Category: Course Descriptions
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The Positive Reinforcement Approach — Reading List
The Power of Positive Dog Training, Pat Miller, 2001, Howell Book House. Positive Perspectives, Pat Miller, 2004, Dogwise Books. On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals, Turid Rugaas, 1997, Legacy by Mail. Excel-Erated Learning, Pam Reid, Ph.D., 1996, James and Kenneth Publishers. The Other End of the Leash, Patricia McConnell, Ballantine Books Don’t Shoot the…
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Why Take Foundations
Part of being a responsible dog owner is teaching our dogs the rules of the world we live in. A well-trained dog is joy. At Great Companions we use positive, force-free methods to help you build a positive relationship with your dog. Our goal is to make training fun for both you and your dog. …
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Our Approach — FAQ
Q: Is my dog dominant? A: The concepts of “dominance” and “alpha” were originally incorrectly applied to dogs. These concepts came about as the result of studies on captive wolves. While dogs have descended from wolves, they are NOT wolves. They are domesticated dogs. I prefer to use the concept of “benevolent leader”; this indicates…
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Advanced Manners
Course Description The objective for ADVANCED MANNERS is to provide further structure, motivation, and new skills for the human-canine team who enjoy working together and wish to continue to enhance their communications. It also serves as a stepping stone for entry into the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) preparedness coursework or entry into the world of…
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Puppies!
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR NEW PUPPY! That little bundle of fur, paws and ears will be lots of fun, but he will also be sure to cause TONS of frustrations in the first few months. Here are some suggestions to help you make puppy’s transition to his new home a little easier. First, take a Puppy…
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Courses
Training and Obedience Puppy Manners & Socialization This six-week course is designed for puppies aged 9-16 weeks. It is a wonderful introduction to both puppies and their people into the world of, well, puppies and people! There are three sections to the course: owner information, early obedience, and puppy socialization. All three are equally important,…
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Puppies! Part 2
WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR NEW PUPPY! Click here for Part 1 Teach your puppy that people and hands near his food bowl are wonderful things. Start his meal with an empty food bowl. Then place a handful of his food in there. While he’s eating that, add another handful. Continue this until his…
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Agility Levels Explained
CONTROL FOR AGILITY Without a doubt, the hardest part of doing agility is keeping your excited and energetic dog in control.You’ll never qualify in an agility event if you and your dog don’t work together as a team. Even if you’re not competing and doing agility just for fun, you need a dog who pays…
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Puppy Manners & Socialization
Course Description The objectives of this course are many: to allow puppies to socialize with other puppies and humans; to teach owners the importance of socialization of their dogs, particularly at a very young age; to impart owner information on canine care, to help puppy owners learn to effectively address common puppy challenges, and to…
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Fearful & Reactive Dogs
What happens when you realize there’s another dog (or a jogger or bicycle) in the vicinity? Do you cringe? Do you get that sinking feeling because you know what’s about to happen? Do you tighten up on the leash in anticipation of the lunging? Do you hold your breath? What happens when your dog starts…