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Peacemaker Dog Training

I have always loved dogs. Now I have a much greater understanding of why dogs do what they do. I began training dogs in 2008. I officially opened my business in 2010. I studied and assisted under a trainer with 40+ years experience when I first began this journey of training dogs.  I hold my classes in Fresno, CA. 

It’s extremely gratifying that I am not only helping the dog, I am helping the owner grow in confidence that is quite noticeable. Teaching people and their dogs gives me great satisfaction. 

In 2013 I began showing one of my dogs (Gizmo) in agility and obedience.  She has multiple titles in agility and got her first obedience title in her second show.  This has dramatically increased my knowledge and understanding of how important our body language and movements are to a dog. As of 2019 Gizmo is now retired with multiple titles in obedience, rally, and agility.  She more than earned her retirement after many years of hard work and helping me learn.  Her daughter Girly was ranked #6 in novice obedience in 2016.  Blaze and I are working on obtaining his utility title.  The next generation of pups will be beginning various platforms of training.  My goal is to become an obedience judge within the next two years.  I'm also interested in continuing in agility once I've become an obedience judge. 

I am a no nonsense dog trainer.  I believe that rewards (food, praise, affection, toys) are very valuable in training to reinforce how we are trying to have our dogs behave.  Conversely, there needs to be consequences when the dog exhibits behaviors that are undesirable.  Dogs correct one another in their packs.
A dog’s manners and obedience is 99% a result of the owner/handler and 1% a result of the dog.  A dog will only do what it is allowed and taught to do.  Many dog owners become frustrated with behaviors their dog exhibits.

My experience and research has shown me that dogs thrive under routine, structure, and consistency.  I have spent countless hours watching dogs interact with each other, their reactions to different situations, and what their body language says.  Dogs always express themselves, we just fail to see warnings most of the time.

Nutrition
Nutrition is a vital component in a dog’s life, just as it is ours.  If we feel well, it is much easier to learn.  We tend to feel well when we eat a healthy diet.  You will get more out of your dog in longevity, quality of life, and in their ability to learn if they eat a proper, healthy balanced diet.  Here is a link to a local independent store that carries many great brands of dog foods.  The staff has an abundance of knowledge in regards to foods for your dogs.  Their prices are great and they have fantastic customer service there!  www.kelleyspets.com  This is a link to a guide for dog food brands.  Take a look at your current brand of food and see where it ranks.  Not many (I didn’t see any) five star ratings.  So if your brand has 4 stars consider it a very good food.  www.dogfoodadvisor.com/

Spay/Neuter
Just as dog food is important as to a dog’s health, getting them spayed or neutered is equally important.  There have been many studies pointing to the health benefits of having them spayed and neutered.  There are way too many dogs euthanized in shelters just because there are too many pets to find homes.  Male dogs have a major disadvantage with the testosterone that flows to their brains telling them to act in a dominant and aggressive manner.  This makes training them much more difficult and definitely makes them more dangerous to other dogs and people.  There's lots of great vets and clinics that can spay or neuter your pet. Just like choosing your veterinarian, it is a personal choice & one that you need to feel comfortable with.

Veterinary Care
Having a good vet is important to your dog’s health as well.  Finding a vet you trust and believe in is always going to be a personal choice. I have taken my dogs to and worked with many vets in the years I've been in Fresno. There are many good ones.  The choice should always be based on who you feel comfortable with taking care of your pet. Vets are humans and they have different thoughts and philosophies on treatment options. Finding a vet that is right for you is not an easy task, but once you find that vet you'll know it!

 

 

Common Mistakes

Here is a short list of things people do wrong with their dogs:

  • *The owner somehow believes the dog naturally understands English (or whatever language spoken by the owner).  Dogs understand body language and energy.
  • *The owner raises their voice or yells at their dog thinking that will get the dog’s attention.  Dogs respond best to calm commands and very often the quieter you speak, the more they listen.
  •  *The owner asks and takes advice from other pet owners who have no idea about dog training.  This would be the same as asking me how to build a computer.  Just because I have and use a computer doesn’t mean I know how to make or fix one.
  • *The owner consoles a frightened/nervous dog.  This is natural for us to do but it rewards inappropriate behavior in a dog.
    *The owner repeats commands several times.  This makes your words meaningless.
  • *The owner allows the dog to ignore a command, or even worse, praises them after ignoring a command.  This tells the dogs there are no rules they must obey.
    *The owner lacks patience and expects the dog to be perfect immediately.  Learning takes time.  Dogs (just like people) will never be perfect.  We and they all have their shortcomings.
  • *The owner does not practice or work with their dog outside of class time.  In order to learn we need practice, so do dogs!
  • *The owner leaves the dog outside day and night.  Dogs are social creatures and need to be a part of the pack.  We are isolating them when we don’t allow them to be with us.  Isolation is punishment to dogs and humans.
  • *The owner does not follow the directions of the trainer.  There is a reason for every thing I teach you in class.  Owners will disregard instructions due to laziness, stubbornness, or to attempt short cuts, then wonder why they are not getting results.

 

Casey J. Sept 2019
“Scott is hands down the best dog trainer is town. His passion and commitment for what he does is apparent from the moment you meet him. I constantly get complimented on having the best behaved chihuahua and it’s due in large part to the skills Scott has taught me and my dog. Just do it, training with Scott is the best investment you will ever make in a pet.“