YOU ARE NOT ALONE

This programme consists of three levels of courses for dogs “with issues”. Dogs that have trouble coping with our modern life. Dogs that bark at strangers in the street. Dogs that don’t want to be petted. Dogs that bark and lunge at the mail man or your mother-in-law. Dogs that fight at the dog park. Dogs that have bitten. Dogs that have been labelled “aggressive” or “fearful”.

Many dogs have trouble coping with the things that are required of “the modern pet”. You are not alone.

Irrespective of your dog’s background and the cause of the “issues”, there are things we can do to help. We cannot, however, make any promises, because your dog’s reactivity, as well as the result of the training, will vary depending on many factors, including:

- how you treat your dog from day to day;
- what levels of stress your dog is subject to on a daily basis;
- your dog’s background;
- your dog’s life experiences to date;
- your dog’s early puppyhood socialization (if any);
- your dog’s inherited temperament traits.

IN THIS CLASS, WE ARE ALL IN THE SAME BOAT

Having a reactive dog is often both exhausting and embarrassing. It can be quite daunting at times. Infuriating. Frustrating. Frightening. Disappointing. Depressing. And at times, heart-breaking.

Our first consideration is to create an environment and an atmosphere where everybody, humans and dogs, can feel SAFE.

In order for our dogs to learn about the world around them, never mind being able to train with you, we need to learn how to create an environment where our dogs can feel SAFE and learn to RELAX in the presence of the things that trigger their fears or aggression.

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME

The Reactive Dog Programme consists of three courses:

Course 1 = Basic Reactivity Protocols
Learning to exist and work in the presence of your stress triggers (other dogs, people, etc).
Pre-requisite: Individual Reactive Dog Programme Assessment

Course 2 = Interaction Protocols
Learning to interact with your stress triggers.
Pre-requisite: Course 1 completed.

Couse 3 = Multiple Dog Household Issues
Pre-requisite: Course 2 completed.

SCHEDULE OF CLASSES

Classes start as soon as a suitable number of matching dogs have been signed up. Each course runs for 8 weeks.

Because of the high level of customization to the dogs’ needs, we also wish to make every effort to find a class time that is suitable for our clients. Classes are usually scheduled on Saturday morning at 9:00 am, but other times may also be used. Class time is 45 minutes, except for the first class, which is a 2 1/2 hour Orientation class without dogs.

MATCHING DOGS FOR CLASS

There will be anywhere from 2 to 4 dogs in the class. The dogs will be matched for the same class on a “best fit”-basis from the list of dogs waiting to attend the Reactive Dog Programme. Matching is based on each dog’s type and level of reactivity, personality traits, size, etc.

This matching process requires an individual, in-depth assessment of your dog.
Dogs that have already had the benefit of Private Behaviour Modification Consultations with us within the last 4-6 months do not require any further assessments, but all others do. There is no extra charge for this assessment, but you need to register and pay for the class first, so that we know that you are committed to the class before we commit our time and effort to the assessment process.

CURRICULUM

The curriculum of each class will be adjusted to the dogs in the class and their level and type reactivity, as well as to the owners’ training goals. It may include some or all of the following:

A. Leadership & Relationship Building, for example:

o How to say “Please”
o Catching Good Behaviours
o Calming Down in a Stressful Environment
o Learning to Play Without Losing Self Control
o Mental Stimulation
o A Space to Call My Own – Crate Training
o Trading Instead of Fighting – Let’s Share!
o Food & Toy Management

B. How to Prevent and Manage Reactive Outbursts

C. Working with Stress-Triggers Around, for example:

- Giving Attention to Owner
- Name Game
- Sit, inc no jumping up
- Down, inc stay
- Loose Leash Walking
- Targeting
- Come When Called
- Go to Place When Visitors Arrive
- Leave It
- Heeling
- Holding (an object)
- Emergency Recall

HOMEWORK

The curriculum is written on the basis that students attend class each week and complete homework assignments between each class. Homework will include daily training exercises as well as daily reading assignments from the course book. As with all our classes, telephone and email consultations in between classes are always available at no extra charge.

The course book is “CLICK TO CALM” by Emma Parsons.

FAMILY MEMBERS ATTENDING CLASS

Your spouse or significant other is welcome to attend to help with class and with exercises, or just to observe.

Children under the age of 16 years of age are prohibited from attending this class.

COST

Level 1: $235, or $215 if you already have a copy of the course book.

Level 2: $215.

Level 3: $195.

2012-1 Registration Reactive Dog Level 1

If you also need to have an assessment done, we will contact you as soon as we receive your registration to set up your dog’s assessment consultation. This will be done in your home.

Welcome to our Reactive Dog Programme – we journey together!