Comfortable & Cooperative Care

6 one-hour class sessions PREREQUISITE: PREP Class (see special notes below) Go to list of all courses to learn more about prerequisite class(es)

Does your dog start to worry when you turn toward the vet’s office or groomer instead of the park? Does your dog run and hide when you reach for the nail clippers? Are you constantly struggling to give your dog eye drops or ear medication, even though you’re just trying to help your dog? Imagine instead a dog who willingly cooperates with these necessary procedures, and partners with you to get things done easily, quickly, and comfortably. This course is designed to help your dog be less fearful at the vet or groomer’s so care can be painless and trouble-free for both of you!

Special Notes: Dogs should be clicker savvy, have good eye contact, and be able to lie down on cue (with a lure is fine). If you’re not sure if your dog is ready for this class, please contact us. This class will not be covering those basic items, so while Family Dog Manners I is not a prerequisite for this class, it is recommended that you take Family Dog Manners I first if needed.

This class is best suited for:  Any clicker-savvy dogs and their owners who are struggling with husbandry practices, or owners who are looking to build a foundation of happy husbandry for a life time of easy, straight-forward care.

Min/Max Enrollment:  4/6

Bring the Following to Class
- Flat buckle collar or harness
- 4-6 foot leash
- Water and water dish
- A comfortable mat or bed for your dog
- Small high value treats, such as cheese, hotdogs, sausage, chicken, etc.
- A pouch or deep pockets for easy access to treats
- Dog nail trimmers
- Well-fitted basket muzzle (wait to purchase this until indicated in class)
- Clicker

You will learn:
- Counter-conditioning skills to help reverse issues you have already witnessed in your care routine
- What Conditioned Emotional Responses are and how we change them
- “Start Button” behaviors
- Foundation skills for teaching cooperative care routines beyond the classroom

Your Dog will learn:
- Relaxation on a mat
- To offer specific behaviors to cue you to begin care routine
- To be a willing and eager participant in care routines
- To accept handling of feet and ears for easy toenail trimming, grooming and vet visits
- To accept restraint and a muzzle, if needed in an emergency situation