Our Training Philosophy

At Willow Tree Dog Training, we follow a balanced dog training philosophy, which is the conjunction of positive reinforcement and fair, clear communication through training tools. Rewards, praise, engagement, and relationship-building are always our foundation. Tools are never used as punishment, but as a way to communicate clearly and consistently with the dog.

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We teach pressure and release the same way it’s introduced through leash work with slip leads. Depending on the individual dog, this may include slip leads, prong collars in certain circumstances, and e-collar conditioning. Every dog is different, and we always work at the dog’s pace. With our extensive background working with rescue dogs, we understand that many dogs need a slower, more thoughtful approach in order to truly learn, build confidence, and self-regulate.

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When we introduce the e-collar, it is carefully conditioned and paired with positive reinforcement so the dog understands it clearly. The e-collar gives us a hands-free way to communicate with the dog — essentially a way to “touch” the dog without physically touching them. It allows us to reinforce recall, provide clear communication at a distance, and reward engagement using very low-level stimulation.

At higher levels, it can be used as a correction or attention-getter, not something painful or frightening. The goal is safety, clarity, and accountability. We believe in teaching both “yes” and “no.” In our philosophy, “no” is a correction, not a punishment. A correction is information — it teaches the dog how to make a better choice, develop coping skills, and ultimately learn self-control and self-regulation.

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We use E-Collar Technologies equipment, which is designed specifically for low-level communication rather than what people often imagine as a “shock collar.”

To learn more about the technology and feel confident in how it works, click here.

 

This philosophy is also why we specialize in Board & Train programs. It typically takes about two weeks for a dog to fully decompress, settle into a new environment, and feel confident in a routine. That third week allows us to fine-tune behaviors without rushing the process, while still keeping the program short enough that owners aren’t away from their dogs for too long. Throughout the stay, clients receive daily updates, so there’s never a day where they don’t hear from us or see their dog’s progress. Client communication and comfortability are top-tier priorities for us.