Training
Throughout each of these programs, our trainers will use positive reinforcement techniques to encourage your dog and help them build confidence in their abilities. We'll also provide you with updates on your dog's progress, so you can see how they're doing, what they're learning, and how we are teaching them. Our trainers use a balanced training approach that incorporates positive reinforcement methods to encourage good behavior. While we always start off with positive training, which has been proven to be an effective method for most dogs, we understand that every dog is unique.
"Behavior Modification" Program:
This program is typically between 5-6 weeks depending on the behaviors of your dog. The trainer will tailor the program accordingly to ensure the best results for each dog.
Week 1:
• Assessment: The first week will involve a comprehensive assessment of the dog's poor behaviors or triggers under different distractive environments. This will help the trainer develop a personalized training plan.
• Establishing Trust: The trainer will focus on building a positive relationship with the dog, using trust-building exercises and positive reinforcement techniques.
• Basic Obedience: The dog will continue to work on basic obedience commands such as sit, down, and come, using positive reinforcement methods.
Week 2:
• Behavior Modification: The trainer will introduce behavior modification techniques to address poor habits. Some inappropriate habits are counter surfing, jumping on strangers and impulse control. This may include desensitization and counter-conditioning exercises to help the dog become more comfortable and to increase the likelihood of making better choices.
• Controlled Environments: The dog will be exposed to controlled environments where they can safely practice their new behavior skills. This may involve controlled interactions with other dogs or controlled exposure to triggers under the trainer's guidance.
Week 3-4:
• Continued Practice with Behavior Modification: The focus will remain on behavior modification, with an emphasis on reinforcing positive behaviors.
Week 5-6:
• Generalization and Real-Life Application: The trainer will work on generalizing the dog's obedience skills and behavior modification techniques to real-life scenarios. This may involve outings to public places, encounters with unfamiliar dogs, and controlled interactions with people.
• Owner Involvement: Throughout these weeks, the owner will be periodically involved in training sessions to learn the techniques and commands used with their dog. The trainer will provide guidance on handling and managing the dog's behavior effectively.
Progress Updates:
• The trainer will provide regular progress updates to the owner, either through written reports or video updates, to keep them informed about their dog's development and behavior changes.
• Training Maintenance Plan: At the end of the program, the trainer will provide the owner with a detailed training maintenance plan, including instructions for ongoing training, management strategies, and tips for addressing any future behavior challenges.
Please note that this is a general outline, and the specific details of the program may vary based on the individual dog's needs, behavior, and progress. The trainer will tailor the program accordingly to ensure the best results for each dog.
"Off Leash Training" Program:
Remote collar off leash training (dog must be at least 10 months old). A 5 to 6-week off-leash board and train program is a comprehensive and intensive training program that aims to teach your dog basic obedience commands and off-leash control, utilizing the remote collar fairly and correctly. Here is an outline of what such a program might look like:
Week 1: Orientation and Foundation Training
The first week of the program is all about orientation and foundation training. During this week, your dog will learn basic obedience commands such as sit, down, and stay. The trainer will introduce your dog to the remote collar and teach them how to respond to it. This week will also include basic leash handling and heelwork.
Week 2: Recall and Remote Collar Introduction
During the second week, your dog will learn the recall command "come" and the remote collar introduction. The trainer will use the remote collar to reinforce the recall command and help your dog understand the correct response. This week will also focus on increasing the distance and duration of the stay command.
Week 3: Place Command and Distance Work
In week three, your dog will learn the "place" command, which involves having your dog go to a designated spot and stay there until released. This command is especially useful for keeping your dog calm and relaxed in public places. Additionally, this week will focus on increasing distance work with the remote collar and recall command.
Week 4: Advanced Training
Week four is all about advanced training, which will include teaching your dog to respond to commands at a distance, distraction training, and off-leash control. The trainer will use the remote collar to reinforce the basic commands learned in the first few weeks and help your dog respond to these commands while around various types of distractions.
Week 5: Polishing and Proofing
During week five, the trainer will polish your dog's training and proof their obedience under increasingly challenging circumstances. The trainer will expose your dog to various distractions and test their response to commands, both on and off-leash. The goal is to ensure that your dog has mastered the basic obedience commands and is responsive to the remote collar even in highly stimulating environments.
Week 6: Maintenance Training and Final Evaluation
In the final week of the program, the trainer will evaluate your dog's progress and provide you with the necessary guidance to maintain their training. The trainer will also teach you how to use the remote collar effectively and fairly to ensure that your dog continues to respond to your commands even after the program is over.
A 5 to 6-week off-leash board and train program can be an effective way to teach your dog basic obedience commands and off-leash control, utilizing the remote collar fairly and correctly. It is important to choose a qualified and experienced trainer who can customize the program to your dog's specific needs and temperament. With consistent training and practice, your dog can become a well-behaved, obedient companion that you can trust in any situation.
"Aggressive or Reactivity" Program:
A 4 to 6-week board and train program for rehabilitating aggressive dogs requires a specialized and balanced approach. The program should focus on counter conditioning, impulse control, behavior modification, play, fitness, and enrichment. Here's a rough outline of such a program:
Week 1: Evaluation and Foundation Building
The first week of the program will primarily focus on evaluating the dog's aggression triggers and building a foundation for training. The trainer will assess the dog's behavior and determine the specific triggers that lead to aggression. They will also start implementing counter conditioning techniques to help the dog associate positive experiences with these triggers. Basic obedience commands will be introduced, emphasizing impulse control and calm behavior.
Week 2: Behavior Modification and Impulse Control
During week two, the focus will be on behavior modification and improving impulse control. The trainer will continue to use counter conditioning techniques to change the dog's emotional response to aggression triggers. Controlled exposure to these triggers, such as through controlled socialization or controlled interactions, will help the dog develop better coping mechanisms. The trainer will also work on teaching the dog alternative behaviors to replace aggression, such as "sit" or "watch me."
Week 3: Play and Enrichment
In week three, the program will incorporate play and enrichment activities to provide mental and physical stimulation for the dog. Play sessions with appropriate toys and interactions will help redirect the dog's focus and release excess energy in a positive manner. The trainer will introduce interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and scent games to engage the dog's mind and promote problem-solving skills.
Week 4: Fitness and Structured Exercise
Physical fitness and structured exercise play an important role in rehabilitating aggressive dogs. During week four, the trainer will focus on implementing a fitness regimen tailored to the dog's needs. This may include walks, jogs, or other forms of physical activity to help release energy and promote overall well-being. Structured exercises such as obedience drills, agility training, or nose work will further enhance the dog's mental and physical capabilities.
Week 5: Advanced Training and Real-World Simulations
In week five, the program will progress to advanced training and real-world simulations. The trainer will continue working on obedience commands, impulse control, and behavior modification in more challenging environments. Controlled scenarios will be created to simulate real-world situations that may trigger aggression. This will help the dog generalize their training and respond appropriately in different contexts.
Week 6: Maintenance Training and Transition
During the final week of the program, the focus will shift to maintenance training and preparing the dog for a successful transition back to their home environment. The trainer will work closely with the dog's owner, providing guidance on continued training, management strategies, and reinforcement techniques. A detailed transition plan will be created to ensure consistency and ongoing support for the dog's progress.
"Learning the Basics" Program:
Our 3-week board and train program is an excellent option for pet owners who want to give their furry friends a solid foundation of basic obedience skills. During this program, your dog will stay with us at our facility and work with our professional trainers on a daily basis to learn essential commands such as sit, down, come, place, stay, and loose leash walking.
• Sit: This command teaches your dog to sit on command, and is often used as a basic starting point for other commands. Your dog will learn to sit on command consistently while around distractions, and to maintain the position until released.
• Down: The down command teaches your dog to lie down on command, and is often used as a way to calm them down or keep them in place. Your dog will learn to get into the down position on command and maintain it until released.
• Come: This command teaches your dog to come to you when called, which is essential for their safety and your peace of mind. Your dog will learn the foundation to the command and to respond to the command quickly and reliably, even when distracted by other things.
• Place: The place command teaches your dog to go to a specific spot, such as a mat or dog bed, and stay there until released. This command can be useful for keeping your dog out of the way when you have guests over, or for training them to stay in a designated area.
• Stay: The stay command teaches your dog to remain in one place, even when you move away or leave the room. Your dog will learn to maintain the stay position until released, even when faced with distractions or tempting stimuli. I would get rid of the stay command.
• Loose leash walking: Finally, the loose leash walking command teaches your dog to walk calmly and comfortably on a leash without pulling or lunging. Your dog will learn to pay attention to you and follow your lead, making walks much more enjoyable for both of you.
While we always start off with positive training, which has been proven to be an effective method for most dogs, we understand that every dog is unique. Depending on the individual dog's temperament and behavior, we may suggest incorporating other tools to reinforce certain behaviors and help them learn more quickly. In these cases, we always contact the owner prior to using any additional tools and explain the reason why we suggest them. Our goal is always to ensure that your dog is comfortable, happy, and learning at a pace that works for them, and we believe that a balanced training approach is the best way to achieve this. By the end of the program, your dog will have a solid foundation of obedience skills that will serve them well throughout their life.