About Jason Lake

A Training Philosophy Built on Engagement

I want dogs to understand their work, enjoy the learning process, and become confident problem solvers. That begins with engagement: before asking for precision, the handler needs a dog that wants to participate and understands where reinforcement comes from.

My approach draws from both classical and operant conditioning. I use motivation, markers, reward placement, repetition, fair structure, and thoughtful consequences to make criteria understandable. The dog in front of us determines how the lesson should be presented.

• Break complicated behavior into teachable steps.
• Build confidence without lowering the standard.
• Teach handlers what to notice and when to respond.
• Create a plan that can be repeated after the session.

Compilation Dog Training History

My passion for training led me into Schutzhund, now known as IGP—a demanding working-dog sport that evaluates tracking, obedience, protection, temperament, control, and the relationship between dog and handler.

IGP exposes weaknesses that casual training can hide. A dog must work with precision around distraction and pressure, while the handler must manage arousal without losing communication. Adapting those exercises to work from a wheelchair made me a more careful observer and a more creative trainer.

The lesson applies directly to family dogs and behavior problems: keep the goal clear, change the presentation when needed, and never confuse repeating an exercise with actually teaching it.