Training your dog is merely forming an effective method of communication so your dog understands what you WANT. Each dog and each owner come to us with a different history, come from a different environment, are experiencing different problems, and have temperaments and abilities that are unique to them. At Kindred Souls Canine Center we adapt our methods to fit each person and their dog.
Our training programs, whether in private session or classroom, are somewhat like mini seminars in that we stress not only "what to do" but the important "why" are we doing this. Understanding the concepts of canine behavior is key to a successful communication between dog and human. It is that success of communication that provides you with a responsive and reliable canine companion. I believe it is our job to train YOU as much as your dog. When you and your dog leave us we want you to have the tools to continue building a long and happy relationship with your dog.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT PROGRAM
It has always been my belief that good classes provide you and your dog with a wealth of knowledge. You not only learn from your interaction with your dog, but from the other students and their dogs. Everyone in a class is going through something different so you witness first hand how to solve many different kinds of problems and deal with many different situations. Our classes are like working seminars where lots of participation and questions are encouraged. However the chief benefit is that in a classroom atmosphere your dog learns IMPULSE SUPPRESSION. To gain a truly reliable response from your dog they need to learn to override the stimulation and distraction of the other people and their dogs. In doing so from the very start your dog learns to listen to you no matter what else is going on.
Private Sessions are available for people dealing with singular extreme behavior problems. These would include chronic fear issues, aggression toward people or other dogs, and any problem which puts the dog in a position of having to avoid the public. The hopes always are for the dog and owner to "graduate" to a class where the dog can assimilate back into society. Remember…. for thousands of years dogs have been a part of our culture, so our goal is always to make them into valued members of our general society.
OUR PROGRAMS
BASIC OBEDIENCE
This is an 8-week course designed for dogs 5-6months and older. This course is a mix of behavior modification and commands. The first session is mostly lecture and lays the groundwork for the weeks ahead by teaching all the important concepts of canine behavior. Each course often takes on a life of its own depending on the mix of dogs and people. As everyone comes in with a different set of needs, we address these in the context of teaching your dog alternate good behaviors to replace the undesirable ones. Commands taught: Sit, Down, Stand, Stay in all three positions. Come when called, Loose leash Heeling w/Automatic Sit, Sit for Petting, and Hand Signals. Other subjects covered (eg Jumping, mouthing, housebreaking, food stealing etc) are dependant on the class needs and are addressed in open forum at the end of each class during question and answer period.
BEGINNER INTERMEDIATE/CANINE GOOD CITIZEN
Pre-requisite: Basic Obedience
This six week course basically serves many functions. For the competition inclined, it teaches you all the exercises needed to complete an AKC Pre-Novice Routine. For those interested in just having a well mannered pet, this course provides increased distraction training which increases your ability to take your dog out in public and have him behave like a "Canine Good Citizen". It also lays the groundwork for off-leash training. The Canine Good Citizen Test is comprised of several exercises and upon successful completion an award from the American Kennel Club is received.
NOVICE/OPEN CLASSES
Pre-requisite: Basic Obedience and Beginner Intermediate
These are our upper level Obedience Classes. Again, mixing practicality and precision you can continue training for both competition and fun. The exercises in these classes are taught for use in high level obedience trails, but always have a basis for use in taking your dog out in public areas and having increased control. The in addition exercises included in the Novice Class are Off-leash Heeling, Figure 8 Heeling, Drop-On-Recall, Jumping, long Sits and Downs, plus. increased distraction work and attention training. To help the dogs stay fresh, we will often sneak in some agility or games to keep the dogs interest high and reinforce the desire to work.
In the Open Obedience classes we add Retrieval Work (over Jumps and on flat), Broad Jump. Directed Jumps and Owner Absent Stays.
"Happy Clients"
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