Frequently Asked Questions

I use positive reinforcement, choice-based training, and humane management strategies. My goal is to help you teach your dog in a way that feels kind and clear for both of you.

In learning theory terms, I primarily use positive reinforcement and gentle, non-physical forms of negative punishment (for example, pausing attention or an activity for a moment), along with thoughtful management. I do not use prong, choke, or shock collars, or any method that relies on fear, pain, or intimidation.

Positive reinforcement means adding something your dog likes to reward a behavior, which makes that behavior more likely to happen again. Rewards can include food, toys, play, praise, or access to something your dog wants—like going outside, greeting a friend, or sniffing a tree.

This is the main method I use in training because it builds confidence, reduces stress, and helps dogs learn in a way that feels safe and enjoyable.

Negative reinforcement means removing something unpleasant when a dog performs a behavior, so that behavior becomes more likely in the future. In other words, the dog learns, “If I do this, the uncomfortable thing stops.”

A common example would be applying steady leash pressure until a dog sits, then releasing the pressure when they sit. The dog learns that sitting makes the pressure go away.

I do not use negative reinforcement techniques that rely on physical discomfort, fear, or intimidation. Dogs learn best when they feel safe, not pressured, so I focus on clear communication and positive reinforcement instead.

Positive punishment means adding something unpleasant after a behavior to make that behavior less likely in the future. Examples include leash corrections, yelling, shock or prong collar stim/pops, or anything meant to startle or scare a dog into stopping a behavior.

These methods can sometimes suppress behavior in the moment, but they also carry risks such as fear, stress, avoidance, or aggression. Because of this, I do not use positive punishment in training.

Negative punishment means removing something the dog wants in order to reduce an unwanted behavior. It does not involve fear or pain. Instead, it simply means pausing or taking away access to something the dog is excited about.

For example, if your dog jumps on you for attention, you might briefly turn away or step back so the jumping is not rewarded. When your dog offers a calmer behavior, attention returns. I use gentle forms of negative punishment when appropriate because they are clear, humane, and do not rely on intimidation.

An aversive is anything the dog finds unpleasant enough that it motivates them to change their behavior to avoid it. Aversives aren’t defined by the tool alone—it’s about how the individual dog experiences it.

Common aversives include things like prong collars, shock/e-collars, leash jerks, physical corrections, yelling, startle methods, or anything that causes fear, pain, or intimidation. Even subtle things, like looming over a fearful dog or using a harsh tone, can function as aversives depending on the dog.

I don’t use aversive tools or intimidation-based training. Dogs learn best when they feel safe, supported, and understood, and my approach is designed around that philosophy.

I believe that every dog, regardless of breed or background, can learn through positive reinforcement. While I am not currently taking private training clients through Canine Confidence Club, the information and resources on this site are written with all kinds of dogs in mind.

Most dogs can learn a great deal with the right support, even if they have a long history of certain habits. Training cannot change genetics or erase past experiences, but it can help dogs feel safer, gain new skills, and build better routines.

Sometimes that means working alongside a local trainer, veterinary behaviorist, or other professional who can provide hands-on help. If you are dealing with safety concerns or significant behavior struggles, please reach out to a qualified professional in your area.

I tend to recommend tools that keep everyone safe and comfortable, such as well-fitted harnesses, flat collars, long lines, baby gates, and enrichment toys. I avoid tools that tighten, pinch, shock, or startle.

The best tools are the ones that make life easier for both the dog and the human, without causing fear or pain.

Canine Confidence Club is my little corner of the internet for dog training education and support. The focus is on connection, compassion, and confidence—for dogs and for the humans who love them.

Right now that looks like blog posts, free resources, and a newsletter, with training services planned for the future.

I’m based in South Florida and plan to serve the Palm Beach and Broward County area when in-person services are available. Many of the ideas and resources on this site can be used by families anywhere.

At this time, I’m not offering private training services through Canine Confidence Club. I want to respect my current workload and make sure that when I open services here, I can show up fully for the families I support.

In the meantime, you can still learn a lot from the blog, resources, and newsletter while services are on pause.

My long-term plan is to offer a mix of virtual support and in-person services in the South Florida area. I’ll share details, formats, and availability once I’m ready to open the doors.

If you’d like to hear when that happens, you can join the waitlist and newsletter from the Services page.

You’re welcome to read, bookmark, and use the ideas in your day-to-day life with your dog. Every dog and household is different, so treat each article as a starting point rather than a strict recipe.

If you’re working with a local trainer or veterinary professional, you can share these resources with them and decide together what fits your situation.

No. Online information can be very helpful, but it can’t fully replace individualized help. If your dog has safety concerns, medical issues, or severe behavior struggles, please reach out to a local qualified professional or your veterinarian.

The content here is meant to support and inform you, not to take the place of professional care.

You can reach out through the inquiries page. While I can’t take on full training cases right now, I’m happy to recommend resources when I can, and I may be able to point you toward helpful next steps.

The best way to hear when services are available is to join the waitlist on the Services page. That form lets me keep track of interest and reach out when I have room to take on clients again.

Yes. I write an email newsletter called Canine Confidence Monthly. It includes training tips, enrichment ideas, updates about new articles, and news about future services.

You can opt in when you join the waitlist on the Services page.