About my training

Hi, I'm Don Dahlberg, a professional dog trainer specializing in dog psychology and communication. If you're struggling with your dog or you've got a behavioral issue, maybe with a young puppy and you've tried everything and you don't know where else to go then, I would love to have the opportunity to share with you what I've discovered about dog training.

The way I work with dogs is very different from most dog trainers. Most trainers start by immediately trying to train the dog who is usually over-excited, and non-responsive.

Whether you've got a barking dog or a dog who pulls on the leash or is becoming a little bit aggressive, the chances are they are getting far too excited, reactive and far too emotional at that point in time.

The real trick is to get those dogs to turn to you, to listen to you when it really matters. Because if you get that bit in place and they're not overly excited you're halfway there. If they're calm and they turn and look to you, then you have the opportunity to show them how you want them to behave.

The point I'm making before you start to train the dog, you need to know how to "win their mind". This method uses the dog's natural instincts. We are seeing the world through the dog's eyes. It's telling the dog who is the "leader" and who is the "follower".

It's in a dog's DNA to establish a social hierarchy. When the owner doesn't establish themselves as the leader even a submissive dog will take over this role. Being a pack leader can be very stressful for the dog and can make it difficult for them to relax. After all, the pack leader has to make all the decisions. He has to protect the property. He has to protect the owner.

He has to decide what is dangerous. He has to be in control of everything.

This is what leads to almost every behavioral issue your dog might have: excessive barking, pulling on the leash, trying to go after other dogs or humans, separation anxiety, chewing, eliminating in the home, and endless others.

The solution is to take this responsibility off the dog and take over the leadership role. This will allow the dog to relax because he will learn that you are in charge and that you make the decisions. He will no longer have to bark at every stranger that walks past your home because you will be able to teach him that you decide what is dangerous.

My consultation with you will teach you how to establish basic rules that will show your dog that you are in charge.

I hope to be able to help you and your dog in the near future.

Best regards,

Don Dahlberg