Dog Training

By: Naturally Wild Holistic Animal Care

 

 

 

Having a happy, well behaved dog is something we all hope to have. It doesn't always happen. Your addition to the family could be a new puppy, a rambunctious adolescent, an older canine companion or your reactive rover that has developed issues at home or with other people or animals.

We have available either a private one-on-one service (particularly for problem dogs) or group classes. I encourage as many members of the family to attend the training so everyone can be involved with fun learning with their pet.

Type of training - positive, motivational, relationship based training through pet/owner interaction, food and toys (no check/choker chains used).

Private Training
Private lessons can either occur at your own home, my home, or at Yarra Bend Park (outside of group class times). These lessons generally cover basic obedience, home structure and social interaction in the great outdoors (basically any of the group class content or anything else you wish to train for, excluding behaviour problems - see animal behaviour). You will receive an information handout if relevant to training conducted.

• Requirements: dogs must have current vaccination.
• Cost: $50/hr from set location or $70/hr for mobile service
• Duration: is on individual attendance (multipe session saver available)

 

Group Classes
All group classes are limited to a maximum of 6 dogs so everyone gets some personel one-on-one time to develop your skills and work through problems you may be having. Classes are particularly useful in providing controlled social interactions with other dogs.

 

This teaches them acceptable social skills for those that frequent dog parks. It also makes for more fun and a chance to meet other people to see outside of classes for dog walks, etc.

Classes available are puppy school, adolescent/novice adult, advanced, tricks/sports and reactive rover. Each class lasts for 50min and is either a week by week attendance or last for 6 weeks.

Puppy School
Young puppies have a very sensitive imprinting period where behaviours that are learnt early are generally ingrained more heavily than behaviours learned later in life. Starting your training from an early age gives you the advantage of being able to lay down a good foundation and build very strong long lasting behaviours. The primary focus is to create excellent socialisation skills (make shy puppies less fearful, bully pups less intimidating and both to interact in a friendly manner). It is also the goal to teach you the owner/ gaurdian how to communicate well and to teach them things that you want them to know.

• Requirements: at commencement puppies must be aged between 8 and 16 weeks, have current vaccination and not have any infectious diseases.
• Cost: $150 per dog per course
• Duration: 5 weeks

 

Below is an example of some of the things that are taught during classes:

• Socialisation
• Basic commands
• Bite inhibition
• Self control
• Handling/grooming
• Preventing problems
• Quiet time
• Meal manners

 

Juvenile/Novice Adults 1 & 2
Focused primarily on socialisation, developing learning and control basics. The class consists of two levels which your dog can attend. The first level covers similar skills to the puppy school (if you have attended puppy school there is an option once assessed of jumping directly to level 2). The Ideal Dogs of Australia certification is included within level 2 which is government certified and covers life skills and greater control.

• Requirements: at commencement dogs must be 5 months or older, have current vaccination and not have any infectious diseases
• Cost: Juvenile/Novice Adults: $150 per dog per course (dogs repeating $90 or $15 per class)
• Duration: 6 weeks for each level.

Below is an example of some of the things that are taught during classes:

• Level 1
  • Socialisation
  • Basic commands
  • Bite inhibition
  • Self control
  • Handling/grooming
  • Preventing problems
  • Quiet time
  • Meal manners
• Level 2
  • Car safety
  • Walking through crowds
  • Reaction to distraction
  • Stays
  • Alone time
  • Improved focus

 

Advanced School
These classes develop the skills learned in previous classes and introduces further advanced skills. A much higher level of control is attained with you and your dog improving on the communication and relationship.

• Requirements: at commencement dogs must be 9 months or older, have current vaccination and not have any infectious diseases. Juvenile/novice adult course must be successfully completed
• Cost: $160 per dog per course (dogs repeating $120 or $20 per class)
• Duration: 6 weeks

 

Below is an example of some of the things that are taught during classes:

• Distance commands
• Retrieve
• Scent descrimination
• Long stays
• Directional commands
• Introduction to agility equipment

Tricks/Sports
Provides environment to develop relationship further through fun games, tricks, and agility.

• Requirements: at commencement dogs must be older than 5 months, have current vaccination and not have any infectious diseases. Juvenile/novice adult course must be successfully completed
• Cost: $20 per dog per class or $100 for 6 pre-booked classes
• Duration: is on individual attendance

Below is an example of some of the things that are taught during classes:

• Tunnel
• Jump
• Table
• See-saw
• Weaves
• Shake
• Beg
• Roll-over
• Crawl
• Speak
• Spin
• Jump through arms

 

Reactive Rover
Do you find yourself apologising to visitors for your dogs behaviour or avoiding going for walks because you don't know what might happen? Then these classes may be helpful for you and your dog.
 

The classes are ideally suited for those more challenging dogs that are too reactive/excitable/aggressive to attend regular classes. These dogs are generally fearful, protective and overstimulated by other dogs.

Each class is limited to no more than 4 dogs to provide a safe environment so they can learn how to behave more appropriately when around other dogs and people. Head collars and muzzles may be used to provide further safety.

• Requirements: at commencement dogs must have current vaccination and not have any infectious diseases. Each dog is assessed and has private training before joining this class
• Cost: $15 per dog per class or $80 for 6 pre-booked classes. For assessment prior to classes standard fee apples for private behavioural lesson ($70 or $90).
• Duration: is on individual attendance (multipe session saver available)