DogCognition research has taught us that dogs respond really incredibly well to pointing and eye movements as well as strategic placement and timing of rewards/reinforcements.
By allowing dogs to figure out on their own what is being communicated not only builds their self-confidence but motivates them hugely because they actually learn how to control desired outcomes for themselves. Learning which behaviors bring a reinforcing consequence to the dog really is what “training” is all about: Allowing them to understand what you as human guardians are trying to communicate. Since 2009, Dog Relations NYC has helped more than 1500 dogs and their guardians form a more rewarding and special bond!
Science and experience has proven that rewarded (or reinforced) behaviors increase in frequency. Some behaviors your dog innately offers like jumping up, using their mouths to experiment and explore might not be what we humans might consider “proper”. However dogs will gladly be redirected to offer polite behaviors when we highly reward and reinforce them for the behaviors we decide are appropriate in the circumstance.
Really, is there anything more rewarding than having
clear and loving communication with your puppy?
I grew up in Vienna immersed in classical music. I loved dogs but was not allowed to have a dog because my mother didn’t want the extra work which she was sure would eventually fall on her. But I loved dogs!
In fact, I have two favorite memories, one a wirehaired dachshund named Grendi who bit me in the face..I don’t remember why but I still loved him anyway and my violin teacher’s poodle named Bibolette. Bibolette always wanted to listen to the lessons but she was always removed from the room.
I spent years perfecting my skills as a musician and soon after, I moved to the United States. I finally decided to get a dog. I was “afraid” the dog would keep me from practicing but I sort of made a pact with myself that I wouldn’t let that happen.
As it turned out my violin teacher moved to France and, as I was preparing for a special recital, I went to Burgundy to play for him and get his critique. In the small hotel I stayed in, there was the cutest hairy black dog I have ever seen in my life. She was a small Briard named Penelope and she “worked” in the reception area. Penelope changed my life!
So this was really when I got into dogs. I got my first dog Daphne, a Briard. From then on I have always taken classes and rejoiced in teaching my dogs. I found teaching dogs more interesting than teaching humans to play the violin, but I didn’t really pay attention to those feelings. However, I did become fascinated with the teaching process and breaking down the technical challenges of acquiring more technique and tools for my students to play more and more difficult pieces of music. My violin teacher had a very analytical eye and ear and so instead of saying stuff like: this needs to be more expressive he would give specific instructions like: place your bow closer to the bridge, or move it faster, or lift your fourth finger higher when you cross that string. It helped invariably.
I decided to make dog training my main interest and focus because I loved dogs and because it tickles me endlessly to communicate with them. I apprenticed with a dog trainer for three years and read, studied, took classes and became quite fascinated with behavior science and learning theory.
This brings me back to Briards. A friend of mine lived in the same building that Laurie Anderson has her studio and she called me one day and told me that Lolabelle was very sick and could I come over and see if I could help. It was all rather vague but I decided to go and see what it was all about. Lolabelle had just had part of her liver removed. She had been diagnosed with insulinoma, a rare form of pancreatic cancer causing her to have diabetic seizures. She had not long to live. After talking to Laurie for a while and not being a vet, I mentioned that I had taught my dogs to play keyboards.
I explained to her about enrichment activities, that teaching a dog to touch objects and interact with the environment is a most endorphin-producing, satisfying activity for them. As soon as I said “keyboard” though, Laurie’s eyes lit up and she pulled out one of her many keyboards and asked me to start teaching Lola! Lola loved it and an hour or so later I got a call from Lou Reed who said he wanted me to come every day. And that is how it all started..
Working with Elisabeth was life-changing. Needing my Australian Shepherd’s support for a health condition, I chose her for service dog training in NYC. From the first session, my dog responded beautifully, and she made the process easy. She also guided me through public access requirements. I couldn’t be more grateful—she’s the best!
My ex-wife and I have a now 11 year-old Border Collie named Oreo. In late September, 2013 she completely tore her ACL and partially tore the medial meniscus on her left hind leg. Needless to say, we were besides ourselves. She had surgery the next day, and did well in the post-op period. One thing the vet made clear from the beginning was the importance of good physical therapy and rehab starting a few weeks post-op. We did some research, and ended up with two referrals: the physical therapist in the animal hospital, and Elisabeth Weiss of DogRelations. We had Oreo see both, to figure out which one we liked better. Elisabeth started off with a comprehensive evaluation of Oreo and her needs from a very holistic approach. She gave recommendations about Oreo’s feeding and her weight, her general behavior, and her rehab plans. After a few sessions with Elisabeth, we dropped the other PT like a hot potato. What can I say about Elisabeth? She’s phenomenal! She has a great rapport with our dog and is constantly giving Oreo praise and TLC. Oreo responded to her right from the get-go. Over the past three months, Oreo is a changed dog! She’s running around, dancing sideways and is clearly more agile now then she was before the injury. Elisabeth has gone from focusing primarily on the injury, to working on Oreo’s arthritis and even working on some of her “bad” behaviors. Oreo loves to see Elisabeth and is always exhausted after her workouts. Quite simply, Elisabeth is great. You can tell that she truly loves dogs, and is working with a great deal of knowledge in the field. Parenthetically, she’s extremely professional, reliable, and trustworthy. Thanks, Elisabeth for everything that you’ve done for Oreo!!
I cannot thank Elisabeth more…the change in our dogs has been miraculous!
We have a 5 year old Papillon and recently adopted a 1 year old Papillon. Our older dog Henry always had serious behavioral concerns yet we somehow learned to “live” with them. With the addition of our new dog Mochi, Henry’s problems somehow became magnified. To add insult to injury, Mochi was exhibiting fear aggression issues that needed to be addressed immediately.
Elisabeth was recommended to us and we could not be any happier. Her patient and gentle approach with our dogs has helped transform them into much happier and well adjusted dogs. She partnered with us and gave us weekly exercises that we could practice with both dogs – we saw change in them immediately. Her training methods are logical and results oriented. As novices, we learned how to use a clicker, ignore undesirable behavior and reinforce the right behaviors.
Henry’s incessant barking is so much less. Mochi now allows strangers to pet her and has virtually stopped growling. We were so worried for so long and can now breathe a sigh of relief.
In addition, Elisabeth is always available via text or phone or email should you need a quick fix. She encourages the owner to reach out and ask questions and provide updates on how the dogs are doing. Elisabeth always responds quickly and provides a solution.
Our little “imperfect Paps” have a long way to go on the road to becoming model dogs. We feel so lucky to have found DogRelations and know we have a true partner in Elisabeth on this journey.
We ADORE Elisabeth and so do Mochi & Henry!
We had gone through several trainers with our standard poodle Annie. We got Annie at four months and she was already fearful, aggressive, and barking non-stop. Elisabeth came to the rescue with her patience, humor and dog whispering talents. I highly recommend her. Your dog and neighbors will thank you!
If I could give more than 5 stars, I would! Elisabeth is a gem. When we decided to add a new pup to our family I was very nervous and overwhelmed by all the options for training, diet, grooming, etc. From the start, Elisabeth eased my nerves and provided me with the tools to really set up our pup for success. Our puppy’s transition from the breeder to our home felt seamless because of Elisabeth’s guidance. As a trainer, Elisabeth is the best. Not only does our pup LOVE her, her style of training is exactly what you would hope for. She is patient, kind, understanding and fun! Her energy and demeanor is something that cannot be replaced and is why she is so talented and successful. With Elisabeth, our puppy learns quickly and retains easily. Its so fun to watch her work! Our puppy consistently looks forward to Elisabeth’s visits and knows her by name. Beyond training- Elisabeth has become my go-to for all pet care questions and issues. She truly values and cares for her clients and is always there for questions or advice. I cannot recommend her services enough!
We’re so thankful to have met Elisabeth and we’re incredibly appreciative for all of her tremendous insight with our puppy. We have a one-year-old morkie who was experiencing various behavioral issues. With Elisabeth’s training methods, we’ve noticed significant improvement in our puppy’s behavior in only a couple days after one training session. Elisabeth also promptly provides a comprehensive report, detailing training techniques. We’re eternally grateful for all of Elisabeth’s continuous support and help!
Elisabeth came to our home for the standard 90 minute consultation. It was the perfect amount of time. We worked on basic puppy manors and learned the tools needed to teach our little guy many skills. Thanks!
Elisabeth Weiss is a gifted trainer and a true animal lover. When I adopted my adorable and lovable cock-a-poo from the AC&C he came with a host of challenging behavior issues. Elisabeth has successfully helped me resolve his problems. What I liked most was that she made it easy for me.
The lessons for my dog were so much fun that my smart cat started to participate in the dog’s lessons. I then asked Elisabeth to set aside some time to train the cat as well!
Both dog and cat training have been huge successes! We all look forward to their lessons every week!
“Elisabeth gets great results quickly. The lessons are a happy, fun, experience for the dog and the rest of the family. Our dog, Max, is always really delighted to see her and has learned so much in a very short time. Elisabeth is a fount of information.”
