Our Training Approach
Whetstone Canines believes in balanced training. This means we believe in working with your dog to teach it by applying a specific training style created for its learning ability. We focus on rewarding and praising the dog and giving only the necessary corrections to reinforce its confidence. We believe that training should be fun for both the individual and the canine. We discover what drives your dog’s motivation and work with them instead of against them. This allows us to have an effective, efficient and enjoyable outlook on training. Your dog will not only be trained at an elite level but it will look forward eagerly to your next command.
Professional Dog Training in Indiana
Build Confidence In Your Dog's Future With Professional Dog Training
Our goal is to turn you and your dog into a team. The concept of sharpening both you and your dog is one that will not only help your dog be better behaved, but also make your lives more enjoyable. As you become a team that grows and learns together, your bond will deepen. You both will grow in confidence that will run into all areas of your life. Do you want to feel confident in all situations? Do you want a level of trust you never had before? Do you know your dog is capable of so much more? That is why we are here. Success, I strive for success because your dog craves it. They have the skill and the ability. I just bring the tools and knowledge to sharpen them into the dog of their (and your) dreams.
- Erica Whetstone
Experience
My training experience comes from many different avenues. I have learned from experienced trainers, and had years of hands on training. I have worked with K9’s, service dogs, therapy dogs, dogs with aggression and behavioral issues, as well as family pets. I have trained over 300 dogs in that last 8 years. I have learned from some of the best trainers in the world and continue to grow myself with conferences, online education, and hands on practice. This diverse experience allows me to work successfully with any breed and any age.
I have 3 personal dogs, a Labrador Retriever, a Belgian Malinois and a Doberman mix. These 3 keep me on my toes and fill my free time. They have taught me more that I could ever have learned from a book. I’m sure if you follow us, you’ll see lots of pictures of them.
I am a member of the American Kennel Club and am a certified evaluator for their CGC, CGCA, CGCU AND S.T.A.R Puppy Programs. I am also a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals. I am currently completing my Master Canine Trainer program through Conifer Canine.
Balanced Training
Balanced training is just as it sounds. It is a balance of using reward and corrections. However these corrections are not what we would first picture based of the wording. Most dogs do not need a strong or harsh correction if they have correctly learned how to preform a behavior. We start by working with your dog to guide them with praise, rewards and clear communication until they clearly understand their response to a command. When they fully grasp the concept we need minimal corrections to reinforce the behavior. This is still a correction but really it is as gentle as redirecting them to what they forgot so that this unwanted behavior does not become habit, it is often as simple as a verbal reminder. It also sets clear expectations which helps your dog feel comfortable knowing exactly what it is needing to do. It is not left to guess. They thrive off of structure and expectations. By outlining them we relieve their stress and guess work.
ESTABLISH
We take time to lay the ground work and establish the commands and knowledge your dog needs. Teaching them what we want instead of leaving them to guess. We guide them each step showing them what.
REWARD
We discover what drives your dog. Do they love food, a belly rub or to be told they are a good boy? Finding what means the most to them gives us the best way to reinforce their training in a positive way.
SUSTAIN
Once your dogs behavior is established it is easily reinforced. A simple verbal “Ah, Ah” is all they need to redirect and get back on track. This means your dog was given the tools to replace unwanted behavior with a desired one.
Let us help you meet your goals. We offer professional one on one evaluations to help guide you in the best training option for your needs. Call today to talk with a trainer and learn more about the ways we can help you discover your dog’s best life.
