At Swift Dog Training we understand that every dog and every handler are different. We aim to adapt and use training methods to suit all and appreciate that what works and suits one, may not necessarily help another.
To this end, we endeavor to please everyone and are happy to discuss a variety of training methods to suit each case individually. We treat every dog and person as an individual and promote healthy, happy and fun dog/owner relationships.
SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS
If you have any specific requirements for you or your dog, please contact us for an impartial and unobligated discussion on how we can help you in the most positive and fun way possible.
We strongly believe that you and your dog should have a fun and fulfilling relationship that works for both of you. It does not matter if this is competing in field trials, stress free visits to your veterinarian or simply enjoying your Sunday walks to the park together, we want to help you get there.
Tyson Nunneley and Ellena Swift Nunneley have shared their passion for training and working dogs for several years and finally decided that it made sense to share the wonderful facilities, experience and knowledge with others wishing to have fun and train their dogs.
Remember we are here to help you, not judge!
TRAINING APPROACH
This is occasionally misunderstood as always food reward based training. However, positive reinforcement can be anything from rewarding your dog with verbal praise; "good boy", to rewarding with their favourite toy/ball/cuddly bear (as the drug sniffer dogs are trained) or rewarding them with something tasty such as a yummy bit of cheese!
Some dogs are very food motivated and can be trained to do pretty much anything using just that. However, some are more motivated by their owners affection and attention whereas others will do all that is required just to have their tennis ball.
If an owner would like to use clicker training for their dog, we are happy to accommodate.
Basic training such as heel work, sit and recall can normally be done using any or all of the above. Whether the dog is being primed for a working life with sheep, or getting ready to become the next Pudsey on Britains Got Talent, positive reinforcement will always be the preferred method used by most trainers (including us) in a first instance. However, we do understand that there are instances where this may not suit. We will work with you and your dog to find the best and most effective approach to training to get the results you want. We are open minded and continue to follow up to date research and study every training approach.
RESPECT
One thing we strongly promote at Swift Dog Training Ltd is respect from your dog to yourself and vice versa. This can be something as basic as not being pulled over on a lead or not being barged through a gate or door. If necessary (in certain cases) we will use corrections (please understand this does not mean hurting the dog).
There are two basic types of 'negative' training. Negative reinforcement and negative punishment, the latter being used infrequently in most trainers techniques.
Negative reinforcement is the removal of something already present. For example, I often use the reward of retrieving an item for my Labradors. To them retrieving is the ultimate reward. Therefore, when training steadiness, if when I throw the dummy, the dog fidgets, whines etc I will walk and pick up the dummy myself. Then, when they behave as I desire I allow them to get the retrieve.
Negative punishment is the introduction of something unpleasant and removed once the desired behaviour is shown. This is often seen in the US with things such as 'Force Fetch' and will never be used here.
We attempt to be as practical as physically possible, so that in the majority of situations you come across, you are well prepared and equipped to deal with whatever is thrown your way whether you are armed with cheese or not!
However we assist you, you will not be judged or attacked. But instead we will do our best to help you move forwards with your dog.