfort to those in need.
Both Terri and Diana believe in positive training methods that emphasize building a strong relationship between dog and handler. They understand that every dog is unique and requires a tailored approach to training, which is why they offer a variety of classes and workshops to suit different needs and goals.
Instructor
Our instructors are passionate about dog training and are dedicated to helping you and your furry friend succeed. Terri, our lead instructor, has over 30 years of experience teaching dog training classes around the Puget Sound.
She's a certified trainer with a wealth of knowledge in various training techniques, and she's always looking for ways to improve her skills. Terri stays up-to-date with the latest training trends by attending seminars and workshops with renowned trainers and behaviorists.
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Heather, another talented instructor, has been training dogs since she was a kid. She started agility training with her German Shepherd, Chase, and discovered a natural knack for it. Heather's also an experienced teacher, having volunteered to teach 4-H agility classes in high school.
Terri's approach to training is centered around creating a positive environment for dogs to learn. She believes in giving dogs boundaries and making them responsible for their behavior, and she's always looking for ways to tailor her training style to each dog's unique needs.
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Diana Doolittle, Instructor, [email protected]
Diana has been training dogs for over 40 years, starting with her first dog in 1977.
She fell in love with Golden Retrievers after acquiring her first one, Teddy, in 1993.
Diana and her husband became a registered Pet Partners Therapy Animal Team in 2006 with their Golden Retriever Harli.
They began volunteering at Mary Bridge Children's Hospital, visiting kids and their families until Harli's retirement in 2017.
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Piper, their second Golden Retriever, passed their Pet Partners evaluation in 2014 and joined her sister in visiting at Mary Bridge.
Deja Vu, their third Golden Retriever, has earned multiple AKC and NACSW Nosework titles.
Diana teaches classes from Puppy through Advanced obedience, AKC Canine Good Citizen, Therapy Dog Prep and Rally.
She is also an AKC CGC Evaluator and began taking classes at Gold Star in early 2020.
Diana believes that every dog learns differently, so it's essential to have a variety of training tools in your toolbox.
A strong bond, good communication, and mutual respect are key components to building a great relationship between dogs and their owners.
Diana enjoys watching both dogs and their owners find a connection and grow in their skills and relationship.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest rated dog training certification?
The highest rated dog training certification is the Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT) credential, awarded by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. This esteemed certification is highly regarded in the industry for its rigorous standards and expertise.
How long does it take Lucky Dog to train a dog?
According to the Lucky Dog training system, it takes just 7 days to transform any dog into a model companion. This rapid transformation is achievable with the right training approach, as shared by the celebrity dog trainer and Emmy-winning star of the CBS show.
Does reward based dog training work?
Yes, reward-based dog training is an effective method supported by scientific principles and real-life experience. It's a proven way to modify behavior and strengthen the bond between dog and owner.
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