Training & Behavior Modification Methods
Divergent Dog Behavior only uses humane & evidence-based methods.
A joyful life is built upon trust & expanding our dog's opportunities to communicate their needs to us.
A joyful life is built upon trust & expanding our dog's opportunities to communicate their needs to us.
Divergent Dog Behavior Consulting only uses evidence-based training methods; these are best practices for training & behavior modification as researched by veterinary behaviorists, ethologists, biologists, zoologists, psychologists...and other -ologists.
Ok, but what does that mean?!
Least Intrusive, Functionally Effective.
We are ethically obligated to use the method that:
The Humane Hierarchy.
This is a framework that organizes training methods based on how invasive and aversive they are for our learners. Ethical, evidence-based trainers strive to keep training plans within the first 3 steps of the Humane Hierarchy:
To learn more about the Humane Hierarchy, check out the webinar Applying the Humane Hierarchy.
Force-Free & Fear-Free.
No pain, fear, intimidation, or coercion will be used for training & behavior modification, for any reason.
This means NO shock collars, e-collars, stim collars, choke collars, check collars, prong collars, shake cans, air horns, or bark collars will be used.
Contact me today to trade these "tools" in for discounts on training programs!
Ok, but what does that mean?!
Least Intrusive, Functionally Effective.
We are ethically obligated to use the method that:
- Gives our dogs the most control.
- Reduces their exposure to fear, pain, or intimidation,
- Addresses the function of the behavior we are trying to change.
The Humane Hierarchy.
This is a framework that organizes training methods based on how invasive and aversive they are for our learners. Ethical, evidence-based trainers strive to keep training plans within the first 3 steps of the Humane Hierarchy:
- Wellness (Physical health, nutrition, sleep, home environment, enrichment, etc).
- Antecedent Arrangement (Preventing dogs from rehearsing unwanted behaviors is critical).
- Positive Reinforcement (Building our dog's repertoire of skills for communicating with us and interacting with their world in positive and appropriate ways).
To learn more about the Humane Hierarchy, check out the webinar Applying the Humane Hierarchy.
Force-Free & Fear-Free.
No pain, fear, intimidation, or coercion will be used for training & behavior modification, for any reason.
This means NO shock collars, e-collars, stim collars, choke collars, check collars, prong collars, shake cans, air horns, or bark collars will be used.
Contact me today to trade these "tools" in for discounts on training programs!
Our Philosophy
We don't want a "good" dogs. We don't want manners, obedience or robotic compliance.
We want dogs with a sense of humor, that feel comfortable bringing goofiness or sassiness into everything they do. We want dogs bursting with optimism, they are constantly creating new "games" and ways of interacting with us.
We want dogs that confidently explore newness, because we taught them they can do hard things. We want dogs that looks to us, the same way we look to the flight attendant to make sure this is normal turbulence.
We want dogs that feel safe setting boundaries with us and demand their needs be met. Because that's what a healthy relationship is:
Accepting each other's individuality.
Co-operation and compromise.
Helping each other grow.
We want dogs that confidently explore newness, because we taught them they can do hard things. We want dogs that looks to us, the same way we look to the flight attendant to make sure this is normal turbulence.
We want dogs that feel safe setting boundaries with us and demand their needs be met. Because that's what a healthy relationship is:
Accepting each other's individuality.
Co-operation and compromise.
Helping each other grow.
Neurodiversity affirming & Accessible education
Divergent Dog Behavior is the leader in accessible & neurodiversity affirming dog education.
All dog guardians deserve access to humane, evidence-based training and behavior modification.
All dog guardians deserve to be presumed capable.
All dog guardians deserve access to humane, evidence-based training and behavior modification.
All dog guardians deserve to be presumed capable.
Divergent Dog Behavior believes kind and effective learning should occur at both ends of the leash. This includes adapting communication, education and activities to accommodate different brains and bodies.
All our programs, courses and webinars are accessible to different degrees. This reflects the evolution of our accessible services over the last few years. All content will be updated over time. If you require immediate accommodations, we invite you to email [email protected] and we will do our best to assist you.
All our programs, courses and webinars are accessible to different degrees. This reflects the evolution of our accessible services over the last few years. All content will be updated over time. If you require immediate accommodations, we invite you to email [email protected] and we will do our best to assist you.
