We offer several seminars and workshops to help you learn about your dog here at Dog’s Day Out. Some are human-only and some are attended with your dog. Check them out!
WEBINARS:
The Reactive Rehab, Understanding Canine Body Language and Barks & Babes webinars are all available for purchase ($25). If you would link to purchase a link to a previously recorded session, email Danette@dogsdayoutseattle.com.
REACTIVE REHAB WEBINAR -2 hour, human only – currently offered virtually- attend from anywhere!
Does your dog bark, lunge, pull towards other dogs, people, bikes etc. when on leash? Whether your dog is reactive because he is fearful or because of a lack of impulse control, in this 2 hour session we will cover techniques to use with your reactive dog. We will discuss appropriate equipment, leash techniques, focus cues, counter conditioning and desensitization, emergency exit “tricks” as well as how to facilitate meeting other dogs and appropriate play.
BARKS & BABES a 90 minute class for humans only that helps prepare and guide expecting parents with the tools and knowledge they need to prepare their pup for the arrival of a new baby. The class covers household safety, desensitization (how to!) for all things baby, reading body language, dog bite prevention, exercise and helpful training cues. Click the Barks & Babes link for more details! Currently offered VIRTUALLY so you can participate from anywhere!
WHAT IN THE WORLD IS HE THINKING? 75 minutes, 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! 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 and how to understand canine “language”. We will discuss theory, management and training techniques. An excellent course for learning effective ways to communicate with your dog. INSTRUCTOR: Danette Johnston, CPDT-KA
UNDERSTANDING CANINE BODY LANGUAGE a 2 hour class for humans only. Your dog is “talking” to you all of the time but are you listening? So many of the problems we have with our dogs stem from miscommunication and the human’s misunderstanding or inability to read the dog’s body language. Do you really know when your dog is anxious, afraid or happy? Studies have shown that many dog guardians do not. In this seminar, you will learn how to “read” your dog and understand just what he is trying to tell you. We will also cover body language in dog-dog play. Your dog has a voice and you should be listening! INSTRUCTOR: Danette Johnston, CPDT-KA. REGISTER HERE! Currently offered VIRTUALLY so you can participate from anywhere!
PUPPY 101: 90 minutes. 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. INSTRUCTOR: Danette Johnston, CPDT-KA
WORKSHOPS: All workshops are taught with science-based, positive reinforcement. No prong/choke collars allowed. TO REGISTER FOR WORKSHOPS go to our Specialty Classes and K9 Nosework pages
INTRO TO NOSEWORK: 2.5 hour workshop for dogs + their humans
Scent work has become increasingly popular because every dog has a nose (that smells about 4000X greater than ours)! Whether you are interested in simply enriching your dog’s life, participating in Nosework trials, hunting truffles or having your dog find your keys, this introductory workshop is for you. Dogs of any age may participate. If your dog is reactive to dogs or people please let us know prior to registering so we can asses if this setting is right for your dog. INSTRUCTOR: Erica Wells, CNWI.
SMART GAMES & ENRICHMENT SAMPLER: 2 hour workshop.
Research (and anyone who has ever lived with a dog!) tells us our dogs need more than just physical exercise; they also need to exercise their brains! Enrichment improves and enhances your dog’s mental state using a range of activities that are designed to challenge and exercise their brains. These activities encourage your dog to problem solve, learn new skills and become more confident. By allowing your dog to engage in her innate behaviors, such as playing, chasing, smelling, chewing and scavenging, you allow her to be physically, emotionally and mentally satisfied.
Looking for some fun things to do with your dog but need ideas or don’t know just where to start? In this class, you can try a few on for size and see how you and your dog like them. In this workshop, you will get to try different enrichment games that you can do at home utilizing Creative Feeding, Trick Training, Nosework and Agility principles.
For this class, dogs must be non-reactive and friendly to both dogs and humans. INSTRUCTOR: Danette Johnston, CPDT-KA
TEENS & TWEENS: 2.5 hour class for dogs 4-12 months old + their humans
Is your teenager driving you crazy? In this 2-hour workshop we will help you understand what is going on in that teenage brain, how best to communicate with your pup, and how to create an enthusiastic learner for the rest of her life. We will cover typical teenage issues such as jumping up, mouthing, overeager greetings, and stealing things! We will also work on relaxation exercises and discuss age-appropriate management and enrichment. Adolescence can be rough – learn to work with your teen to get you both through this sometimes trying time. 4 dog limit.
INSTRUCTORS: These teen classes are taught by both Danette Johnston, CPDT-KA and Erica Wells, CPDT-KA with different, although not opposing curriculums. Want more practice? Register for both instructors courses! If you are looking for a particular instructor, they will be noted on the registration you choose.
LEASH WALKING/RECALL WORKSHOP: 2.5 – hour class for dogs + their humans. Dogs must be 4 months and older.
In this 2 – 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 the oh-so-important reliable recall cue.
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 Reactive Rehab 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.”
INSTRUCTORS: This workshop taught by both Danette Johnston, CPDT-KA and Erica Wells, CPDT-KA with different, although not opposing curriculums. Want more practice? Register for both instructors courses! If you are looking for a particular instructor, they will be noted on the registration you choose.
TO REGISTER FOR WORKSHOPS go to our Specialty Classes and K9 Nosework pages
Not all seminars are offered each season. Please check our SCHEDULE for current listings and locations.
How do I register? For more information, please contact us by phone, 206-706-4875 or email Danette at danette@dogsdayoutseattle.com.