At DogRelations, I focus on reward-based techniques that give your dog the opportunity to voluntarily choose the behaviors you’d like to see.
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?
Get to know Dog Relations owner,
Elisabeth Weiss
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 love teaching dogs to choose good behaviors.
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..
Dog Relations advocates science-based and force-free learning opportunities and experiences. Learn how to teach your dog basic skills in a fun and rewarding way!
Last week my dog’s behavior and my reaction to it prompted me to call a professional trainer. What an amazing…
Last week my dog’s behavior and my reaction to it prompted me to call a professional trainer. What an amazing experience. Elisabeth came to our home and gently guided the three of us through the training process. She was tough and patient through Max’s barking, and showed us how we could be too. The training technique is subtle and I wasn’t sure I’d get it, but one day in and Max is looking to me and his daddy for cues and his anxiety level is way down. Couldn’t have asked for a better experience and outcome. Now it’s up to us to keep up the training, but it’s really a joy.
Andrea Jalickee
Hi Elisabeth, I’ve been meaning to write and thank you, just haven’t had a moment. Rocky is doing so well!…
Hi Elisabeth,
I’ve been meaning to write and thank you, just haven’t had a moment.
Rocky is doing so well! We had an especially nice long walk this morning. He was able to pass many dogs, even big ones, without trouble (he pulled a little, but I told him to sit and wait and he did!). He barks a bit at the door, but calms quickly.
I’m still training him regularly and feeding him the raw diet, and it’s really making a difference. A few neighbors with dogs he’s always barked at before have even remarked on how much better behaved he is!
So, thank you thank you thank you Elisabeth!
Rachel Desario
I am not certain it is possible to have a puppy without Elisabeth! To me Elisabeth does what no other…
I am not certain it is possible to have a puppy without Elisabeth! To me Elisabeth does what no other trainer can (or is willing to commit to) and takes customer service to an entirely new level. I secretly think she has Petzi and Cosi trained to answer emails – it’s the only explanation. She has become such a support system providing me with endless skills, knowledge and tranquility through all the magical little “puppy crisis” moments along the way. To Madison, she is playtime!
Having grown up in a house surrounded by horses and dogs I was reluctant to get a trainer, as I clearly knew what I was doing.
Think again! Madison was a far cry from the “I’ll do anything for you” labs I grew up with. She was a pint-sized ball of nervous fun with so much enthusiasm that needed directing. From the day we first met Elisabeth I knew this would be the best thing I could do for myself, and my dog.
Before Elisabeth I was worried I would be evicted because my little Pomeranian screamed and barked as soon as I walked out of her line of sight. After 2 sessions and a couple emailed instructions Madison learned that sitting, not screaming, gets her everything she desires.
It is amazing to watch Elisabeth interact with Madison because you can see how she listens to the dog and tailors the training to them.
In the beginning of our training when Madison was literally bouncing off her, she used that energy and made her focus on tricks that played to Madison’s innate ability to spin around. Once trust was gained she progressed to more “serious” games and now I can proudly say that my pup will sit still whenever she needs to; something I know would not have happened without Elisabeth.
Maddie and I are so grateful a Google search placed her in our lives and can’t imagine life without her!
John Doe
My dogs and I have never personally met Elisabeth, but thanks to the internet we’ve been able to communicate. Elisabeth…
My dogs and I have never personally met Elisabeth, but thanks to the internet we’ve been able to communicate. Elisabeth has given me really good advice with dietary problems I had with my dogs and the results were instant. It was amazing! I also have been reading her great articles on dog training and behavior She helps me be a more responsible guardian. My dogs are very grateful and would love to meet her. I can only imagine what she could do for us in person!!!!
Louise Levesque
Simba is doing great! I love the change – he got more calm since I switched his food and treats,…
Simba is doing great! I love the change – he got more calm since I switched his food and treats, and he loves his crate now as well
Anastasija Kondratjeva
Thank you so much for your knowledge and kindness. I don’t know what we would have done without you!!!!! I…
Thank you so much for your knowledge and kindness. I don’t know what we would have done without you!!!!!
I mean that!
Winky is a very, very sweet fellow and quite well behaved thanks to you.
Everyone, everyone, everyone is so in love with him and ALL say: Wow, what a calm and well behaved puppy he is, so charming, sweet and happy.
I cannot thank you enough for having gotten Winky to this point. I take him with me wherever I go and you have really made it all possible. Grazie mille!
Linda Rodin
Founder of RODIN Olio Lusso
RODIN Olio Lusso
Elisabeth is amazing. She sees things most vets and trainers don’t see. I’m looking forward to working with her to…
Elisabeth is amazing. She sees things most vets and trainers don’t see. I’m looking forward to working with her to train my 5mo old puppy to be a therapy dog.
Niseema Dayan Diemer
Elisabeth gets great results quickly. The lessons are a happy, fun experience for the dog and the rest of the…
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 about training and other topics such as diet, health care, grooming and even travel tips.
Jann Wenner
Co-Founder and Publisher of Rolling Stone Magazine and Chairman of Wenner Media
Rolling Stone
Dear Elisabeth, David and I read your wonderful and enlightening letter. We cannot thank you enough for taking the time…
Dear Elisabeth,
David and I read your wonderful and enlightening letter. We cannot thank you enough for taking the time to care and relate your experience and wisdom to our problem.
When you said “Fear Aggression” the biggest lightbulb went off. We always thought that Zeus was over protective of David, but I think you absolutely have nailed it. Now we have an entirely different perspective.
We also are thankful for you excellent description of Schutzhund training and why that would not be a good option for Zeus. And most of all in one simple sentence, you have explained to us the importance of the positive reinforcement training. When you said that it is much better to do something because you want to do it, than worrying about some terrible thing happening if you don’t, again the sky actually parted for us. I never knew that was the reason for that kind of training. When we worked with the folks at Santa Fe Tails previously, no one ever said that. We just thought it was a newer, more modern way to train dogs. And we worried that they gave far too many treats. And finally your wonderful explanation of deferential behavior gives us such hope for Zeus’s future. I could not bear the thought of living a life of constant fear about him and for him and you actually have lifted a terrible and ominous weight off of the situation. Our only challenge now, is can these folks train us to understand and work in this way with Zeus?
Could I ask you to recommend a book or DVD that would be appropriate for us to learn to work with Zeus in this manner?
I am ever grateful to Freddie and Myrna for discussing our problem with you and I am ever grateful to you for your amazing expertise and for being so generous in sharing this with us.
Warm regards,
Roberta Remy and David Shields
Roberta Remy and David Shields
Hi Elisabeth, after you left today, I took Chi-chi for a walk. She peacefully walked past at least 5 dogs…
Hi Elisabeth, after you left today, I took Chi-chi for a walk. She peacefully walked past at least 5 dogs on the street!!!! Thank you God and Elisabeth! !!!Will contact you soon for another session. We had a great day today. She’s smiling!!!! Me too. Thanks for helping to make this day possible.
All reinforced behaviors will increase in frequency in the future. This includes behaviors the puppy finds reinforcing simply because they work in their favor or they are simply self-reinforcing because they are fun. For the latter great examples are barking and jumping. Barking and jumping very often get the puppy…
Do you remember the story of June, the rescue mini dachshund with the megaesophagus? Yesterday I got a text that June was able to stay alone without any signs of anxiety or barking for a whole hour! It is an excellent example demonstrating that separation anxiety is largely a function…
The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyesMarcel Proust Dog “Training” is evolving at an astonishing pace and in fascinating discoveries. It is fascinating to me how science does not just work mechanically but how it can open us up emotionally and…
I find different behavior cases so interesting, challenging, and gratifying when I can find a way to solve the path. Today I went to see a dog with megaesophagus. This is a malformation of the esophagus that makes keeping food down very difficult. The dogs have to be put into…
This is the perfect story of why training helps a dog be a good dog and makes life easier for them. I received a call from a woman who said she needed help with her six-month-old Malamute. Read more!
Just like traffic flows in waves I find that dog behavior topics seem to come up in waves. The cases I’ve dealt with are all about multiple dog households. Recognizing Your Dogs’ Insecurities So the first example is about a household with three pugs ranging in age from geriatric to…
I have great admiration for trainers who work with non-domesticated animals. I just love to see a walrus open their mouth on cue to have their tusks measured or see an elephant place their giant foot on a stool to have their nails done. All done voluntarily on the animal’s…
Let’s get this out of the way: in the debate of collar vs harness, I believe – as a professional dog trainer – that harnesses are clearly a better option than collars. Yes, dogs have worn collars for millennia, but does that make it right? At this point in my…
What do You Expect from Your Puppy? In your mind, you paint a picture of all the things you’d like to do with your dog, the way your dog is going to interact with you, and the wonderful relationship you will enjoy. When you have that image in mind, you…
