Our training philosophy is strongly imbedded in 4 short words……”First, do no harm”.

Our Instructors and Assistants draw on many years of training experience, in many different arenas of dog sports, with many different breeds of dogs.

We firmly believe in the scientific world of learning theory and reward based, positive reinforcement training.

Many years ago, we left behind what is now referred to as “Traditional training”.  This outdated “method” of training believed in giving a dog a command, and when they didn’t react with the desired behavior, we delivered a jerk on the choke chain and leash.  What we didn’t know then, was that our poor dog simply had no idea of what it was we were asking of him.  This may seemingly appear at first to be successful…..rather it caused the dog to “suppress” any behavior at all, which in owner’s minds meant the dog was behaving.  Wrong…the dog simply gave up trying to be right at something instead of learning what it was we were actually trying to teach him, basically they would shut down.

We’ve come soooo far in our understanding of dog behavior….

Our only wish in helping owners train their dogs and understand dog behavior is that we can greatly enhance a dogs’ “fit” in a family and help keep him in that home.

Dogs are not disposable…..

Our instructors are volunteers who are willing to share their years of knowledge and expertise.  They keep current on training methods by attending seminars and workshops throughout Washington State, Oregon, California, as well as BC and Alberta.

      
Please contact Cathy Merrithew for more information.    
    

CLASS SCHEDULE: 

* Registration Form * 

** NEW OPTION **

Attend classes without your dog.  Cost of $45 includes all the same handouts that you would receive if you brought a dog.  Be able to observe and learn from the class and work with your dog at home…..perfect for dogs that may have issues with other dogs and may not be suitable for a class situation.

TESTIMONIALS FROM STUDENTS OF RECENT CLASSES:

What is the greatest benefit you derived from these classes?

-”Attention to me while distracted by the other dogs and owners”
-”Socialization”
-”Proper walking”
-”Fido” comes when called almost all the time, even at the dog park”
-”The ‘proper’ way to train, ie: sit, down, come to me”
-”Overall bonding with my dog and working on coming when called”
- “Seeing that her behaviour is usual”
- “She listens better to commands”
- “The key words to get your puppy to do what you want”
- “Knowledge”
- “Learning the proper words and method to train our puppy- the kids are better trained in how to handle the dog!”
What did you like most about the training program?

“>

- “Interaction with the other dogs”
- “Socialization – my dog listening with a lot of other distractions”
- “It was fun – it didn’t seem like training”
- “The way the dogs interacted and enjoyed each other”

“Thanks again for everything, we learned so much. Hope to see you in the fall so Morgan can win some more races!”

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Recommended Reading…

Paws to Consider: Choosing the Right Dog for You and Your Family.
by Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson.

Reaching the Animal Mind – Clicker Teaching and What It Teaches Us About All Animals
by Karen Pryor

How to Behave So Your Dog Behaves
by Sophia Yin DVM

Before And After Getting Your Puppy
by Dr. Ian Dunbar

Parenting Your Dog
by Trish King

Tail Talk
by Sophie Collins