Mission and Methods

Threshold Dog Training adheres to the highest standard of humane, research-based dog training and behavior modification.

I am a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT) and Certified Behavior Consultant Canine (CBCC), a former Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI), and a Canine Good Citizen Evaluator.

I took an oath to uphold the “Humane Hierarchy” which considers the physical, mental, and emotional needs of the dog. These are factors that influence behavior. It is important to take a holistic approach and adapt our plans accordingly.

Dogs need structure and feedback so they make choices that work for both the dog and the humans. It is best to “empower, not overpower”. As a humane hierarchy trainer, I rely primarily on micromanagement, positive reinforcement, and other gentle methods including gradual desensitization to triggers or distractions. Dogs need feedback on what to do as opposed to just what not to do.

Many cases are successful using only positive methods. However, the humane hierarchy, as linked above, and practiced by certified trainers and behavior consultants, potentially includes other forms of conditioning. These upper tiers of the humane hierarchy, including negative reinforcement, are rarely visited, and in many cases are completely not an option. However, it is important for clients to know that the humane hierarchy includes a broad spectrum of approaches that may apply to certain cases. Therefore it is important for humans to understand the options and with informed consent commit to a route that has the most likelihood to succeed while having the least likelihood to plateau, backslide, or cause harm. It is my mission to lay the foundation for a successful plan based on the reality of both the dog’s needs and the temperament of its human.

My training plans adhere to the research of the world’s most effective animal specialists including ethologists and veterinarian behaviorists as well as renowned applied behavior analysts, psychologists, and biologists.

I use this research, plus thousands of hours of experience, to use discretion about the type of feedback we give the dog. In turn, we listen to the feedback from the dog and adjust the plan as needed. I am a firm believer in the spirit of the Hippocratic Oath, which in short is to “do good or to do no harm.” I am also a firm believer in raising dogs to have the ability to process a bit of frustration, take cues from their humans, and be content with delayed gratification.

The results are dogs - and people - with less stress and more joy, health, and impulse control for making choices that work for everyone.