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Opportunity Barks™ uses positive methods to open the lines of communication and lay the foundation for a relationship based on fun, communication and respect.
Positive methods, based in operant learning, involve the use of positive reinforcement: earning rewards like food, praise and play when your pet does what you'd like them to do. We use a sound- a word or a click to mark behavior and follow it with a reward.
To learn more about clicker training read the following article from ClickerTraining.com: What is Clicker Training?
Common Questions:
Positive methods, eh?
Why positive methods?
Do I have to use a clicker?
Do I have to use food?
Will I always have to use food?
How long should I train each day?
What equipment do you recommend?
What animals does Opportunity Barks™ work with?
Private, Boarding School or Group Classes?
Positive methods, eh?
Positive does not mean being a doormat, by our definition it means being a compassionate leader and partner with your animal. We're not bribing and begging for cooperation- we're using what motivates the dog to shape their behavior for life.
We mostly waste our time, telling our animals what not to do, which often rewards the behavior we don't like anyway. Instead, we'll start to train and reward behavior that we do like and as a result start to see more of it. Sound good?
Why positive methods?
Although dominance based methods can get results; we have yet to find a dog that is enthusiastic and eager to learn after being trained with aversive methods. 'Nuff said.
Do I have to use a clicker?
Nope, you can also use a word to mark behavior like "good!" or "yes!".
Do I have to use food?
Food is a primary motivator for most animals, so we're going to start there. However, if your companion is motivated by play, tugging, praise or petting that can also be used as a reward.
Will I always have to use food?
When first teaching a behavior, you'll use plenty of food rewards. We'll begin using less food and also use Life Rewards, like going for a walk or playing fetch to reward good behavior.
How long should I train each day?
As much as you like, but at least 20 minutes a day, throughout the day is recommended. Every interaction is a learning opportunity- every second counts!
What equipment do you recommend?
Opportunity Barks™ recommends a plain ole' collar and a 4-6 foot leash for starters. Front Clip Body Harnesses and Head Halters are recommended for further control.
What animals does Opportunity Barks™ work with?
We work primarily with dogs - everything from American Bulldogs to
Yorkies - and also work with cats.
Private Training, Behavior Consultations, Country Boarding School or Group Classes?
Good question! For most dogs, especially puppies or newly adopted dogs, we encourage owners to start with private sessions to get a good grasp of the basics, and then continue with group classes or a private lesson series.
For problem solving or aggressive/reactive dogs, private lessons and behavior consultations are the way to go. If you'd like to work towards getting your dog in a group class, we'll help you get there.
If you'd like a trainer to set a solid foundation and make training your dog easier, we recommend Boarding School in conjunction with privates or group classes for follow up.
Group classes are great for socializing puppies to other pups and people, and are by far a great way to work on your dog's skills with increased distraction.
