The Answer Nobody Likes (But Every Good Dog Trainer Gives)

If you've ever asked me a dog training question, you've probably heard me say two words that can be both helpful and incredibly frustrating:

"It depends."

I know that's not the simple, black-and-white answer people are hoping for, but hear me out... there's a reason it's my go-to response.

There are some generally accepted, evidence-based truths in dog training. For example, we know that behaviours that are reinforced are more likely to be repeated. We know that dogs learn through repetition but struggle with generalization. That being said, how we apply that knowledge varies widely. Every dog is different. Every family has different routines, challenges, and goals. Good training is about finding the approach that works for this dog and their family.

Social media is full of trainers confidently telling you that you should always do X or never do Y but, please be cautious of one-size-fits-all advice. Real life is rarely that simple. It doesn't take into account the dog's breed, what that individual dog finds rewarding or aversive, or why the behaviour is happening. The same behaviour can happen for completely different reasons. A dog may bark because they're excited, frustrated, afraid, because they enjoy it, or because they've learned barking gets what they want. Without understanding why the behaviour is happening, it's impossible to know the best way to address it.

Here's a basic example: If you have a Lab, you probably don't want them jumping up. Not everyone appreciates an enthusiastic 80-pound hug and it can quickly become a safety issue. Now imagine someone with a tiny Yorkie. I've worked with owners who have taught their small dog to jump up either to ask to be picked up or to receive a treat after hearing their marker word because it's easier on their owner's back. Neither owner is wrong... context matters!

One family wants a dog who happily curls up beside them on the couch every evening while another prefers furniture to be dog-free. One client needs a rock-solid recall for off-leash hiking while another simply wants peaceful neighbourhood walks without being pulled down the street. Success doesn't always look the same. This is why we start every training journey with a consultation. It gives us the opportunity to learn about your dog, understand your goals, and create a personalized training plan that's tailored to your family.

At the end of the day, successful training is about finding what works best for you and your dog and yes... the answer to that really is:

"It depends."