Obedience Games
Dog Training
Colorado Springs
Personalized Training
Training with me is a one on one relationship. I develop a specialized training plan specifically for each of my clients and their dogs.
I am the guide, the teacher, the doggy mentor. Yes, I’ll train the dog, but more importantly I’ll make sure you’re capable of communicating, playing, and training your dog yourself, and that you understand how to deploy your obedience to resolve behavior problems.
Below is an example of a training plan for a dog without aggression, excess fear, or potty training issues, which are all problems I regularly work with and will certainly incorporate into your dog’s plan if needed. Every plan, like every dog, will be different, but should give you a broad idea of what training might look like.
Day 0
Free Consultation/Lesson
We’ll meet at your home and based on what you tell me and what I see in your dog, I’ll do my best to diagnose the root causes of your problems and give my recommendations on a training plan. I’ll teach you a few skills that will get you started, and if you decide to train with me, I’ll even give you your first homework!
Day 1
Communication
We start by taking a step back to establish a clear line of communication between you and your dog. You’ll learn Markers, proper Timing, and the appropriate form and role of Rewards and Discipline.
Commands: Sit, Down
Day 2
Loose Leash & Focus
We’ll take our first steps to building a loose leash walk, devoid of any pulling. You’ll learn your first Focus drills so you can begin getting your dog’s attention away from the distractor (squirrel, another dog, etc.) and onto you.
Commands: Front, Tap
Day 3
Obedience Games
The heart of my training. You’ll learn a new way to play with your dog that builds up his ability to obey while in high distraction environments, and improves the relationship between you and your dog.
Commands: Drop, Leave It
Day 4
Holding & Heeling
Sit, Down, Place, and Heel (among others) are commands that imply a hold. You’ll learn how clearly and calmly relate this to your dog. Heel work begins.
Commands: Touch, Heel
Day 5
Leash Dance
We’re building upon your loose-leash training by adding a few leash drills, correcting inconsistencies, and incorporating previously learned skills. We want to be moving together as one with the leash as a helpful guide rather than a rope to keep the dog from running off.
Day 6
Advanced Positioning
We’re continuing to develop the Heel and will begin advanced focus work. We should now have workable tools (obedience) and you’ll how you can use these tools in different difficult situations.
Commands: Watch, Place
Day 7
Field Trip
We’ll meet at an open area where your dog can run and explore, usually a park, where you’ll learn long-line recalls, further develop our Obedience Games, and build up your dog’s ability to obey in a high distraction environment. You’ll learn how to reward for excellence.
Commands: Stand, Back
Day 8
Service Tasks & Tricks
If you want a service dog, this is where we start training his specific tasks. Regardless, we’ll ensure you understand the logic behind training whatever new commands you wish, now and forever.
Commands: Bring, Carry, Tricks/Service Tasks
Day 9
Shopping Trip
We’ll meet at a local store (usually a pet or home improvement store) and generalize his training by using our obedience tools to control him in a novel, high-distraction, pubic environment.
Day 10
Future Growth
You should have a toolbox full of obedience tools capable of handling any problem. We’ll make sure you’re prepared for whatever comes and have a plan for continuing to build on your relationship and obedience.
