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Camp Woof Supports Heartland Aussie Rescue

Relationship Training

“Violence begins where knowledge ends”
                   .... Abraham Lincoln

   Dogs are, or should be, members of the family. In fact, the human family becomes the dog’s virtual “pack” and the pack is of enormous importance to every canine and largely determines much of its personality and behavior. Within the natural wolf pack, each individual relates to other individuals based on position in the pack, a sort of pecking order. Within the human family/pack the dog relates to each member, whether adult, child, other dog or cat in a way that is reflective of that natural pack instinct. Sometimes problems arise because the dog sees the relationship one way and the human sees it differently. Understanding the dog's point of view (and helping him to change it) can make what is traditionally referred to as "obedience training" much more logical and allow the humans to experience the joy of living with a different species while maintaining order in their home.

   When there is a lack of understanding and balance between the dog and the human(s) as to what the relationship is, the dog can be anxious, destructive, disobedient, aggressive, defensive or depressed causing all kinds of unwanted behaviors. These behaviors can manifest themselves with one or more adults, or maybe only with children or other pets. The first step in correcting problem behaviors is to understand the relationship dynamics from the dog’s point of view so the dog can relax and learn what it is you want him to do or stop doing. Our experience has been that most, if not all, dogs want to do whatever it takes to make their people happy with them. But many have a hard time “figuring out” what it is we want from them because they are dogs and they see the world through canine eyes. If you want your dog to “get it” you are going to have to learn to speak “dog.” Relax, it’s easy. Relationship Training will teach the person how to communicate with the dog in ways that make sense to him using a very positive, loving approach that also puts the human in the pack position required for he or she to be in charge.

   In recent years there has been a popularity surge in dog training philosophy that is almost totally behavior or learning theory oriented. We are practitioners of behavior modification and agree that on the deepest levels, this is how dogs (and humans) learn. However, we disagree that pack theory and ethology in general are wrong or obsolete, and that all is explained by learning theory. We believe the two broad theories complement each other and that both are valid like wave and particle theories of light. Relationship training uses pack theory and psychology to determine just what’s going on with a dog at the outset, then follows with behavioral techniques. The same applies to the humans in the family. You are probably doing some right things and some wrong things. We will get you doing more of the right things and fewer of the wrong things.

   If this sounds suspiciously like human therapy or Dr. Phil for dogs, it is. And in our own way we’ll teach you how to ask your dog, “How’s that working for you?” But be prepared to have it work both ways. Dr. Phil puts both halves of a couple in the hot seat and requires both to work and make difficult changes. So will we. Not all the behavior change will be in the dog. You and other members of your family will have to commit to work hard, be understanding, and change some of the things you might be doing or not doing that create and perpetuate problems. We are promoters of Cesar Milan “Dog Whisperer,” and as Cesar says, “the difference between a bad dog and a good dog is the owner.”

   Our Relationship Training program includes 3 days of boarding (usually mid-week) at Camp Woof during which time we get to know the dog, see what motivates him, assess what he already knows and how he responds away from his regular home and pack. Then we use that information spending time with the dog and every member of the family in the home. At that point we can begin behavior modification which may be pack wide (remember, this is like family therapy). Once the relationships are redefined as needed and progressing we make sure the humans understand the logic of what we’ve done and know techniques for keeping the direction positive. If needed, we will be available for follow-up sessions and are always available for free telephone and email consults.

   The first phase, the three days at Camp Woof, is $100. This may be part of a scheduled boarding and includes the regular boarding fee for those 3 days. Also included is a report back to you with some of what we have worked on with the dog, and a personal session in which we transfer that knowledge to you. Then we will recommend a course of further sessions in your home as described above. These sessions are best conducted in two-hour blocks and are $75 per session, $175 total for the program. In most cases additional sessions are not needed, but it is important that all family members be involved and focused. As Dr. Phil might say, you will get out of this what you put into it.

   Speaking of what you will get out of it, let’s compare our Relationship Training Program to an ordinary training class. With an ordinary class you will pay about $150 for six or seven classes in a group of usually 15 - 20. All the dogs will do the same routines at the same time. There will be little individual attention and no time for the instructor to get to know your dog well. This kind of class compared to our program is the corollary of warehouse boarding kennels compared to Camp Woof. They are big, we are small. They treat all dogs alike, we treat each dog as a unique individual. In the full Relationship Training Program, your dog will get at least 8 hours of personal attention from one of us, more than the total time in a class (where personal time will be nil) and at about the same price. And two of those hours will be in your home with you and your family and your dog being the sole focus of attention. It is during this time that you and everyone in your family will learn all the how-to’s and why’s you’ll need to eliminate problems and annoyances you’ve been tolerating for too long, and make your dog much happier as well. Also consider follow-up. Our program provides free email and telephone support, and we’ll be very familiar with your dog and the issues you are working on. A class instructor might allow you to call, but chances are she won’t even be able to remember your dog from the group. Your dog and the problems you may be having deserve a trainer’s full undivided attention. If you want to chat about Relationship Training and how it can bring harmony to your home, or want to make an appointment to begin a program call or email Camp Woof.

Specific training modules available for:

Pulling on leash

Barking

Destructive chewing

Introducing dog and baby

Dogs and Kids

Jumping up

Introducing a new dog

and others - just ask!