About Me
My name is Brad Strickland. I have been working with dogs most all of my life. From a small boy with a "way with dogs", to helping friends and family with their dogs, to working with troubled dogs from local shelters. Dogs have always been a big part of my life. I attribute much of who I am today to dogs and working with them.
During my time at the shelter, I had experience with many dogs that were brought in or abandoned because of behavioral issues. Most of them could have been corrected if the owners had a better understanding of what their dogs was telling them and knew how to communicate what it was that they wanted from the dog. It was during that time that I made it my goal to educate owners and help them achieve the partnership that they were seeking when they got a dog in the first place. During that time I worked with some of the worst of the behavior cases which I rehabilitated and saw to loving homes. The multitude of troubled dogs taught me more than any class room could have and I'm grateful for each and every one. Each one took a piece of me with them and left a bit of themselves with me. I then struck out to learn from others with different philosophies and methods honing my own unique approach and on that quest have have been able to learn from some of best.
I am a Professional Member and serve as VP on the Board of Directors for the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP). The IACP is an organization established to maintain the highest of standards of professional and business practices among canine professionals. It is the only organization endorsed by Cesar Millan and the Monks of New Skete and boasts such members as Wendy Volhard, Martin Deeley and Dr. Bonnie Bergin. Many of whom I have had the great pleasure to learn from and work with. I appear weekly on Alabama's 13 for a pet adoption and tips for owners segment. In addition to my weekly pet segments I have also published several articles for them. I am have contributed for the IACP Safe Hands Journal and Dog Coach Magazine. I have also trained dogs for theater and commercial work.
I also participate regularly in workshops and seminars with some of the most renowned trainers in the country and abroad, to further expand my knowledge and understanding as well as help others to do the same.
People often ask "what is the best method, tool, etc." when seeking help for their dogs. My answer? "The one that gets you results." There are a lot of different methods available for you and your dog. Finding the right approach in very important. Not every method.tool,or 'trick' is going to work for every dog. I have lots of tools in my 'tool box' to help you find the right approach for you and your dog. If your needs require a particualr tool, you shouldn't be made to feel evil or wrong, but you should learn to use the tool properly. I can help. I want my clients to feel comfortable, safe, and successful. We are going to have fun and make the experience delightful for both you and your dog.
Tools and More
E-touch is at the base of the method I employ in the use of remote collars. E-touch is a safe, humane, effective method for using remote collars. By combining "traditional", balanced methods such as rewards, leash work, hand signals, etc, very low levels can achieve great results. When used appropriately you can provide a clear picture for your dog on what you are wanting, accelerating the process.
There is a lot of negative hype and misinformation out there about these collars, but when used correctly, they can be one of the most effective tools available to dog owners. It's not about 'shocking' your dog or 'force through pain' or any of the other slanders associated with these tools. It is about providing a link between us and our dogs and becomes a catalyst in the learning process.
There is a lot of negative press out there about many other tools as well.
Tools fall into the "good stick/bad stick" realm. What I mean by that is that one can take a stick and play fetch with their dog and romp and play and have big fun. Or one can take the same stick and strike him with it. That's not the stick, it's the user. As with most things out there, it's all in how you use it. That's where I come in. To show you how to use these tools both safely and effectively.
With all the different dogs, owners, behaviors and problems, no one tool/method/'trick' is going to apply to all dogs. Having a versitile 'tool box' is the key to success. By following core, 'balanced' principles and applying them to the variety of tools and methods we can accomodate you and your dog's specific needs.
Contact Me:
205-365-8879
Relationships are built upon 3 things; trust, respect and mutual fulfillment. By providing them with food, love, a great belly rub, etc. we build the trust. By offering them clear rules and boundaries and then sticking to them, we can achieve respect. Then there's the fulfillment part. There are many ways dogs enrich our lives and fulfill our needs. We mustn't forget that they need fulfillment too. They have needs too. What's her energy like? Is she hyper and athletic or low key and lazy? Is he a retriever or a terrier or a hound, etc?
By fulfilling their needs with activity, structure, rules, and of course love we can achieve the relationship we were looking for when we brought a dog into our lives in the first place.
Common Sense Approach
There's a lot of debate out there about which method is the best or right way to go for your dog. With all the hype it can get a bit confusing. From purely positive to gruff and aversive and clickers and tools galore, there's plenty to choose from.
I believe that if we insert a bit of common sense we see that there are positive and negative consequences in all aspects of life.
Not all dogs are alike just as all people aren't alike, so one method isn't going to be right for all dogs and all behaviors. I believe that's where balanced trainers come into the picture. By offering correction and direction for bad behaviors, rather than ignoring them, and offering reward for good behaviors they have a better understanding of what is expected of them. Just as we do in our everyday lives.
The police aren't sitting at stop signs handing out cookies to everyone who stops. They are handing out tickets if someone doesn't stop. If you land the "big deal" at work you'll probably get a bonus but a reprimand for showing up late every day... Balance.
Brad received the 2009 Volunteer of the Year award for his outstanding work with the ASPCI.
and the 2010 IACP "Border Collie" award for his work at their annual learning conference.
