From my heart:
When choosing a Dog Training Instructor to assist you and your pet, please ask about the methods employed to teach your pet the skills you seek in your companion animal. Your pet should be having FUN. If training your furry friend is not fun fun fun for you and your dog, your relationship with your companion could easily suffer!
~Frances ~
Key Lime Pie High In The Sky
"Kiwi"
First Doberman Pinscher to have achieved the Proven Stunt Dog Title WORLDWIDE, at age 10!
RANKED as
TOP ALABAMA TRAINER
2022 & 2023
www.sniffspot.com/blog/dog-trainers/alabama
Dog training is a way of communicating with another species. Just as we can learn to understand the body-language of dogs, so can dogs learn to understand the signals we give. Because this society is governed by humans, it is only fair to teach dogs the rules they have to live by in order to survive. This is where dog training comes into play, and play is exactly what training should be!
Training has come a long way since the days of traditional methods of teaching a dog what and what not to do. Decades of empirical evidence and extensive studies by experts in the field of behavior have shown that there are no reasons to use painful aversives in training. Collars such as slip/choke chains, prong/pinch, and electric/shock collars are, at best, effective on a limited basis. At worst, these types of "training collars" are fatally abusive.
Advantages of Positive, Reward-Based Dog Training:
* It does not lead to a fearful dog or to an owner who is afraid of what the dog may be capable of.
* The dog does not have to feel pain in order to learn. Pain increases stress, and stress lowers learning capability.
* The dog does not have to feel fear, intimidation or pressure to perform.
* It does not lead to aggression.
* Poor timing does not cause collateral damage.
* It teaches the dog specifically what to do, as opposed to hoping the dog will figure out what the correct behavior may be.
* The dog will become more creative and willing to try new behaviors such as agility or tricks.
* It creates leadership in the owner, therefore strengthening the bond between the dog and the owner.
* Training is fun and enjoyable for both the dog and the owner!
Types of Rewards
* Life rewards such as going outside, getting up on the sofa, taking off the leash for romping time, putting on the leash for a walk are all occasions that you can use to help you train your dog. If your dog wants something, anything, use this as an effective training tool! For example, if your dog comes to you with a ball in its mouth, ask your dog to sit before you throw the ball. You have now acknowledged your dog's obedience (sitting on your cue) with a reward (throwing the ball).
* Food rewards such as your dog's meals, chews, and treats can be used to engage your dog's willingness to follow your cues. There is only so much "volunteering" a dog will do, and sometimes it behooves owners to give their dog a bonus such as a special treat for exceptional work done.
* Attention rewards such as looking at your dog and praising, or physically rewarding by touch. For example, if your dog comes to you and wants to be petted, ask your dog to sit. You have now recognized your dog's obedience (sitting on your cue) with a reward (giving an ear rub).
IAABC Accredited Dog Trainer
Certified Professional Dog Trainer
(September 2001 - this was the first time this test was ever offered.)
-- Recertified September 2013
-- Recertified September 2010
-- Knowledge Assessed CPDT-KA
-- Recertified September 2007
-- Recertified September 2004
Certified National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors 1064 E
Graduate, Counseling Certificate, San Francisco SPCA
Association of Professional Dog Trainers
Professional Member # 5244P
Founding Member, No Shock Collar Coalition
Founding Member, Truly Dog Friendly
Pet Professional Guild
Mobile Bay Dog Training Club, Mobile, AL 1996-2023
Doberman Pinscher Club of America
American War Dogs Association
Alabama Animal Control Officers' Association
& a variety of other animal and Veteran-related organizations
Frances Dauster, CC, IAABC-ADT, NADOI Certified,
(CPDT-KA 2001 - 2016) has been an instructor for Family Dog Obedience Training since 1998.
She has taught for the for the Mobile Bay Dog Training Club, Mobile AL; Community Education Program of Mobile, AL; Skills Center, Eglin Airforce Base, FL; B&B Pet Stop, Mobile, AL; Theodore Veterinary Hospital, Theodore, AL; Pet Supermarket, Mobile, AL; Pet Supplies "PLUS," Mobile, AL; Village Animal Clinic, Mobile AL and has volunteered instruction for the Southeastern Guide Dog Puppies of the Mobile, AL and Ocean Springs, MS areas.
Frances has participated in AKC obedience venues including AKC and ASCA obedience and AKC agility. She assists in the organization and preparation for local animal-related events and rescues, as well as petfests and many varieties of canine demonstrations. She has taken two of her Dobermans for therapy visits to facilities and civic groups.
As a Member of the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors, a long-standing Professional Member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, as a founding member of TrulyDogFriendly and a member of the Pet Professional Guild, Frances believes in furthering her education by participation in seminars, webinars, telecourses and hands-on workshops throughout every year.
These educational opportunities include many different aspects to do with dogs and other animals including: family dog obedience training; AKC show obedience; agility; barn hunt; herding; tracking; clicker training; behavior modification; puppy training; pet dog training; aggressive dog skills & management; canine forensics, medical issues pertaining to behavior, etc.
Frances is a four-times-recertified Certified Professional Dog Trainer by the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers.
She is a Graduate of the San Francisco SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers CC course
In addition, she is Certified with the National Association of Dog Training Instructors
And, Accredited with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants.
She believes it is vital to keep current with the most modern aspects of dog training and behavior. Frances is active every day on discussion lists with Professional Dog Trainers, Veterinarians, Certified Pet Behavior Counselors, and other canine professionals worldwide.
Jace "Tyler" Dauster is a US Army Veteran who has relocated back to Mobile, AL.
Having grown up around dogs he has a deep love for "all things dog" and is starting out his promising career being mentored by Frances.
He has assisted in classes going back to 2006 and is especially talented in helping pet owners understand that their dogs are sensitive beings.
In addition, he has an amazing ability to handle boarding dogs with a calm and nurturing demeanor. Dogs are drawn to him!
He is specifically drawn to active dogs as he passionate about sports and understands the need for fitness (Go Patriots!)
He adopted his first dog, a Mountain Feist he named Jersey, from the Mobile SPCA in 2009. Jersey moved on the the Rainbow Bridge.
Currently he has a well-training cat named Sparkles. He has a soft spot for cats, too!
We will definitively be continuing our classes with you in the future. I love that you allow the entire family to train instead of just one person - my daughter looks forward to this all week! Dogs and their humans are happy leaving your class
-Morgan-