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Relationship Training

“Violence begins where knowledge ends”€�
 .... Abraham Lincoln

 Dogs are, or should be, members of the family. In fact, the human family  becomes the dog’s virtual “pack”€� and the pack is of enormous importance to every canine and largely determines much of its personality and behavior. Within the natural wolf pack, each individual relates to other individuals based on position in the pack, a sort of pecking order. Within the human family/pack the dog relates to each member, whether adult, child, other dog or cat in a way that is reflective of that  natural pack instinct. Sometimes problems arise because the dog sees the relationship one way and the human sees it differently. Understanding  the dog's point of view (and helping him to change it) can make what is  traditionally referred to as "obedience training" much more logical and allow the humans to experience the joy of living with a different  species while maintaining order in their home.

We call the program relationship training because it is not about teaching specific behaviors like sit and come (that's easy). Instead we focus on what the relationships are within your pack compared to what you want them to be. In most cases, both human and canine pack members need to make some changes. Helping the humans make changes is relatively easy.  We can talk with them and give them stuff to read. We can call them on  the phone and exchange emails. Helping the dogs make changes can be a  little more challenging.

And that's why we now have two Relationship Programs to better meet the  needs of you and your dog. Our new "Alpha Now" program is an intensive  stay at Camp Woof followed by a series of consultations in your home. It is called Alpha Now because it's goal is to make "you" the alpha (pack  leader) in your family/pack in the shortest time possible. It is  recommended for dogs with more serious problems and for owners who  physically cannot do the extensive daily follow-up work the dog needs,  or do not have the concentrated time. The other program involves more do-it-yourself (DIY) from the owner as they take over the daily drills after the dog spends two days at Camp Woof. The owner will be a large  part of the process either way, but in one program she will begin with a dog that has already received more professional training as a foundation.

Here is an overview of our two programs. Read through and feel free to call and chat about your dog and your needs.

The "DIY" Program  $175

1. The dog comes to Camp Woof for a two day stay during which he is  evaluated and we begin training foundations. At pickup the owner  receives some written material on where we believe the dog is now and what the training/rehab strategy should be. It includes several exercises to be worked on daily over the next week or so, and the owner  learns before leaving how to do those exercises correctly.

2. We come to your home to work with you and your family on how to set rules, boundaries and limitations and how to address your particular problems. This is where we teach you to "speak dog." Here you are given a lot of homework for you and your dog! You will be doing exercises with  the dog several times daily and you will learn the correct techniques.

3. We stay in touch by phone and email as you execute this phase of the  training, and get together if there are any serious issues.

4. Next we get together again a week or two later, often in a public place this time. We review everything you and your dog have learned, and deal with any outstanding problems. By this point, if you do your part, you will have become your dog's adored pack leader and he will be your happy and willing follower!

You will learn:

* The top five mistakes dog owners make with training and how to avoid them.

* The "language" of dogs. Your dog is telling you what's causing his problem behavior, you just aren't "listening."

* Four simple approaches to help your dog become "balanced" and happy, and put you in charge.

* How rewards (reinforcement) are a helpful tool, and how they can be very damaging.

If you already plan to have your dog at Camp Woof anyway for a stay of two days or longer, you may combine the program and save $50!

Specific training modules available for:

Pulling on leash

Barking

Destructive chewing

Introducing dog and baby

Dogs and Kids

Jumping up

Introducing a new dog

and others - just ask!