Seminars

We offer several SEMINARS here at Dog’s Day Out. Some are human-only and some are attended with your dog. Check them out!

PUPPY 101: 1.5 hour seminar for humans only.
Have a new puppy or thinking of getting one? Just miss getting into a puppy class? This  seminar will get you started on the basics of what you need to know to raise a great pup! We will discuss the best methods of management, house breaking, desensitization, socialization  and stages of canine development. Included in the price of this class isPuppy Primer by Patricia McConnell PhD & Brenda Scidmore. INSTRUCTOR: Danette Johnston, LVT, CPDT

INTRO TO K9 NOSE WORK WORKSHOP
This 3 hour workshop (which you can attend with or without your dog) will introduce you to the newest dog sport sweeping the nation! Almost any dog can do it including your puppy, senior or “difficult” dog. Got nose? We’ve got fun for you! INSTRUCTOR: Erica Wells, CNWI

LEASH WALKING/RECALL
In this one-hour class we will tackle two of the biggest issues people have with their dog – walking on a loose leash and getting their dog to come! We will discuss, demo and practice easy loose leash walking techniques as well as easy ways to teach your dog a reliable recall command.Dogs must be non-reactive with others dogs (meaning that are not lunging, barking, snapping at others when on leash). Normal young dog exuberance is OK but if your dog is not able to redirect to you please ask us if our Difficult Dog class may be more appropriate for you.This class is open for dogs 4 months and up! So, if your dog is too old for PUPPY and too young for BASICS this is a great class to give them a jump start! This is also a good class for those dogs (and humans) who need a little “refresher.”

TAKING IT TO THE STREETS!: 3 week crash course in leash walking. Prerequisite: The Basics at DDO or equivalent with instructor approval (please let us know where/when you took Basic obedience). This course is NOT for dogs who are reactive on lease (see DIFFICULT DOG for that). In this course we will give you the tools to make your walks fun again by helping you connect to the other end of the leash. We will be working outside in the “real world” weeks 2 and 3 using positive reinforcement training to keep both you and your dog in the “no-pull” zone. No flexi-leashes, choke or prong collars allowed. Head collars and front-clip harnesses are encouraged. INSTRUCTOR: Erica Wells

BARKS & BABES: 1.5 hr seminar for humans only. 
Remember when your dog was your only baby? Times have changed! Whether you are planning, expecting or already in the throes of parenthood, this class is for you! Barks & Babes covers topics involved in the management of living with baby and dog and keeping all healthy and happy. Among other things, we will discuss safety (for both dog and baby), disease/parasites, desensitizing dog to baby sounds/movements, and how to walk and exercise your dog with baby in tow. INSTRUCTOR: Danette Johnston, LVT, CPDT and MOM!

LEASH WALKING 101 : 
Tired of all that pulling and dragging??!! This one hour workshop deals exclusively with teaching your dog to walk with you on a loose leash. Positive training methods used (no choke chains, pinch collars or retractable leashes). Please bring your dog on a regular collar, head collar or harness, a leash no longer than 6 ft. and plenty of yummy treats your dog loves (tiny, soft bits are best). Pre-registration required. This class is for friendly, non-reactive/non-aggressive dogs on leash. If your dog is reactive (barking, lunging on leash) please contact us for an appropriate class.

“WHAT IN THE WORLD IS HE THINKING” SEMINAR: (human only)
Most dogs don’t do what we want them to do not because they are “spiteful,” “mad,” or “bored;” but because they just don’t get it! A dog is a dog.  He is not a small furry human with four legs.  It is imperative for us humans to try to understand some basic canine behaviors and thought patterns before we can teach them anything we want them to do. This short and lively seminar delves into your dog’s mind to figure out how he thinks; canine “language” and pack structure/mentality are discussed.  We cover how, by using positive reinforcement techniques, you can prevent undesirable behaviors and gain desirable ones.  We will also give you basic tools to become a great (and effective!) leader to your dog.