The Dan Perata method of training is founded upon positive reinforcement and deploys the simplest and most effective tools for training dogs: love and praise. We want a dog that listens to you for two reasons: 1. You’ve asked it to, and 2. Your dog respects and trusts you enough to be its decision maker.
It's not the biscuit in the hand, it’s the hand that holds the biscuit.
We work towards the goal of a balanced, calm and confident companion in all situations. We do this by alleviating your dog of the burden of making decisions. Dogs and kids are notoriously bad decision makers, and they count on us to this for them! Both to keep them safe and to keep you sane. At DPT, we teach you how!
Why is it important for your dog to be confident?
1
A confident dog can be left home alone without worry; a dog lacking in confidence can exhibit separation anxiety and end up eating the belongings in your home. We’re not being dramatic when we say that we helped a dog that literally ate through walls. That gives the old phrase “eating us out of house and home” a new meaning.
2
A confident dog can be introduced to new situations (other dogs, people and stimuli) and will respond appropriately. A dog that lacks confidence is often fearful, can potentially bite and will display other aggressive behaviors. It is not an option to have an aggressive dog in a city environment.
3
A confident dog is a fully integrated member of your family. A dog that lacks confidence is a dog you’re constantly apologizing for (which really gets tired fast). You don’t want to be the owner whose dog has just knocked over a toddler.
After 35 years of honing his training methods, Dan describes his training philosophy as energy management. This means teaching you to guide your dog by using your confidence and leadership rather than aggression or any other reward than your praise and affection. Dogs are animals that either lead or follow and they’re counting on you to be a good leader. One of DPT’s favorite maxims is, “If you treat your dog like a human, it will treat you like a dog. If you treat your dog like a dog, it will treat you like a human.” It is crucial to respect your dog’s nature by nurturing it in the right way.
“If you treat your dog like a human, it will treat you like a dog. If you treat it like a dog, it will treat you like a human.”
Dan teaches you and anyone in your family group how to communicate consistently and effectively with your dog through energy (body language and positioning), using verbal, non-verbal and non-punitive commands to maintain control of your dog’s behavior. This method, practiced over the long term, creates mutual trust and respect.
1
Treats do not equal love (they really don’t).
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Training via punishment/pain will never create a trusting relationship with your dog. Just like us, pain or fear gives a temporary reaction and behavior modification (it’s lazy training). It’s not a loving solution.
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Your dog does not understand human language.
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Whatever state of mind your dog is in, when you talk to it or touch it, you’re reinforcing that state of mind. Dogs don’t act, they react--and often, they’re reacting to you.
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A confident, balanced dog is a happy dog. Happy dogs create happy owners.