COMMUNICATION IS AT THE CORE of all of our most important relationships. Our pets are no exception. Too often we misinterpret what our pet’s behavior is communicating. And perhaps more often, when we try to express our expectations, our pet just doesn’t understand. The secret to truly effective dog training—training which facilitates the creation of a warm and mutually respectful relationship with our dog—is based not only on love but on the clear communication of expectations. It means avoiding thinking of your misbehaving pet as “bad” and, instead, coming to see your pet's behavior as a request for more guidance.

DOGS ARE PACK ANIMALS and cannot thrive in a situation with no clear designation of roles or expectations. As humans, we sometimes take for granted that social roles and expectations are simply “understood” and that to talk about them openly is disrespectful or poor manners. Our pets, on the other hand, need us to tell them just what their role is and what we expect of them. In the wild, canid pack leaders are extremely clear about how their community is structured, and this structure is an essential tool for group survival. This need for social clarity is hard-wired into your dog, and the training principles and practices that we share with you are designed to help you understand your dog, and to communicate your expectations clearly.

OUR METHOD will not be the right fit for owners seeking a “tricks and treats” approach, or who simply want a quick fix. Our method, however, results in a much stronger and more intense bond between owners and their pets. For over twenty-five years, I've helped individuals and families build wonderful, positive relationships with dogs from across the behavioral spectrum—from new puppies to aggressive, fearful, anxious, or tyrannical dogs. I've been able to help many owners who'd previously consulted a variety of other trainers and spent thousands of dollars on ineffective methods. Determining the root of the problem and designing a plan specific to the unique make-up of your dog is the answer, and what we specialize in at the Kennedy Canine Center.