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Lisa M. Lucas
Certified Professional Dog Trainer
Professional Member Association of Pet Dog Trainers #62528

Copyright 2008 Northern Tails Dog Training

"I am training Ruger, my Redbone Coonhound, for Search and Rescue work. I went to one of Lisa's classes to learn how to teach more than the basics.  I was so impressed that I sent my husband to her beginning class with his dog and it completely changed the way he interacts with both our dogs and our horses. He used to try to get the animals to do what he wanted by using his size and dominant stature...in fact there was one incident where he chased Ruger while on his snowmobile shooting his 44, yelling at him to get home. Now, when I lose my patience, he is quick to point me in a more positive - and  productive - direction. We then sent our teenage son to one of Lisa's classes and he became a better dog trainer too!  I cannot say enough about Lisa and her ability to communicate, not only to our furry friends, but also with the people who own them...even the hard-headed ones!"
~ Karen Reiner, Clayton, WA

Training Philosophy
 ~ Random Thoughts

• Behavior is strengthened or weakened by its consequences. Whatever immediately follows a behavior determines the likelihood the behavior will be repeated. Consequences can be reinforcements or punishments, positive or negative. I choose to use positive consequences in training.
   
• Once a behavior is in place, variable rewards will strengthen that behavior. Using and understanding variable reinforcement schedules are vital in teaching longer and stronger behavior patterns. Gambling casinos know this. They have scientifically determined the optimum reward schedule - they let you win enough to keep you hooked! The same principle applies in dog training.
   
• Dogs who are trained using positive reinforcement are eager to give more of themselves to the training process than dogs who are trained with the use of force and punishment. It is because they are not afraid to make a mistake for which they will be punished. In fact, most dogs are punished for confusion rather than for disobedience.
   
• The world is full of reinforcements and food is only one of many possibilities. I teach my students how to capitalize on the environmental reinforcements in every day life. 
   
• There is a difference between using food as a training tool and using it as a bribe. I teach handlers how to use food and other rewards in a way that does not create dependence on them.
   
• "Dominance Theory" is overused as a way to explain behavior, especially aggressive behavior. Aggression has many causes, most of which have nothing to do with dominance. Canine behavior is much more complex than the outdated linear model of dominance - submission.
   
• Dogs are not born knowing the human language. It is up to us to teach it to them!