Dog-Relating ... Beyond "Training"
Inspired by Dogs, Built for You
Have you tried classes or worked with trainers, only to find you're still not getting the responses you want from your dog? Many modern training philosophies overlook the most crucial aspect: how dogs instinctively communicate.
Instead of trying to teach dogs to learn our language, we'll teach you how to responsibly communicate and relate to your dog in ways that truly make sense to them.
The Dog's Way: Natural Connections, Lasting Results
When you learn to relate to your dog on their terms, you'll experience incredible results:
- Understand your dog from their perspective.
- Build a stronger relationship and a trusted bond.
- Share meaningful messages with your dog in real-time.
- Confidently take your dog anywhere.
My Journey to Dog-Relating
As a life-long dog lover, my professional journey began with fostering dogs and volunteering with a dog rescue group while growing up. When in college, I worked at dog daycare and boarding facility. I was actually in school to study physical therapy, however, once I started working with dogs on a daily basis, I was hooked and there was no turning back.
After college, I had the opportunity to work at the Dog Wellness Center in Minneapolis, MN. As a Dog Relator, I gained an innate understanding of Dog Society and how to help owners relate to their dogs in meaningful ways. I then received further training, and continued mentorship, from one of the best out there -- Max Bitterman, trainer and founder of Your Dog's Best Friend (ydbf. org).
The Dogcentric Way: Understanding Their World
Max and his team didn't just study dog training; they studied dogs themselves. Thousands of hours of observation led to two invaluable discoveries:
Your dog thinks and operates like the best people you know
Dogs are inherently loyal, loving, trusting, caring, and forgiving. They don't hold grudges, aren't arrogant or dishonest, cruel or inhumane. These negative traits are unique to humans.
Your dog is socially brilliant
Dogs are exceptional "people" and "parents." They raise their children with intimacy, honesty, and clarity, responsibly teaching them right from wrong. They relate and communicate with their offspring in meaningful ways to instill healthy social etiquette. They don't rely on behavior analysis, operant conditioning, or other strategies or gimmicks common in many modern dog training methods.
These findings formed the foundation of the Dogcentric approach – focusing on dog relating for relationship building, not just dog training.
- Goal: Help you understand what your dog is experiencing and learn how to respond in a way that makes sense to them.
- Foundation: Understanding how dogs naturally raise their children.
- Method: Responsibly relating and communicating in a meaningful way.
- Result: A dog who can go everywhere and do anything with ease.
We can help with:
- Puppy Foundation Basics
- Manners (jumping up, barking)
- Leash Pulling
- Reactive or Aggressive Dogs
- Shy or Fearful Dogs
- Disobedient Dogs
- Rambunctious Dogs
- Dog Socialization Needs
... and more!
Cost:
Our model for private training is PAY AS YOU GO. There is no session minimum and the initial phone consultation is free.
Testimonials
We've been to other trainers, however, working with Ian made the biggest difference by far. Learning how to communicate with our dog and speak her language has been life changing. We now feel confident bringing her anywhere.
My dog was reactive around other dogs. I worked with other trainers, but things did not change. I decided to give it one more shot with Ian, and I am so happy that I did! I cannot believe the changes in my dog.
We never believed it was possible for our dog to be where he is at now. We had just accepted that this was our life, and we would have to keep him away from other dogs and people. People can now enter our home; we can walk by other dogs and people without him barking aggressively; and now he even goes to daycare and plays with other dogs!