Welcome to Roni Hoff and Tri-Star K9′s dog training blog I will be using this venue as a way to communicate with you about your dog training needs.  I will be sharing my training beliefs, opportunities for dog training classes, product reviews and recommendations, Training Tips and Solutions, use of our marker system for communication (operant conditioning) and how to have Fun with your dog. This will be an interactive blog.  I welcome questions and hope to have a community of active participants. Happy Training!

I had taken my two granddaughters to a zoo for the day. While admiring the giraffes, a woman approached me and asked if I worked with dogs. I thought to myself, “Just how did she know that?” Then, I remembered that I was wearing my dog training shirt. That is usually what I wear, as my life is constantly intertwined with my four-legged friends. A short conversation ensued, followed by an exchange of phone numbers. I did not expect to hear anything further about helping this rescue group. But, boy was I wrong. I had been recruited!

I received a phone call from the director of RPSM, Cathy. We set up an appointment to meet so that she could evaluate my skills as a trainer. I arrived at the meeting, walking down the hill with my dog, Tobi, in tow. I felt the excitement welling up inside of me, anxious about the opportunity to help these people, and especially these dogs. I wanted to make a difference by changing the world one dog at a time. I asked Tobi to help me help these dogs. His bright eyes looked up at me and we were off to “strut our heeling style”, to show how we play together, but mostly to show our relationship. I wondered if others could see the love and admiration I felt for my boy. Inter-connectedness is perhaps what drives me, and I only hope to give that to others.

Shortly after my meeting with RPSM, I was on my way to the prison for my first session. I placed my car keys and license on the counter. I signed the logbook. I noticed the butterflies in my stomach. Was this fear welling up inside of me or excitement, or perhaps a little bit of both? After a series of steps, I noted the time – 8:54 A.M. I waited for the automated door to open. I stepped through and proceeded down a long corridor, watching as people in blue and orange uniforms pass me. I wondered what each of their stories were. I entered a room which was packed with more blue and orange uniforms and dogs. The door closed behind me. And so began my journey as the training instructor for Refurbished Pets of Southern Michigan’s Prison Program.

My name is Roni. I have been the training instructor for the prison program for approximately one and a half years. I have been professionally training dogs since 1996, and have worked with animals all my life. The gifts and lessons the animals have given me are of immeasurable value. I actually think that I owe them. I frequently ask myself how I can give back. I did not expect to be on the receiving line again, but that is where I find myself.

I looked around the room, taking in my students, both two and four-legged. I introduced myself and told my story. I needed to earn their trust. I knew that my students, both human and canine, would have “baggage” that would affect how they learn, different temperaments and “issues” which we would have to overcome. I also knew that I would be met with questions. Some trainers did ask questions, but most of them just stood back and waited. I asked to borrow a dog to illustrate a point, knowing that at least I would feel more comfortable sharing what I knew. Our session together ended too soon. Having said goodbye to my new students, I walked through the door, down a long corridor, making small talk with Cathy. We stopped at the end of the hall, waiting for the door to be opened by the officer. We stepped inside, the door closed behind us. I signed out, noting the time – 10:34 A.M. I spoke to the officer through the metal circle, through the glass. I relinquished my personal protection device, and received my license and car keys. I waited for the door to open, and stepped out into the lobby, grateful that I was able to leave when I wanted, but knowing that I wanted to return to help make a difference.

It has taken time, but the trainers, the dogs, the staff, and I have reached a level of trust with each other which allows us to bring out the best in ourselves and the dogs. We use marker training to teach our dogs, which has had exceptional results. Marker training is similar to clicker training, but uses words instead of the clicker, which marks a moment in time, much like a camera takes a photo. The purpose is to encourage the dog to make an association between the sound and the behavior that they are doing and to repeat that behavior to get what they want.

This type of training makes learning fun, builds confidence and creates a “want to” attitude. The funny thing is that our trainers are having fun, feeling more confident, and have a “want to” attitude, much like the dogs. It seems like a win-win situation for all of us, but especially for our canine companions. We are constantly evolving to be the best trainers we can be, “changing lives, one dog at a time”.

If you are interested in helping our cause, we have found that the best way to reach the dogs is by using high value treats. Our treat preferences are ex-pensive, so all are welcome to make a monetary donation to help us purchase our training treats! Please visit the RPSM web-site for more information about making a tax-deductable donation. Thank you, in advance, for helping us change lives, both human and canine.

By: Roni Hoff

Roni Hoff is the training instructor for the Canine Correctional Program.
RPSM always welcomes new volunteers. To learn more about volunteering with us, please visit our website.