Our Training Philosophy It is our philosophy to only use positive, force-free training methods. Being a strong leader for your dog requires consistency, calmness and most importantly, communication. Positive training involves learning to read your dog’s body language so you can listen to the subtle messages he/she is trying to give. We use clicker training which helps mark a behavior the moment it happens to efficiently and effectively change or create a behavior. The clicker sends a direct message to the dog and helps to communicate in a simple and clear manner. The sound of the clicker is comforting and calming to the dog’s emotional brain, which is why it is a very useful tool when working with fearful and reactive dogs. We do NOT use aversive and punishment based methods such as choke, prong or shock collars. These forms of training only make the aggressive or fearful behavior worse. These methods break down the communication and relationship that is possible with our pets. Dogs need to remain “thinking dogs” to learn and gain confidence. When a dog is afraid or annoyed (the result of these painful, inhumane forms of training) he/she cannot learn. CANINE KARMA IS A MEMBER OF: APDT (Association of Professional Dog Trainers) Certified through the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers Certified Canine Good Citizen evaluator through the American Kennel Club Therapy Dogs International We are proud to have earned the Best of Toledo award in 2020, 2021 and 2022!! Clifford’s Story The groundwork for Canine Karma was laid years ago on a cold, winter night in the parking lot of a local Mexican restaurant. The “biggest, reddest” dog I had ever seen was running wild and decided to claim me as his own. I’m not sure if it was the margaritas or “destiny”, but I decided to take him home, give him a nice meal, warm bed and relaxing massage. As quickly as he snored himself to sleep, he had worked his way into my heart and home. That was the first night and beginning of our journey together. “Clifford” eventually developed some challenging behaviors reacting to dogs, school buses, garbage trucks, UPS, FedEx and mail trucks. Walking him in the neighborhood turned into a trip filled with anxiety and strained muscles as all 90 pounds of him lunged, growled and slobbered at all passing dogs and most vehicles. I became hyper-vigilant, constantly on the look-out for any approaching triggers. His behavior was embarrassing, to say the least, and very dangerous as it led to a fracture of 2 of my fingers. We tried many training techniques offered in the Toledo area by various trainers. Most of them did not work and our relationship started to break down. Eventually, it was the work of Ali Brown, a national trainer and author that I brought to Toledo that altered our course. Clifford and I were able to work together through our Reactive Dog Protocol and eventually ended up competing and winning Rally trials all the while working very closely with other dogs. What an accomplishment! This different way of training and communicating with Clifford completely changed our relationship and formed an unbreakable bond. Unfortunately, my big, red dog developed osteosarcoma at the age of nine. That was another journey we took together and I was able to be with him to the very end. Even at the end, he inspired me to help others going through the same painful experience, and together we created an “End of Life Resource Guide” for pet parents. Clifford’s brave and generous spirit continues to be felt at Canine Karma. We have created 100’s of calm, content canines AND their companions by blending the science of positive reinforcement training with holistic services in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
