There are four dog training “no’s”:
NO pain
NO punishment
NO negotiating
NO overpowering
Instead, correction and praise are the keys to good dog training. It only takes five repetitions for a dog to learn any one thing if you communicate with him properly, which is why Sophie can show you how to train your dog in a single afternoon.
Sophie is not training a dog to do anything it doesn't already know how to do, we are just teaching you to communicate with your dog. It takes longer to train the owner than it does to train the dog.
During your class, your dog will be trained in the five basic commands. After this is accomplished, Sophie can address any specific problems you have. The commands are:
Collection — Get your dog's attention. You can't train him if he's not paying attention! Your dog walks at your side with no tension on the leash. If you turn toward him, you do not bump into him because he turns with you. Why? Because he's paying attention to you.
Sit
Down
Doorway behavior — You leave your dog somewhere, indicate he is not to cross the threshold or other barrier, and he stays on the correct side of the "doorway "while you are gone (examples of doorway situations: stay outside a store while you're inside, stay out of the dining room while you're eating dinner, stop on command before crossing streets).
Recall — Your dog comes to you when you call him.
You Will Need The Following Equipment:
The only two pieces of equipment you need for the training is a Herm Sprenger prong training collar and a 6-foot leather leash. You can purchase these in advance or from Sophie the day of the training. Don’t buy a cheaper knock-off of the Sprenger collar. The prongs are too sharp and bend and should not be used for the training. Please talk to Sophie if you want more guidance on product selection:
Herm Sprenger prong collar
6 foot leather leash
If you’d like more information regarding the use of prong collars, please read this article:
“Prong Collars Are Lifesaving And Humane Training Tools”, by Jeff Gellman/Owner of Solid K9 Training and Training Coordinator
Basic Training
What can you expect by the end of the session? Your dog will respond to these five basic commands when you issue them, without correction!
Problem Behaviors
If your dog is aggressive, digging, biting, jumping, barking, urinating, defecating in protest, chewing, pulling, running away or lying down on their leash, Sophie will teach you how to correct your dog and over time, with consistency, will resolve the issue.
Follow-Up
In the weeks after the class, you will spend a minimum of five minutes each day applying the training methods you learned to reinforce your dog's training. It's important that you continue to follow up with training your dog to get the best results.
After your training session, Sophie will support your ongoing commitment to your dog. She will make two follow-up telephone calls to check in with you and discuss any questions that may have come up in your training.
If you have a training concern, we encourage you to reach out as often as you like.
Although few people feel the need for it, one follow-up visit to address unresolved issues is also part of the regular Sophie’s One Day Dog packages.
For Half and Full-Day Care & Trains your dog will be given plenty of breaks, rest, water, and play time throughout their session. Additionally, you will receive photos, videos, and updates of their progress.
To make an appointment for a Sophie’s One Day Dog Training package please email sophie.onedaydog@gmail.com
“Before meeting Sophie we tried five different trainers and programs and nothing truly stuck. It was one step forward, and two steps back. Both being first time dog owners, we struggled with understanding how to communicate with our dog Jingles and set healthy boundaries that corrected behavior and kept our anxiety at bay. We found Sophie and were immediately drawn to her kind spirit, love of animals, maturity, and felt an immediate sense of trust and safety leaving Jingles in her care. Each time Jingles trains with Sophie there is an immediate change in behavior. The biggest difference is she trained us to be better dog parents and since meeting her Jingles has become the best behaved dog - we literally always get comments on her good behavior and give all the credit to Sophie! Sophie ended up being a part of our wedding and helping Jingles walk down the aisle.. We couldn't have done it without her and we are constantly in awe of her gift and knowledge, and making our little family happier all around!”
-Shelby