At Paws, Claws and Tails we believe that effective dog training and relationships with our dogs are built on trust, communication, and cooperation not fear or force. This is why our training philosophy does not incorporate the use of aversive training tools such as electronic collars, shock collars, prong collars, or choke chains.
In our training we define aversive tools and methods as techniques or tools that inflict discomfort, pain, fear, or intimidation on dogs in order to alter or stop undesirable behaviors. Therefore we do not use:
- shock collars
- e-collars
- prong collars
- choke chains
- physical punishment
- alpha rolls
- force submissions
- leash spray collars
- intimidation
- flooding
We do use:
- flat collars
- harnesses
- long lines
- enrichment tools
- flat leads
- standard leads
As part of our training we do use interrupter markers, such as “uh-uh”. We do believe it is only fair that it is made clear to our dog what we do and do not like so we will use “no” or “uh-uh” as a way to interrupt a behaviour. However this will always be followed up with a desirable alternative to effectively teach the dog the difference between what we do and what we don’t want.
We do use noise deterrents in certain situations in order to help our training be more consistent; however clear research has gone into these noise devices so we can ensure they’re not causing physical discomfort to your dog. They are merely interrupting undesirable behaviours such as barking.
In certain cases we will use a slip leash to aid us in training; however extensive training is given to the handler in how to use these correctly and humanely and we ensure that they are not used in an inhumane way.
When you agree to work with us we’re committing only using to humane training and care methods.