How and Why We Train
Why Train?
If your dog lived in the wild like their close cousins dingos and African wild dogs, they would face challenges each and every day. Where’s the water? Where’s the food? Where’s a mate? Where do I sleep safely tonight?
We have certainly made the life of dogs longer, healthier, and easier. Which is just great! But life on a couch can also be boring. When bored, dogs (particularly young dogs) find ways to entertain themselves – like eat a couch or pace a pathway in the carpet. In the wild, the canine brain is a busy, continually learning brain. How do we provide similar stimulation to beat back boredom and help our dogs be happy and calm? We can’t provide our dogs with bunnies to chase around, or yards to dig into dens. But we can provide enrichment through training or games that can even be played when owners are gone. Training takes the place of “life in the wild” problem solving which keeps dogs sharp and learning. Training is brain food which actually tires a dog out and creates a type of mental calmness. Whether it is tricks class, herding, barn hunt, agility, “hide the food” games at home or anything that requires learning new skills – dogs love activities which stimulate their brains. Training can dramatically enrich a dog’s life when it becomes part of the core care we provide for our beloved companions just like we provide daily food and water.
How we Train - TCCA Core Values
We base our relationships with every client, dog, and colleague on a policy of kindness. We treat each one as an individual with unique skills, unique needs, and something special to offer the world.
We search for the particular way that each dog/human team can learn best. We know one technique in training does not fit all. We ask our students for input, we listen to what dogs are telling us and try different approaches until we reach a solution that works for the team.
We are committed to proven, science-based techniques with training always focused first on Positive Reinforcement. We study and apply the work of top animal behaviorists and educational researchers. Our curriculum is in constant review for ever more effective methods.
In tune with our positive reinforcement values, we use flat buckle collars, harnesses, and head halters in our training. TCCA campus is free of prong, choke, and e-collars.