Basic Curriculum
If you are interested in becoming a trainer, or in becoming an entity which will train trainers, contact me. As a state certified educator since 1992, I have written and implemented many curricula, and continue to do so as a dog trainer since 2002. Contact me for information and associated fees.
The basic curriculum for puppies is:
Handling and socialization
Impulse control
Bite inhibition
Respect for human space and boundaries
Appropriate ways and times to give your dog attention so he doesn’t become a “brat.”
Basic cues, including emergency cues that could save your dog’s life.
Housetraining and crate training (if desired)
Appropriate Greeting of and play with o ther Dogs (and, when and which ones you should avoid)
Babies 101
Other Animals (where relevant)
Equipment and Grooming 101
The Basic Curriculum for Mature Dogs or Dogs Over Six Months:
Impulse control
Bite inhibition
Respect for human boundaries and space
Basic cues, including cues that can save your dog’s life
Basics such as attention; sit; stand; stay; down; wait; drop it; leave it; wait; stay; and, more, customized to your needs.
Training of tricks is appropriate and fun with dogs at ANY age! Tricks are a great way to keep your dog’s mind stimulated and to bond with your dog. Since no outcome of reliability is usually expected, tricks training is a great way to work in a “no pressure” way with your dog, and can work wonders with fearful or aggressive dogs if trained in the proper manner.
Basic equipment needed for training are a flat buckle collar or harness; a six-foot leather or woven leash; and, a reward system. NO Flexi leashes are allowed for Basic Training and for puppies. Flexi leashed MAY be used during Intermediate and/or Advanced Training, depending on how you would like the training customized and what skills you would like your dog to learn.
While I teach off leash training, there are certain breeds and certain conditions under which I discourage customers to allow their dogs off leash. These can be discussed at your first appointment with me.
All of the above-mentioned are Basic cues which can be trainined to an advanced level over time. It takes six to eight lessons to complete each level of training with me, and a couple or several months of work on your part to have your dog become reliable, or “fluent,” at which time you can progress with me to the next level. There’s a lot to learn, and if you concentrate on training and behavior for the first year of your dog’s life, and are consistent, you will have a well-trained dog for LIFE with simple maintenance. A well-trained dog is a joy and a wonderful companion.