I often find that my techniques or practices overlap with those of some more well known training gurus, though I can't say that I honestly follow any set of doctrines when it comes to dog training.
I do not believe in cookie-cutter dog training, and try my best to think outside the box when it comes to finding what works for each individual dog. That said, I strongly hold to the belief that you will have the best results by using training that appeals to the dog. I do not use threats or intimidation in my training, as they more often than not only confuse and frustrate the dog, resulting in an animal that is unwilling to offer novel behaviours out of fear of getting something wrong. Instead, I believe in nurturing a bond between owner and dog that allows the dog the freedom to use their own brain. I work on building enthusiasm and drive in the dog and focusing that in on the handler through reward and play. As a result, you have a dog that truly enjoys working for the handler, one that is eager to work, and an overall performance that is a true joy to observe.
My training classes use a combination of clicker-theory and drive training. While the clicker is becoming very widely accepted and embraced within the dog training community, there are those that still hold their reservations. I am of the belief that you can easily use clicker-theory without actually using a clicker. While I find that some of the best results are obtained with a clicker, for those people that are hesitant to try that option, there are alternatives that still follow a positive training route.
