Training Philosophy

Positive Vibes Dog Training is a positive only training service using the best science-based methods available. Our training is designed to provide results, while also bolstering the relationship between you and your dog.

Positive Training

Positive reinforcement training goes by many names: reward-based training, science-based training, force-free training, and/or pain-free training. Regardless of what people call it, the theories behind each remain the same. So what is it? Basically, when you give your dog a reward (food, toys, play, praise, etc.) for a behavior you want, the more likely it is for your dog to repeat that desired behavior. Your dog learns that good things happen to him when he performs behaviors you like. Positive reinforcement training allows you to achieve a desired behavior, not with the use of physical control or corrections, but by drawing on your dog’s natural ability and desire to learn.

The Clicker

A clicker is a toy noise-maker used as an event marker to mark the exact time a desired response occurs. We use the clicker because it's sound is unique, consistent, and precise. Clicker training works because it marks a desired behavior in real time and is immediately proceeded by a desired reward such as food. Because the clicker pinpoints the desired behavior exactly as it happens, it allows your dog to learn a new behavior quickly, easily, and enthusiastically. The clicker allows us to communicate to our dogs that they performed the behavior correctly, and a reward will follow. Does this mean you will have to click and treat forever? Absolutely not! Clicker training is used to teach and learn new behaviors. Once the behavior is learned, the clicker can be faded out. You will only need to pull out the clicker to train new behaviors, or fine tune old ones.