MOTIVATIONAL METHOD

TRAINING THROUGH MOTIVATIONAL METHODS

Training through Motivational Methods

At Best Friends Obedience, Inc. in Lexington, Kentucky, we employ Volhard's Motivational Method, which focuses on training your dog to obey through motivational methods. All instructors have been trained in this method and most have also attended the Volhard's Instructor Training Camp, as well as other dog-related seminars and the annual Association of Pet Dog Trainers conference. By not relying on punishment, this method delivers better, more lasting outcomes for your dog.

Dog Training — Obedience Training in Versailles, KY

Three Phases to Success

The Motivational Method systematically moves through three phases: teaching, practicing, and testing, all accomplished through motivational methods. This training results in a dog who believes he can succeed, a belief that is crucial; without it, the dog cannot continue to learn and perform in a reliable, motivated fashion. We believe that motivational methods are the most effective teaching tool. By rewarding the correct response, the dog is motivated to learn and training is also made pleasant for both handler and dog.

Dog Trainer — Dog Obedience in Versailles, KY

How It Works

In this step-by-step program, each week builds on the previous one. During class, the instructor teaches you how to train your dog to do the steps for that week. Your ultimate success depends on the training and practice you give your dog at home throughout the week. You are provided with written "homework sheets" to help guide your home training.

Achieving Your Goals

Everybody comes to class with different goals for their dogs. Our Level I classes provide a solid foundation, whether your goal is a well-mannered pet or ultimately an advanced obedience title. Just as the weekly classes build on one another, there are multiple levels of obedience classes that progress through more and more advanced levels of training.

Level I Classes

LEVEL ONE is the best place to start with your dog so you can learn how to improve your relationship and communicate with your best friend. All the basics are taught, from responses to your first command to how to work off leash and hand signals. We include basic house manners too, such as not jumping on guests or bolting through an open door to your home or yard.This class also covers all the basic commands, such as sit, down, stand, and stay in all three positions, using verbal and hand signals. We work on heeling, which is a controlled walk with you dictating the speed without your dog pulling. The come command receives special attention, since that can be considered the most important command.

Level I II III Registration Form

Puppy Class:

Learn how to survive the puppyhood period. Proper socialization at this age is crucial. Start training on the right foot, since the puppies are learning from the start, teach them what it is you want them to know. This class is very important for people who have never owned a puppy before, or anyone with a new puppy who wants to start early training. Puppies are like sponges, you want to be sure they learn what you want them to know.

Puppy Registration Form

Level II:

Further your training from basics to working around real distractions. Advanced training that will make owning a dog a real joy. A goal at this level is off leash control. After having laid a foundation, take your training to a new level, distractions and all.

Level I II III Registration Form

Level III:

Train and prepare to show your dog to a Companion Dog title (CD.) Get comfortable with off leash work no matter what is going on around your dog. Learn the handling skills to better your own performance. Introduction to drive theory - Put your dog's Personality Profile to work for you by understanding how your dog thinks.

Level I II III Registration Form

Open/Utility Workshop:

A continual class that works on all levels of AKC obedience including Open and Utility. Perfect your handling skills for competition. Your goal in this class is an Open title (CDX) and a Utility Dog (UD.) This workshop goes year round and works on a punch card system. Come when you can, get your card punched, so you never miss out on a class if you can't come every week. We have lots of fun every week, working on handling, retrieving, scent discrimination, jumping, etc.

Open Utility Registration Form

Contact us to find out more about how Volhard's Motivational Method uses motivational methods.