Behavior Training
Reactive Rehab
Dogs who bark, growl, or lunge when they are on lead are not trying to cause trouble. They may be afraid and are desperately trying to keep others out of their space. Other times dogs are overly excitable and exuberant, resulting in outward displays of reactive behaviors. Our reactive dog classes will help your dog learn how to better navigate the world around them with calm confidence! We will teach you how to look for and reward calming behaviors and help you understand your dog's need for space. We will practice new behaviors that are alternative to barking and lunging and help make positive associations for your dog.
These classes are for dog/human teams who haven't taken a reactive dog class before or would like a refresher on their skills. Classes are 50 minutes long and held for 8 weeks. As always, we have a high instructor to dog ratio and will work with your dog to keep them feeling safe.
Reactivity Redefined
Owning a dog who “reacts” while on leash with behaviors like lunging, barking, pulling towards, snarling, growling, etc. can be very scary and stressful, especially when you are not sure how to safely manage your dog’s behavior. The Reactivity Redefined program is designed to support both ends of the leash, helping you to evolve your dog’s training to the next level.
This 6 week training program is designed to help you identify, manage, and reframe your dog’s reactivity when out in public. During the 6 weeks you will learn how to properly and safely handle your dog when out in public. We will help you learn how to understand your dog’s body language and their emotional state, how to build your dog’s confidence around their triggers, and how to respond with proven effective training strategies instead of stress and frustration.
This class is intended as a transition class for dogs that have completed Reactive Rehab but are not quite ready for Reactive Rovers. It is also appropriate for dogs that have attended another class but are struggling with some mild reactivity.
Classes are held INDOORS and are limited to 4 dogs. Increasing challenges in a controlled environment provides you with opportunities to practice your handling skills with feedback from a trainer while keeping stress levels low for you and your dog.
The first week of class is a mandatory orientation for HUMANS ONLY this gives us humans a chance to discuss how the classes will be run and what is expected from you when you arrive at class with your dog. Orientation typically runs about 1.5-2 hours
Reactive Rovers
It can be a little intimidating to head out into the real world with just your dog and your high value snacks after you have completed your classes at the training center. Triggers may seem to appear out of nowhere and you may not feel as prepared as you would like. Reactive Rovers classes are for dog/human teams who have completed our Reactive Rehab or Redefined classes and have learned the foundation skills for handling and managing their reactive dog. Rovers is intended to provide you with real world training exercises and exposure that will help continue to build confidence in your dog and yourself!
Reactive Rovers is a 6 week session that starts with a HUMANS ONLY orientation on week 1. All classes during this session are held outdoors and class schedule may be subject to weather.
As always, we have a high instructor to dog ratio and will work with your dog to keep them feeling safe, space is limited to a maximum of 4 dogs.
Adolescent A*holes
Adolescent A*Holes: Who replaced your once sweet puppy with an a*hole?! Your dog used to listen well and now won’t come when called, has boundless energy and is chewing the sofa!
Adolescent dogs (6 months to 2 years depending on breed) can be hard to live with. It’s the age when dogs are most relinquished to the shelter and they can be very frustrating to own.
This mini class is designed to build on your dog’s early training. Over the course of 4 weeks, we will concentrate on impulse control, relaxation exercises, mental enrichment and learning to focus in the great, big world. These life skills will help your dog mature from a crazy teenager to a well-rounded adult.
Confident Canine
Is your dog a wallflower, scared to join in, always watching from the sidelines? Are they a nervous Nellie? A fearful Fido? Our Confident Canine class is meant for you! This 6-week course is designed to help dogs who are fearful, timid, shy, and unsure towards people, environments and other animals. It will provide you with a better understanding of your dog’s timid and fearful behavior and teach you how to help your dog become more confident and less fearful in normal, everyday situations. Through the use of positive reinforcement training techniques, we will create a positive emotional response that will help your dog navigate and be more comfortable in a sometimes-scary world!
Through exploration and achievement your dog will develop positive feelings about themselves and the world around them, resulting in a big confidence boost! Using a variety of fun, engaging training games and techniques, you will act as your dog’s cheerleader, encouraging them to explore the environment, tackle new challenges, make their own choices, and look to you when they need help. Not only will your dog’s confidence grow, but you will enhance your bond with your dog as you help them in their journey of becoming more confident.
Pattern Games: Dogs rely on predictable patterns to make them feel safe on an otherwise unpredictable world. These exercises help your dog learn that they have control over their own bodies and space.
Enrichment: Puzzle toys, tricks, and other games will engage your dogs natural instincts and provide mental stimulation.
Scent Games: Dogs will learn how to “find it”, using their nose to “hunt” for food. Introducing games, such as a snuffle mat, we will teach your dog the power of sniffing and how you, as the owner, can use it to your advantage in helping your dog.
Movement Puzzles: Dogs need mental exercise as well as physical and meeting those needs can make a big difference to their emotional well-being. Use movement puzzles we combine mental and physical challenges to help balance their mind and body.
Obstacle Course Work: Weekly challenges will provide your dog with the opportunity to engage with novel objects in a positive and fun way. These exercises will be low level with accommodations based on your dog’s needs and skills.
This course is not intended for highly reactive dogs, we have another class for that! Ask us about getting started in our Reactive Rehab program first. We can reassess your pup for our Confident Canine class upon completion.
In-Home, Private, & Virtual Training
Private training sessions are available for Puppies, Basic Obedience, Agility, Tricks, Fitness, Reactivity and other behavior challenges. Whether you are just getting started with training or looking to brush up on specific skills, working one on one with our trainers allows us to customize a training plan to suit your dogs individual needs and challenges.
For some dogs, learning in a class setting can be too stressful or overwhelming, making it counter productive for training. Private sessions can provide the opportunity to learn in a low stress environment so that you and your dog can make the most of your training time.
Private training sessions can be scheduled at the training center, as in-home session, or virtually, depending on the desired training and trainer availability. Contact us to discuss your individual training goals and schedule a session!