Areas we can help with
Foundation fundamentals and Behaviour skills
The establishment of strong foundation skills in the training of your dog, is fundamental to all disciplines you and your K9 partner may choose to follow. Clicker training and positive reinforcement of desired behaviours, will allow the shaping of basic commands such as 'sit', 'down', 'stand' and 'come'. A solid recall is one of the most important commands as it can be used to mitigate potential areas of conflict, in a clear and positive fashion. With these commands mastered in your training toolbox, you can be confident in taking your dog out to meet the world and socialise with others in a non confrontational way.
Aggression and Resource Guarding issues
This extremely complex and stressful area of canine behaviour, is one that many owners unfortunately must deal with. Correct management and behaviour modifications can be the difference between a positive or negative outcome in these cases. Skills acquired through the successful completion of Aggression in Dogs Master course (taught by world renown expert in this field, Michael Shikashio CDBC will allow us to help in this important area.
Interactive play and enrichment
Utilising a dogs desire to play, is a perfect way to build a meaningful relationship with your K9. Remember its not a given that all dogs know how, or even want to play with their human! - this is why learning how to make this interaction magic can take things to a new level for both parties. Using the toy hierachy to find which is the best toy for your dog, how to play with them in a non dominating manner and how to build confidence in the dog around play. It can help you build your own customised interactive play system, that will become an important element in your training toolbox. Flirt poles can be a game changer for alot of dogs , a perfect way to build motivatation, learn impluse control and a safe release for that inherent prey drive we often see !!
Conditioning
Conditioning can cover a multitude of exercises and regimes - dependent upon what level or area, you and your dog are participating in. Baseline work such as a gait analysis will be carried out to observe any descrepances, any relevant information regarding historic / current medical conditions will need to be disclosed and a vet clearance is also recommended. With this information a balanced plan can be formulated and implemented.
For endurance conditioning, we also offer small group training runs in the Waiuku forest. These are aimed at high drive dogs that have energy to burn!! Paticipants will be GPS collared for piece of mind security and a good solid recall is a prerequsite requirement.
Proprioception / Body awareness / Confidence
Proprioception is the bodys ability to sense its location, movement and actions. Most K9's lack this due to the fact locomotion is controlled by the forelimbs and the rear limbs tend to just follow behind.
Through exercises that promote balance, coordination and agility, this awareness can be developed so that all 4 feet are mobilised individually, with confidence. Utilising the purpose built elements at our base in Pukekohe, all dogs can develop core strength and balance, a must for sporting disciplines, working dogs or pets that require that extra confidence boost! We also use and supply Cato Dog training platforms, which are a brillant way to embed stationing, develop focus and build duration - crucial aspects in these exercises.
Variable Surface Tracking
From the earliest beginnings of human / canine bonding, the inherent ability of a dog to track prey has made it an indespencible partner. This fundamental skill, utilised in both the work and sport spheres is reliant on trust and the abilty to understand and 'read' your dog - the key to a successful tracking team!
Through the principles of back chaining and successive approximations learn the theory and skills required to track successfully over variable surfaces, in both urban and natural environments.
Once mastered, this is an incredibly rewarding (and also sometimes frustrating !) discipline for both ends of the leash and a wonderful way to enrich and further strengthen the handler / dog bond.
Scentwork and Detection principles
The olfactory abilities of our K9 friends are beyond phenomenal - it is truly their superpower!!
The beauty of this, is that all dogs can do it and once taught what's required, get a huge satisfaction from the process of hunt and reward. Scentwork can be a wonderful tool to help calm nervous or reactive dogs as well has those with a high drive disposition. It is also a great way for owner and dog to bond in a fun and rewarding exercise.
Professional Canine Photography
Anyone who has ever tried to take that special action shot of their beloved K9 will know how difficult this ! I have been extremely lucky to have got to know some true professionals who are adept at this art.
If you are thinking about investing in some great imagery, please check out these 2 photographers , Glenys Randell and Karl Bevin - i can highly recommend them.