DogCognition research has taught us that dogs respond really incredibly well to pointing and eye movements as well as strategic placement and timing of rewards/reinforcements.
By allowing dogs to figure out on their own what is being communicated not only builds their self-confidence but motivates them hugely because they actually learn how to control desired outcomes for themselves. Learning which behaviors bring a reinforcing consequence to the dog really is what “training” is all about: Allowing them to understand what you as human guardians are trying to communicate. Since 2009, Dog Relations NYC has helped more than 1500 dogs and their guardians form a more rewarding and special bond!
Science and experience has proven that rewarded (or reinforced) behaviors increase in frequency. Some behaviors your dog innately offers like jumping up, using their mouths to experiment and explore might not be what we humans might consider “proper”. However dogs will gladly be redirected to offer polite behaviors when we highly reward and reinforce them for the behaviors we decide are appropriate in the circumstance.
Really, is there anything more rewarding than having
clear and loving communication with your puppy?
I grew up in Vienna immersed in classical music. I loved dogs but was not allowed to have a dog because my mother didn’t want the extra work which she was sure would eventually fall on her. But I loved dogs!
In fact, I have two favorite memories, one a wirehaired dachshund named Grendi who bit me in the face..I don’t remember why but I still loved him anyway and my violin teacher’s poodle named Bibolette. Bibolette always wanted to listen to the lessons but she was always removed from the room.
I spent years perfecting my skills as a musician and soon after, I moved to the United States. I finally decided to get a dog. I was “afraid” the dog would keep me from practicing but I sort of made a pact with myself that I wouldn’t let that happen.
As it turned out my violin teacher moved to France and, as I was preparing for a special recital, I went to Burgundy to play for him and get his critique. In the small hotel I stayed in, there was the cutest hairy black dog I have ever seen in my life. She was a small Briard named Penelope and she “worked” in the reception area. Penelope changed my life!
So this was really when I got into dogs. I got my first dog Daphne, a Briard. From then on I have always taken classes and rejoiced in teaching my dogs. I found teaching dogs more interesting than teaching humans to play the violin, but I didn’t really pay attention to those feelings. However, I did become fascinated with the teaching process and breaking down the technical challenges of acquiring more technique and tools for my students to play more and more difficult pieces of music. My violin teacher had a very analytical eye and ear and so instead of saying stuff like: this needs to be more expressive he would give specific instructions like: place your bow closer to the bridge, or move it faster, or lift your fourth finger higher when you cross that string. It helped invariably.
I decided to make dog training my main interest and focus because I loved dogs and because it tickles me endlessly to communicate with them. I apprenticed with a dog trainer for three years and read, studied, took classes and became quite fascinated with behavior science and learning theory.
This brings me back to Briards. A friend of mine lived in the same building that Laurie Anderson has her studio and she called me one day and told me that Lolabelle was very sick and could I come over and see if I could help. It was all rather vague but I decided to go and see what it was all about. Lolabelle had just had part of her liver removed. She had been diagnosed with insulinoma, a rare form of pancreatic cancer causing her to have diabetic seizures. She had not long to live. After talking to Laurie for a while and not being a vet, I mentioned that I had taught my dogs to play keyboards.
I explained to her about enrichment activities, that teaching a dog to touch objects and interact with the environment is a most endorphin-producing, satisfying activity for them. As soon as I said “keyboard” though, Laurie’s eyes lit up and she pulled out one of her many keyboards and asked me to start teaching Lola! Lola loved it and an hour or so later I got a call from Lou Reed who said he wanted me to come every day. And that is how it all started..
“Elisabeth was one of the key people in helping maintain the spirit and integrity of Lola’s life. Elisabeth is a kind of dog genius. Her help cannot be overestimated and went far beyond what one can buy. Lolabelle loved her – we all loved her.”
I don’t know what we would have done without you! Winky is a very, very sweet fellow and quite well behaved thanks to you. People say what a calm and well behaved puppy he is. I cannot thank you enough for having gotten him to this point. I take him with me wherever I go and you have really made it all possible – Grazie mille!
“Elisabeth has been phenomenal in Oreo’s recovery after a serious leg injury. Her holistic approach and deep connection with our dog made an immediate impact. Oreo is now more agile and energetic than ever, thanks to Elisabeth’s expert care. We’re incredibly grateful for her knowledge, professionalism, and genuine love for dogs.”
Thank you so much for your knowledge and kindness. I don’t know what we would have done without you!!!!!
I mean that!
Winky is a very, very sweet fellow and quite well behaved thanks to you.
Everyone, everyone, everyone is so in love with him and ALL say: Wow, what a calm and well behaved puppy he is, so charming, sweet and happy.
I cannot thank you enough for having gotten Winky to this point. I take him with me wherever I go and you have really made it all possible. Grazie mille!
As you can see from the picture the feedings are going a lot better now that they are doing sit and stay before their meals. I can even put them next to each other, no problem………..a million thank you’s. Bella is so much more confident, coming out to greet customers and showing much more affection. We noticed this after 2 days. Amazing!
1000 thanks to Elisabeth Weiss for so positively effecting our home life. we have a beloved, but super rambunctious standard schnauzer and rebbe’s behavior was starting to dominate our every move.
Elisabeth trained Reb (and me) with patience and humor and affection . she’s made it possible to enjoy our dog with out constantly having to worry about his next outburst. she’s also a great resource when it comes to his health issues – truly a holistic approach that’s made me feel like i’m not going it alone.
I am not certain it is possible to have a puppy without Elisabeth! To me Elisabeth does what no other trainer can (or is willing to commit to) and takes customer service to an entirely new level. I secretly think she has Petzi and Cosi trained to answer emails – it’s the only explanation. She has become such a support system providing me with endless skills, knowledge and tranquility through all the magical little “puppy crisis” moments along the way. To Madison, she is playtime!
Having grown up in a house surrounded by horses and dogs I was reluctant to get a trainer, as I clearly knew what I was doing.
Think again! Madison was a far cry from the “I’ll do anything for you” labs I grew up with. She was a pint-sized ball of nervous fun with so much enthusiasm that needed directing. From the day we first met Elisabeth I knew this would be the best thing I could do for myself, and my dog.
Before Elisabeth I was worried I would be evicted because my little Pomeranian screamed and barked as soon as I walked out of her line of sight. After 2 sessions and a couple emailed instructions Madison learned that sitting, not screaming, gets her everything she desires.
It is amazing to watch Elisabeth interact with Madison because you can see how she listens to the dog and tailors the training to them.
In the beginning of our training when Madison was literally bouncing off her, she used that energy and made her focus on tricks that played to Madison’s innate ability to spin around. Once trust was gained she progressed to more “serious” games and now I can proudly say that my pup will sit still whenever she needs to; something I know would not have happened without Elisabeth.
Maddie and I are so grateful a Google search placed her in our lives and can’t imagine life without her!
Working with Elisabeth is the best decision I’ve made to help transition into life with a new puppy. She is incredibly helpful, responsive, and made an impact in my puppy’s behavior immediately. Elisabeth has been an incredible support as I’ve managed being a brand new dog-mom–I don’t know what I would do without her! Cannot recommend her enough for new puppy parents or any dog owners alike.
“Elisabeth helped me train my dog Moa via online video lessons. With Elisabeth’s precise and motivating method, we made quick progress and Moa learnt as much as I did. I probably learnt more, actually. I understood the calm and steady process of training, how to be consistent, and look for responses to progress and challenge her.”
My cats panda and teddy loved her instantly and after only one consultation with her and the extensive advice she provided my big problems with my cats was solved. My cats had taken to using my couches and valuable rugs as their bathroom! Thank you for your great help! www.morganelefay.com
