dog trainer in Metuchen and Edison, NJ

Why Paws First?

Planning on bringing home a new four legged addition to your family? Not sure what is the best method of Basic Obedience Training? We can help!

We provide Positive Reinforcement Training using praise and/or treats to reward your dog for doing something you want him to do. Because the reward makes him more likely to repeat the behavior, positive reinforcement is one of your most powerful tools for shaping or changing your dog’s behavior.

We do not believe in forceful negative correction that overwhelms and confuses the dog. We will teach you to teach your dog basic obedience, leash walking, home manners. Lots of Fun games to play with your dog. Contact us today to discuss your needs so we may set up a plan and specialized quote.

Training is available at your home in Mays Landing, Egg Harbor City, Metuchen, Edison, Fords, Highland Park, and surrounding towns. Travel fees may apply for some areas.

Why Paws First Positive Training is the right choice for you and your dog.

 

We are: Certified, experienced, and ready to listen to your concerns and goals.

We are an official AKC CGC Evaluator

Offering classes for the:

  • AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy program
  • Canine Good Citizen (CGC)
  • AKC Community Canine (the advanced level of CGC)
  • Urban CGC
  • Video Home Manners and Trick Dog tests.
  • AKC Temperament Test (ATT) evaluator
  • AKC FIT DOG

You will receive a specialized program:

We will address the needs of each dog and family. We will work with you to set a program that directly addresses the specific behaviors of your dog in their own environment.

We offer convenient, flexible scheduling:

We come to your home (and yard) at a time that is convenient for you.

We provide training for family members

We will work with the adults and children so everyone is consistent.

You will benefit from our Positive training

We will help you build a special bond with your pup. We will cover basic manners and advanced commands, including come, sit, down, stay, leave it, loose leash walking, wait, and much more.

Tools we do not use!

  • Prong collars
  • Choke collars
  • Citronella spray collars
  • Shock collar (also known as e-collars)
  • Invisible fence collars, such as the Halo Smart Dog Collar
  • Shaker cans (soda cans filled with pennies or rocks)
  • Spray bottles (Note: some dogs don’t find this aversive — I’ve met many dogs who love to catch the water sprayed. But the intent of their use makes them an aversive tool)

Dog training techniques we do not use:

  • Physical corrections
    • Leash popping (even on a flat collar)
    • Hitting
  • Alpha rolls and Dominance downs
  • Yelling
  • Confrontational staring or acting in a threatening manner with body language
  • Holding a dog’s mouth closed
  • Poking or trying to “simulate a mother dog’s bite” with fingers

Whatever a dog finds emotionally or physically unpleasant (or painful) and works to avoid is an aversive. What I believe is most important, however, is to specifically avoid tools and techniques that were created with the intent of causing discomfort or pain. Anything that relies on the “Do this, or else …” isn’t a humane or ethical training tool or technique to use, and can be extremely detrimental to your relationship with your dog.