Calm Down Class

3 one-hour class sessions PREREQUISITE: PREP Class Go to list of all courses to learn more about prerequisite class(es)

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THIS CLASS HAS SPECIAL RELEVANCE AT THIS POINT IN TIME…Because of the pandemic, we have all had to curtail our social lives, including those we normally would have included our dogs in.  But isolation from the world has not helped many dogs become socially astute and well adjusted…quite the opposite.  If your dog has “gone a bit wild” during the pandemic lock-down, this class may be just the ticket to more calm walks, more fun, and less angst.  Many people are having a bit of “feisty trouble” due to dogs being isolated…so don’t feel like you are the only one!

 Do you sometimes feel your dog needs to take a chill pill around dogs and/or people?  Is your dog a bit “rough around the edges” outside the home?  Barking at people and dogs?  Nervous or frightened?  Or is your dog the reverse: a socially inappropriate over-the-top friendly but lunging social greeter?  Calm Down Class is designed to help you help your dog build socially acceptable skills around people and dogs and build confidence.  This is only a three-week class.  What can you accomplish in three weeks?  You can learn the researched protocols that help dogs calm down, and practice techniques to help your dog focus on you and stay calm.  We teach the protocols – you do the practice at home and in other venues to develop and solidify new behaviors in your fuzzy companion. 

Special Notes: This class IS NOT FOR THE AGGRESSIVE DOG!!!   You’ll need two points of physical contact for your feisty (but not aggressive) dog.  Read “bring the following to class” carefully.  Do not expect to leave after three classes with a calm dog.  Expect to learn HOW to build a calm dog and initially practice the techniques in class.  Achieving a calm dog will require work outside class.  It is both a worthy goal and achievable!  But you have to expect the first class may be quite loud, so be prepared.

This class is best suited for:  people who want to work toward helping their dog be calm in everyday situations, such as being around people and dogs. This is especially appropriate for people who were making progress training their dogs and then got hit with isolation or a damaging experience for the dog which changed their dog’s behavior.

Min/Max Enrollment:  4/8

Bring the Following to Class

-you need two points of physical contact:
1. flat buckle collar with attached leash
2. harness with attached leash worn at same time as collar
Note: a head halter can be one point of contact, IF the dog is already used to wearing it

-sturdy, strong 6 foot leashes appropriate to size and vigor of dog
-water and water dish
-the best treats in the world like deli roast beef
-regular doggy treats (tiny pieces)
-an old sweatshirt or jacket with big front pockets for your treats
(you want fast, easy access to plenty of tiny treats)
-your clicker (you will receive one in PREP class)

You will learn:
- how distance impacts behavior
- how to identify thresholds in dogs before they go over them
- several different focusing techniques for getting and keeping your dog’s attention
- how to use movement to break a pattern
- how to use positive reinforcement to stop, not reinforce, negative behaviors
- to analyze antecedents and problem solve undesired behaviors
-  where and how to practice safely
-  the click-to-calm protocol
- situational awareness for avoiding dog/dog/people negative encounters
- how your own level of confidence influences your dog’s behavior

Your Dog will learn:
- to focus on you when the environment starts to feel upsetting
- to move with you away from disturbing things
- to practice good attention-to-you skills around other dogs in a controlled setting
- to do other behaviors besides bark to get attention or report
- to trust you will handle situations that arise so he/she doesn’t have to
- activities to refocus nervous, anxious tensions