| In-home training |
| Wild Canine provides in-home training for dogs whose owners are too busy or unable to come to classes, or for dogs unable to learn in a class environment due to anxiety, fear or aggression. In-home training is tailored specifically to your needs and goals. How does in-home training work? All in-home training begins with an hour-long, face to face behavior consult with Jen. During this time you can discuss your dog's particular behavior issues and training goals. Jen can see your dog's behavior, in the home, where it occurs, assess your goals, lay out a time-frame and help you draw up a realistic, systematic plan for success. Jen will come to your home on a weekly or bi-weekly basis to monitor your progress, give constructive feedback and provide you with lesson plans. During and after this time, Jen is available as a resource to you by phone or e-mail - there is no such thing as too many questions. Who should consider in-home training? In-home training is ideal for very busy owners, people who just want to teach their dogs a few, select skills, people who want to teach their dog out of the ordinary tasks not covered in classes (fetch me a soda, find my keys, get the remote), some very shy dogs, dogs who are very stressed by other dogs, and dogs who need behavior modification for aggression, fear or anxiety. What is behavior modification? Behavior modification is training geared toward changing your dog's emotional state rather than teaching him a new skill. Dogs who lunge and bark at other dogs on leash, growl and snap around their foodbowl, are afraid of strangers, growl at children, or bite for any reason are good examples of dogs who would benefit from behavior modification. Behavior modification is a precise, systematic process that combines strict dog management for safety with proven scientific methods for altering your dog's emotional state. You may have heard of classical conditioning, counter-conditioning, de-sensitization - all are basically terms for getting your dog to feel great or ok about something previously neutral or scary, usually using really tasty food as a reinforcer. Behavior modification should only be carried out under the direction of a dog professional who can recommend safe management techniques, has a strong background in dog behavior, and is fluent in learning theory so they can successfully guide you and your dog toward better behavior. |
