Our Philosophy

Diva Dogs personnel use modern-day training methods and practice the scientific principles of operant conditioning and classical conditioning to modify behavior.  We believe every dog would prefer the freedom to make a choice between right (the desired behavior) and wrong (the undesired behavior).  Dogs want humans to provide kind and patient instructions rather than aversive corrections.  Is that not what we as humans prefer when we learn?  We may not agree with everything dogs do naturally, so how do you curve the undesired behavior?  We believe as caregivers we must facilitate what's the better thing to do under a variety of circumstances.  When a dog is under our care, we have a responsibility to teach her and to understand her body sign language.

How Animals Learn

Animals learn in two ways, by consequences and by associations.  Dogs experience when I walk by your side (the behavior) something positive (yummy treat) or negative (leash jerk) - the consequence - happens to me.  Each method, positive and negative, produces the same terminal behavior (walking by your side) but one method is fear and pain based, and the other is reward based. The second way of learning is by association.  For example, most dogs associate the leash with going outside for a walk, a chance to smell new and exciting things, seeing fun places (the beach), meeting humans or other pets.  Dogs quickly learn the leash brings good things into my life when it's used in a positive way.

Choosing a Trainer

Diva Dogs offers relationship building training programs for dogs and the humans who care for them.  In a world filled with many claiming they are a professional dog trainer, how do you decide and identify a trainer and a program that is right for you and your dog?  How do you know if you agree with the same principles and disciplines the trainer practices?  First, any dog trainer should allow you to observe them at work without requiring you to invest in their services.  This is when you can see and hear for yourself what she believes.  Secondly, ask for references or testimonals and whether they have studied animal learning theory and dog behavior from a recognized educational center.  And lastly, interview them as if you are hiring them to teach your child (dog).  You are after all hiring them to teach you.

Industry Leaders on Dog Training

Check out our Library for a list of books, videos and CDs from the world's leaders in dog training, animal learning and dog behavior problems.