We offer affordable training through Classes and Workshops. At this time, we offer private sessions by referral only through Humane Societies, Shelters or Rescues.
Basic Manners Classes held every Saturday at 11 am at LPCHS for new students; 1pm for returning students and alumni. Classes are $25 ea or 6 for $120.
2018 Workshop Schedule
All workshops and trainings are held at La Plata County Humane Society, unless otherwise posted. Workshops are intimate with a total of 10 dogs (family members are invited to participate).
No sign-up required for Saturday classes.
Sign-up’s required for all Friday Workshops.
Workshops run from 9am-noon and include handouts, practice sessions and in some cases testing. Workshops that include testing, are available both with and without the test. Testing is an additional cost.
Canine Good Citizen Workshop & Test – This morning workshop is an opportunity to review and practice – with your pup- the behaviors necessary for your dog to excel at the Canine Good Citizen Test. Workshop runs from 9am-noon; testing at 12:15, for those interested. Dogs are not required to test. Workshop only $125 Workshop & Test $175
Dog Reactivity Workshop – So many dogs are difficult to walk due to their reactivity to other dogs. In this half-day workshop and practice session, we’ll help you and your dog implement different coping strategies so you can both get out and have more enjoyable walks. Workshop only $125
Public Access Workshop & Test – Public Access is a necessary step to have a dog Service Dog Certified. It involves testing the dog in different environmental conditions, with different human situations and in advanced behaviors. This session involves practicing with your pup in real-time situations. Workshop runs from 9am-noon; testing at 12:15 for those interested. Dogs are not required to test. Workshop only $125 Workshop & Test $175
Service Dog Workshop – In this half-day workshop, we’ll practice training your dog on different tasks, specifically deep pressure therapy, nudging (stopping compulsive behaviors), and alerting. Dogs need to have basic manners before attending this workshop. Workshop only $125
Training FAQ
Start with a small treat held at your pups nose. Slowly raise the treat upwards in the air - the goal is to have your dog look upward and naturally sit down. Typically this is enough, if your pup is struggling, try in a smaller area or with their back against a wall. As soon as their butt hits the floor, say Yes! and give them a treat. Repeat a lot! Once your dog is doing the behavior consistently when you raise your hand from your mid section to your chest, it's time to add the Cue: Sit.
Touch is a foundational tool used in many advanced behaviors (it also helps with Come!). Put your hand about an inch from your pups nose, fingers pointed down. As soon as your pup sniffs or investigates your hand, say Yes! and give them a treat. Repeat 3x with each hand then begin moving your hands away an inch at a time. Once your dog is doing the behavior consistently when you put your hand out, it's time to add the Cue: Touch.
Start with your pup sitting and a small treat held at your pups nose. Slowly lower the treat towards the floor - the goal is to have your dog follow the treat into a down position. Go slow if your pup is struggling and be sure he/she is on a comfy surface. Typically this is enough, if your pup is struggling, try in a more familiar area or sit on the floor with your legs bent at the knees and have them come under your legs. As soon as their belly hits the floor, say Yes! and give them a treat. Repeat a lot! Once your dog is doing the behavior consistently when you lower your hand from your mid section downward (arm outstraight), it's time to add the Cue: Down.
Ask your pup for a sit, stay. Take 2 steps back, reach towards your dog’s nose like there’s an invisible string attached to it. Pull the string slowly toward you, taking a step back at the same time. Repeat this exercise slowly and be sure to consistently Mark and reward every occurrence until it’s reliable.
Have your pup do a sit, stay a foot away from their bed or a folded blanket. Lure your pup to their bed using a treat. This typically looks like an arc from the dogs’ nose to the bed as if you’re throwing the tasty morsel. Once they follow your hand, guide them into a sit and down using only hand-signals.
Start with a treat in your hand at your pups nose. Slowly move the treat up to your temple. As soon as your pup's eyes are on your face, say Yes! Hold for 5 seconds, end while they're looking at you by saying Yes! one last time and giving them a treat. Repeat. After 3-5 times put the treat in your other hand and hold it away from your body. Anytime your pup looks at the hand by your temple (rather than the other one) say Yes! The goal is to encourage them to hold our gaze for longer and longer periods of time.
First…start slow, have your pup on a short leash and be sure they’ve had a chance to walk, smell, or get out their ‘dog’ before asking them to Heel. If you cannot get your dog next to you, you cannot teach them to heel. Use management tools like a belly band to get them near you.
Hold your hand next to your leg with one finger pointed down, Mark and reward every time your dogs’ nose is next to your hand.
While seated or laying down, tell your dog to stay with the palm of your hand flat towards them; take a step back, pause for a second then re-approach your dog - Mark and reward. Repeat, taking an additional step backwards and pausing for an additional second. The speed you can progress depends on your individual pup.
Start with your dog in a down position. Put a couple of treats in your hand and close it tightly. Hold it to your dog’s nose and let them investigate. Say Leave it and wait. As soon as they take their attention off the hand, even for a second, Mark and reward them. Repeat 3 times with each hand, then put the treats on the floor and cup your hand over top – be careful your dog never scores the treat on their own.
Once your dog understands, pull yourself away from the treat, or throw the treat, then ask them to leave something when they’re on leash.
Start with two tasty bully sticks (or something similar in size and value) and let your dog engage with one for a minute. Place your hand on the stick and tell them to Drop it, then wait. As soon as they release the stick – even for a second – replace it with the other from behind your back. Repeat, the goal is for your dog to not worry about losing out when they drop something out of their mouth.