Grey Dog Alliance
Vision
Grey Dog Alliance's vision of dog training surpasses the usual mindset of obedience and moves into the territory of understanding your dog. This challenges the norm but accepts the possibility of a truly deep relationship between you and your dog. What could be more rewarding or satisfying for both dog & owner!
Why Grey Dog Alliance?
GREY:
Grey- because dog training is never black and white.
Although science has repeatedly shown that dogs are cognitive creatures, many trainers expect dogs to fit into a training style rather than have a training style adjust to the dog. Finding your unique path to success involves looking not only at your dog, but also at you and your situation. Dog training isn’t about your dog getting it right or wrong; it’s about building a relationship through reliable communication.
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ALIGNMENT​:
Defined as “a union or association formed for mutual benefit”
First: Between you and your dog.
Your training journey will look at the needs and wants of both you and your dog. These sometimes conflict, and my goal is to help them better align to form a more harmonious relationship.
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Second: for the community.
The pet industry looks as one from the outside, but from the inside there is often a disconnect. With the help of other professionals (walkers, vets, groomers, rescues) Grey Dog Alliance aims to help create alliances and safe spaces for those attempting to better the lives of our Philadelphia dogs and their owners.
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LOGO:​
​Hand & Paw - the collaborative union between human & dog.
The paw is larger because in the end, they give so much more to us than we to them.
The swirls and detail inside the paw reflect the complexity and beauty of dogs and suggest motion and adaptability.
"In order to really enjoy a dog,
one doesn't merely try to train
him to be semi human.
The point of it is to open oneself to
the possibility of becoming partly a dog."
-Edward Hoagland
Training Methods
Relationship based training
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helping improve the communication skills between humans and their dogs
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create a better understanding of the "why" behind dogs' behaviors
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education in dog psychology and the science behind dog training
Human Coaching
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teach form and handling
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management tools for current concerns while building long-term solutions
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help create and maintain a realistic routine based on your lifestyle, allowing you to be more consistent with your training
Dog Training
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Find their motivation and learning styles
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Reduce their options to repeat unwanted behaviors
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Create winnable moments for them / pattern desired behaviors
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Slowly push them beyond threshold to strengthen & stretch skills​
I have been training dogs long enough to know better than to label my technique. I've watched the pendulum swing from gross "dominant alpha" training to confusing "don't say no" training. And I've seen terms like "balanced trainer" go from trendy to questionable. I work with the dog and human in front of me, guiding them both without shame and meeting them where they are. If you still have questions, I'd be happy to discuss.