What a great question in regards to where I'm at in my dog handler relationship journey. This course has offered me the understanding that there is a balanced approach, not one or the other. If the dog understands 100% and fails to do the exercise there are times when you need corrections, and that it can be as simple as witholding a reward. It’s so simple, the correction has to fit the crime so to speak.

I've had more "aha" moments then could be effectively written in a short essay. In fact I've had a good laugh at myself. I've a lot to learn, but the one thing that sticks out in the many excellent lessons is "engagement!" I really appreciate that. It’s like giving permission for you and your dog to go out and have fun. After all what's in it for him? I really appreciate that.

Thank you for a great course! Loved It!!

- Nadine

What is the most important aspect of balanced dog training have I learned? There are so many answers to that question that I’m not sure where to begin. I have learned that my husband and I have done many things incorrectly. I have learned that I want the relationship with our dogs that you have with yours. I am a newbie to the world of dog training. I learned some things from my father training his dog for field trials. I’ve learned a few useful things taking obedience classes locally. But, wow, this class has been so much more informative. Your presentations are so clear and understandable. There is no confusion in the teaching at all.

I have a 115 pound, 17 month old Rottie. He won his conformation championship at 10 months. He is stunning and as sweet an animal as I have ever owned. He is my husband’s dog in every sense of the word. With the help of your class, I have been able to make him pay attention to me with the basics of marker training. We have used treats but not in this way. He has the basics (sit, down, heel, wait) most of the time. Your class has given me the information I needed to fine tune his behaviors.

I am not trying to take Titus from his dad; I needed to learn how to get the same focus so that he minds what I say as well as my husband’s commands. I plan to go forward into Rally and Obedience classes this spring. Having taken your class, I am going forward with confidence that I can accomplish what I want with this dog and other dogs that bless our lives.

I do have to disagree, somewhat, with you on your ideas of socializing your dogs. I understand your concept completely and see how important the behaviors you mold are for the safety of the dog. My exception is with not allowing any engagement with other people or dogs. As the owner of a Rottweiler, I feel that I have responsibility to show others that this is not a vicious breed and the only way I can do that is to allow people, with my permission, to pet and talk to Titus as he sits nicely. I will begin to teach your style and incorporate the two into a workable model for us.

I watched hand and arm movements very closely and listened to how words and tones were used in each video. Those things are one of the things that I need to work on daily. Consistency is one thing that we have lacked in training, but now I know how crucial it is to successful dog training.

Recall and heeling are nowhere near where they need to be. I have purchased the first of your e-collar video and will purchase the second soon. I have never seen e-collar used in this way. I’ve just seen folks “light the dog up”. It means a lot to me to be able to use this training tool in a manner as to not hurt Titus.

I am anxiously waiting for the next class from Leerburg. I have used your articles and streaming videos for advice and other perspective on training topics. I’ve also referred several people to your site. Thank you for this most enjoyable course. There will be no second essay as I can really not think of anything to change. I will stay connected and watch for other opportunities to learn from you all.

- Martha

Wow, I don't know where to start with all I have learned. This has been a great course and I am looking forward to taking the other classes that you will offer. I guess the thing that blows me away is the timing of the delivery of the reward. Being new to dog training I would have never thought that a few seconds could make that much difference. Thanks for helping me get off to a good start.

- Mack

In my opinion the most important aspect of balanced dog training that I learned from this course is to understand and read your dog. A person can understand the steps it takes to train a dog, but unless they understand the dog and how the dog learns they will have a difficult time training the dog (not to say that they can't... because enough time and consistency and the dog will learn).

Every dog is going to learn differently. From the tools you use to train them to the high value rewards that they receive. It is up to you as a trainer to determine what works for your dog. Every dog will respond differently to a food treat VS a toy treat. The same can go for corrections, sometimes a firm No will get the dog’s attention, other times you might need a quick pop of the prong collar.

As a balanced trainer you understand how to get your dog motivated and engaged with you. You know what reward to deliver when they perform the command. You proof these behaviors/commands until you are certain the dog knows the behavior that is expected of them from a given command. You practice the behaviors in a variety of environments and distractions. Once you are 100% confident that your dog will listen and that they understand you will correct them if they chose to ignore the command. But you always give the dog the chance to listen to you. But most of all you know and understand the dog.

- Kayla

Overall, I have learned that consistency and repitition in every aspect of training works wonders. Making communication with my dog black and white with markers, key gestures, and voice commands is helping me and my family. Our puppy is now 7 months, and is on her way to becoming a well-behaved, obedient, well-trained dog. I could not have done it without Leerburg articles, videos on demand, and this new course in basic dog obedience.

- John

I especially liked week 3 with the commands and the detail of accomplishing the tasks. Even though much of this I have been taught in the past the detail involved was a great reinforcement. I also enjoyed the touch and look commands in everyday situations out on my walks. I have been doing these and they work great. I have been taught both touch and look but never put it to use in the real world.

I knew about engagement but it is always great to know or see it again. I am going to work on the recalls as I have not been real consistent and this class reminded me of the importance.

I enjoyed the equipment portion and immediately ordered a prong with the small prongs. All in all, a great course. I have spent $100 for 6 weeks of training, but I got more out of this.

- John

I have learned so much from this course that I never knew before. I could write a novel but for me the following is what stands out.

At the moment good management and consistency are really in the forefront as crucial to raising a happy puppy/dog (owners as well!) and therefore balanced dog training. I think if the dogs environment is not controlled whether that be crate training, socialising, bad behaviours, house rules, new owners will have their hands full and a dog that is soon uncontrollable. Far better to start good management with a puppy and teach it to engage with you. Both owner and dog will have a healthy and happy relationship. (how good is engagement, can't wait to start this with a puppy) Having said this Daisy is proof that you can teach an old dog new tricks.

This course has taught me that the above is a long term commitment. There is no quick fix! I am responsible for the raising of my puppy. From watching the DVDs in this course and listening to Ed talk all of the above will hopefully give me a rapport between my dog and myself and an understanding and closeness that will carry us through to competition obedience.

- Helen

In my opinion the most important aspect of balanced dog training is the level of respect the dog has for its handler. By using this approach to training I have seen my dog become more focused on me and really enjoy learning. With the balanced training I am able to see how my dog wants to solve the problem of learning a new behavior. The balanced dog training teaches the handler to use a correction to help the dog learn but in a very positive way. This program builds a more confident dog.

- Grant

After taking this course, I have a better understanding of what "balanced" training means. I have a two year old female GSD that I have done a little training with but I never used food for motivation. Sure I have a great pet but I want to do more with her than just train her to sit, down, etc.

I have been a fan of the Leerburg site for several years but really just read about what other people were doing with their dogs, not thinking about what I could do with my own dog. I have 7-8 or so videos but I still didn't understand how to put it all together. Now, after finishing this first course, i have a better understanding of how to put all the pieces together to form a "trick". (for lack of a better word) I now understand the value of using food to motivate a dog/puppy to engage with me.

It seems to me that engagement is the most important thing a trainer needs to begin training. I like using the marker training with my dog. i still need to perfect my timing but I am getting better. The balanced training fits "my philosophy" for training dogs. I agree with training through distractions and using a reasonable/fair correction if needed. I don't think you can have real relationship with your dog if you are using a fear based training method. But on the other side of the training spectrum, I don't think the majority of dogs can be trained using only positive reinforcement. The key here is to find what works with each individual dog. The training should be about making the dog successful, not making things easy for the trainer at the expense of the dog.

- Dianne

The most important aspect of balanced dog training course to me is to have a rock solid foundation. The dog has to trust you and interact with you before they can learn anything. Using marker training is a great way to motivate them. Also true is not to try and do too much with the dog to soon. Short training sessions more often is the key. As I have a 4 month old pup that I'm working with. She has very high energy with both toy drive and tug. The focus is the hardest thing which means everything has to be short lived and her wanting more. I know it will get better in time. Thank you for putting out this course. It has made me a better owner and trainer. The one that wins is my dog.

- Dwayne