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Balanced dog training services located in Minneapolis, MN What does this mean? Training tools help establish clear lines of communication.

At pet.techniques, we focus on blending traditional behavior training with our practical, “lifestyle” approach. We simply help owners learn how to live more comfortably and stress-free with their dogs. It’s clear we all want well-behaved dogs, and how we get there is a combination of effective leadership and using tools to help clarify expectations. Balanced training (a hybrid of “yes” and “no”) r

evolves around clarity, intention, and purpose. Structure helps teach dogs boundaries and rules so they can live successfully in this world. How your dog views you and their environment often dictates how they behave and act- a big reason why we believe relationship is the root of most unwanted behaviors. Our job is to help identify barriers and help you and your dog overcome them. We take our job seriously because we know what it’s like to struggle with this process, so join us as we continue empowering dogs and owners everywhere!

22/12/2024

It’s crucial that you establish a structured routine BEFORE bringing your baby home, because once you step in the door you will be busy!

Crating and Place (boundaries) are going to be your two most important interior efforts. Use the crate when you can’t focus on baby and dog, and use Place for family time when you’d like to include your dog but not have them interferring with feeding, changing, etc.

Continue focusing on maintaining a consistent routine so that everyone in the house is safe and happy!

19/12/2024

1. If you have a family dog, it means they haven’t been professionally trained to protect and guard.

2. Assuming this role comes with MASSIVE stress which isn’t how we should allow our dogs to live.

3. Role assumptions mean there is a relationship disconnect- humans who lack the ability and understanding to effectively lead their dog will experience life with a dog who is anxious, reactive, fearful, protective, etc.

There’s a difference between a dog who can “alert” versus a dog who barks at anything and everything (delivery people, neighbor dogs, exterior noises, etc.).

One has good judgement and the other is impulsive.

17/12/2024

I discipline the s*** out of my dogs so that I can love the s*** out of them.

Getting your relationship back on track is all about addition...

Adding more structure to your dog, adding tools to your toolbox to help communicate, adding useful commands to your vocabularly to better guide your dog, etc.

At the end of the day, I love my dogs (as we all do), so I’ve done the work to understand that “loving” them is only half the battle. If I stop there I’ll only experience short-term satisfaction.

I’ve also got to embrace the disciplinary role to help them learn. Learn about boundaries, consequences, and accountability- all things that are essential to a clear understanding of the world.

Your level of care MUST be balanced. Love with affection, but love with leadership.

08/12/2024

We’re continuing to get further away from what it takes to have a well-mannered dog. Despite all the “noise” around training tools and methodologies, what truly matters are the fundamentals.

Does your dog see you as a leader worth following?

Can you be the source for affection AND authority? And do you have a healthy balance of the two?

Are you consistent enough (and willing enough) to have tough conversations, knowing full well that they’re apart of the learning process?

Loving through leadership is your most important vehicle for creating positive change.

05/12/2024

Your answer will determine how your dog sees you, and ultimately, how well-behaved or bad-mannered they are.

Dogs are so incredibly transparent with their feelings, and how they feel about the humans around them says everything.

FYI, yes, you can both love your dog (affection) AND maintain control (authority).

02/12/2024

A pillar in creating healthy dynamics and confident dogs is the ability to lead them. But without the appropriate level of leadership, dogs resort to fear, confusion, anxiety, etc.

Clarity! When your dog has been provided the necessary information to navigate the world, the unhealthy state of mind dissipates. Understanding always overrides confusion.

Be strong, be confident, and know that true love for your dog comes from leading them.

30/11/2024

Effective, real-world training isn’t stagnant, it’s ever-changing, combining traditional methods while maintaining emphasis on behavior and mindset, not just obedience commands.

Obedience should compliment behavior, and vice versa. A blended or “balanced” training approach incorporates practical commands with a “lifestyle-focused” mentality ensuring the dog and owner are equipped with all the necessary skills and tools needed to succeed.

Positive reinforcement is used, fair and effective punishment is used, all because both “conversations” are needed in order for our dogs to understand us as clearly as possible.

Balanced training (a hybrid of “yes” and “no”) is the only training style that is reality-based. It revolves around clarity, intention, and purpose. In other words, it’s ethical.

13/11/2024

We have to shift our focus from getting rid of the tools to finding ways to get rid of the problems. And fortunuately, tools help clarify language and eliminate problems. 👍

There shoudn’t be a rush getting through this process, because frankly, tools (and the training) are forever. 🙂

You don’t stop your diet and exercise when you reach your fitness goals, you keep digging in because you’ve found what WORKS! 💪

There is no shame in using tools long-term. Carpenters use power tools to ease the process, chefs use appliances to speed up prep, and dog owners use tools to communicate and control with ease. 🐶

01/11/2024

We have a new face joining us this month!

Lilly the Airedale Terrier is here to work on her leash manners and general listening skills. She’s become quite reactive to dogs, small animals, and kids outside, which makes for very challenging walks (especially with the lack of helpful training tools).

Lilly desperately needs better recall as she regularly runs through her invisible fence to chase after things. 😬

We’re going to set her up with helpful tools so that communication is a breeze and her family can have some reassurance with her manners! Stay tuned!

29/10/2024

“Stacking” means you’re utilizing many small interactions throughout the day to reinforce expectations, boundaries, rules, and consequences. This creates healthy leverage, which is often what’s needed to improve how your dog sees you.

This looks like:
• Waiting at doorways (Thresholds)
• Waiting for food
• Boundary commands (Down, Place)
• Leash manners (Heel)

Getting your dog to pay attention or listen better won’t come from changing one single tactic, it comes from creating an environment where many rules, many boundaries, and consistent expectations are in place.

23/10/2024

Why our two dogs have different rules.

Like kids, your parenting style should reflect what your child needs to succeed, be it more patience and nurture, or consistency and sternness. Our two personal dogs both require a different skillset and approach, here’s why:

Uma (Doberman) is pushy, persistent, and highly intelligent, so soft permissiveness and inconsistent leadership creates major gaps for unwanted behavior to form. She requires massive amounts of structure and high levels of accountability to keep her behavior in check and her mental state healthy and clear. Loving through leadership and direction is how she thrives.

Finn (Berner) is far less demanding (minus his grooming requirements 🤪) in terms of behavior. Yes, he takes lots of time to warm up to new people, but on a daily basis, he is granted more freedom to do what he pleases (typically sporadic naps interrupted by meal times). He is allowed more because he can handle more.

If you have a multi-dog home, just remember that there should be a general consensus and understanding of hierarchy, but also that each of your dogs may need extra attention in certain moments (less free roam, more crate time, longer structured walks, etc.) ❤️

📸

22/10/2024

This is one of the most common obstacles I see owner’s experiencing.

The reality is, corrections (aka consequences) are a part of the learning process. Our dogs need to experience failure so that they can learn from it and succeed. Dogs are transparent beings, if what you’re doing is working, they’ll tell you.

Do you ever find yourself in the cycle of saying “no! no! no!”? It’s because that word doesn’t have enough weight behind it.

I often see owners following through with the proper steps, marking with “no” when their dog doesn’t listen, but the consequence usually comes up short. The dog doesn’t believe them which then creates an opportunity for ongoing resistance.

Firmness is necessary in certain moments, which is a hard pill to swallow, but trust me, once we realize that it’s OK to have these tough conversations, we’ll finally be able to get past whatever it is we’re struggling with. You will be better and your dog will be better. It’s not a training style or preference, it’s just how it is.

Be as firm as you need to so that you can be as soft as you want. This is what true love and leadership requires.

03/10/2024

No training program in the world will change how your dog sees you.

A training program is the best start in getting things back on track, but that’s only the beginning. Dogs are constantly evaluating the humans around them to see if they’re worth following, trusting, and respecting.

Of course, any decent dog trainer will know to how earn a dog’s trust and respect so that the time spent together is as productive as possible. But a realistic training experience will help the OWNERS understand their dog and carry more certainty in how to lead them, train them, discipline them, etc.

We specialize in not just dog training, but human coaching. The relationship you have with your dog is what we help strengthen so that you can finally enjoy life with them.

⤵️

If you’re ready to give your dog what they truly need, we’re ready to help you. pet-techniques.com

02/10/2024

A simple concept that’s been muddied and manipulated by the Positive-only training world.

1️⃣
In their eyes, rewarding your dog when they’re quiet is teaching them to not act poorly. Perhaps it’s just teaching them that they get a treat for barking? 🤨

Let’s think about this practically… My dog barks, lunges, growls, etc. and the first thing they recieve from me is positive reinforcement (🦴). The only thing that’s happening is my dog getting confirmation that they’re doing something right. 🙄

This dated, convuluted methodology is leaving out a crucial piece to effective, real-world training: How to properly say “no” and stop unwanted behaviors- something that SO many dog owners struggle with.

If you haven’t already figured it out, you can’t say “no” using a “yes-only” approach. Where are my parents out there? 🙋‍♂️ They’ve already learned this.

2️⃣
The next bit of caution you’ll hear from a Positive-only trainer is that correcting your dog will create a negative association. Oh s**t, that sounds scary, I definitely don’t wanna do that. 😮

Here’s the truth (which we all deserve to know): Correcting your dog for barking at other dogs or other people won’t make them dislike other dogs or other people. It will simply make them dislike their patterened response (barking at dogs or people). Simple.

When I touch something hot I learn pretty quickly that touching it again isn’t the answer. 🔥

Real-world training teaches positive reinforcement AND fair consequences. Our dogs deserve the full picture, so let’s give it to them.

23/09/2024

Time is running out to enroll your dog in our Board & Train program! We only have TWO slots available for the remainder of 2024.

Here are the programs we have available:

• 2-week slot (non-aggressive, non-reactive dogs) November

• 3-week slot (ages 2+, mild behavioral concerns) November-December

If you’ve ever thought about working with us in a board & train capacity, now’s the time!

12/09/2024

The biggest barrier in any dog training effort isn’t learning new tools or commands, it’s coming to terms with the reality that sometimes what’s best is what’s most uncomfortable for us.

Are you truly willing to help your dog, or are you only willing to do what feels good to you? Your answer will determine how successful and happy you and your dog are.

30/07/2024

The dog training industry still prioritizes traditional approaches and practices. Clicker training, positive reinforcement, and a long list of “commands” your dog should know.

🙋‍♂️ Raise your hand if you just want your dog to listen to you 🙋‍♂️

That work doesn’t come from 20 Sits, Downs, and Stay reps. It comes from cultivating a lifestyle based on balance, boundaries, exercise, and healthy doses of affection. Everything else is up to you.

Here are two concepts to toy around with:

1️⃣ Permission-based training. Small practices you do every day to reinforce a healthy relationship (respect, patience, trust).

• Waiting to be released through doorways (crates, house doors, car doors)
• Waiting to be released to eat (respect around resources is 🔑)
• Defining clear household boundaries (no dogs in the kitchen, furniture is invite-only, etc.)

2️⃣ Fair consequences for unwanted behaviors. We get so carried away with “teaching” things we want our dogs to do that sometimes we forget teaching also means learning “no.” You can’t have one without the other (no matter what your Positive-Only trainer tells you).

*Bonus concept: Calmness. Teaching your dog to have access to their “off switch” can be game-changing. Calm dogs make better choices, plain and simple. However, if your dog doesn’t practice calmness daily, that skill won’t be as easily accessible and their impulsiveness will override everything else.

26/07/2024

Let’s think about this for a sec.. Your dog is in an activated, reactive state of mind (displaying undesirable behaviors) and receives information in between barks that they’re doing the right thing (reward)?

What is that telling them? Not that they’re doing something wrong, but rather, acknowledging that they’re doing something right. Hmm.

Folks, we must re-examine our methods when training our dogs because it’s become far too complicated. If you’re struggling, here’s your approach:

Positive reinforcement for good behavior.
Fair consequences for poor behavior.

Let’s not complicate an incredibly proven approach.

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E-Collars?! But why?! It’s all about how we can bridge the gap between dog and human, and the e-collar is the only tool available that allows us to “speak dog.” Check out this video (among many others) that outlines the benefits of this tool. #ecollartraining #ecollardogtraining #balanceddogtraining

The E-Collar is the most controversial tool in dog training, and unfortunately, many people still don’t know what the tool is actually used for, and why it continues to be so helpful for dogs and owners. Remote Collar Training is our effort to mimic a dog’s most primal language- one that is highly physical (mouthing, biting, spatial, etc.) We place a TENS unit-style device (aka E-Collar) on the dog’s neck muscle, and when we deliver a manageable sensation, we pair it with human word, “Sit” “Come” “Lay down” “No” etc. This emulates a physical “touch” that dogs are so positively influenced by, and it’s how we can use consistent language on-leash, off-leash, inside, outside, etc. so that you’re always able to remain relevant. This is how we combine dog AND human communication. #remotecollartraining #ecollartraining #ecollartechnologies

Correcting your dog’s undesirable behaviors has somehow become taboo. Most of us have been taught if you reward your dog inbetween their reactive moments, they’ll then understand that being “quiet” is what’s acceptable. NOPE. You can’t help your dog break bad patterns just by using positive reinforcement. It’s just not how it works- for anyone. Consequences are a fair (and necessary) part of the learning process. It’s how we help our dogs overcome obstacles. The progress we’ve made with Zeus could not be possible without the help of the e-collar and it’s ability to help us “speak dog.” A sublte “bite” from the e-collar interrupts a dogs mental state (desire to bark, jump, lunge, etc.) It’s a physical message that isn’t painful, just intolerable enough to break a pattern. And on the other side is a clearer headed, more relaxed dog who can think, feel, and act properly. #realtechniques #dogtrainingthatworks #ecollartraining

Does your dog struggle in the car? Regardless of where you’re going.. the vet, the groomer, the coffee shop, etc. make sure you’re setting the proper tone to keep your dog in a healthy state of mind! Threshold manners, tools, engagement exercises, and known obedience commands are how we achieve the results we’re looking for! #dogtrainingtips #calmdogs #tipoftheday #balanceddogtraining

⚠️ REACTIVE DOG INTROS ⚠️ This process is all about baby steps 👶 Easing into an introduction with plenty of space, advocacy, and respect is how we help our dogs learn about someone new. Don’t rush it, and don’t have unreachable expectations. Neutrality is the end goal, and we get there with the proper steps in place. 🫡 #dogtrainingtips #reactivedog #balanceddogtraining #reactivedogtraining

2 weeks with Zeus I wanted to keep the momentum going after a really productive first week. We added on more obedience proofing, e-collar work, and started addressing some of his more concerning behaviors. As you can tell, nail care was the priority. It was a slow process (still working on it), but I’m just happy to see that’s he’s relaxing and allowing me to work the dremel so much. This is going to be such a powerful relationship builder his owners can do with him at home. Week 3 will be all about strengthening mindset, impulse control, and looking for any other weak spots in his behavior. SO proud of this guy! #behaviormodification #dogtrainer #balanceddogtraining #dremel #bitingdog

I’ll admit, harnesses are expertly marketed- “No pull” “Hassle-free” “The safest way to walk” It sounds appealing to any dog owner. But, unfortunately, harnesses don’t do what they say. #dogtrainingtruths #facethefacts #balanceddogtraining

⚠️STRANGER DANGER TIPS ⚠️ 1️⃣ PLEASE stop having strangers throw your dog treats while they’re in an activated mindset, meaning, when they’re barking, growling, lunging, or whining. This is NOT teaching them that new people are good. It’s literally just rewarding the state of mind and choices they’re making. (Positive reinforcement means we like and agree with certain behaviors) 2️⃣ Sorry ya’ll, but the truth is, you HAVE to correct the unwanted responses, whether it’s stemming from fear or protectiveness. The pattern MUST be broken, and the only way to do that is by interrupting the mind. This is how you stop the cycle, and it’s how you help your dog through these tough situations. #dogtrainingtips #dogtrainer #balanceddogtraining

Get your dog’s focus early on so that walks can be FUN 🐶 #dogtrainingtips #balanceddogtraining #dogtrainer

1 Week Update: Zeus The first week of a program is all about changing the way a dog views human direction, and for Zeus, he held no space for anything humans we’re asking him to do. Through small, daily practices, we’re starting to chip away at how relevant Zeus finds his humans so that we can strengthen and improve our relationship and any hieracrhy confusion. Thresholds, crating, Place, leash manners and waiting for food are all been things that will be apart of his daily routine. It’s whats going to give his family more leverage to stay ahead of him and maintain order and control. Week 2 we focus more on grooming, paw handling and household triggers (people knocking and coming into the house). Stay tuned. #dogbehavior #balanceddogtraining #ecollartraining #behaviormodification #reactivedog

Zeus’s walks were SO unsafe prior to training. His family literally couldn’t walk him because he was impossible to handle. Luckily that’s a different story now 👍 #dog #trainer #dogtrainer

Zeus and his family are here because of his highly concerning reactivity and aggression around people. He is newly adopted into a family who wants the best for him, but they have hit a wall with what they’re able to safely manage at home. Zeus acts highly aggressive when people come into the house, he slips into “tunnel vision” outside around squirrels, rabbits, etc. and he isn’t afraid to use his teeth to warn people that they should back off. It’s clear this guy is lacking clarity and understanding. Luckily, he’s in the right place. We’re going to create a realistic and healthy routine for Zeus and for his family to follow so that they can finally enjoy the dog they know he can be. #dogtrainer #aggressivedog #gsdofinstagram #balanceddogtraining

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Our Aim

At pet.techniques, we focus on the artistry that creates balance between human and dog. Implementing balanced training techniques (a hybrid of “yes” and “no”) is how we get there. We believe in tailoring our approach to fit each dog’s need, and use training tools to our advantage. Your relationship with your dog is everything, and we believe training is an incredible way to build a positive bond. We are here to help build confidence in you and your dog as we implement balanced training techniques into your life. Our goal is to advocate for your dog, establish leadership, and form positive habits and a healthy state of mind. We are very passionate about helping create clear communication between dog and owner, and are very excited to share our methods with you!