Several of you have met Ines, my young and intelligent intern that has followed me around for the past year (or there about). She met me technically via Facebook, and coincidentally lives just minutes from me in Arlington (Texas). She came to a seminar I did on dog training back in November of 2011 and since then became more interested in going a "different" direction with dog training.
See, Ines used to be a huge follower/fan of a famous dog trainer shown on TV; a "trainer" whom I wholeheartedly disagree with and do not follow or suggest any of his methods of training. I was very excited when she said to me, "well if there is a better way of training I'm open to listening and learning ..." And since that day she never did do another leash jerk or put a metal collar on her dog for training. She actually purchased a treat bag, more appropriate dog collar/leash and started to learn clicker training too!
Ines adopted a Husky/Shepherd mix of some kind from the shelter, "Loker", and he was a bit challenging for her with lots of energy and what seemed to her, stubbornness when it came to training. He also was becoming more and more reactive to other dogs when out on the leash. The methods she was using were not working to help her or Loker. The only issue was that she didn't have the right know-how or methods to employ with this dog and so they were kind of working against one another instead of for one another.
Almost immediately upon employing the methods she learned from me and other more positive and science-based trainers (those who use current science-based methods not outdated ones!) she saw her dog, Loker, make a dramatic change. Their bond grew immensely and he actually found working and learning fun. He also was quite good at it and was nothing close to stubborn! He has also come a loooong way with his leash reactivity and is very good on leash these days!
Since she started to crossover and use more positive methods Ines has bought numerous highly recommended and acclaimed books, attended seminars and even started her own blog titled, "The Crossover Trainer" which she posts some great tips, videos and other great stuff.
January is National Train Your Dog Month, started by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and they are having a contest this year for people to enter and win. It's based on positive training and Ines was so excited to be able to say she qualified Loker for that! She has entered and made it to the finals! I'm so proud of her and all of her accomplishments over the past year. She's going to end up as a great trainer for others to follow. If you'd like to help her you may go and vote on her video with Loker she's entered into the contest. You may do that by clicking here.
Another round of applause for Ines, her willingness to change and open her mind to great training methods and more appropriate and accurate training! And to top it off, she's French! She could speak the language of love to your dog ... if you so desire!
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