SERVICES
Every dog no matter what the presenting issue s/he comes with requires training in basic foundation skills. It is these skills that help the dog make the critical mental shift that enables him/her to deal more constructively with the relationship between human and dog. The dog learns, for example, how to listen to the human and submit to the human’s requests without challenging him/her. They are the preparatory skills necessary in helping to resolve nuisance behaviors such as biting, jumping up, and aggression towards other people and dogs. These behaviors are nevertheless dealt with as they come up during foundation skill training. Teaching the dog patience is a major component of the work.
Foundation Skills Include the Following:
- No pulling on the leash
- Sit
- Down (lying down)
- Stay
- Come when called
These are the first three critical skills that the dog must learn. The no-pulling-on-the-leash work includes frequent changes of direction, and stopping and waiting in preparation for the stay command. The “down” command is the true test of the dog’s willingness to submit to the human’s will and is extremely important for this reason.
Foundation skills for a twelve-week old puppy can normally be taught over a two-week period. For an older dog who has already practiced some bad habits, a minimum of 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the dog would be required. This is with the caveat that the owner continue practicing learned skills with his/her dog. Consistency is of utmost importance in the success of the training
Additional skills can be taught as well at the request of the owner and would require additional time depending on the dog.
Additional Skills Include the Following:
- Work Under Additional Distraction
- Down at a Distance
- Heel
- Moving Off Leash
These are the goals, and results will vary.
CHARGES
Work on the foundation and additional skills listed above is conducted at my ranch in Acton, CA. The charge for a 15-day stay at my ranch for training is $600. This would apply to, say, a 12-week old puppy. 45 days foundation-skills training recommended for an older dog would be $1,800.
This includes board and skills training..
It is important that the dog stay at my ranch during training for the following reasons:
- Each day’s training session is conducted within a 45-minute length of time. Some dogs respond better if that 45-minute session is broken up into smaller segments. Others do quite well in one 45-minute period. Having the dog at my ranch gives me the flexibility to work within a timeframe that is most suitable for the particular dog.
- My ranch consists of several large fenced-in corrals. The fencing provides boundaries along which the dog can begin to regulate him/herself during work on the leash. I have found that work along these boundaries helps the dog to relax and focus.
- The normal distractions and behavior patterns the dog is used to in his/her home environment are absent on my ranch. This makes training far quicker, easier, and more effective.
In addition to skills training for your dog, charges include the following:
- Education in my training philosophy
- Training Lines
- Training collar and extra links
- Skills training for the owner
- Phone consultations when the dog is returned home
- Notes and instructions on next steps
Work with dog rescue facilities involves a different agreement and will be negotiated separately.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Dr. Carole Francis-Swayze
661-618-5075
godrideshorses@gmail.com
www.perfectobediencedogtraining.com