Topdog Training
Training Dogs & Owners
One Size Does Not Fit All
One Size Does
Not Fit All
With client’s all over Ireland, my goal is to create a better relationship between owner and dog by forming clear lines of communication. I help to develop well trained, balanced dogs while helping dog owners understand the training process. I do not believe one size fits all when it comes to working with canines. With my varied training methods and expertise in canine behaviour gained over 35 years having trained 10,000+ dogs I am able to tailor train to you and your dog’s personal needs.
With client’s all over Ireland, my goal is to create a better relationship between owner and dog by forming clear lines of communication. I help to develop well trained, balanced dogs while helping dog owners understand the training process. I do not believe one size fits all when it comes to working with canines. With my varied training methods and expertise in canine behaviour gained over 40 years having trained 10,000+ dogs I am able to tailor train to you and your dog’s personal needs.
There are five important principles
to keep in mind when training dogs
The Five Important Principles:
1. Know How
2. Repetition
3. Patience
4. Praise
5. Correction
KNOW HOW: The most fundamental principle in dog training is that the handler must know how each maneuver, act, technique, method and position is accomplished before he/she can properly train the dog.
REPETITION: There are standards of performance described for each training exercise and the dog handler must adhere to the proper methods and techniques so that these standards are achieved. The handler must conscientiously apply all the principles with interest, enthusiasm and a desire to attain perfection. The handler must demand complete obedience from the dog at all times. If the handler is negligent in the training procedures, the results are reflected in the dog’s performance. Therefore, it is essential that the handler possess personal discipline. This is especially true during the time that you are applying the principle of repetition.
PATIENCE: One of the most important requirements of a dog trainer or handler is patience. To make a dog perform the same exercise repeatedly, until it is properly executed, is a task that requires the ultimate in self-control. When a handler loses his or her temper, they have lost control and this confuses the dog. Patience along with firmness results in a better trained dog
PRAISE: The dog trainer who displays patience can motivate the dog properly through praise. Whenever the dog successfully executes a command, even if its performance takes more time than expected, always reward it with a pat on the head or praise it in some other way. The dog is anxious to please its trainer, and the trainer should respond by praising the dog lavishly. When it is praised highly, the dog senses that it has done the correct thing and does it more readily the next time the same command is given.
Several effective methods are used to praise a dog. Kind words often do the trick. One handler might prefer to pat the dog each time he/she wishes to reward it. Another handler might allow the dog a few minutes in which to romp and play, or he/she may allow the dog to perform its favorite exercises. Still another handler may apply a combination of these methods of praise.
CORRECTION. A dog does not understand right from wrong as humans do. Reward and correction are the means by which a dog is taught. Once your dog understand a command 100% but decides to ignore you, do not allow it to go uncorrected. Withholding praise, the simple admonition,”NO!”, spoken reprovingly or sometimes a firm “No” matched with a tug on the leash usually proves to be sufficient for correction purposes.
The Five Important Principles:
1. Know How
2. Repetition
3. Patience
4. Praise
5. Correction
KNOW HOW: The most fundamental principle in dog training is that the handler must know how each maneuver, act, technique, method and position is accomplished before he/she can properly train the dog.
REPETITION: There are standards of performance described for each training exercise and the dog handler must adhere to the proper methods and techniques so that these standards are achieved. The handler must conscientiously apply all the principles with interest, enthusiasm and a desire to attain perfection. The handler must demand complete obedience from the dog at all times. If the handler is negligent in the training procedures, the results are reflected in the dog’s performance. Therefore, it is essential that the handler possess personal discipline. This is especially true during the time that you are applying the principle of repetition.
PATIENCE: One of the most important requirements of a dog trainer or handler is patience. To make a dog perform the same exercise repeatedly, until it is properly executed, is a task that requires the ultimate in self-control. When a handler loses his or her temper, they have lost control and this confuses the dog. Patience along with firmness results in a better trained dog
PRAISE: The dog trainer who displays patience can motivate the dog properly through praise. Whenever the dog successfully executes a command, even if its performance takes more time than expected, always reward it with a pat on the head or praise it in some other way. The dog is anxious to please its trainer, and the trainer should respond by praising the dog lavishly. When it is praised highly, the dog senses that it has done the correct thing and does it more readily the next time the same command is given.
Several effective methods are used to praise a dog. Kind words often do the trick. One handler might prefer to pat the dog each time he/she wishes to reward it. Another handler might allow the dog a few minutes in which to romp and play, or he/she may allow the dog to perform its favorite exercises. Still another handler may apply a combination of these methods of praise.
CORRECTION. A dog does not understand right from wrong as humans do. Reward and correction are the means by which a dog is taught. Once your dog understand a command 100% but decides to ignore you, do not allow it to go uncorrected. Withholding praise, the simple admonition,”NO!”, spoken reprovingly or sometimes a firm “No” matched with a tug on the leash usually proves to be sufficient for correction purposes.
The Five Important Principles:
1. Know How
2. Repetition
3. Patience
4. Praise
5. Correction
KNOW HOW: The most fundamental principle in dog training is that the handler must know how each maneuver, act, technique, method and position is accomplished before he/she can properly train the dog.
REPETITION: There are standards of performance described for each training exercise and the dog handler must adhere to the proper methods and techniques so that these standards are achieved. The handler must conscientiously apply all the principles with interest, enthusiasm and a desire to attain perfection. The handler must demand complete obedience from the dog at all times. If the handler is negligent in the training procedures, the results are reflected in the dog’s performance. Therefore, it is essential that the handler possess personal discipline. This is especially true during the time that you are applying the principle of repetition.
PATIENCE: One of the most important requirements of a dog trainer or handler is patience. To make a dog perform the same exercise repeatedly, until it is properly executed, is a task that requires the ultimate in self-control. When a handler loses his or her temper, they have lost control and this confuses the dog. Patience along with firmness results in a better trained dog
PRAISE: The dog trainer who displays patience can motivate the dog properly through praise. Whenever the dog successfully executes a command, even if its performance takes more time than expected, always reward it with a pat on the head or praise it in some other way. The dog is anxious to please its trainer, and the trainer should respond by praising the dog lavishly. When it is praised highly, the dog senses that it has done the correct thing and does it more readily the next time the same command is given.
Several effective methods are used to praise a dog. Kind words often do the trick. One handler might prefer to pat the dog each time he/she wishes to reward it. Another handler might allow the dog a few minutes in which to romp and play, or he/she may allow the dog to perform its favorite exercises. Still another handler may apply a combination of these methods of praise.
CORRECTION. A dog does not understand right from wrong as humans do. Reward and correction are the means by which a dog is taught. Once your dog understand a command 100% but decides to ignore you, do not allow it to go uncorrected. Withholding praise, the simple admonition,”NO!”, spoken reprovingly or sometimes a firm “No” matched with a tug on the leash usually proves to be sufficient for correction purposes.
Remember:
Each dog requires their own training method.
Each handler must determine which method of praise best suits the individual dog and this can be determined during the handler’s early association with the dog. If the dog trainer is to maintain the dog’s enthusiasm for work, each training period must be concluded with petting, praise and encouragement. When the dog’s performance of the training exercise does not warrant praise, allow it to perform a short exercise which it already knows thoroughly and does well so that it can earn a reward. Although the dog must be amply rewarded for those exercises performed correctly, it must be corrected when its performance is not satisfactory.
TIMING is probably the most important factor in administering any form of correction. Therefore, a reprimand, in whatever form, should be administered immediately when the incorrect act is performed. A dog cannot mentally connect a reprimand with an incorrect action committed some time before the reprimand.
NEVER correct a dog for clumsiness, slowness in learning, or inability to understand what is expected of it. In these cases, correction slows down the dog’s training instead of accelerating it.
Never Hit Or Kick A Dog, thеrе аrе ѕеvеrаl reasons fоr this, аnd thе fіrѕt mоѕt obvious оnе іѕ thаt іt іѕ abuse. Thе argument thаt it’s nесеѕѕаrу fоr training іѕ complete nonsense, аnd оnlу uѕеd bу people whо don’t knоw аnу better.
Observation, patience, self-control and discretion are essential in correction. If the dog makes a mistake, the handler may be at fault, and the handler should think for a second about why the mistake was made. Proper correction indicates proper thinking.
Each handler must determine which method of praise best suits the individual dog and this can be determined during the handler’s early association with the dog. If the dog trainer is to maintain the dog’s enthusiasm for work, each training period must be concluded with petting, praise and encouragement. When the dog’s performance of the training exercise does not warrant praise, allow it to perform a short exercise which it already knows thoroughly and does well so that it can earn a reward. Although the dog must be amply rewarded for those exercises performed correctly, it must be corrected when its performance is not satisfactory.
TIMING is probably the most important factor in administering any form of correction. Therefore, a reprimand, in whatever form, should be administered immediately when the incorrect act is performed. A dog cannot mentally connect a reprimand with an incorrect action committed some time before the reprimand.
NEVER correct a dog for clumsiness, slowness in learning, or inability to understand what is expected of it. In these cases, correction slows down the dog’s training instead of accelerating it.
Never Hit Or Kick A Dog, thеrе аrе ѕеvеrаl reasons fоr this, аnd thе fіrѕt mоѕt obvious оnе іѕ thаt іt іѕ abuse. Thе argument thаt it’s nесеѕѕаrу fоr training іѕ complete nonsense, аnd оnlу uѕеd bу people whо don’t knоw аnу better.
Observation, patience, self-control and discretion are essential in correction. If the dog makes a mistake, the handler may be at fault, and the handler should think for a second about why the mistake was made. Proper correction indicates proper thinking.
transformational
Facebook Reviews
Destructive Behaviour, Mouthing
Calmness In House, Lead Pulling
Rated 5 out of 5
My husband and I have been trying for about 5 months to train our Cockerpoos to stop barking unnecessarily and to walk on leash loosely. I can safely say that we did not succeeded and that I started to feel a bit hopeless. We have two dogs and with busy working schedules while working from home it became hard to manage the dogs.
Henry was able to sort so many issues for us within 2 hours, I could not believe it! Not only the methods he used have stopped the dogs from barking unnecessarily, I am now able to manage their excitement when we have visitors and manage them through my working day. We are now able to enjoy our walks as the dogs are learning loose leash walking.
I would absolutely 100% recommend TopDodtraining without a doubt. We benefited from the training just as much as the dogs, Henry shared very useful information with us which helped us understand our dogs better and allows us to continue training them. I now wished I would have booked in with top dog training a long time ago!
Henry was able to sort so many issues for us within 2 hours, I could not believe it! Not only the methods he used have stopped the dogs from barking unnecessarily, I am now able to manage their excitement when we have visitors and manage them through my working day. We are now able to enjoy our walks as the dogs are learning loose leash walking.
I would absolutely 100% recommend TopDodtraining without a doubt. We benefited from the training just as much as the dogs, Henry shared very useful information with us which helped us understand our dogs better and allows us to continue training them. I now wished I would have booked in with top dog training a long time ago!
Jumping On Visitors, Mouthing
House Training
Rated 5 out of 5
We have an 8 month old long haired German Shepard called Xena. She is a fabulous dog (exhibit a.)a bundle of happiness and she makes us smile ridiculously every day. Xena is c.30kg already, I am 60kg. I am the main dog walker so it is imperative that I can control my dog in order to keep me and others safe.
We needed help/training with Xena on a number of things, namely 1.Pulling on lead: 2. Chewing (exhibit b. rugby ball and utility floor Lino - none any more as Xena ripped it up 🙄): 3. Acceptable house behaviour: 4. Recall 5. General obedience (sit/stay etc.). I was sceptical what a 2 hour session could achieve but I took the risk of the investment.
Conclusion: We (My husband, Xena and I) learned a huge amount in 2 hours, we had fun but most importantly the results are amazing. Henry was very easy to work with and he is fabulous at what he does. Yes we have work to do and yes it is a journey however I am 100% confident that we now have the skills to achieve our goals.
I would 100% recommend Henry and TopdogTraining. In my opinion the investment is absolutely worth it for the benefits.
We needed help/training with Xena on a number of things, namely 1.Pulling on lead: 2. Chewing (exhibit b. rugby ball and utility floor Lino - none any more as Xena ripped it up 🙄): 3. Acceptable house behaviour: 4. Recall 5. General obedience (sit/stay etc.). I was sceptical what a 2 hour session could achieve but I took the risk of the investment.
Conclusion: We (My husband, Xena and I) learned a huge amount in 2 hours, we had fun but most importantly the results are amazing. Henry was very easy to work with and he is fabulous at what he does. Yes we have work to do and yes it is a journey however I am 100% confident that we now have the skills to achieve our goals.
I would 100% recommend Henry and TopdogTraining. In my opinion the investment is absolutely worth it for the benefits.
Destructive Behaviour,
Biting Owners, Calmness
Rated 5 out of 5
Henry came out on Friday 10th to help us work with out 15mnt old lurcher. Ollie is a super friendly and eager dog but we had started to find lead walking harder and harder. It was more a case of Ollie bringing us for a walk!! Always lunging towards other dogs to play and also jumping on people. All in friendliness but causing issues.
I can hardly recognise the difference out walking after just 2 days. I have been able to take him out and in the main he has behaved perfectly. More importantly I feel now I have the tools to stick with it and ensure it remains consistent. I think the dog will be less confused and I know we will be less stressed and no more sore arms on walks 🤣.
Can't thank Henry enough or recommend him highly enough as a trainer
I can hardly recognise the difference out walking after just 2 days. I have been able to take him out and in the main he has behaved perfectly. More importantly I feel now I have the tools to stick with it and ensure it remains consistent. I think the dog will be less confused and I know we will be less stressed and no more sore arms on walks 🤣.
Can't thank Henry enough or recommend him highly enough as a trainer
Destructive Behaviour, Mouthing
Calmness In House, Lead Pulling
Rated 5 out of 5
My husband and I have been trying for about 5 months to train our Cockerpoos to stop barking unnecessarily and to walk on leash loosely. I can safely say that we did not succeeded and that I started to feel a bit hopeless. We have two dogs and with busy working schedules while working from home it became hard to manage the dogs.
Henry was able to sort so many issues for us within 2 hours, I could not believe it! Not only the methods he used have stopped the dogs from barking unnecessarily, I am now able to manage their excitement when we have visitors and manage them through my working day. We are now able to enjoy our walks as the dogs are learning loose leash walking.
I would absolutely 100% recommend TopDodtraining without a doubt. We benefited from the training just as much as the dogs, Henry shared very useful information with us which helped us understand our dogs better and allows us to continue training them. I now wished I would have booked in with top dog training a long time ago!
Henry was able to sort so many issues for us within 2 hours, I could not believe it! Not only the methods he used have stopped the dogs from barking unnecessarily, I am now able to manage their excitement when we have visitors and manage them through my working day. We are now able to enjoy our walks as the dogs are learning loose leash walking.
I would absolutely 100% recommend TopDodtraining without a doubt. We benefited from the training just as much as the dogs, Henry shared very useful information with us which helped us understand our dogs better and allows us to continue training them. I now wished I would have booked in with top dog training a long time ago!
Jumping On Visitors, Mouthing
House Training
Rated 5 out of 5
We have an 8 month old long haired German Shepard called Xena. She is a fabulous dog (exhibit a.)a bundle of happiness and she makes us smile ridiculously every day. Xena is c.30kg already, I am 60kg. I am the main dog walker so it is imperative that I can control my dog in order to keep me and others safe.
We needed help/training with Xena on a number of things, namely 1.Pulling on lead: 2. Chewing (exhibit b. rugby ball and utility floor Lino - none any more as Xena ripped it up 🙄): 3. Acceptable house behaviour: 4. Recall 5. General obedience (sit/stay etc.). I was sceptical what a 2 hour session could achieve but I took the risk of the investment.
Conclusion: We (My husband, Xena and I) learned a huge amount in 2 hours, we had fun but most importantly the results are amazing. Henry was very easy to work with and he is fabulous at what he does. Yes we have work to do and yes it is a journey however I am 100% confident that we now have the skills to achieve our goals.
I would 100% recommend Henry and TopdogTraining. In my opinion the investment is absolutely worth it for the benefits.
We needed help/training with Xena on a number of things, namely 1.Pulling on lead: 2. Chewing (exhibit b. rugby ball and utility floor Lino - none any more as Xena ripped it up 🙄): 3. Acceptable house behaviour: 4. Recall 5. General obedience (sit/stay etc.). I was sceptical what a 2 hour session could achieve but I took the risk of the investment.
Conclusion: We (My husband, Xena and I) learned a huge amount in 2 hours, we had fun but most importantly the results are amazing. Henry was very easy to work with and he is fabulous at what he does. Yes we have work to do and yes it is a journey however I am 100% confident that we now have the skills to achieve our goals.
I would 100% recommend Henry and TopdogTraining. In my opinion the investment is absolutely worth it for the benefits.
Destructive Behaviour,
Biting Owners, Calmness
Rated 5 out of 5
Henry came out on Friday 10th to help us work with out 15mnt old lurcher. Ollie is a super friendly and eager dog but we had started to find lead walking harder and harder. It was more a case of Ollie bringing us for a walk!! Always lunging towards other dogs to play and also jumping on people. All in friendliness but causing issues.
I can hardly recognise the difference out walking after just 2 days. I have been able to take him out and in the main he has behaved perfectly. More importantly I feel now I have the tools to stick with it and ensure it remains consistent. I think the dog will be less confused and I know we will be less stressed and no more sore arms on walks 🤣.
Can't thank Henry enough or recommend him highly enough as a trainer
I can hardly recognise the difference out walking after just 2 days. I have been able to take him out and in the main he has behaved perfectly. More importantly I feel now I have the tools to stick with it and ensure it remains consistent. I think the dog will be less confused and I know we will be less stressed and no more sore arms on walks 🤣.
Can't thank Henry enough or recommend him highly enough as a trainer
We Have Trained Over 10,000 Dogs!!
