Topaz Kennels Training

Information may not be reliable

We are happy to welcome you to our class and we promise you that we will do our
very best to provide you with quality, informed, up-to-date training and behavior
guidance. We value you as a training client and we place a high priority on the
well-being of your dog! It is our hope that both you and your dog will benefit from our

During the course of training, should you find it necessary to reschedule, please
contact us (before class if possible) so we can discuss possible options. We know
you won't miss without reason and we really want you to get the most you can from

You will be provided with "homework" after each class to help you remember exactly
what the lesson was about and how to accomplish the exercises. You and your dog
will benefit and progress the most if you will set aside a few minutes a day and
practice the exercises, exactly as described. Then put your exercises to practical
use. Every moment with your dog is a training opportunity. Should you have the
slightest question about the right way to do any of the exercises please feel free to
call us for help! If you get our answering machine please leave a message...we will
get back to you!

Much has been written about the value of "positive reinforcement" in dog training.
The idea is that good things happen for good things accomplished. In the past,
training was almost all "negative reinforcement" involving punishment for failure.
There are many different styles of training taught in this country today. It is difficult to
find two trainers in total agreement about the "right" way to train. Classes vary from
short, marginally-productive socialization sessions all the way to brutal,
heavy-handed methods aimed at competition at any cost. Some of those
techniques include hitting, kicking, ear pinching, punishing, hanging to
unconsciousness on a collar, throwing objects near or at the dog, use of punishing
collars and other "equipment" such as wire snares, tying wires to the dogs toes, so
many we feel sad that the people using them also call themselves "trainers"! Their
aim is glory for the trainer more than the welfare of the dog. Some of these methods
seem to work but often can backfire. In example: aggression given is often
aggression returned (with interest). Often success is misdefined when fear is the
issue rather than respect and love. These days more is written about the
advantages of positive reinforcement and negative reinforcement is becoming less
popular. We are thankful for that!

One must recognize that a collar and lead are a form of force training, yet the
danger arising from traffic etc. would make it unsafe not to use them. Still, we feel
that training should not be a power struggle between dog and owner but rather an
enjoyable learning experience for both. There is no magic wand one can wave for
good training and shortcuts almost always produce new problems.

It is our philosophy after 20+ years of experience that the people we train feel as we
do that their dog should be a respected, happy family member in a loving
relationship with other family members of varying species. Our training methods are
based on positive reinforcement as defined by scores of experts, with a great deal
of love for dogs added.

We hope you will enjoy and benefit from our class!

We offer training for one or more dogs in your own home. Classes are positive-reinforcement; no hitting, no force, no punishment or punishing tools are used. This is the one method that works with all species. Behavior modification and training can be accomplished without hurting your dog!We have more than 20 years of training and behavior experience.Our classes are designed to enhance, not inhibit future endeavors, such as competition obedience, conformation, agility, pet therapy, hunting etc. Many of our clients have gone on to additional activities with their canine companions.Curriculum includes behavior, management, all regular obedience exercises such as sit, down, stand, stay, come when called, retrieve, leave it, off and much more. Testing for Therapy Dog Incorporated and AKC CGC titles is also offered.Costs, based on need, distance etc. are very reasonable.

Located in Appleton, Wisconsin.
920-735-9458email: topazkennels@hotmail.com