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Difficult Dog I

Please see our home page for current class calendar.

Links:   Difficult Dog Questionnaire

Can't take your dog anywhere?

Walking your dog at midnight?

Attend a class designed for dogs that are difficult in normal group classes, that bark, lunge, become excited, reactive or aggressive towards other dogs while on leash. This class is designed to make you a more confident handler with the tools to train, control, relax and refocus your dog.

This new 8-week, positive reinforcement course is designed to help you desensitize a dog that aggresses towards unfamiliar dogs while on leash. You will learn why your dog behaves aggressively, what are the triggers for the behavior, how to reduce reactivity and how to best manage the environment to improve your dog's quality of life. You will learn about brain functions, arousal levels, recovery time, canine communication signals and how to use counter-conditioning and desensitization.

This class is taught in an open sports field with lots of distance between teams. Please be aware that Difficult Dog is a highly structured and controlled class that will work strictly on your dog's reaction to other dogs while on leash. Class is taught via walkie-talkie. The class meets once a week and attendance at all classes is required. All family members are encouraged to attend.

The first class is a MANDATORY, humans-only orientation that will cover overview of the course and the handbook, leash handling, positive reinforcement training, things to look out for with your dog, the ins and outs of counter conditioning, meet your human classmates and house keeping items for the course. No dogs please! You will have plenty to learn without having your dog there.

The Difficult Dog class is taught by Daphne Roberts-Hamilton. Daphne teaches over the hill and we are bringing her here to provide us with a local option for a positive reinforcement difficult dog class without all the driving. Daphne attended the San Francisco SPCA's Academy for Dog Trainers and obtained her Certificate in Training and Behavior Counseling and their 280 hour internship program specializing in dog aggression. She received honors for her Certificate in Dog Aggression. .

Daphne was a dressage horse instructor/trainer for 12 years before switching to dogs. She competed extensively with her two Doberman Pinschers in obedience (achieved Top 20 Obedience with both dogs within the Doberman Pinscher Club of America), they also competed in flyball, show conformation and dabbled in agility. They won numerous high scoring working dog trophies, HIT - highest scoring dog in trial, and a lot of 1st place scores above 195/200.

Number of Dogs: 4 minimum/8 maximum. Included: 200 page class handbook.

Cost for this special 8 weeks class: $275 (includes 8 classes with an aggression specialist, football field rental in Soquel and 200 page class handbook)

Course Prerequisites

  1. Pre-screening is necessary before acceptance to this class. In order to help us determine whether you and your canine companion will benefit from this class, please fill out and submit the Difficult Dog Questionnaire, which will then be reviewed by the course trainer.
  2. Owners must be able to hold on to their dog or come up with a way to anchor the dog for security and safety purposes.
  3. Dogs must be on a Gentle Leader, Newtrix collar or Easy Walk harness. Choke chains, prong collars or shock collars will not be allowed in this positive reinforcement class.
  4. Owners will need to attend the mandatory orientation without dogs.
  5. Attendees must read "How to Right a Dog Gone Wrong" by Pamela Dennison prior to orientation.
  6. Dogs must be licensed and have proof of DHLP combination, Rabies & Bordatella vaccines.
  7. Basket muzzle work is a possibility.

Due to the nature of the dogs' behavior, class time might run 30 - 45 minutes.

Difficult Dog Class Policies

Required Reading

HOW TO RIGHT A DOG GONE WRONG: A ROADMAP FOR REHABILITATING AGGRESSIVE DOGS
by Pamela Dennison

A roadmap for rehabilitating any dog that has aggressive tendencies, whether it is a puppy that shows aggression when you remove the food bowl, a dog-aggressive dog that you are afraid to walk in the park, or a dog that is aggressive towards family and friends.

 

Difficult Dog classes are not a cure for your dog but they will show you how to handle and train your dog to work toward your goals and they will give you the opportunity to practice with other dogs.

Please call 831-476-9065 if you have any questions.
 
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