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Where Dogs Come to Learn By Gina Zuk

Most of us have heard or even uttered the common proverb, “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” Well, at Applied Canine Concepts, now you can with dogs of all ages and breeds! Applied Canine Concepts is a 10-acre, estatelike, private dog training facility complete with air-conditioned kennels, several shaded turn-outs, and a large, indoor climatecontrolled training facility. Co-founders and trainers, Fabian Robinson, who has been a professional dog trainer for over 35 years, and Gina Bishop maintain a clear and precise training methodology that teaches dogs how to think instead of react.

Interest in pet adoption has boomed during the pandemic, and new owners of rescued pets are not always prepared and/or may not have the resources to train them. They need Applied Canine Concepts, which has a board and train structure that is comprised of a 2- or 3-week package. The 2-week, onleash package teaches the dog basic commands and leash obedience. Alternatively, an owner may opt for or be advised to enroll their dog in the 3-week, off-leash package that includes on- and off-leash training, wherein the dog learns commands suitable for a beach, dog park, or just real-life situations.

Before enrolling in either program, Gina or Fabian will meet with the dog and owner to perform an evaluation. At this evaluation, the character and temperament of the dog are determined. In addition, the trainers learn about the owner’s goals and discuss how the dog will blend into their lifestyle. In this short period of time, Applied Canine Concepts will set a foundation of obedience for the dog that the owners need to reinforce. Once training is completed, the trainers work exclusively with the owners to assure that the dog blends into the family as anticipated. “With our training,” Gina says, “you will become the safe zone for your dog. You will never yell at or say ‘no’ to him/her again! You are always positive. We teach you how to build an amazing bond with your dog, beyond your wildest imagination.”

If you are a client at Applied Canine Concepts, then you are a client for life. Gina, Fabian, and their staff of four other technicians welcome phone calls, videos, and visits back to the facility for refreshers, within the training parameters, free of charge well after the initial training has concluded. Gina emphasizes, “We want the owners to be successful and not waste their money.”

There is a reason why other local trainers recommend Applied Canine Concepts to their clients. Gina says, “75% of the dogs we train

are ‘retrains’ that have been trained at other facilities.” In some cases, Applied Canine Concepts is the last stop for a disobedient dog. Gina affi rms, “We have saved hundreds of [dogs’] lives each year from euthanasia.”

According to the American Veterinarian Medical Association (AVMA), more than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the United States. Most dogs are not aggressive. In fact, a dog’s behavior is infl uenced by their relationship with their owner. “We train each dog differently because they [the dogs] are all individuals just like we are. Dogs need a leader with correct feedback to teach them how to live in our domesticated society,” Gina explains. The trainers’ goal is to train the dog so it doesn’t appear trained; instead, the dog, while still maintaining its personality, just looks like a good dog.

Applied Canine Concepts developed their own “clean slate” program that focuses on “redoing” the relationship with your dog. The program bases the training on guidance and clarity. Gina explains, “If you [the owner] can change your mind about how your dog learns, you can have success. Dogs learn by trial and error of behavior and feeling, not learning from talking or yelling, simply because dogs can’t speak back to you.” The “clean slate” training is done with all breeds of all ages, starting as early as 4 months, and it is for all people.

Applied Canine Concepts has created a 16-minute YouTube video that provides detailed information about their “clean slate” training method and what to expect after the training is concluded. Check it out by scanning the QR code to the right or by visiting youtube.com/ watch?v=indYhd5RaqU.

In 2022, Applied Canine Concepts will expand their existing facility to include 20 additional state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor kennels. They will also be uploading a series of troubleshooting videos that can be found on their Facebook and Instagram pages. For a fee, subscribers can log in and have access to these videos, which will include training tips, tutorials, and lessons about animal behavior. Fabian and Gina will even be publishing a second book! It is a sequel to Fabian’s other book, Back to Basics: Dog Training by Fabian. The videos and books are great resources, but they do not replace the hands-on training that is offered at the Applied Canine Concepts facility. Owning a dog is a huge responsibility and a lifetime commitment. Applied Canine Concepts has changed people’s lives, based on their countless 5-star reviews on Google! Gina says that owners must realize that dogs must be treated like dogs fi rst, and that family membership must be earned. When the dog is a good dog, they become a good pet. When they become a good pet, they become a good family member. Make your dog part of your family by calling Applied Canine Concepts today!

Applied Canine Concepts is conveniently located off State Road 714 in Stuart/Palm City. Their services are available by appointment only. For more information, call 772-758-1299 or visit appliedcanineconcepts.com.