First, read this article from the OSPCA on how to choose a dog training school:

We want our students to be educated and informed - start by educating yourself and make an informed decision about what a good dog trainer looks like!

http://ontariospca.ca/2-behavtips-dog1.shtml

Reason #1 - Our Approach is Gentle, Humane and Scientifically Proven!

We take the time to explain HOW a dog thinks and WHY the exercises we teach help a dog learn and discover.  We'll never ask you to do something or show you something without tying it back to the science of canine behavior and learning theory.  If you are interested in going beyond a basic understanding of the science, we'll support you by referencing peer-reviewed articles and books written by reputable trainers and behaviorists like Jean Donaldson, Ian Dunbar, Patricia McConnell, and Karen Pryor.  While experience is important, these days there is far too much bad information that keeps on perpetuating itself.

Questions?  Contact us and let's chat.

What we use with your dog:

Everything we will show you how to do will strengthen the bond between you and your dog by using the following:

1. Food (treats, or just their regular meal)
2. Praise (verbal, physical)
3. Play (tug of war, fetch, and other prey-drive games)
4. Clicker

What we will never use:

1. Jerking on the leash
2. Hitting
3. Yelling
4. Alpha-rolling
5. Accusing your dog of being dominant, when he's not!

 Above:  A game of Fetch and Tug of War satisfies Elmo's natural drive, strengthens the handler/dog bond, and is a fantastic reward!

Reason #2 - Small Class Sizes with Personalized Attention

Foundation Skills has a maximum of 4 dogs per class per instructor, and Puppy Socialization has a maximum of 5 puppies per class per instructor.  You and your dog will learn faster since the head instructor will be watching you and can give you direct feedback as you train.  In other schools where there may be upwards of a dozen dogs per class, it's highly unlikely the instructor will ever have time to watch your technique and give you feedback, which just means you may go on making trainer errors week after week and never know better.

Especially for a beginner's class, it is absolutely critical to have a very low student-to-teacher ratio.  Attention and feedback from the head instructor is what's important - otherwise you could just buy a dog training DVD and follow the lesson plans on your TV. 

Reason #3 - Unparalleled Flexibility and Convenience

Most dog training schools in Toronto only hold classes on weekday nights at awkward times (6pm on Wednesday night, for example).  When you sign up for a class, you start on a specific date and the class typically runs each and every week that same date/time until completion.  What if the start date is when you're away on a business trip?  What if on the 4th week of program, you've got family coming to visit?  Rigid class starts and schedules are a big reason why many families don't bother going to obedience school - or end up missing classes.

When Hounds Fly uses a modular syllabus, meaning each student works on each behavior module on their own pace.  By signing up for the program, you're given ample time to complete the program in any order.  This takes the pressure off you and your dog to "keep up" with a class, or, for quick learners, enables you to progress onto more challenging behaviors.

It is our goal to make dog training convenient and accessible so that more dog owners in Toronto socialize their puppies and train their dogs, which will serve to enrich the lives of more dogs and their owners.

Reason #4 - We Specialize in"Not-So-Obedient" Breeds

Stanley Coren wrote a paper titled "The Intelligence of Dogs" and the following 10 breeds were ranked lowest:

1. Shih Tzu
2. Basset Hound
3. Beagle
4. Pekingese
5. Bloodhound
6. Borzoi
7. Chow Chow
8. Bulldog
9. Basenji
10. Afghan Hound

We don't think these dogs are "disobedient" - they just are motivated by different things.  Working with hounds and bulldogs effectively means interacting with them differently.  Not all dogs find verbal praise or head touches to be rewarding.  In fact, many dogs dislike being touched.  Each dog decides what is rewarding and reinforcing.  Some love toys, some love food, a small percentage like physical touch.  As a result, some dogs train best with toys and play, most with food, and some for a belly rub.  All dogs hate and avoid punishment.  Traditional punishment-based training will get you nowhere with any dog, but in particular with these "stubborn" breeds.

Love Beagles or Bulldogs?  Contact us and tell me about your hound.

Reason #5 - We Invest in Learning and Self Improvement

Professional development and ongoing learning is a very important part of being a professional.  We're committed to continual self improvement.  In 2010, we attended seminars and workshops put on by Patricia McConnell on dog-aggression and Kathy Sdao on operant conditioning.  In 2011, we attended ClickerExpo in Chicago and many others as well.

When Hounds Fly is also proud to be a Karen Pryor Certified Training Partner.  (Read more about the Karen Pryor Academy at www.karenpryoracademy.com)

When Hounds Fly's Head Trainer has also completed Pet First Aid classes through Walks 'n Wags Pet Care: http://www.walksnwags.com 

When Hound Fly's Head Trainer is also a TAG Teach Primary Certified instructor: http://www.tagteach.com/

Read more about our instructors here by clicking here.

Reason #6 - Professional Association and Adherence to Codes of Conduct

All head trainers are When Hounds Fly are members in-good standing with the following professional dog trainer associations.  Some of these associations are professional in nature, and others are associations of trainers that adhere to force and correction-free training methods. Additional associations and certifications will be added as we grow!