Our Training | Class Schedules | Group Classes | Behavior Counseling
Private Training | Aggression Specialists | Seminars | Agility Classes | Registration Forms
About Our Training
The Good Dog Spot! offers a variety of training opportunities to fit the needs of almost any dog owner. There are group classes for puppies and dogs, individual/private instruction, behavior counseling for problem dogs, dog agility classes, and educational seminars and workshops.
All of the training at The Good Dog Spot! is based on operant conditioning, also known loosely as "clicker training" and "positive reinforcement training". This type of training is based on the proven, scientific understanding of how all learning takes place. Almost all animal actors and marine mammals (whales and dolphins) are trained using positive reinforcement. Many service dogs, such as police dogs and guide dogs for the blind, are also now being trained with "clicker training".
For all training, please call us at (860) 243-5500
FALL 2006 COURSE SCHEDULE
For full course descriptions, please ask for a brochure.
Puppy Kindergarten - 7 weeks Canine Companion Basics - 7 weeks Rally-O - 6 weeks Manners & More - 6 weeks Simsbury
Puppy Kindergarten - 7 weeks Canine Companion Basics - 7 weeks Puppy Kindergarten - 7 weeks Canine Companion Basics - 7 weeks Rally-O - 6 weeks Tricks - 5 weeks Manners & More - 5 weeks Therapy Dog Prep Class - 8 weeks Canine Companion Basics - 8 weeks Beginning Agility - 8 weeks Agility Level 2 - 8 weeks We also offer private instruction in your home, at your convenience and at a reasonable cost.
Group Classes for Puppies and Dogs Our classes are geared toward building clear communication, a dog who is responsive to commands, and the cementing of a strong relationship between you and your pet. You'll leave these classes with a better understanding of your dog and you'll be able to include your dog in family activities at home and in public. All classes use positive reinforcement training with some classes specifically using clickers.
Benefits:
- Increased attentiveness from your dog
- Socialization with other dogs and people
- An economical way to obtain a lot of information and practice
Behavior Counseling and Private Instruction
Many clients prefer or need to receive individual attention. For these clients we offer private sessions.
Benefits:
- Scheduling based on your needs
- Solutions tailored to your specific situation
- Intensive support during the application of behavior modification programs
Aggression Specialists
The Good Dog Spot! has a team of trainers experienced and ready to deal with canine aggression in CT and MA. Our treatment for aggressive behaviors uses behavior modification principles based on an understanding of the science of “learning theory,” the study of how all beings learn. You will be given realistic goals, taught how to safely handle your dog during the training process and how to gradually get the desired behavior. We do not use aggressive treatment (staring, choking, dominating) to achieve results and will include an explanation about why we prefer a positive reinforcement, behavioral approach as we work with you and your dog.
The process begins with an interview session, in which we assess the situation in order to place you into the right training program for you. The interview, which is a 2-hour session and includes initial homework and safety information, is $75. It can be done at your home or our building. The cost of continuing to work on the problem with visits from a trainer varies by individual case.
An additional benefit of working with us on your aggression problem is that your trainer is part of our team and will be able to take advantage of the “two heads are better than one” idea that being in communication with other trainers offers. We will also be happy to work along with your veterinarian to establish that there is no medical reason for the problem as well as when/if medication is recommended. If treatment fails to meet the desired goals, we can refer you to colleagues in New England who are true “behaviorists,”having a Ph.D. or Veterinary degree with a specialization in animal behavior.
Seminars and Workshops Sometimes all a person wants or needs is a little bit of information. The Good Dog Spot! offers occasional seminars on a variety of topics. Popular topics include: Selecting a family dog; housebreaking; leash walking; and dog and kids.
Agility Classes
Dog agility is a rapidly growing sport in which the dog runs up, over and through a wide variety of obstacles, directed by the handler. Whether you decide to formally compete or not, agility is a great confidence builder for the dogs. It provides the dogs with an enjoyable physical and mental stimulation. Our agility equipment is professional, regulation quality, and we offer classes in both fun agility and competition agility.
34 Tunxis Avenue Bloomfield, Connecticut Copyright © 2003 - 2006. The Good Dog Spot! All rights reserved.
