Introduction: I specialize in day training. This means that I come to your home and train your dog for an agreed-upon number of sessions over a period of several weeks, so while you go about your own day, I work with the dog to train new behaviors and mentally stimulate him. About once a week, we will meet, so that I can show you the progress your dog has made and teach you how to maintain his new behavior(s).
This approach is very efficient and effective, since most people have neither the time nor the inclination to train their own dogs (if you did, you would become a dog trainer). The beauty of day training is that I work with your dog individually, taking on all the repetitive and technical work involved in dog training.
As part of the training session package, I will teach you (and your family, if applicable) how to elicit and maintain your dogs new behavior.
Coaching is ideal for some behaviors. If we agree on this approach, I will work with you for one or more sessions. I might teach you how to manage a given situation with your dog or show you some new techniques.
Between our coaching sessions, you will be required to do some homework and to monitor the progress made with your dog.
Some behaviors are too complicated to resolve effectively with day training or too taxing for clients to live with. In these situations, the best solution may be for your dog to live with me and my family for a couple of weeks (on average). During this time, I will exercise and train the dog everyday.
After the agreed-upon number of board and train days, we will meet together so you can see the progress made and learn how to work with your new dog.
Please note: This option requires pre-screening.
Tellington TTouch® is a method of working with animals that has proven effective in reducing stress, fear, aggression and anxiety; as well as modifying behavior; increasing flexibility; and, when combined with veterinarian care, aiding in recovery. The approach is gentle yet systematic, and helps animals to better cope with different and novel situations. It improves confidence, focus and learning.
With the use of gentle touches, body wraps, and groundwork (a variety of exercises with equipment), we engage and calm the animal's nervous system, as well as teach the animal to move in non-habitual ways. Since an animal that is stressed or anxious cannot learn, the incorporation of TTouch® allows me to aid an animal (in my case, dogs, cats, birds and rabbits) by teaching them how to relax. The animal can then focus on learning new ways of coping with situations in which he previously reacted with fear, concern or anxiety.
Another terrific benefit of TTouch® is that it provides the guardian with the tools to engage with their animal in ways that are nonthreatening, establishing or deepening the trust between them. As part of a TTouch® session, you will learn how to use wraps and perform bodywork.
This service could be incorporated into a training session with your dog or as a TTouch® only session. For a current schedule of TTouch® group classes, please link to C.H.A.C.O.'s news blog.
I have customized programs for veterinarians, dog walkers, and groomers.
I also offer free educational programs tailored to the needs of your business. I am available to consult with you and your staff to resolve dog behavior-related issues at your place of business, such as how to deal with a dog that does not like to be handled and needs to be groomed, or a dog that might lunge and bark at other dogs while in the waiting room. For dog walkers, there are a myriad of techniques that I can teach you that will make your walks safer and more enjoyable for everyone involved.