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| | | | LET’S GET STARTED
This will be the first of many written contributions that I plan to write for GANA. I was
asked by Amy Lane to share my theories and practice as it
pertains specifically to the training of Goldendoodles. I have had a long and
fulfilling career as an animal trainer that spans over 35 years. I have been
fortunate to have worked with not only dog handlers and trainers, but I have
also had the opportunity to travel the world sharing this refined system of
animal training with private individuals and public institutions. There is a
more complete review of my career on my website www.animalconditioning.com
I plan to write a monthly article which will appear here on the GANA
website. This series of informative articles will include the techniques and
methods that I use while training. I have applied these techniques not only on
my own personal pets, but I have also used these methods training animals for
zoos, entertainment theme parks, movies, and commercials.
Dogs have become a standard fixture in the present day make up of almost
every American family. We love them unconditionally and allow them to share
our lives with us. Dogs have an importance to us. We bond with them, and in
return they are always there for us. I have owned elephants, camels, tigers,
horses, birds, and an assortment of dogs and cats. I believe I have
encountered in my work just about everything that walks, swims or flies. Every
animal I have worked with has a special place in my heart. My entire life I
have had animals surrounding me, which enabled me to develop a philosophy
that helped me not only in my professional life, but in my private life as well.
In this series of articles, I plan to not only cover the basics of animal training,
but I will also layout and explain a simple, thorough, and humane approach of
how to best train your dog. In addition, I will from time to time recommend
books that may help you with your relationship with your dog as well.
I am not a Veterinarian, and therefore, I will not give medical advice. Although
I interpret behavior well, I do not have a degree in the Sciences of
Behaviorism or Psychology and will not call myself an “Animal Behaviorist”. I
do not, and will not pretend to be an animal whisperer or promote mystical
methods for communicating with your dog. What you will receive from me is a
responsible and rational humane approach to animal training. I will answer
questions. I will also layout advice and techniques that I know have worked
for my clients and their dogs.
I have trained just about everything from pet fish to elephants. I will present
my information clearly and as simply as possible. Having a wide range and
diverse exposure to animals will allow me to share comparisons of different
experiences I have personally encountered. My hope is that everyone that
participates will gain more insight in how to get the best from their dog. You
will discover that the rules that get the best results will transcend over to all
species, whether it is your dog, cat, or goldfish. We will explore operant
conditioning. I will explain when, and when not to use the clicker. I will layout
in detail my steps in puppy training. I will not only show you how to train tricks
but will explain why they can be helpful for both you and your dog.
In all occupations and walks of life, there are always people claiming a new or
better method of doing things. I will not make any outrageous claims of saying
that “what I do is the best”. I will leave that up to you to decide. However, I
will make this promise to you: If your dog is physically and mentally healthy
and you follow my outline for success, you too, will have an enjoyable pet
partner to share your life with.
I will be covering many different topics, but also would like to personalize this
column by accepting and addressing questions from you. Please email your
questions to: armymaguire@roadrunner.com
As questions and answers are posted, we will be adding categories for easy access to different issues.
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