Our Mission

All canine behavior has a function. The seemingly random actions of dogs all serve a purpose from their point of view, and effective training helps owners understand the purpose of those behaviors. At Happy Hounds, our goal is to help you gain a better understanding of your dog’s needs so you can build a strong bond with your furry friend. This is achieved through ethical, science based training methods.

Welfare-based Training

All living beings have a basic set of needs that must be fulfilled in order to live peacefully and happily. Some of these needs are basic requirements for survival like food, water, shelter and rest, while others are more psychological in nature, such as love, freedom from fear, and positive social interactions with others. Many unwanted dog behaviors often arise when one or more need is not being met. Welfare-based training helps dog guardians to identify and fulfill their dog's basic and individual needs so they can be the best companion possible.

Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement (R+) refers to a consequence (a reward) that increases the likelihood of a behavior. Instead of correcting unwanted behavior, R+ training teaches your dog what is acceptable in different situations, while also giving them opportunities to practice natural behaviors when safe to do so. Ethical dog training focuses on the well-being of your dog and long-term emotional changes, rather than quick fixes or flashy techniques. 

Management

Through management, training is shaped in a way that prevents your dog from practicing unwanted behaviors. For example, if your dog loves to chew shoes, management would entail putting shoes out of reach of the dog and providing them with appropriate chew toys as an alternative. Rather than waiting to react to a dog’s behavior, management focuses on preventing unwanted behaviors from occurring in the first place. Training should always set your dog up for success and failure should be met with patience.