There are four parts to effective dog training. The first is to educate the trainer, the leader. That's you. You must understand how your dog learns, and how to communicate in a clear and consistent manner that will empower your dog with the ability to succeed, not only in your lessons, but also in changing environments and situations.
The second part of effective dog training is in teaching your dog a sense of self-calming and self-control. Teaching this puts the emphasis on your dog's ability to gain what he/she wants or needs by controlling his/her self.
The third part of effective dog training is to build on your dog's attention to you. But this is not enough. Your dog must learn to trust in you, your intent, your communication, and your leadership. Your dog must learn to want to learn from you.
The fourth part of effective dog training is to teach your dog to fully understand your signals, such as sit, down, come stay and heel. This is easy and quickly achieved once you have accomplished the first three parts of effective dog training.
It is not our goal to teach your dog a few simple behaviors, but instead to educate you with a better ability to understand, communicate with and teach your dog. Taking a cooking class does not allow you to have a prepared meal ready and waiting whenever you want. Instead it empowers you with the ability to prepare delectable meals for you, your family and your friends whenever you wish for the rest of your life. Our classes are similar. It is our goal to empower you with the knowledge and ability to effectively communicate with your dog, and develop a relationship of trust and mutual fulfillment.
Each level class is an 8-week course meeting for 1 hour per week. Each group is limited to only 6 dogs to ensure personalized attention for each student. Family participation is strongly encouraged. Classes are taught at several locations throughout the Twin Cities. For starting dates and locations please phone our office at (952)445-2993.
Level I will focus on developing your ability to teach effectively. You will learn how to teach your dog a greater sense of self-calming, self-control, attention and appropriate house and social manners. This class will also focus on teaching basic obedience behaviors such as sit, down, come, stay, and heel. Both hand and voice signals will be taught.
Level II will focus on strengthening your dog's existing lessons while building greater attention and reliability given greater distance and distraction. In addition you will learn to develop a greater ability to teach effectively.
See our schedule page for more information, or you may view a printable application here..
We all have what I call the "Lassie Movie" running through our heads when we choose to share our lives with a canine companion. Prior to adopting a new puppy or adult dog, we have a vision or expectation of how we would like for this new addition to share in our lives. In general, we see a happy and playful companion, a best friend and a relationship of mutual admiration and trust. We visualize a dog that is social, well mannered and attentive to our instructions - the perfect companion. Nobody adopts a puppy or dog with the thought that they will not be happy with their new companion. We all enter into this union with the best of intentions and the greatest of expectations. Unfortunately this movie, the dream, does not always unfold as we had hoped it would. Many times we find that our beloved companions develop behaviors that become problematic, or even dangerous. Behaviors such as the lack of house training, stealing and/or chewing inappropriate household items, jumping, barking, unruly or pushy behavior, or at worst, aggression, can quickly discourage our relationship with our dog. For some, this can actually lead to the elimination of the pet from the home or, sadly, euthanasia.
The truth is that most problem behaviors are not due to bad breeding, or genetics. Most problem behaviors are learned as a result of experience, and can be successfully rehabilitated through proper analysis and a structured behavior program. Many factors can contribute to problematic behavior. Communication, whether it is inconsistent, threatening or challenging, can have a profound affect on behavior. A misunderstanding of behavior or applied consequence can also be a contributing factor. The lack of appropriate structure, fixed boundaries and positive, constructive leadership is often a concern. It is not only what we teach, but just as important, how we teach, that has an affect on behavior.
This course is for anyone desiring individual attention to maximize his or her dog's education. This course is designed to meet each client's needs and each dog's level of education.