Do you use positive reinforcement?

Yes — rewards are central to how dogs learn, and our training uses food, play, praise, and life rewards. We just don't stop at the label: we build each dog's program around what that individual dog needs.

Do you use e-collars or prong collars?

Only when appropriate for that individual dog and owner's goals — never as a default. We typically start with a leash and martingale collar, and any tool we use must improve communication, not replace it.

Is your training science-based?

Yes, and it's also experience-based. We use learning science alongside the L.E.G.S.® framework, professional observation, and individualized assessment, because behavior is bigger than any single study or quadrant.

Will my dog stay trained after our program ends?

Dogs never stop learning, so training never really ends. Our goal is to leave owners educated and empowered enough to keep teaching their dog for life — that's how results last.

Which trainer will I work with?

We match trainers to dogs and owners based on fit — personality, specialty, and goals. Every trainer on our team shares the same values and works through the same whole-dog lens.

Training Methods

How we actually train dogs at Wholistic Canine — the quick reference.

THE SHORT ANSWER

Wholistic Canine doesn't use one training method — we build an individualized program for each dog and owner after a full assessment. Our training is reward-based at its core, uses clear marker communication, and incorporates fair corrections and additional tools only when they're appropriate for that individual dog. Every program starts by understanding the whole dog: genetics, environment, learning history, and the individual in front of us.

This page is the quick reference. If you want the full story on why we train this way, read How We Train Dogs: Our Philosophy, Methods, and Why Every Dog Is Different.

How We Decide What Your Dog Needs

Every program starts with an assessment, not a method. We evaluate each dog through the L.E.G.S.® framework — Learning, Environment, Genetics, and Self — developed by applied ethologist Kim Brophey. Terra is a Licensed Family Dog Mediator® (LFDM), and this whole-dog lens shapes how every trainer on our team works.

What determines your dog's program: breed tendencies, genetics, age, temperament, learning history, your lifestyle, your goals, safety, and environment. Every combination of dog and owner is unique — so every program is too.

And before any of it comes the relationship. We're as much canine relationship coaches as we are dog trainers — understanding your dog and building trust comes first, and methods and tools get chosen after. Never before.

How We Communicate With Your Dog

Clear communication is the foundation of everything we teach. One example: we teach marker words so your dog always knows exactly when they've gotten it right.

"YES" — our release marker. It tells the dog "That's it — you're done, come get your reward."

"GOOD" — our duration marker. It tells the dog "You're right — keep doing exactly what you're doing." Reserved for stays, settles, and other duration behaviors.

Two different words, two different jobs. Keeping them separate is one of the simplest things that makes training click for both dogs and owners. (See it in action in Teaching Kids to Speak Dog: The "Charge the YES" Game.)

What Rewards We Use

Whatever your dog actually works for. That includes food, toys, praise, play, freedom, sniffing, distance from things that worry them, and access to things they want — what trainers call life rewards. Every dog values rewards differently, and the same dog's preferences change with the situation, environment, and stress level. Part of our job is finding what motivates your dog in the moments that matter.

Yes, you should expect treats at sessions — or another high-value reward that's right for your dog.

Do We Use Corrections?

Yes — fair ones. A correction interrupts an unwanted behavior, communicates "That's not the right choice," and helps the dog understand what to do instead. We also use redirection: guiding the dog out of one behavior and into a more appropriate one.

Here's the standard we hold: a correction is fair when it creates understanding. If pressure is escalating conflict — if a dog is getting more distressed or defensive — the approach is wrong, and we reassess. Full stop.

What Tools We Use

A tool's job is to level the playing field between dog and owner and improve communication — never replace it.

Where we start: a leash and collar, typically a martingale — because the calmest thing on the leash should be you.

What else we may use: treats and high-value rewards (always), toys (sometimes), and remote collars (e-collars) or prong collars only when appropriate for that individual dog and that owner's goals — never as a default.

What we won't do: keep using any tool that's causing unnecessary distress or preventing the dog from learning. No tool is always right, and no tool is always wrong — context and application are everything.

What We Don't Do

We don't wear a training label — not "positive reinforcement only," not "balanced." Choosing a label means choosing a method before meeting the dog, and we evaluate first, always. We don't take cases (or money) when we don't genuinely believe we can help. And we don't bash other trainers.

Quick Answers

Is Wholistic Canine positive reinforcement or balanced?

Neither label. Our training is reward-based at its core, and we choose each dog's approach after assessment — not before. Here's why we don't wear a training label.

What framework do you use to assess dogs?

Kim Brophey's L.E.G.S.® (Learning, Environment, Genetics, Self) applied ethology framework, through Terra's Licensed Family Dog Mediator® training.

Do you require any specific tool?

No. We start with a leash and martingale collar and only add tools that fit the individual dog and owner.

Where do you train?

We serve the Greater Sacramento area, including Sacramento, Folsom, Carmichael, Fair Oaks, Citrus Heights, Rancho Cordova, and Arden-Arcade — plus neighborhood pages like River Park.

Questions about what this looks like for your dog? Get to know our trainers or reach out — we're happy to talk it through.

L.E.G.S.® and Family Dog Mediation® are registered trademarks of Kim Brophey. Terra of Wholistic Canine is a Licensed Family Dog Mediator® (LFDM) and Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI).