Alert Dog Training

Just finished our one on one training with Del and our Boxer x American Bulldog Brooklyn, and I would (and have) recommend him in a heart beat to anyone wanting training for their dog. I have another dog, Boston, who was trained using positive reinforcement, and I have Brooklyn trained with balanced training. I can easily say she is far better behaved, more responsive and just generally happier and more relaxed than Boston and I will be using the same training techniques on him from now on to try and undo his reliance on treats.Brooklyn is a rescue dog who had been abandoned multiple times (she was 8 months old and we were her fifth home!!) and was clearly beaten by at least one of her previous owners, so she came with all the wonderful personality traits that brings. She was highly reactive to other dogs and children, she would cower at any hand or object raised above her head, she would bark at the slightest noise, she was always on edge, hyperactive and was stubborn as anything - though that can probably be attributed to her mix of breeds!I had put her through the typical positive reinforcement training - I didn't know there was any other way - and this did help to a point, she would sit (when she wanted to), she almost walked on a loose lead, but she still didn't listen to me and was still highly reactive. I knew there had to be a better way when the trainer told me that whenever she got aggressive to a dog or child to ignore her & walk her away from the situation. But I knew that was only rewarding the behaviour, and I was not about to reward her for barking at a small child!!After a lot of researching I discovered balanced training and Alert Dog Training. After simply talking to Del during the first session - we hadn't started the actual training yet - I knew I had made the right decision. He understands dogs, he understands the way they work and think, and he understands that while they may be our children, they are still dogs and need to be treated as such. After just a few minutes of training Brooklyn had calmed down, but not just her excitability, she was relaxed! It was the first time I had seen her relaxed and responsive since the day we bought her home. She finally realised that someone else was in control, she didn't have to be the leader any more and she could just be a dog.Fast forward to now and she is calm, happy, responsive, she loves doing her training and showing us how clever she is! The true proof of his methods was when I had my 3 young nieces say hello to her. While she didn't want to play with them like she would any adult, she didn't bark or growl, she sniffed their hand and walked away. Now this may not seem like much to anyone who doesn't know her, but to me it was one of the proudest moments I've ever had with her.I cannot recommend or praise Del highly enough, even if you're not sure or apprehensive about balanced training, give him a chance to explain the methods and the reasoning behind the training. As he said to me during our first session, 'if you don't like it, tell me to leave and I'll never see you again, no harm done'. I can assure you, I did not tell him to leave and I will definitely be seeing him at group training soon.

Del’s training methods are extremely effective! We have a wonderful but difficult large rescue dog (Dizzy) who would throw massive tantrums in public whenever he would see another dog. We thought we’d never be able to eat peacefully at a cafe or enjoy a relaxing walk in public again. We love Dizzy but we were pulling our hair out.Del’s methods have changed everything. Dizzy is a relaxed and happy dog in public, he doesn’t get fussed with other dogs around. We’ve always followed the “positive only” training before, but we really seemed to hit a wall. Del reframed our thinking of Dizzy’s behaviour from “he has social anxiety” to “nope, that’s a tantrum”, and taught us that he didn’t have a clear sense of leadership.Since following Del’s training program, Dizzy has become extremely calm and obedient on walks. We are regulars at the Kalamunda farmer’s market (where there are loads of dogs!) We eat out at cafes all the time. His leash manners and his off lead recall are P-E-R-F-E-C-T. People routinely comment on how well behaved and happy he is!Funnily enough, he has also become more cuddly and affectionate at home. He used to retreat to a corner of the room but now he’s always up for a cuddle!Thank you Del for everything!

I have no hesitation in recommending Del and Alert Dog Training to other dog owners. His vast knowledge, experience and research on dog handling allows Del to tackle each unique problem/issue at hand expertly.My 3 y.o. shepherd was very stubborn and didn't listen to us, but now walks much better on lead and will come back on the first time of recall.Don't waste your time with other trainers that recommend treats and positive reinforcements for every single scenario with every dog - you are guaranteed to fail.Look forward to taking my pup to the group training classes.Thanks Del!-Jason & Simone

HUGE regrets allowing Del to my home and not stopping him from putting a choke chain on my fearful rescue Kelpie and throwing bits of metal at her.This is an extremely outdated method of training and I would especially caution anyone that has a fearful dog - it makes it much, much worse.Del terrified her so badly that immediately after his visit, she became reactive to people coming to our house and especially men and it’s very difficult for me to socialise at home.We’ve managed to improve her reactivity with positive reinforcement training but kelpies don’t forget a traumatic experience.

When we brought home our Belgian/ German Shepherd (Ralf) we knew that we wanted to get into training with him at any early age given that Ralf was going to be a large dog and full of energy. What we were unaware of was the difference between a Belgium and a German Shepard. We soon found out as per the description of a Belgium Shepard, they exhibit energy levels that are among the highest of all dog breeds. Furthermore, they can have puppy-like energy until the age of three, though it is not uncommon for them to exhibit this energy level until the age of five. That was Ralf.We looked into many training options but found that Del's methods and approach made the most sense, we wanted a happy dog but also a dog who worked with us to maintain a balance in the home, and that is what we have.From the beginning Del was clear on what he expected from us and from Ralf and worked closely with us to ensure that the results that we wanted could happen. Ralf responded to Del in such a positive way which helped give us the confidence in both our ability to train Ralf to be the best dog that he could be but also established a trust between Ralf and ourselves which laid the foundations for success.Ralf wanted to learn, he loved his training sessions and responded well to the methods put in place. We could not be more grateful for Del’s help and guidance, we now have a very happy dog who understands his place in the home, who listens, follows instructions, respect the boundaries set and the love and affection that he gives us is a direct result of being content in his environment. In addition, we have taken a very similar approach with our existing dog who is also now much happier with the new structure in place.We would highly recommend Del and Alert Dog Training and we are looking forward to attending the group sessions.

Did the full course with Thor our German x Swiss Shepherd and from lesson one both myself and the dog were learning new tricks. Would recommend Del to anyone. The bond with and control of Thor after 8 lessons is amazing!!!

Alert is a great option for Perth dog training. Many people are not educated on the methods of Balanced training and Del is great at explaining the methodology. The difference is the dog WANTS to perform for you, rather than working on the dog's terms for treats. Balanced training is about motivating the dog to work for you because they are comforted in the knowledge that you are the boss and will protect them and provide for them.Since taking on Del, Zephyr's anxiety has reduced dramatically. Three months ago, Zephyr couldn't go near other dogs. I couldn't take him to the vet and would never let strangers touch him because he would lunge at them in fear. Now, Zephyr can go to the vet and have a sore ear treated. He can make friends with new dogs and let complete strangers give him pats and cuddles without choosing to growl or lunge at them. Zephyr makes the choice to let new things happen to him and knows that he is protected.Del's training has not only given me the tools to support my very sensitive and fear anxious dog but has taught Zephyr to trust people and know that he is safe and able to function in new environments.Anyone that has an issue with balanced training because they believe it creates more anxiety in a dog needs to actually do some research and realise that this training is in no way based on fear - but on comfort. You only need to see the look on the dog's face when he has completed a task correctly while he waits for your reassuring pat and smile. There is absolutely no way I would have been able to take my dog to someone that promotes fear in my Zephyr.Del's training is about teaching the humans how to communicate with the dog through the leash.I have never hurt my boy, and neither has Del. I rarely need to correct him and the second I do, he knows what I want and he's comfortable operating within those boundaries.If you have a dog with behavior issues, trust in Del to help you overcome these. Do your research.The difference between Balanced training and positive only is - positive trainers only use one method; balanced trainers use the whole tool bag.

Massive thanks to Del for all your help with Sacha.Del was very punctual and professional at our training sessions. He was very accommodating booking Sacha and I in on our trips down from Karratha. I'm so glad we've got the right techniques to train Sacha to be most well behaved and relaxed girl.Cant wait to show you all our skills when we're down next!!