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..
“We consulted with Elisabeth when our one year old chocolate lab needed some serious behavior training. Maggie barked at strangers and lunged at other dogs – we needed help. Elisabeth gave us various strategies to employ, and the results came quickly. Maggie is now the best behaved and most loving dog we’ve ever had.”
“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.”
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.
We’re so thankful to have met Elisabeth and we’re incredibly appreciative for all of her tremendous insight with our puppy. We have a one-year-old morkie who was experiencing various behavioral issues. With Elisabeth’s training methods, we’ve noticed significant improvement in our puppy’s behavior in only a couple days after one training session. Elisabeth also promptly provides a comprehensive report, detailing training techniques. We’re eternally grateful for all of Elisabeth’s continuous support and help!
If I could give more than 5 stars, I would! Elisabeth is a gem. When we decided to add a new pup to our family I was very nervous and overwhelmed by all the options for training, diet, grooming, etc. From the start, Elisabeth eased my nerves and provided me with the tools to really set up our pup for success. Our puppy’s transition from the breeder to our home felt seamless because of Elisabeth’s guidance. As a trainer, Elisabeth is the best. Not only does our pup LOVE her, her style of training is exactly what you would hope for. She is patient, kind, understanding and fun! Her energy and demeanor is something that cannot be replaced and is why she is so talented and successful. With Elisabeth, our puppy learns quickly and retains easily. Its so fun to watch her work! Our puppy consistently looks forward to Elisabeth’s visits and knows her by name. Beyond training- Elisabeth has become my go-to for all pet care questions and issues. She truly values and cares for her clients and is always there for questions or advice. I cannot recommend her services enough!
Elisabeth was fantastic with Isis, our Havanese. Despite our best efforts Isis had been doing her business all over the house and was not good at listening. Elisabeth was able to train her in a couple of sessions to listen and do her business in the right places. Elisabeth engaged Isis with interactive tasks which she found challenging and fun. Having Elisabeth come to train Isis was the highlight of her week. Isis was connected and engaged with Elisabeth at all times. I would recommend Elisabeth to any dog guardian. Her loving care and her practical advice have been invaluable to me.
The turn around has been amazing!
This is a message from our walker…
“Okay, who is this new dog I’m walking, and what have you done with Maddie? She is a whole different girl!”
This is just after the initial consultation!
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!
We had gone through several trainers with our standard poodle Annie. We got Annie at four months and she was already fearful ,aggressive and barking non stop. Elisabeth came to the rescue with her patience, humor and dog whispering talents. I highly recommend her. Your dog and neighbors will thank you.
Working with Elisabeth was life-changing. Needing my Australian Shepherd’s support for a health condition, I chose her for service dog training in NYC. From the first session, my dog responded beautifully, and she made the process easy. She also guided me through public access requirements. I couldn’t be more grateful—she’s the best!
