About
Most new dog owners don’t understand the huge difference; but it really is all about the quality of life you share with your dog. Most start out thinking “I want a well trained dog.” Then they proceed to a variety of group classes, and/or puppy play groups; picking up tips and tricks along the way. Yes, you likely can teach your dog the “sit” position, and she stays for a moment. It feels good to lure your dog into a “down” - until the dog gets up and runs after a squirrel. The truth is what most people think of as “dog training” is often just a series of fun tricks to teach your dog in the moment. A dog is “trained” by the way you LIVE with them 24/7. And if your puppy is “trained” to be the center of attention…. he will routinely act just that way. The dog isn’t to blame if your house begins to feel a little more like a circus than a home.
What most families don’t realize when bringing home a puppy, is that the “dog of their dreams” is actually a Well Behaved dog. A dog taught good behavior from puppyhood - is a pleasure to live with. A well behaved dog is calm inside; yet enthusiastically plays when the time & place are appropriate. A well behaved dog doesn’t make visitors to your home cringe. A well behaved dog is a dog who knows never to bolt out an open door. A well behaved dog is a pleasure - rather than a chore - to walk.
Teaching your puppy Good Behavior is really quite simple. And yes, it takes time and consistency over the first year of your dog’s life. But first, you have to get over thinking that early life with a puppy should be a 24/7 party. Commit to teaching your dog calm & balance…. the benefits will last for a lifetime!
Hillary Ratcliff Pini, Owner & Trainer
Hillary is a lifelong Wellesley resident, Montessori preschool teacher, mother of 5 grown sons, and owner/trainer to her pack of 3 Havanese dogs. Having studied with some of the most respected balanced trainers in the United States, Hillary brings her kind yet common-sense teaching style to pet dogs and their families. Her goal is to empower owners to live a better and more fulfilling life with their beloved dog through simple leadership exercises.
Real World Training for Pet Dogs
Would you like your dog to walk nicely next to you on a leash? Wait patiently to eat when their meal is served? How about settle-down and just relax with the family when asked to? Or wait nicely for permission to go out the door rather than rushing through when opened? All dogs who live with us can learn these simple manners. Because in reality all dogs are "trained" from the moment we bring them into our homes. It's a simple matter of whether we train them what we consider a good behavior, or "allow" what they find self-rewarding, which we might consider an annoying (or destructive) behavior we could live without. It's truly up to you!
Is Good Wellesley Dogs training right for you and your dog?
Learning how to live and co-exist with others in a positive manner is a fairly straightforward process. Just as in any learning environment, intelligent creatures behave in ways that "work" for them. Most dogs study their humans daily to learn what we will and will not allow. Would you like to be the leader setting the kind but fair standards in your house? We can help you achieve and exceed that goal. Please note: Good Wellesley Dogs specializes in solving annoyance pet problems and behaviors. We do NOT work with territorially aggressive or biting dogs.
Teach your dog to respect the doors of your home. So much of our leadership and relationship is communicated by how we go in and out. Threshold training is an easy but very effective exercise that will improve the behavior of virtually any dog.
The Dog of our Dreams........
The Dream of a Perfect Pet........
Many people spend a great deal of time thinking about the dog they'd like, and what it could bring to their lives. We picture ourselves with a furry companion by our side. Or we envision an ideal family scenario: everyone helping to care for and nurture the dog - who frolics through our busy lives bringing nothing but joy and fulfillment. In our pre-dog dreams, friends come to meet and marvel at our new "family member" who immediately enjoys the company of all who come through our door. When we're lonely, bored, or feeling unfulfilled - our dream companion is always there to give us comfort and snuggle up on the couch.
Where do these dreams come from? We've all seen these dogs on commercials, print ads, t.v., movies, just about everywhere. It can't be that hard - everybody seems to have a dog, right? Yet, what the majority of first time dog owners so often don't grasp is that these "ideal" moments can be few and far between. We think we know what the dog's needs will be: food, water, walks, potty training, vet visits, play? But our dogs have fundamental needs that go far beyond the obvious.
To lead their best lives within our human world, dogs need predictability, leadership, & a sense of safety. Just like everything worthwhile in life, it will require dedication, time, and sometimes hard work. Dogs are well suited to bring joy to their humans. But are we ready to give them the support they need to live happy and fulfilling lives with us? If we can realistically balance our dog's needs equally with our own, our chances of a great human-canine relationship are significantly better!