Author: Dog Trainer College

Life as a Student at the Dog Trainer College

Let’s attempt to illustrate what a typical day looks like at Conifer Canine’s Dog Trainer College.  But, one of the advantages of attending the dog trainer school is that no two days are exactly alike. Once you decide to become a professional dog trainer, apply online here. We’ll get back with you ASAP with your… Read more »

German Shepherd Temperament

After earnestly working/breeding/training German Shepherds for at least 30 years, Max von Stephantitz wrote, “I cannot remember a single shepherd dog who was not in love with children.” That is a far cry from where the breed is in America today.  Unfortunately, many GSDs cannot be trusted around children.  The reasons for this are numerous… Read more »

Various Tasks of a Service Dog

Many people are unaware of the vast abilities of service dogs.  But, hey, don’t sweat it…we’re here to help! The purpose of a service dog is to aid a person with disabilities and to reduce the disabled’s dependence upon human intervention.  Service dogs provide the disabled with a greater capacity to live independent, “normal” lives… Read more »

What is Balanced Dog Training?

dog trainer college

There is a lot of rhetoric out there about balanced dog trainers.  For those who are willing to learn, let us try to help sort through the malaise. First, it may be best to briefly discuss a noisy minority faction within dog training.  These trainers swear that positive reinforcement, with no forms of correction, is… Read more »

A Balanced Approach to Dog Training

Conifer Canine’s Dog Trainer College

Here at Conifer Canine, we utilize a balanced approach to dog training.  Balanced dog training means that the trainer/s uses both reward and correction.  In dog training theory, we would say that the trainer uses both positive reinforcement and positive punishment. A balanced approach is not only the most effective in dealing with most dogs,… Read more »

Three Prerequisites to consider about Becoming a Dog Trainer.

Good dog trainers don’t just put treats in a bag, walk over to the dog and the dog miraculously does what the trainer desires.  It takes more than that. Here are a few thoughts (outside the box) to consider.  If you want to become a dog trainer, read on! Let’s look at three prerequisites to… Read more »

Heightened Proficiency among Police Dog teams

In light of today’s chaotic society – with unchecked riots, homicides, anti-police racket, defunding – one thing is becoming crystal clear.  The pressure is on for law enforcement to fine-tune their operational procedure and the training behind it.  No matter which side of the police argument you find yourself, all eyes are on law enforcement… Read more »

COVID-19 and Dogs

In the midst of the coronavirus hysteria, the question has been asked thousands of times…can my dog get COVID-19?  The quick answer is, at this present time there is no evidence that dogs can be infected with the virus.  Furthermore, at the time of this writing, there have been no cases of COVID-19 in dogs… Read more »

Good Dog Training is Liberty not Slavery

Max v Stephanitz is credited as being the “father” of the German Shepherd Dog.  In 1925, he wrote a book entitled, The German Shepherd Dog in Word and Picture.  There are many wonderful ideas advanced in this expensive book. In the section of the book about training dogs, he wrote, “A sound training does not… Read more »