Carolyn's Service Descriptions
Dog Obedience Massachusetts
My programs are all based on the science and art of clicker training. Although the type of marker (box clicker, voice or whistle) may vary, the method based on positive reinforcement and engages the dog in the learning process. The use of food, toys and play or whatever YOUR dog may love is the key to motivation. Motivation is the key to learning along with thoughtful and well timed use of motivators as reinforcement for the behaviors you want to be repeated and learned.
Behavior Consultations are designed to help you solve the more complex and serious problems that can occur in pet dogs. Does your dog overreact every time he or she see’s another dog, person or bicycle? Fill in the blank for your dog’s trigger that begins a barking frenzy. Or maybe you have a dog that panics when you leave home or one who protects possessions by snarling and snapping.
In the initial 2 hour meeting with you and your dog I will take a detailed history and evaluate your dog. We will come up with a plan of appropriate management, desensitization and training as needed for the situation. Recommendations for follow-up training will be made.
Consultations can be in your home depending on your location or at DLC in Hudson MA or at the MSPCA Nevins Farm, Methuen MA. To register for a consult in your home or at DLC contact Carolyn at cbdogs@aol.com. To register for a consult in Methuen at MSPCA go to www.MSPCA.org and go to dog training at Nevins Farm.
Private Lessons are for Agility, Earth Dog, Retrieve and General Clicker skills etc. however, not for behavior problems. Coaching and guidance in training challenges of all kinds can be tailored to your individual needs in a private lesson. A lesson can be a nice boost to your training class. Private lessons are at DLC in Hudson. To register for a lesson at DLC contact Carolyn at cbdogs@aol.com.
CLASSES
Agility Classes: Enjoy a fun and challenging sport with your dog. A great way to give your dog a job to do and have fun doing it!
- Beginner Agility 1: 6 weeks, Combines a foundation on all agility equipment and foundation skills to handle your dog on a course. Pre-requisite of 2 levels basic clicker training for general control or equivalent. Dogs should be able to sit, lie down, stay come, and walk with you on leash.
- Beginner Agility 2: 6 weeks, Continues to build upon skills started in agility 1.
- Beginner Agility 3: Begin to put the foundation skills together and work on basic sequences and handling skills. Expand foundation skills.
- Intermediate Agility: Expand and continue handling skills, distance skills, work towards full height equipment for mature dogs.
- Advanced Agility: Preparing for competition levels. Expand skills in you and your dog. This is the level to finish off preparation for competition.
Reactive Dog Beginner Agility Classes 1-2-3 and Reactive Intermediate Agility: These classes are designed for dogs that are reactive towards other dogs, have been in regular reactive classes and need a place to continue to practice being around dogs in a safe environment. Pre-requisite: consultation and basic reactive obedience class. For more information email Carolyn at cbdogs@aol.com.
Clicker Learning Lab: This is YOUR class. A project oriented class that you can design around your training needs. You come to class with a project or two and I may add another one or two as well. You should have good clicker skills; this is not a beginner class for dog or handler. Some past projects: discriminations, sight or scent, retrieve, complex tricks, pulling, cueing. Be creative!
Clicker Competition Obedience Class
From novice to utility preparation for competition or fun. Basic foundation of sit, down, walk on leash and basic knowledge of clicker training for dog and handler are required. Happy to work with crossovers. 4 weeks $100 or 8 weeks $200. Small class shorter times: 1 team 20 minutes, 2 teams 40 minutes, 3 or more 1 hour. Email Carolyn for schedule: cbdogs@aol.com
NOSE Work Classes: This fun activity channels your dog’s natural curiosity and interest in using his nose. Much like bomb detection dogs, your dog will learn to find a designated scent while getting mental and physical exercise! Most dogs can participate including shy or overly energetic dogs, puppies, and seniors. Participate for fun or get ready to compete in this upcoming sport. Consists of Intro to Search, Search, Intro to Scent, and Scent classes.
Earth dog: Above ground tunnels at DLC. Beginner and problem solving classes or private lessons. Full below ground tunnel private lessons available with Carolyn in Groton MA
Tracking Class: Learn about scent work with your dog in tracking classes designed to prepare you and your dog for AKC type tracking events. Your dogs already know how to track; we are just teaching what we want them to track. Level 1 class will introduce you to the beginning steps of training your dog to follow a human scent on natural terrain. Level 2 classes will expand on this preparation, building distance and age to the tracks. Level 3 will problem solve and add new elements for more advanced training. If you cannot make a class time private lessons are available. For more info on AKC tracking program see www.akc.org/events/tracking/. Any age over 8 weeks no prior training needed for tracking! First class at DLC, following classes may move about the area for best fields.
Advanced tracking dogs: If you have an advanced dog and would like a private lesson contact Carolyn at cbdogs@aol.com.
What to bring to tracking: We track in ALL weather rain or shine bring; water, boots, bug stuff, rain gear, sunscreen, sunscreens for car, crate etc anything you and your canine partner need to be comfy outdoors. Bring a hungry dog, great treats, an old leather glove of YOURS cloth ok, tracking or sled dog type harness, 30 foot lead, short ok to start with (I recommend cotton).
Check our schedule for Dog Obedience Massachusetts.
We serve the following areas: Acton, Berlin, Bolton, Boxborough, Carlisle, Clinton, Concord, Framingham, Harvard, Marlborough, Maynard, Northborough, Shrewsbury, Southborough, Stow, Sudbury, Wayland, Westborough, West Boylston, Worcester
