What Does “Family-Centered” Mean?

You may have seen below our logo: “creating a family-centered canine life” – but what does that mean?

Our dogs are truly a family member. Although we raise them differently than children, dogs learn and respond best to a sensitive and assertive approach that teaches how to be a respectable family member.

When we train our dogs, we are building a connection that shows them how to follow our lead, understand our commands, and reach their full canine potential. Every family who trains a dog begins to realize that building that relationship takes a lot of patience and compassion.

The “Family-Centered” instruction at Dog Coach teaches dog owners leadership that complements household leadership. We are building on basic connections found in all nurturing family settings. Just as we model good behavior for children and focus on healthy family relationships, our dogs can be taught the ideal role they play in a healthy family with consistent, patient guidance.

We think of “family” in the broadest sense: people who you are in community with. “Family” stands for a life with you and your dog, and others who share a life with you. Whether you’re a single person or couple with a dog, or live in a household with multiple people, our “Family-Centered” training will support you.

We don’t tend to think strategically in our families. But strategy is necessary when it comes to dog training, especially with more willful dogs. The family dynamic at the center of the Dog Coach strategy is based on calmness, patience, and assertiveness. Working on all three of these areas can mean a big shift in dog handling energy but is necessary to shape the life of a canine and teach boundaries for good behavior. Using a “Family-Centered” approach to train dogs gets the whole family team on the same page to change from seeing the family dog being in control to having family boundaries as the controlling influence.

Dog Coach one-on-one “Family-Centered” programs instruct all capable family members how to manage their dog. Our goal is to achieve harmony between every unique family situation and the myriad of unique dogs that come to us for training. Essentially, we are inviting our family dogs to join our strong and healthy family lives as a respectful fun-loving family member.