What is kind and calm dog training? 

This is a reward-based, modern approach to training that focuses on building a strong, trusting relationship between you and your dog. Instead of using force or punishment, we use rewards like treats, praise, and play to encourage the behaviors we want to see. This makes training fun and effective for everyone!

Is this training method suitable for all dogs? 

Yes! A kind, calm and positive approach is effective for dogs of all ages, breeds, and temperaments. Whether you have a brand-new puppy or an older dog with specific challenges, this method builds confidence and a desire to learn, creating a well-behaved and happy companion.

What kind of rewards do you use?

 We use whatever motivates your dog! This can include high-value food treats (like Prime100, Ziwi Peak or boiled chicken), favorite toys, a game of tug, or lots of enthusiastic praise. We'll work together to find out what your dog loves most and use it to make training a blast.

Will my dog only listen to me if I have a treat? 

That's a great question! The goal is to use rewards initially to teach a behavior, and then to fade them so that your dog is motivated by your praise, a game, the occasional treat or simply the joy of working with you.  All behaviour needs to be reinforced to be maintained (you would stop going to work if your work stopped paying you), but we'll teach you how to transition from constant treats to a variable reward schedule so your dog remains engaged and responsive.

How long does it take to see results with this training? 

The speed of progress depends on many factors, including the dog's personality and the consistency of the training. The key is to be patient and celebrate small successes. With consistent, daily practice, you'll see positive changes sooner than you think.

What if my dog isn't food-motivated? 

No problem! Not all dogs are driven by food to start with, but we can help build food drive and we can also use other high-value rewards like a favorite toy, a quick game of fetch, or a good old-fashioned behind the ear scratch. Finding what your dog loves is the first step to successful training.

Can you help with my dog's reactivity or aggression? 

Yes, a kind and positive approach is the safest and most humane way to work with reactivity and aggression. We focus on changing your dog's underlying emotional response to triggers, helping them feel more confident and secure in the world.

Do you offer group classes or private sessions? 

I offer group classes for puppies which are run at McIntyre’s Vets in Kyneton, are excellent for socialization and for practicing skills around distractions. I have private sessions for addressing specific, individual behaviors or for dogs who are not yet comfortable being around lots of others. 

Is this method only for puppies? 

No, you can absolutely teach an old dog new tricks! This method works wonderfully for dogs of all ages, from puppies learning their first cues to older dogs who need help with new challenges or who are just starting their training journey.

What's the difference between a kind, positive approach and traditional training? 

Traditional training often relies on aversive methods and tools like choke chains or slip leads to correct unwanted behavior. Our approach focuses on rewarding the right behaviors and managing the environment to prevent unwanted behaviors from happening in the first place while we build your dogs skill set so that they can be out and about in the world comfortably. This builds a positive relationship and a dog who trusts you.

What if I have used other training methods before? 

That's perfectly fine! We can work together to help your dog build a new foundation based on trust and mutual respect.

How do I get started? 

Getting started is easy! You can contact me through the website to schedule a consultation. We can discuss your specific goals and create a training plan that's perfect for you and your dog.

 What should I have ready for our first session? 

Please bring your dog, a regular flat collar or harness, a leash (1.8m preferred but not necessary, we can chat more about equipment on the day of our appointment), and a variety of high-value treats that your dog loves (tiny squares of chicken, Prime100 or Ziwi Peak tend to work well). Having a favorite toy on hand is also a great idea!

Where is the training held? 

For puppy training classes we teach at McIntyre Vet’s in Kyneton. For private 1:1 training we can meet at your home or a designated park close, depending on what your pups struggles are and what is going to be the best training environment for them.

Can my children be involved in the training session? 

It depends.  If you have very young children and the struggles your dog is having don’t revolve around them, if might be best for them to sit the first session out.  If the struggles involve the children is a good idea to have them around, just with an additional adult to supervise them so that the parents or guardians can take everything in.

Who should be involved in the training process? 

To make sure you get the most out of your session, it is really important that all of the adults and guardians that are responsible for the dog attend and are focused.  This ensures that everyone is on the same page and your training will go more smoothly. 

How do you handle distractions? 

We start in a low-distraction environment and gradually build up to more challenging situations. By slowly and carefully introducing distractions, we ensure your dog is set up for success and can maintain their focus on you, even with other dogs or people around.

If you have any other questions, please email natalie@crazykindcalm.com.au