Von Waldberg Kennels

We practice a balanced and comprehensive approach to training and communicating with our dogs, mimicking the way they would communicate with each other. This approach leads to consistent results, the ability to work through rough spots, and the happy, healthy, loving relationships all dogs and owners want.

If you watch dogs communicate with each other, they use a combination of positive and negative feedback, coupled with tone of voice and body language. Balance does not mean a 50/50 split of reward and correction. The vast majority of your dog’s feedback will be positive. But no species can flourish under a purely positive system. We teach appropriate rewards, how to establish boundaries, and how to deliver an appropriate correction when needed.

Training is not only having a dog that will obey a command. Training includes manners (at home and in public), appropriate social behavior, confidence, consistency, a solid and trusting relationship between owner and dog, and building the dog’s desire to work for and please their owner. These elements will foster a relationship where your dog will want to obey because doing so enhances your relationship.

Our training program will give you the skills to communicate with your dog in the language they understand. The ability to communicate is essential, but dogs will never learn to speak to humans. Humans can learn to speak to dogs. You can use your voice and body language to emulate a happy, excited dog. You can also use those same tools to be the leader in your relationship and teach your dog what is and is not acceptable behavior.