Compassion

Clarity

Connection

At Bridges we invite our animals to be partners in learning. They are not just trainees to be molded to our will. They are participants. We do not force them to do anything they are not willing to do. Instead we teach, encourage and motivate by making the work fun and rewarding.

• A good dog is one who feels safe and successful.

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• Positive Reinforcement is simple and it works.

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• A thinking dog is a good dog.

• "Disobedience" is often a breakdown in communication.

  
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• Always put more energy into what your dog is doing right than what she is doing wrong.

Bridges does not recommend the use of prong, choke or shock collars.

Because these tools work by inflicting pain, they can potentially aggravate or even cause aggression and fear issues. Dogs who are afraid of being hurt are more likely to become unpredictable, are no longer able to learn effectively, and are often harder to train in the long run. 

  If you are using one of these collars now--that's okay. We understand that for some dogs it can feel like there is no other option. But there are. Let us show you how. 

(Click the link below to read Sec. 655.300 of the FDA's policy against the use of shock collars: http://www.fda.gov/ICECI/ComplianceManuals/CompliancePolicyGuidanceManual/ucm074684.htm)