Our Training Philosophy

At RMK9 we believe in setting boundaries through Consistency, Clarity, and Confidence. This helps our canine counterparts not only understand what is asked of them but creates a want and willingness to work together. We set these boundaries with absolute clarity giving the dog a complete understanding of how to be successful, thus creating and building confidence.

The following information is for pet owners to help them approach training with a clear picture of what to expect

and how to set realistic goals for their dog.

1. Your dog, no matter what age, is always learning.

This is why socializing and imprinting with basic obedience at a young age improves trainability as the dog

matures. The sooner you shape and control their learning, the more “normal” it is for the dog to accept

your training and direction. This also means allowing them to be properly groomed without resisting.

Everyone has been around an untrained dog and knows how tiring it is, so teach your dog to think and

look to you for leadership by training as early as you can.

2. You are coming to “dog” obedience.

We are training your “dog”-yes, we love them and expect to be their caretakers for many years, but they

are not children or people. We can and will make analogies between dogs and people but only on the

simplest terms. Behaviors can be complicated but try not to over think what is or is not happening with

your dog. Most animals have a basic rule-if doing something gets the results that are satisfying then it’s a

worthwhile behavior. So, we must teach our dogs to control their behavior with rewards and

consequences. Obedience is teaching your dog to have internal control.

3. Stress is not a bad thing.

To be a good companion, your dog must learn to cope with all sorts of situations; any change in your dogs’

world can produce stress. We will teach you how to how to communicate to your dog that all is well and

they can handle new experiences.

4. Dog’s temperaments vary.

Temperament is controlled by genetics and early social experience. Some dogs are easier to train than

others but all dogs benefit. Don’t expect a bloodhound to perform like a border collie and vice versa.

Consider what your dogs’ genetics and breed dictate. There are exceptions to every rule-that’s what

keeps training interesting!

5. As a handler, your goal is to send clear consistent messages

to your dog while training.

If you use a different approach each lesson you and your dog will be frustrated and confused. Well trained

dogs don’t just happen; it takes lots of practice and consistency. This is one reason it’s better to limit the

number of people who are doing the training.

6. Set you dog up for success.

Train- Do not test before your dog is ready. This means don’t ask for a 10 minute down/stay if your dog

can’t do a reliable 7 minute down/stay. Learning takes place in increments-step by step. Short cuts will

cost you, resulting in more corrections and less rewards or fun for your dog.

7. Raise your training criteria slowly as the dog progresses.

Don’t be afraid to go backwards to a simpler exercise if your dog seems unable to understand. Ask

something your dog can achieve if you hit a block in your training.

8. Don’t expect your dog to work for nothing.

Find a reward your dog likes. Bring your dog to training eager to work, not after a 2 mile jog or a big meal.

It’s your job to know what motivates your dog.

9. As you improve your skills and learn to read your dog you

will see progress compound.

The dog can only learn what they are taught and they must understand what you are trying to

communicate to advance. So as your understanding and skill level increases you will find yourself naturally

looking at the world from your dogs’ perspective and training more efficiently.

10. Dogs understand physical correction.

The social structure of a wolf pack is basically non-violent because as pups they learn the limits by physical

corrections from the elders. There is always a hierarchy within the pack. Your dog is born hardwired to

understand this; we will use this to our advantage. For example: without “pack” order and leadership,

some dogs can become aggressive, destructive and fearful.

11. Relationship.

The relationship you establish with your dog will greatly affect your training. Learn to recognize and

manipulate behaviors, the belly up move is common, or the catch me chase game. As trainers, we see

some very out of balance dog/owner relationships and 100% of the time this will lead to behavior

problems at some point.