How does personalized dog training work?

Personalized dog training at TM Dog Training in Renton, WA, begins with a thorough assessment of your dog’s behavior, temperament, and learning style, alongside a clear understanding of your goals and lifestyle as a dog owner. Whether you are dealing with issues related to anxiety, aggression, or considering options like "rehome my dog," our customized training plans are designed to address these specific challenges effectively.

We develop targeted strategies that promote positive behaviors while carefully adapting training methods to suit your dog's unique needs, ensuring both effective learning and lasting results. Some of our expert services include dog agility training to boost your dog’s physical and mental capabilities, professional guidance from a certified dog behaviorist to manage complex anxiety and aggression problems, and tailored puppy training programs that lay a solid behavioral foundation from the beginning.

Regular progress evaluations allow us to adjust training approaches as necessary, offering ongoing support for you and your dog through every stage of the behavior transformation process. We are committed to supporting you in overcoming challenging behaviors and discovering specialized training options.

What training methods do you use, and are they positive reinforcement-based?

Our approach combines the most effective techniques from all the training methods we have studied, ensuring a comprehensive and balanced program. By integrating Operant Conditioning and the Premack Principle, alongside classical obedience techniques and other behavior modification strategies, we address the full spectrum of training challenges to promote lasting behavior transformation. This customized plan maximizes your dog's potential and strengthens your bond, delivering results that are both reliable and sustainable.

Do you use e-collars in training? Don’t they hurt the dog?

Many clients worry about e-collar safety and effectiveness. Critics argue dogs may not link pain to behavior, hindering learning. Misuse of the tool can cause aggression or increased fear, sometimes towards a specific location or object. However, when used properly, e-collars do not cause pain. Collars that we recommend have two settings: tone and stimulation or “stim.” Tone is simply a sound without any physical feeling. At its lowest setting, the stimulation feels like a gentle pin prick, and with a slight increase, it becomes more of a vibration sensation, ensuring the device is both safe and effective for training. We begin at the lowest setting and gradually increase it until we see the dog acknowledge the “stim.”

Use of an e-collar is intended to create a superstition in association with the unwanted behavior. It provides a more humane form of correction compared to hitting or yelling. Additionally, it allows you to train your dog from a distance, so close proximity isn't necessary for effective learning. They are used most commonly to stop potentially hazardous behaviors in dogs, such as chasing cars or showing aggression toward other dogs.

How frequently should we schedule training sessions?

We recommend scheduling training sessions once a week, with intervals of 5 to 7 days. This allows you and your dog to retain the skills learned while avoiding burnout. We suggest integrating practice into your everyday activities instead of setting aside separate time specifically for rehearsing what you've learned during training sessions.

What should I bring to the evaluation and training sessions?

For the evaluation, please bring your dog's leash and collar, along with a favorite toy and treats. After the evaluation, we will provide you with specific recommendations on what to bring for the training sessions.

Can you make recommendations for training tools?

Definitely! Our extensive experience with various training aids allows us to recommend the most effective options for your dog that fit within your budget.

What if I have questions between sessions?

You can contact us via text or email; please call for more urgent matters. Providing videos is particularly useful if we haven’t seen the behavior previously.

What makes you different from other dog training companies?

Dog training is a largely unregulated industry. In Washington, no formal experience or training is required, and the law only mandates a business license. At TM Dog Training, we go beyond these minimums by being certified, licensed, and insured to provide the highest standards of care and professionalism.

Our clients benefit from continued guidance, troubleshooting assistance, and personalized advice both during and after the completion of the training program. Drawing from our extensive research and experience with multiple types of training methods, we tailor our support to best suit your dog's unique needs. This ongoing support ensures that you and your dog maintain progress and successfully address any challenges that may arise over time.

What discounts do you offer?

We offer a 20% discount to seniors and current/former members of the military for evaluations and training.

Do you provide a satisfaction guarantee?

Dogs are sentient beings, not programmable machines. While we cannot guarantee 100% success for every case, consistent participation in training sessions combined with regular practice between sessions will ensure satisfactory results.