Expose the Strengths & Weaknesses of
Your “Current” Method!

When to Doubt Your Training Philosophy and Even the "Expert."

Taken from Kevin's Book, "Hidden Secrets Behind Dog Training"

What exactly makes one method better than the rest? It all comes down to your approach! You see, if your training philosophy lacks the following seven principals, you are most likely wasting your time, wasting your money, and ruining your dog’s true potential.

Let’s face it. Every trainer and every dog school brags that their training philosophy is the greatest. Dog books and animal behaviorists claim that only their method is the best, the most effective and gets the fastest results. They'll even throw in “scientifically proven” to support their claims. So how do you know who’s telling the truth, who’s exaggerating or who's outright lying to you?

This chapter will help you discover the strengths and weaknesses of different training methods. I’ve spent years of observing and comparing trainers’ styles, with my own trial and error, to find out EXACTLY how, why and what makes one method better than the other. So in a way, I’ve already done the hard work for you. Whether you are trying to get results from a book, an instructional video, a TV show, or a private trainer, these seven factors will be your stepping stones to ultimate success. In fact, if your trainer happens to follow each of these principals, you should congratulate yourself for finding a “Diverse Trainer.” Trust me. You’ll soon agree that they are definitely a rare breed.

These trainers usually have an open mind and an open heart and will do anything within their power to help you accomplish the outstanding results you and your dog are capable of achieving.
So what makes a training method almost impossible to fail?

These are the seven factors that I have found to be the most effective. But then again, what do I know? I've only been doing this professionally for nearly two decades. I've trained thousands of dogs, and I've even written a book on the subject. Did I mention that I have a few video clips on my award-winning website for those of you who hate reading or just don’t have the time? Okay, enough of my sarcasm.

You need to smartly compare your “current” training philosophy to these seven elements to learn how you’ve been misled:

One. Make sure that you see the logic behind your method. Otherwise, you won’t seem as bright to your dog.

Two. Always think and aim for long-term results and a real-life approach. If your method isn’t practical, you’ll soon pay the price around other dogs and people.

Three. Don’t rely heavily on the use of treats. To be most effective, surprise your dog with goodies once in a while but never give or even show the treats before giving commands.

Four. Try to make the training sessions short, sweet and simple. Your dog will love you for it. Be creative. Not every dog cares for an hour or even a half-hour training session.

Five. Be firm and kind or kind and firm. Whichever you wish to put first, it’s your choice. Just one is not enough or natural.

Six. Always experiment with different training tools. That’s the only way you can find out which ones work better than what you are using currently with your dog.

Seven. Don’t settle for only positive or negative reinforcement. Follow a “Diverse” reinforcement. Just think of human behavior. Does a positive approach work on everybody? How about a negative? Of course not! Then how can we expect to get the same outcome from our dogs by following one strategy?

Now, I know some of you are thinking, why in the world would ANYBODY consider training their dog with a method that isn’t logical, practical, or humane? And to make matters even worse, the method is too complex, forces you to bribe your dog with treats, restricts your options to only one training tool or one way of training and makes you repeat the same routine over and over again without seeing much success?

Well, the truth is, not hundreds, not thousands, but MILLIONS of dog owners around the world make these mistakes every single day. Did I get your attention? When you carefully study different methods out there, you’ll discover that just about every one of them is missing the most important factor of all. And that is--a lack of diversity!

Imagine going to a buffet that restricts you to one dish. Even though you paid for ALL you can eat, the restaurant will only let you try one item. They will let you look, smell, and maybe even touch the other kinds of food, but you are not allowed to taste any of them. Wouldn’t you feel tempted? Frustrated? Sure, you would. It is not much different when it comes to trying different methods of dog training. Once you’re aware that there are other options, you’ll want to try them so you know which works best for your dog. That’s just human nature.

After all, how do you really know what a dish is supposed to taste like if you are only going to judge it by how it looks or how it smells? Chocolates look like… you know what! But people still love it. I’ve known people who are allergic to chocolate and wish they weren’t, especially around Halloween, Christmas or Valentine’s Day, but all they can do is look at it.

Those poor owners who aren’t exposed to a Diverse Method will NEVER learn how to get real, long-term results with their dogs. After failing miserably and being misled by other sources, they will naturally assume that either their dog is too old, too dumb, too stubborn, or perhaps too aggressive to change. They will feel helpless and begin thinking that their dog might very well be hopeless and un-trainable. When in reality, they were following a dumb method that they learned from a dumb source, using dumb training tools. Or they hired a dumb, closed-minded trainer.

If you compare the Diverse Method to other methods, you’ll be shocked to learn that a few of these seven factors are missing from that list. I have found that these missing elements make other training methods incomplete and far less effective.

You don’t believe me? They say, “Seeing is believing.” Therefore, I want you to research these for yourself. Attend a few dog training classes, watch a few training DVDs or dog training clips, and observe a few dog obedience graduations. When you see the points I’ve been making right before your eyes, you’ll realize that even the most popular dog training techniques lack at least two or three of these seven factors. I know a two-sentence explanation won’t really convince many of you out there. So allow me to go into much more detail with each principal. Here we go:

Seven Principals that Virtually Guarantee Your Success!

1. Your Training Method Needs to Make Sense:Not only should your training technique make sense to you, it also needs to make sense to your dog. All smart things in life are backed by logic. In fact, if people can’t make sense of something, they usually won’t even try it. You’d be amazed how many of my clients have admitted that the method they were advised to try with their dog didn’t make much sense, but they kept trying it, hoping that somehow it would magically start working. Bottom line: if it doesn’t make any sense to you, how can you expect it to make sense to your poor dog? I know you are smarter than your doggie.

2. Your Method Needs to Be Practical: Ask yourself, can I honestly pull this off anywhere at any time? Do I get real, long-term results? Will my dog behave and obey my commands even around other dogs? If the method is practical, you should be able to use it in any situation. Your training should be just as effective around visitors, cats, kids, and even your vet’s office! Ask yourself, what would happen if your dog suddenly manages to get loose and bolts out the door? You really can’t label your training method as “practical” if it only works in a controlled environment.

3. Treats Must Not Be Given Before Commands: Make sure that your training is natural. There is nothing natural about constantly bribing your dog with a bunch of treats and calling it training. If you insist, make sure the goodies are given at the VERY END of your training session, not before each command. That’s how you can be certain that your dog responds to you and actually respects your wishes. Bottom line, you’ll know that it wasn’t the hot dogs talking.

4. Your Method Needs to be Simple to Comprehend: When your training exercises are too complicated, neither you nor your dog will have the desire to stay consistent with it. Look for simplicity. The instruction and training routines need to be easy for you and your dog to follow. Let’s face it. Anybody can make something look complicated. I can make a training exercise so long, boring and complex that your head will spin and your dog may even turn on you. But not every trainer can make things fun, simple and effective. That, my dog-loving friend, takes talent and skill.

Imagine how boring and complicated it would be to have your dog heel perfectly on your left side while you are walking in a figure eight pattern. How about forcing your dog to constantly look at you before obeying each command? Although I’m a big fan of hand signals, I love a dog that listens with or without any hand signals or the need to make eye contact with me.

These are great examples of making things complicated for you and your dog. You also don’t need to complicate things even more by making your dog sit “perfectly.” As long as the dog sits on command, most people don’t care if his paws are slightly crooked. Judges look for these requirements at obedience competitions. I always tell my clients that it is all about progress and not perfection. And if you truly want to get it perfect, then you should look into challenging yourself and your dog by practicing for obedience trials.

5. Be Firm AND Kind with Your Pooch: There should be NO exceptions to this rule! You don’t need to yell, hit, kick, punch, hang or slam your poor dog to train him. That’s not training, it is dog abuse! Anybody or any trainer who follows such violence needs to be reported to animal control or The Humane Society. By combining dog training with dog psychology, you will find that proper balance. Intimidating your dog into obeying commands like a robot is never a proper way to accomplish results. Learn to “train” by using your “brain.”

6. Trying Different Tools Shouldn’t Matter: Sometimes it’s necessary to try a different tool. If a certain tool doesn’t seem to get your dog to stop pulling or lunging on the leash, try something else. Why use what doesn’t work? You cannot afford to ignore this, especially if your dog happens to be very strong, dominant, hyper or overprotective with people and dogs. Or you may happen to have a dog that is a bit more stubborn than an average dog. Learn the humane and proper use of different tools and you’ll save yourself lots of hassles and embarrassment. Unfortunately, even though there are more training tools available today than ever before, the majority of trainers will not give you the option to try new tools or different ways of training.

7. Your Method Should Be Flexible Enough for You to Be “Diverse.”: Just as there are many ways to drive from one city to another, there are many ways to teach your dog different commands. You need to be open-minded about your training techniques. If you always drive the same route because everyone says it’s the best, you may never see the beautiful scenic route or find a faster shortcut. When you are working with a trainer, the more versatile the trainer , the more comfortable and effective you’ll be. Working with a diverse trainer will definitely make things go much smoother. People usually don’t like their hands tied and I’m sure you are no different.

The Next Level and the Future of Dog Training

I can proudly say that the “Diverse Method,” without a doubt, is the only training approach out there that matches every one of the seven factors. This is why I am predicting it will become the “future of dog training”!

Think of it like cooking. If you love to cook, you probably enjoy making new dishes. It’s fun to invite family and friends over to enjoy your masterpiece. And the wider the variety of dishes you can prepare, the more impressed everyone will be. Now, imagine if you could only cook one dish, and that one dish tasted horrible. Would your guests be impressed? Probably not.
Let me give you another example that some men can relate to. (Not that I’m trying to say men can’t cook, and if you can, then you are even sexier than ever!)

The most effective fighters these days are those who are extremely fluent and have mastered different styles of fighting. Take the Ultimate Fighting Championship® (yes, I am referring to those fighters who compete in a cage). This is where everything is allowed except biting, head-butts, eye gouging and kicking or punching to the groin. (Thank God for that.)

We Seem to Praise Lots of Diverse and Fluent “Fighters” Out There…
Why Not Diverse “Dog Trainers”?

Don’t worry. I will not ask you to dropkick your dog. Mixed Martial Art Fighting has even taken over the world of boxing. Nobody predicted it. Nowadays, this sport seems to sell more shows and get more media attention than boxing. If you don’t believe me, try to remember the last big boxing event. I guarantee you that most of those fighters have either been defeated, or are already retired. Sadly, not everyone knows or even cares who the current boxing champion of the world is at the moment.

Do you know why this is? Maybe it is because boxing became more boring and predictable, or perhaps the fans wanted more diversity or aggression. Any way you look at it, when you see the next big match between two champions of mixed martial arts displayed on the home page of Yahoo, you know it has become a popular sport.

The world of mixed martial arts consists of boxers, kickboxers, wrestlers, grapplers, and those who are highly skilled in a type of ground fighting called Jiujitsu. These fighters are trained to kick, punch, throw, restrain, sweep you off your feet (and, no, I am not talking about Prince Charming), lock your joints and keep on fighting just as fluently and tirelessly on the ground. In fact, some of their skills are only effective when fighting on the ground.

Now think about this for moment. What if you are within perfect distance from your opponent to throw a kick? Why a kick, you ask? Because kicks are usually safer and more powerful than punches. If you are too close and there isn’t any room to kick, you should be able to keep on punching. If you are even closer than that, you should be able to restrain and throw your opponent to the ground. And if you are tired of punching and kicking, you might want to get your opponent in a position to lock his elbow, his knee, or his neck. Some of these fighters, amazingly, will take hundreds of kicks and punches. But all it takes is the right amount of pressure at the right time in the right spot, and they will tap out, giving up the fight.

My sign is Aries, also known as God of War, so don’t mess with me, guys. When it comes to heated arguments when I’m asked from some tough guy to step outside, I always yell back, “To be honest, I'd rather keep on yelling back and forth. That’s safer and less painful for both of us. No cops, no medical attention, no jail time and no lawsuits. So bring it on. Let’s see who can scream the loudest and the longest.” Hopefully I won't get into it with some singer of a heavy metal band. You Are Probably Scratching Your Head Right Now, Asking…

What Does All This Have to Do with “Dog Training?”

Well, others who aren’t diverse in their training will just tell you to rely on only one method. Let’s think of it as being limited to using only your left arm to fight. You could whine by saying, “But I want to use both of my arms and legs.” But they just shrug and say, “Hey, rules are rules. This is how we’ve done it for years and we don’t believe in using our strong side. So you have to somehow manage. Look, everyone else is doing it. You can punch, pinch, karate-chop him and even slap and scratch him silly, but don’t you dare use your other arm. And don’t even think of trying any choke holds either."

You see, it is common practice for dog trainers and obedience schools to instruct you to walk your dog on the left side of your body. Many even make this mandatory. This doesn’t make any sense to me, especially since the majority of the population happens to be right-handed. To prove my point even better, and to stand out like a sore thumb, I have my Doberman heel perfectly on my right side. Hey, last time I checked, it is perfectly legal.

And if you’re like most people, you probably won’t even bother to ask your trainer why your dog must walk on your left side. The funny thing is that many of them don’t realize they are doing this. They are just blindly teaching you what and how they were taught. Knowingly or unknowingly, these trainers are actually preparing you for show confirmation, obedience competition, hunting, therapy dogs and even police dogs. Every one of those dogs is supposed to be trained on your left.

Now, if you truly want to show your dog, that’s great. But what if you don’t own a pedigree dog? What if your dog’s altered, or you don’t have any desire to show your dog or compete in obedience trials? Shouldn’t you have that choice to walk your dog on the right side of your body? Unless you are aiming for show confirmation, I usually encourage my clients to walk their dog on their “strong side.” Now unless you happen to be left-handed, that’s most likely going to be your right side!

Ironically, the majority of dog training schools follow this curriculum. Many are based on tradition rather than a real-world approach, which is another reason they rarely let you try anything new or bother to think outside the box for a better outcome.

Bottom line, the more versatile you are, the more EFFECTIVE you’ll become and that is the true power of being diverse.

Written by International Trainer and Dog Psychologist, Kevin "The Dog Prodigy"

Taken from Kevin's Book, "Hidden Secrets Behind Dog Training"

We all die. The goal isn't to live forever, the goal is to create something that will.”

--Chuck Palahniuk

1. Yourself - Your thoughts, beliefs and perception of your current and previous dogs.
2. Your Dog - Why and how your dog thinks and responds in different scenarios.
3. Your Method – Unravel the strengths and weaknesses of different techniques.
4. Your Tools – Which training tools work and which eventually stop working.
5. Your Trainer - Their philosophy, expertise, expectations and limitations.
6. The Dog Training Industry – How to use the system to your advantage.
It took ten years of hard work, intense research, and studying thousands of cases
to write this book.

My Mission: To Find All the Reasons Why Dogs Didn't Thrive to Their Fullest Potential.

I was shocked to find that the "real cause" had very little to do with the dogs' age, breed,
size, intelligence, history, or even personality, but had everything to do with the
“human element.”

Dog owners and even dog trainers from all around the globe were skillfully misled, influenced and even brainwashed. Sadly, all this had a tremendous affect on their beliefs, attitude, technique, drive, sense of hope, creativity, and of course--their level of success.

Book's Description: This book takes a deeper look at modern dog training and canine psychology while it also introduces you to the next level and the future of training and canine behavior modification—“The Diverse Method.”

Think about it. If there are more than four hundred different breeds of dogs in this world, how can they possibly all respond to only one way of training? Have you ever considered that fact? You see, every dog was bred specifically for a purpose. So for any expert to argue that you can train EACH AND EVERY ONE with just Positive Reinforcement or Negative Reinforcement show their arrogance, lack of experience and diversity.

The secret is to follow a "Diverse Reinforcement" because, just as with humans, dogs don't always respond to a strictly positive or negative approach. Here's where it gets more interesting. All dog trainers know this, but don't or can't teach it in their training method.

!!! Now Did I Get Your Attention??? !!!

Look, you are definitely NOT going to be safe, smart or successful if you rely on just one way of training as a crutch. The key to greatness is to arm yourself with different training techniques that will prepare you for ANY dog, despite their age, size, strengths, intelligence, past history or personality. Again, I am talking about being "Diverse" because no method and no training tool is guaranteed to work in every situation and on every dog. That's just a fact!

This is one of those rare books that will make you smile, make you laugh, make you think and even challenge you to push yourself far beyond your leash or your bag of treats. It is filled with life lessons along with my incredible journey with dogs from all walks of life.

If you are the sensitive type, you may get a few lumps in your throat. I've spent a decade writing this book, which inspired me to learn something new from every dog, every owner and every trainer I've encountered. So, in a way, the book has grown with me.

My hope is that when you finish it, both you and your dog will be able to communicate with one another much more effectively.

--Kevin "The Dog Prodigy"
Master Dog Trainer / Author

About the Author:

Kevin Salem is considered to be a prominent philosopher and one of the brightest minds in the world of dog training. It’s hard to paint Kevin’s image with the same brush as others, as his unique way of "Diverse Method" and philosophy, makes him very distinct.

Ever since he was young, Kevin has been able to relate and communicate with dogs in a very special way. You know when you meet a natural. We’ve all seen one. These individuals are rarely taught, but rather born. In over two decades of working with different breeds, he has successfully trained well over 10,000 dogs worldwide, earning him the nickname,“The Dog Prodigy.”

He is one of those rare experts in his field who has the knowledge and the expertise to accept challenging cases that the majority of dog schools simply don’t want to deal with. We are referring to “red zone dogs,” and those already given up on by many trainers, veterinarians and even animal behaviorists. He is proud of saving hundreds of these dogs from abandonment, shelters, or worse, euthanasia.

Kevin gained his experience from studying and practicing different methods of training. To expand his knowledge even further, he also compared the strengths and weaknesses of different theories from more than a hundred books on dog training, dog behavior, and canine psychology.

Mr. Salem currently operates his school, Dog Secrets, where he offers house calls not only throughout the US, but globally. You may also send your dog to his most popular program, the Doggie Boot Camp.

!!! More Extremely Thought-Provoking Articles Worth Reading !!!

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You'll be shocked to find that even "top trainers" make some of these mistakes.

What Grade Would Your Dog Give YOU? (Funny and Eye-Opening)
Don't just prove it to us, prove it to yourself that your dog sees YOU as the boss.

Why Can't You Get Your Dog to Respond Around "Other" Dogs?
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20 Reasons Why Your Doesn't Listen When it Matters the MOST!
Easy-to-miss causes of why your dog flat out ignores you around distractions.

Dumb Trainers - Smart Dogs!!! Most Dog Schools WILL Fail You!
97% of trainers and dog classes can't deliver real results. How many will you try?

Inside the Mind of Veterinarians and Their Staff (Dog Etiquettes!)
All vets and vet techs are dying for you to master these proven tips. Learn how.

Turning a Childhood Tragedy into Triumph! - Kevin's Sad Story!!
Everybody has a story, a cause, or a reason of why they do what they.
Read Kevin's touching and remarkable story.

Have you noticed that the very best things in life are rarely "things". They are your loved ones, your happiness, your passion, your health, your attitude, your love, and your accomplishment.  

--Kevin "The Dog Prodigy"

!!! Dog Secrets .com !!!
Where You See the Difference Between"Average" and "WOW"!!!

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