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About The TrainerIn 2003, Vicki was introduced to Rat Terrier puppies for the first time. At the time, she had been dog sitting for over 20 years, she was immediately in love with those happy-go-lucky earth dogs. That was what started her on the path to becoming a modern-method dog trainer.
Additionally, she has attended workshops and seminars by world-renown trainers Pat MIller, Trish King, Veronica Boutelle, and Jean Donaldson. Vicki continues her education in the field of animal learning and canine behavior by regularly attending seminars, workshops and conferences. VIcki currently lives with her adorable Rat Terrier, Augie.
Training Philosophy
Training Methods
All training at Augie and Friends: Dog Training and Dog Sitting is “dog-friendly.” Our methods are based on behavioral science. The APDT defines “dog-friendly” training as “training that utilizes primarily positive reinforcement; secondarily negative punishment (like time-outs), and only occasionally, rarely, and/or as a last resort includes positive punishment and/or negative reinforcement.” Translated into everyday language, this statement means that we train by relying on dogs’ natural tendency to seek rewards for their behavior. The psychologist B. F. Skinner discovered that animals learn by repeating behaviors that are rewarded. He called this “operant conditioning.” We say, “Animals will repeat what they are rewarded for!” We train dogs to do the things we want by using positive rewards (tiny food treats or brief play sessions) to reinforce their actions. We don’t punish or 'correct' dogs using “positive punishment” and “negative reinforcement” devices such as choke, pinch or electronic collars. Rather, we strengthen the behavior we want and if the dog engages in an unwanted behavior we use “negative punishment:” withholding of a reward, or a gentle reminder to get the appropriate behavior. Another scientist, Ivan Pavlov, found that dogs have emotional reactions to events in their worlds. These can be either positive or negative for the dog. Pavlov’s principle is called “classical conditioning” and is what underlies many of the fears that dogs experience. In our training, we say, “Dogs make associations.” So we help our dogs become well-adjusted family members by making pleasant connections with people, places, objects and events. Dogs, unlike people, rely mostly on their bodies to communicate with one another. You have seen your dog “play bow,” by stretching forward on his front legs, saying “I’m friendly.” In teaching our dogs to perform behaviors such as “sit” or “down” we first use hand signals to communicate with the dogs in their native language, and later add human words as cues. We find that dogs learn more quickly when we talk to them in their own language. Dogs need to learn first in low-distraction environments before they can perform in more challenging conditions. So we provide you with concise instructions for “proofing” your dog’s performance so that you will be able to take her into the world with confidence.
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After acquiring her first Ratter in 2005, she decided to further pursue her passion for dog training by participating in and/or assisting in, numerous Puppy Socials and classes with various trainers.
