OUR PHILOSOPHY TO DOG TRAINING
At A Balanced Dog, we believe effective dog training is about more than teaching a dog what to do. It is about creating clear communication, reliable boundaries, and a cohesive relationship in which both the dog and owner understand each other.
We take a balanced approach to training, meaning we use both reinforcement and appropriate consequences to teach and maintain behavior. We believe dogs should be rewarded for making good choices, while also understanding that unwanted behaviors have appropriate consequences.
Every dog is different, and there is no single training tool or technique that works for every dog. We consider the dog's temperament, behavior, environment, learning history, and the goals of the owner when developing a training plan.
Our training toolbox may include food, toys, praise, play, slip leads, prong collars, e-collars, and other tools when appropriate. We do not practice a force-free training philosophy, and we do not believe that every behavior can or should be addressed through rewards alone. When training tools are used, we teach owners how to use them clearly, appropriately, and responsibly.
Our goal is not to overwhelm a dog. Our goal is to create understanding and reliability in a way that makes sense to them. We want dogs to know what is expected of them, have the skills to make good choices, and be able to successfully navigate the real world.
We train both ends of the leash
A well-trained dog is only part of the equation. Owners need to understand how to communicate clearly, reinforce good behavior, set appropriate boundaries, and follow through consistently.
That's why owner education is an important part of every training program. We don't want your dog to simply behave for us—we want you to understand how to maintain that behavior when your dog comes home.
Our goal is simple: a dog you can communicate with, trust, and enjoy in everyday life.
If you are specifically looking for a force-free or rewards-only training program, we may not be the right fit for you—and that's okay. We would rather be upfront about our approach so that you can choose a trainer whose philosophy aligns with your goals and expectations.
Here at A Balanced Dog we are very transparent about our work. We document and show everything that we do through photos and videos that get posted on our social media stories. We want people to not only see what we are doing along with how and why it works, but to also take this content and learn how to help their own dogs succeed!
Your Dog Doesn't Just Train Here. They Learn How to Live With You.
Our training goes beyond teaching commands in a training room. Dogs work on obedience, impulse control, leash skills, socialization and real-world distractions so that the skills they learn can become part of everyday life.
Our Board & Train dogs stay on our property during their program and receive structured training throughout their stay. When they're ready to go home, we don't simply hand you the leash — we spend dedicated time teaching you how to continue the work.
“Shannon took our English Cream Retriever Gwendolyn who was 9 months old for 2 weeks of training and somehow managed to get her to learn how to respond to various commands and to walk alongside of me without pulling me all over the place. She sits on command, looks at me and doesn't go out until I say OK! She is much easier to live with since she has learned these manners! I couldn't be more pleased as she had been behaving very badly and now I feel like she is much more controllable! Shannon did a great job with her!” — Sunny C.
