Training Philosophy

At ROOT, we strive to help you develop well-behaved companion and competition dogs using positive reinforcement - operant and classical conditioning - training techniques.  This positive approach to training is done with the use a clicker, food, praise, and fun. At ROOT, we never train with the use of force, physical manipulation or corrective collars.  

All good dogs come from good owners and trainers. Sara finds it very important that the people are treated positively and with respect along with their dogs. If the people are not in a positive way then they will not treat their dogs in the same manner.  We strongly believe in training through “community effort.”  With this belief, we strive to help train people as well as train your dog. As you complete classes, you will build the skills and gain the confidence needed to continue training your dog. 

ROOT’s training philosophy comes from information gathered from various sources and years of practical application.  Sara has been lucky enough to work with two different people that have studied with Bob Bailey. This information has been a turning point. If you can get a chicken to run an agility course you can teach a dog just about anything. Other influences have been the teachings of Jean Donaldson, Susan Garrett, Karen Pryor, Pam Reid and Leslie Nelson.