Training Philosophy

Metamorphosis Pet Training uses positive reinforcement based techniques to create a fun and rewarding training experience. This form of training is recommended by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) because studies show that positive training is associated with fewer behavioral problems and greater obedience than methods that involve punishment and/or encourage human dominance.

The techniques used include reinforcing desired behaviors, removing the reinforcer for inappropriate behaviors, and addressing the emotional state and environmental conditions driving unwanted behaviors.

Owners who have switched to positive training report that not only is it more fun, it's more effective too. If you chose to work with a positive trainer you will learn how to prevent unwanted behavior from occurring and how to help your dog or cat make good choices so you can reinforce the behavior you do want.

Rudy working on "Touch," a great attention exercise

Positive training shouldn't be confused with permissiveness. A large part of my training philosophy involves setting limits. By improving your line of communication with your pet, being consistent, and learning to act preemptively you will become the benevolent leader your pet deserves.

I don't teach students to use corrections because:

Often times a leash correction will become the signal for the behavior we want. Instead of seeing the correction as something negative, some dogs will wait for the "signal" before offering the behavior. Through positive training you will learn better ways to communicate with your dog so you can develop reliable off-leash behavior.
Corrections can cause sensitive dogs to stop offering their owners new behaviors out of fear of getting it wrong. Positive training will actively engage your dog in the training process and he will work hard to figure out what you want.
Corrections can cause new problems to occur and they can hurt the owner/pet relationship. Positive training will help you build a stronger relationship with your pets.

I'm often asked about my thoughts on Cesar Millan, the Dog Whisperer, who uses techniques that are based on dominance theory, an outdated form of training that the AVSAB strongly recommends against. To learn why I recommend people watch Victoria Stillwell, of It's Me or the Dog, rather than Millan click Don't Try This At Home.