FAQs
-
I am located in Superior, CO. I service areas up to 30 min away such as Lafayette, Broomfield, Arvada, Longmont and Westminster. Please contact me if you are interested in services if you are outside my service area.
-
At Paws 360 Canine Services, we use a balanced training approach, which means we focus on clear communication, structure, and consistency to help dogs understand what’s expected of them—without confusion.
Every dog is different, which is why we create a customized training plan tailored to your dog’s needs and your lifestyle. Our goal is to help you build a strong, trusting relationship with your dog while increasing their confidence, reducing stress, and encouraging calm, reliable behavior in real life.
We combine rewards, clear boundaries, and proven techniques to create a well-rounded, respectful learning experience for both dogs and their humans.
-
Balanced training refers to an approach that uses all four quadrants of operant conditioning: positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, positive punishment, and negative punishment. This training method ensures that we use both rewards and fair corrections to shape your dog’s behavior. The goal is to provide clear, consistent feedback, helping your dog understand what behaviors are wanted, and which are not.
Balanced training is effective, fair, and compassionate—it takes into account the individual needs of each dog and creates a path to success using a combination of encouragement and correction when needed.
-
Balanced training works because it relies on clear communication between you and your dog. Dogs learn through consequences, both positive (rewards) and negative (fair corrections). When done correctly, this approach builds trust and a strong bond between you and your dog. It’s about helping your dog understand what’s expected of them and rewarding the behaviors you want to see more of.
Balanced training isn’t about being harsh or punitive; it's about using gentle corrections to guide your dog’s behavior in a way that’s fair and effective. It’s especially helpful for dogs that might not respond well to one method alone, or those that need help generalizing behaviors to different environments and situations.
-
What is your training style?
At Paws 360 Canine Services, we use a balanced training approach, meaning we focus on clear communication, structure, and consistency to guide your dog toward success—without confusion. Our training is tailored to each dog and owner, helping build a strong, trusting relationship and boosting your dog’s confidence in real-world situations.
Balanced training may incorporate a variety of tools to aid in communication and clarity, including:
Prong Collars: These provide gentle, even pressure when a dog pulls on the leash. The prongs are rounded and designed to guide the dog—not punish—helping improve leash manners.
Slip Leads: Used to encourage polite walking, slip leads offer light pressure when the dog pulls. When used correctly, they help guide the dog without choking or discomfort.
Electronic Collars (E-Collars): These are used for low-level stimulation during off-leash training or long-distance communication. E-collars are not "shock collars" but refined tools that allow for consistent, remote feedback.
Martingale Collars: Ideal for dogs who tend to slip out of traditional flat collars, martingales gently tighten for added security without harsh correction—perfect for teaching focus and calm walking.
Starmark Collars: A gentler alternative to prongs, these collars use interlocking links and rounded tips to create mild, even pressure, making them great for sensitive or first-time training dogs.
Each tool is introduced thoughtfully, based on your dog’s personality, behavior, and training goals. Our focus is always on building trust, creating clear communication, and helping your dog succeed in a positive and respectful way.
These tools are not required to work with me, please come into our sessions with an open mind. If I would like your dog to try a certain tool, I do ask that we try it.
-
Yes, treats are often used as part of our balanced training approach, but they are just one tool in our toolbox. We use treats as positive reinforcement to reward desired behaviors and encourage your dog to stay motivated during training sessions. However, we believe in gradually fading out treats once the behavior is learned so that your dog can perform consistently without always expecting food.
In addition to treats, we also incorporate praise, toys, and other forms of positive reinforcement, depending on what motivates your dog. The goal is to teach your dog that good behavior brings positive outcomes—whether it's a tasty treat, a toy, or simply your attention and praise.
Our ultimate focus is on creating well-rounded, reliable dogs who respond to clear cues and engage with their handlers, regardless of the reward.
-
The timeline for seeing results varies depending on your dog’s age, temperament, and the specific behavior you’re working on. Consistency is key. With regular practice, most dogs show noticeable improvements within a few sessions. For more complex behaviors or ongoing issues, it might take several weeks to see significant changes.
The most important factor is patience—with balanced training, it’s not just about quick fixes but building a lasting, positive relationship with your dog.
-
While we do not offer a guarantee, with patience, consistency, and commitment, your dog can succeed. Every dog learns at their own pace, and the outcome of training depends on various factors, including the dog’s age, temperament, and the owner’s dedication to following through with training at home.
I am committed to helping you every step of the way and will work with you to ensure that you and your dog are successful. Training is a process, and by sticking with it, you’ll see results that last.