In todays training world there are two classical styles of dog training. "All Positive Training" believes that the only humane way to train an animal is through affection and reward. The other style of training has many names, but is classically referred to as "cohesion", which believes the most effective way to train an animal is to present an unpleasant or painful stimulus if the desired behavior isn’t performed. The problem with both of the styles is that neither of them actually cater to how dogs are designed as species. Today we're going to focus on "All Positive Training".

Many will argue that there are bounds of scientific evidence to show that anything outside of treats and hugs causes aggression in dogs long-term, not to mention is inhumane. Unfortunately, published studies in support of this methodology are limited to dogs with balanced temperaments and little to no behavior or training issues. This means the studies do not accurately reflect the canine population as a whole; only a small segment.

The best way to articulate the absence of the "All Positive Training" method's effectiveness is to ask a person if they have ever had a friend whom doesn’t believe in accountability for their child. I’m not referring to physical punishment, just behavioral accountability that is fair and consistent. We know how a lack of accountability effects humans in a negative way. 

Dogs are survivalists. They clearly do what works for them. If jumping on you to get attention works, they will do it. An all positive trainer will withhold affection and or food then provide a treat when the dog stops jumping. Well, what if the dog isn’t motivated by food or affection? What if the dog has severe fixation issues or if the motivation to jump on you is greater than the motivation to take a treat or have their head rubbed? We think this is where the methodology breaks down.

Jon Stolzer is the owner and founder of Canine Inc, based just south of Nashville, TN. He is an expert Canine Behaviorist and Training Specialist as well as a Police K-9 Instructor/K-9 Unit Reserve Deputy. In 2010, he became a proud member of The Pedigree Foundation Advisory Counsel. In addition, he is an educator for Mars Petcare, the largest pet care company in the country and the second largest in the world. He works on authoring their corporate pet policy and providing seminar education for their company.  Jon can be reached at info@canineinc.com

Canine Inc. provides safe, secure transportation for all of our four legged clients to and from any destination. We want all of our clients to know that while their dogs are in our care, we aren't putting them in a portable kennel, putting them in the back seat of a car, or any other situation that could potentially be dangerous during travel.

We have a dedicated Chevrolet Tahoe that is completely customized inside and out. From the front seats all the way to the back, the SUV has been completely customized for dog safety and travel. Everything has been removed and two large dog transportation units have been installed, along with a drawer and food compartment system.

The first system is called "a walk through" this is designed for dogs up to the size of a Great Dane! A non-spill water bucket has been installed with a soft floor for comfort. This space allows a dog to stand up and walk around, even lay down and go to sleep. This unit is bolted to the frame of the vehicle for the highest level of safety.

In the rear of the vehicle there is an additional kennel that can comfortably fit dogs up to 85lbs and also has a soft floor insert for comfort. Next to this kennel is our storage system. It is equipped with a drawer system, holding up to 300lbs of equipment. The system above is designed for transport of other items like food or other dog items.

The outside of the Canine Inc. SUV is wrapped to display all that we are and all that we do. We are excited about the opportunity to safety transport your pet anywhere they need to go.

Canine Inc. has an ongoing relationship with Mars Petcare (home to Pedigree and several other brands), the largest pet care company in the country. As part of this relationship, we have the pleasure of training the Pedigree Hero Dog. Sampson is a rescue that spent a few months in our facility before going in front of 78,000 Mars company associates worldwide as their Hero Dog. 

Here is some additional information about Sampson, who is now available for adoption:

About Me:

It is a long “tail” but I think it is worth sharing.  I was rescued from the North Central Shelter in Los Angles and was part of the PEDIGREE Hero campaign.  Following my brief moment of fame, I then moved to Nashville, TN in January 2010.  Not really knowing anyone or familiar with Nashville, I was put in a foster home with Bill Bryan.  He was so kind and took very good care of me while showing me the ropes.  He has said that I am a smart and energetic dog.  When he first got me, I did not know any commands and I didn’t sleep in my crate.  So, within six-month’s of Bill’s care I learned to sit, stay, heel and sleep in the crate at night and made lots of progress.   In full disclosure, I did have a tendency to bark in order to get attention and sometimes it would escalate, but that has been resolved.

In June 2010, I was adopted into a new family, but it wasn’t really a perfect fit.  Hearing of my situation, the PEDIGREE Brand responded with training support and I was fortunate to be put in the care of Canine Inc., which is one of the top in-kennel training facilities in the country.  I have spent the past three months going through intensive training with Jon Stolzer to relearn everything that I had been taught as well as new behavior. Now, I am ready to make a perfect companion and partner.

I love the outdoors, playing in the park with others, and am very loyal.

About My Mate(s):

I am looking for a home where I can get a lot of exercise and attention from an individual who can be my Alpha – someone that can be firm and consistent  - and has experience with raising/training dogs.  I can act tough, but I am also sensitive and do need a gentle hand.

One last thing, I want someone who can spend time together with me playing.  A person that can provide tough love, rules and boundaries that I will follow.  

This European imported German Shepherd is out of Canine Inc.'s Elite Protection Series. All of Canine Inc.'s dogs view everyone as a friend, until they act otherwise.

In this video you will see Bear walking off-leash. We train our dogs to ease of use and ownership standards. While videos of sport trained dogs are fun, obedience for everyday life is most important.

This is Nick Francis. His dog Elvis is about 18 months old. Nick wanted Elvis trained off-leash so that he could take him anywhere, including work every day! Here are the results.

The two Great Danes featured in this video were sent to Canine Inc. with aggression issues among people and dogs. After spending time training and working at our facilities just south of Nashville, and the implementation of the Stolzer Method, these happy Danes are off-leash obedient and play great with humans and canines alike.