Training Methodology

Training Methodology

H-12.11 training system is built on communication — speaking to dogs in their language first. The foundation of my system is marker training, which many people know as clicker training. I simply don’t always use a clicker — not because I wouldn’t, but because it’s generally unnecessary for most pet dog training.

You will always hear me say: “Foundation is everything.” Building that foundation is incredibly rewarding — like hearing a child say “Mama” or “Dada” for the first time. When you are truly able to communicate with your dog, the relationship goes far beyond simple training. At that point, the possibilities are unlimited for dogs of all ages. Whether it’s an 8 week old puppy or an 8 year old dog, it’s the same “Foundation for communication”.

In H-12.11, I teach very specific exercises, in a very specific way, in a very specific order. There is no random variation. This structure builds clarity for the dog and consistency for the human.

Training this way builds a strong bond and a relationship based on trust. It creates an environment that encourages motivation, learning, and individual growth. In my experience, there is no better way.

Dogs do not speak English or any human verbal language. I first teach dogs in their language. Only after that is clear to the dog do I layer over our verbal language. Then I gradually remove the dog’s language cues so they learn to respond reliably to verbal commands alone — which is not natural for them. When people use hand signals and verbal commands at the same time, dogs often become dependent on the hand signals and fail to respond to verbal direction alone.

My training approach is based on feel, timing, and experience — as Clinton Anderson says. Experience comes from time. Feel comes from experience. And time only comes from putting in the work. That requires sacrifice and commitment.

Even though we call it “dog training,” that’s only half of the job. A trainer must also train the human and the family. This is another way my system stands apart. It teaches dogs how to communicate with us and is simple and consistent enough that every family member can learn it. If a language only had four words, it would be easy to learn — and that’s exactly how I structure training.

I teach dog training as a shared language between dogs and humans. That language has four words: Yes, Good, Oops, and No. I have successfully trained over one thousand dogs using this H-12.11 system.

 If you give a command and your dog obeys, you give one of two responses: yes or good.
If you give a command and your dog does not obey, you give one of two responses: oops or no.

It really is that simple by design. I am not claiming to have invented marker training or every component of this system. My contribution is my application, refinement, and ability to teach it clearly to both dogs and people.

I use food to motivate learning — not to bribe behavior. Food is used during the learning process and then phased out. Dogs do not need food rewards forever. That is a myth. Food is never a replacement for leadership. I create an environment where the dog develops trust first, then a work ethic. From there, progress becomes much easier.

Many owners say their dog is not food motivated. In most cases, the dog has simply learned that food has little value because it is always available. Food is currency in training. About 98% of dogs are food motivated when food is properly managed. I typically use the dog’s regular meals. About 1% may only work for high-value treats, and about 1% may not respond to food at all — but they can still be trained.

The Training Recipe

There is a clear recipe for training a dog.

First: Build trust. +
Trust is not automatically there — it must be built. It takes time, patience, and purpose. If a dog receives unlimited food, attention, exercise, and stimulation without structure, they have no reason to rely on leadership. I create appropriate need and structure first, then fulfill it. That is how trust begins.

Second: Earn respect. +
Respect is never given — it is earned. Just as a prince must earn the respect of the people, respect cannot be inherited. Earning a dog’s respect takes effort and consistency. Some dogs are easy; others are challenging. The work may be demanding, but without earned respect, training will fall apart and obedience will be unreliable at best.

Third: Gain love. =
Trust plus respect leads to love. This is the sweet spot — the reason I do this work. This is where the partnership feels natural and rewarding. This is where the dog truly becomes your companion and best friend.

Love cannot exist without trust and respect. Without leadership, dogs may enjoy what you provide, but they will not show true loyalty through behavior and obedience.