At Mannara Bros, we are committed to the highest ethical standards in everything we do. Our principles are grounded in empathy, respect, and understanding of dogs as unique, sentient beings. We believe every dog is an individual with their own emotions, needs, fears, insecurities, and experiences. Our mission is to build a positive relationship with dogs and their owners, based on trust, two-way communication, and mutual respect.
A Force-Free, Fear-Free Approach
We firmly reject methods based on dominance, fear, or pain. These approaches have no place in our philosophy, and we strongly disapprove of them. Instead, we focus on fostering a supportive environment where dogs feel safe, understood, and respected. Even when we don’t approve of a particular behavior, we always honor the dog’s feelings and work with them in a way that is compassionate and constructive.
Our methods are entirely force-free and fear-free. While we understand that coercive methods can yield short-term results, we deeply believe they come at a cost to the dog’s well-being, both emotionally and physically. No dog should ever be subjected to fear, pain, or intimidation as a means of control or obedience.
The Power of Positive Reinforcement
At Mannara Bros, we exclusively use positive reinforcement techniques. Our goal is to teach dogs the best behavior for any given situation, while also fostering their ability to think independently. We aim to help dogs understand how to navigate a world that is designed for humans, yet often overlooks their natural needs and instincts.
Through positive reinforcement, we show dogs the desired behaviors and reward them for making the right choices. This allows dogs to feel empowered and confident, rather than fearful or controlled by punishment.
Respecting Natural Dog Behavior
We understand that each dog has its own learning style and personality, which is why we take a personalized approach to address each dog’s unique needs. We avoid using rigid obedience commands like “sit,” “lie down,” or “paw,” as these are often arbitrary behaviors that don’t serve any real purpose for the dog other than controlling them unnecessarily. Instead, we focus on engaging dogs in activities that stimulate their natural senses—things they genuinely enjoy. These activities not only promote their well-being but also help deepen the bond between dogs and their human companions.
By observing and understanding canine communication, we connect with dogs in a way that respects their individual needs. We encourage behaviors that come from a place of understanding, rather than forcing compliance through commands or dominance-based methods.
Use of Tools
We are committed to using only humane, comfortable, and safe tools. We do not use anything that causes discomfort, pain, or fear, such as shock collars, prong collars, or choke chains. Tools that could create orthopedic or muscular harm in the short or long term are also excluded from our practice.
Instead, we prioritize creating stress-free environments. Stress is a significant cause of unwanted behaviors in dogs and can lead to various health issues if left unmanaged. Our work revolves around eliminating unnecessary stressors and creating peaceful, relaxing spaces for dogs to thrive.
Prioritizing the Dog’s Well-Being
At Mannara Bros, we believe that a dog’s well-being encompasses far more than just training. We view the dog as a whole being, considering their physical health, emotional state, social interactions, and mental stimulation. When we create training plans, we integrate all of these factors to ensure the dog’s behavior is addressed holistically, rather than in isolation.
We emphasize giving dogs as many choices as possible, empowering them to make decisions and engage with their environment. This approach not only enhances their quality of life but also fosters a deeper and more meaningful bond between the dog and their human family.
Education and Continuous Improvement
We are committed to educating dog owners on how to communicate effectively with their dogs. Our goal is to empower humans to understand their dogs’ body language, including calming signals, and adopt force-free practices. By doing so, we help create a foundation for a long-lasting, positive relationship between dogs and their families.
We are also passionate about continuous learning. As the field of dog behavior and training evolves, we stay up-to-date with the latest research to ensure that our methods remain both effective and humane. This dedication to education and improvement allows us to offer the best possible service to every dog we care for.
A Lasting Bond Based on Mutual Respect
At Mannara Bros, we believe in building a positive, lasting bond between dogs and their families, rooted in mutual respect and understanding. We take a holistic, compassionate approach to training and care, always prioritizing the emotional and physical well-being of the dog. Through education, empathy, and a force-free methodology, we ensure that dogs and their caretakers can enjoy a relationship based on trust, communication, and love.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is your approach to dog training?
We prioritize both the physical and mental well-being of every dog by building trust and mutual respect. Our methods rely exclusively on positive reinforcement, ensuring that dogs are never placed in uncomfortable situations. Rooted in the latest research and aligned with our ethical values, our approach is tailored to meet each dog’s individual needs.
Do you use force-free and fear-free methods?
Yes, we absolutely do! Our methods never involve scaring or stressing the dog through pain or discomfort. We believe that dogs thrive when given the opportunity to process situations at their own pace, which is why we prioritize creating a stress-free environment for them to learn and grow.
How do you incorporate positive reinforcement in your training?
Our training is entirely based on positive reinforcement from start to finish. We guide dog owners to understand what their dogs are trying to communicate, helping them create an environment where their dogs feel safe and cooperative. By focusing on rewarding desired behaviors rather than punishing undesirable ones, we ensure a compassionate and effective training experience that strengthens the bond between dog and owner.
What is your stance on dominance-based training methods?
Dominance as a concept was debunked by the researcher who continued the original work. It was discovered that what we define as "dominance" appears only in wolves kept in captivity because they are artificially grouped from different packs and struggle to coexist. We believe that anyone referencing dominance in dog training is not aligned with the latest understanding of canine behavior.
How do you address each dog's individual needs and learning styles?
During each consultation, we will continuously monitor how your dog reacts to various situations and interacts with their owners.
Based on our observations, we will determine what works best for your dog's unique needs.
What types of tools do you use during training sessions?
We generally avoid using tools, except for interactive toys (even improvised) or harnesses and leads designed to ensure each dog's comfort. These items are chosen to avoid interfering with their anatomy or constraining them in any way.
Do you use shock collars, prong collars, or choke chains?
Absolutely not!
We strongly despise the use of such tools and unequivocally disapprove of their use under any circumstances.
How do you create stress-free environments for dogs?
Before the initial consultation, we will assess the information provided in the form you complete. This allows us to understand your dog’s needs and determine the most suitable environment to ensure they feel safe, comfortable, and free from stress.
What factors do you consider when developing a training plan?
We collaborate with owners to create a tailored training plan for their dog. Our process involves gathering detailed information about the dog’s life, identifying potential triggers for unwanted behaviors, and explaining these triggers to the owner. By helping owners understand their dog’s experiences and reactions to specific situations, we can develop an effective action plan to address and overcome the dog’s challenges together.
How do you educate dog owners about effective communication with their pets?
We focus on helping owners understand how their dog perceives the situations that trigger unwanted behaviors. By explaining these scenarios and teaching owners how to identify them early, we empower them to reduce stress for their dog. This includes recognizing the individual stress signals that dogs often display, which can easily go unnoticed by humans. Through this approach, owners gain deeper insight into their dog's needs and can better support their well-being.
Do you offer guidance on understanding canine body language?
Guiding owners in understanding canine body language is one of our primary focuses. From the very first consultation, we carefully observe each individual dog's signals and thoroughly explain them to the owners. We also demonstrate these cues in action, enabling owners to develop a strong, two-way communication with their dogs. This understanding forms the foundation for a deeper bond and more effective interaction.
How do you stay updated with the latest research in dog behavior and training?
We are committed to taking at least one course every year from sources that align with our ethics and are top-notch in scientific research on dog behavior and anatomy.
