About Me
I trained my first dog at 16 using “The Koehler Method of Dog Training.” For those under 40, W. Koehler trained most of the animals in Walt Disney’s movies of the 1950s and 60s. It went out of favor by most because of its use of “positive punishment.” I also studied Cesar Millan, Dr. Ian Dunbar, Doggy Dan, Jean Donaldson, and Karen Pryor, among many others in my past, to develop my professional dog training in Minnesota.
I mentioned above some dog trainers I have studied over the years. They represent a diverse collection of methods, philosophies, and techniques. There is a definite advantage to being aware of these differing philosophies. I don’t think anyone’s philosophy is a panacea regarding training dogs. Each dog is different; not all dogs or behaviors respond well to a particular technique. It is helpful to have a wide range of behavioral techniques to fall back on when one specific technique is not working for your dog or a particular behavior you are trying to eliminate. It is also advantageous to study these differing philosophies because you learn very quickly that those who have not studied philosophy other than their own tend to have erroneous beliefs. For example, some trainers believe that dogs exhibit dominance and submissive behaviors. Some trainers believe in positive-only techniques. Both groups exhibit misconceptions about each other. For instance, I commonly hear from positive trainers that they believe that those who believe in dominance training use corporal punishment to dominate the dog. Nothing could be further from the truth. Dominance trainers also don’t believe that every dog’s behavior is because they are trying to be dominant over you. On the other hand, many trainers who believe in dominance believe that positive-only trainers have only one response when training dogs. That is, avoid the problem behavior and redirect it. This is also an erroneous belief. Positive-only trainers do offer specific training techniques that can be used to eliminate unwanted behavior. They don’t believe that simply ignoring the problem will make it go away.
I have come to believe that a “balanced approach” works best. I put the best ideas from all the trainers I studied into practice. I am a lifelong learner, and although I have been studying animal science for over 45 years, I continue to learn new ideas daily. Dog training is not an exact science, so trainers should continue learning, studying, and keeping an open mind to new ideas.
I would love to discuss all of my techniques and philosophies on professional dog training in Minnesota, so feel free to contact me today for a free consultation, and I will explain in much greater detail!
Thanks,
Don Dahlberg
Services
2-2.5 Hour Consultation
I'll come to your home so that I am able to view your dog in their natural surroundings, which is important because it allows me to see their normal behavior and the issues at home, and also how you interact with them.
The main thing we will go through is how to make sure your dog knows that all the humans are in charge.
Once this foundation is established you'll find that everything else starts to fall into place. Many of the issues with the dog that you have will start to disappear and any training you do will have maximum effect.
We will go through things like how to feed your dog, how to greet your dog, how to interact with your dog, how to respond to danger, and walking your dog.
We will then go over the special issues you are having with your dog.
And it also includes ongoing telephone and email support...
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Puppy Training
The puppy training will include the same consultation as for adult dogs. I will then teach you and your puppy basic obedience commands such as the "Sit Command", the "Down Command", the "Stay Command" the "Recall Command", the "Heel Command", and the "Drop Command". We will also discuss potty training, crate training, and any puppy problems you may be having.
The obedience training will be four 1 hour sessions over the period of 4 weeks. It will also include ongoing telephone or email support.
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Love My Clients
What Pet Owners Say
"Very Professional"
"My dog now comes to me the first time I call him. Enough said.
Thanks Don"
Wade Wilson
"Great Service"
"I had a Yorkie who thought she was the "Queen Bee". She had been to obedience school but would not obey me. She also sat all day at the window barking endlessly. After putting into effect your 5 golden rules to pack leadership all that has changed. I highly recommend your program".
"Kind & Loving"
"I owned a fearful mixed breed I brought home from a shelter. After three months of gentle care he was still very shy. I'm not sure what it was about your techniques but he is now a happy-go-lucky dog.
Thank you so much".
Susan Allright
Sally Anderson