TRAINING PHILOSOPHY & METHOD
There are some trainers out there that do not believe dogs are pack animals and they build their training around
that philosophy. This training is designed with the understanding that dogs are pack animals. In a pack there is only
one leader and it can be a human. Once we bring a dog or puppy into our home we are asking them to live and adapt to our
human pack. I believe these dogs deserve to be taught the foundations of life with us. Much like raising a child, they
need a fair chance to understand the rules and how to live within them. This approach teaches people how to get their
dog to see them as the leader. Once a dog has a leader that he/she can trust to be clear, fair and consistent, he/she will
give in to that leadership and will be happier and more balanced for it. Without the proper leadership dogs do what dogs
are born to do chew, bark, dig, nip, jump up etc…. In the worst case scenerio, the dog takes over the leadership role
and serious problem behaviors may develop. As they mature, around 15-24 months, certain breeds can become dangerous
and uncontrollable.
The earlier the training is started the better, however it is never too late to get going with training.
Dog Training and Behavior Development
Learning how to communicate with a dog in a way it understands opens the door to not only training a dog, but being able to
enhance or suppress certain behaviors.
The most fulfilling training experience is one that is done not to train a dog to follow commands like come, sit and stay,
but rather done with the goal of developing a relationship with a dog. Training is about building a relationship with a living,
breathing, thinking animal. Once a owner can do that, they can take their dog
anywhere and have good control of their dog and its behavior.
There are no shortcuts and the time needs to be put in on a consistent basis. Maybe you learned
how to play an instrument when you were a kid, can you still play? If so, it is because you kept up on it.
I believe that effective training should be designed to extend beyond the class and into everyday life. What good is
training if the dog is only reliable at the training classes or show ring? My desire is that people provide consistency
with their dog and take this training and incorporate it into their day to day life and that the benefits last the
lifetime of the dog.
" Dogs need a job. There is a feeling of fulfillment, a sense of accomplishment people
achieve in getting some work done before resting at the end of the day. In this respect your dog’s situation may not be that
different from your own. Some breeds of dogs are not bred to sit around all day. They actually possess a craving for
work and if they don’t have a purpose, or a job of their own to do, they will find one - like digging, chewing,
barking or other undesirable behaviors. Now I’m not suggesting that these dogs need a forty-hour a week job. It doesn’t
take that much to satisfy their need for a purpose. Obedience training can actually give them the job they need
and a chance to accomplish something satisfying." Ron Pace
THE PACE METHOD
During my time in Tacoma I also continued to extensively research dog training approaches, dog training schools, observed
military dog training, police K-9 unit training and soon realized that the program that Ron Pace, of Canyon Crest K-9
Training Center, developed was the most effective, no nonsense training approach out there and it is available to the
average everyday dog owner. He has developed a program that combines traditional dog training techniques with an
emphasis on using the leash & collar to show the dog direction and verbal and physical praise to encourage and
motivate dog behavior. I came to appreciate what an ordinary person like me could do with a dog and what a
well trained dog can contribute to a family and community. Also, I came to appreciate what my dogs, and many other’s
like them, can provide in the way of safety and security for a home when well trained. This is why I continue
to teach using the Pace Method of Dog Training.
"The Pace Method is simply teaching you to understand how your dog thinks, learns and communicates by helping you understand
the psychology of your dog. This technique is a 30 yr. time tested obedience course with an one one individualized approach.
This course is designed to teach you, your dog’s owner, to be a leader. By understanding your dog, you will learn how to
re-direct your dog’s focus to you. We teach people to be assertive, patient and consistent when applying our positive
training techniques. The Pace Method teaches you how to communicate to your dog in a timely and meaningful way using a
leash, collar, your voice, and your body language to show your dog what you want it to start doing, stop doing or
continue doing. Our effective leash and collar technique is done with a very gentle tug and release of the leash. We
reward your dog with verbal and physical praise for their positive behavior. Once the training foundation is laid it is
very important to be consistent on a day to day basis so you do not confuse your dog. By being consistent you will
establish trust and understanding with your dog."
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