Island Dog Training

03/31/2025

Puppies! Are you planning on getting a new pup soon? Or maybe you have one currently! Our May - June session is now accepting registrations for puppy class, we have one on Tuesday mornings and one on Saturday afternoons. Our puppy classes are AKC Star Puppy courses and we focus on introducing them to lots of cool and fun things, and even have an entire day devoted to friendly strangers to practice those nice greetings!

03/28/2025

This is Lilly, a Service dog trained at Island Dog. She's resting with her guardian at UAB Hospital.
"There aren’t enough words to express my gratitude to Margie and her staff. When my health became extremely fragile, Island Dog expedited and intensified Lilly’s service dog training. Thanks to their hard work, I now have a fuller, more independent life." Cindy

03/27/2025

Learning the big A-Frame in Agility Skills!

03/25/2025

Cute little Kallee getting back into the swing of things as classes start! This pair is in Agility Skills and is working on doing longer courses.

03/24/2025

A little late posting.
Star and Comet had a great St. Patrick's Day!

03/24/2025

It is Spring at Island Dog!
Liz, Finn & Rosie.
Special thanks to Pat Peaslee for her garden care.

03/20/2025

A small course working wraps and A-frame in Agility earlier this week!

03/15/2025

All Island Dog Classes on Saturday, March 15 are cancelled.
Stay safe!

03/14/2025

When transitioning from aversive, traditional dog training methods (methods involving pain, fear, stress, discomfort) toward modern approaches, one of the most critical shifts is in our MINDSET.

Rather than focusing exclusively on external obedience or immediate compliance, we must prioritize nurturing the dog’s emotional and mental well-being.

Think of BEHAVIOR as a reflection of a dog’s internal emotional state, desired behavior emerges naturally when a dog feels safe, secure, and motivated.

Our goal as trainers and guardians should be to promote this positive emotional state, effectively bringing desired behaviors from the inside out. When a dog feels good on the inside, great behavior naturally follows on the outside.

Instead of asking, “How can I stop this unwanted behavior quickly?” we should first ask, “Why is my dog engaging in this behavior, and how can I help address their underlying needs?” “What can I do to safely manage them while I address these underlying needs?”

By prioritizing our dog’s emotional and psychological well-being, we can create conditions under which they naturally offer behaviors we want to reinforce.

Here are some of my best tips for those who are evolving beyond aversive methods.

Pay attention to your dog’s body language, energy levels, and environment to understand their emotions and motivations. This awareness lets you proactively address their needs, preventing unwanted behavior before it even starts.

Secondly, every interaction is an opportunity to build or erode trust. Opt for interactions that reinforce safety, comfort, and predictability, steering clear of those that cause stress or fear.

Next, give your dog opportunities to make decisions and offer consent when possible, such as stepping away if uncomfortable. Choice builds confidence and reduces frustration.

Instead of strict obedience as your ultimate goal, consider success as your dog’s growing comfort, engagement, and happiness. A dog who feels safe and connected is naturally more receptive to learning.

Shift your methods to focus on reinforcing behaviors you want through rewards like food, play, and affection. Consistently rewarding desired behaviors enhances learning and maintains emotional well-being.

Remember, changing methods doesn’t imply a personal failure, it’s an evolution toward kinder, more effective strategies.

Prioritizing emotional health is not only ethical; it leads to more profound and sustainable behavior changes.

03/05/2025

We have 1 opening in the Tuesday, March 11- April 22 Family Manners Class at 10:00 AM and 7:15 PM
Opening in Puppy Class Tuesday, March 11 - April 22 at 11:15 AM
Register online www.IslandDog.Training

We will email you when we receive this registration form to confirm the requested class is available. We'll ask you to mail payment and proof of current vaccinations including Bordetella. Titers are accepted for all but Canine Rabies and Bordetella . 

03/03/2025

Graduation Saturday Puppy Class

03/03/2025

Graduation Saturday Family Manners

03/03/2025

Foundations Saturday Graduation

03/03/2025

Graduation Beginning Playground

03/03/2025

Graduation Advanced Playground

03/03/2025

Sensitive Transition XXIII

03/03/2025

Family Manners Thursday Night Graduation

03/03/2025

Foundations Thursday Night Graduation