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The Dog Classroom Monthly Newsletter
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February 2019 Newsletter
Training Quotes

This month we were inspired by this blog from Ken Ramirez in which he shares his favourite dog-training related quotes. We picked our favourites and wanted to expand on them here:



"Training is a mechanical skill” - Bob Bailey

To be a good trainer we should use our observational skills, practice regularly, and improve the timing of our rewards. The timing of the reward should be when the dog is doing the behaviour that we want and then we can use our observational skills to determine whether the distraction level is appropriate in order for our dog to succeed.

Once we have developed better mechanics, we are able to determine when and how to make training exercises apply to real life scenarios without setting the dog up to fail.
 
"Unlabel Me" - Susan Friedman

Too often we put a label on our dog and allow it to be an excuse as to why we can’t get the behaviour we want from our dog. Instead of trying to find a reward that your dog finds motivating, or adjusting the environment so they can focus, we label the dog ‘stubborn’ or ‘dominant’ and stop trying.
 
Once we let go of these labels we can begin to see the bigger picture and problem solve to create a plan for how to get the behaviour we want.
 
"Training is not a Luxury" - Ken Ramirez

We bring dogs into our lives and expect them to behave in a way that is unnatural to them - no barking, biting, digging, or chewing! Dogs do not come programmed to live in our homes, we need to teach them!

One puppy class is not nearly enough training! Most dogs are relinquished to new homes, shelters, or even euthanized between 8 months to 2 years of age, so we recommend continuing your training throughout the difficult adolescent months.

Training does not have to be a difficult, time consuming event. Your dog needs to eat, so portion his food for the day and use half of it to reward behaviours you want to see more of! You can also take a few minutes at the beginning, middle, and end of your walk to train on the go.

What are your favourite training-related quotes? Share them with us in the Facebook group!
This Month's Feature:
Second Location
We are excited to announce that we will now be holding some of our classes in the lower level of Pet Valu at 1075 Dawson Rd!

This will allow us to offer more classes, seminars, and other fun events!
Upcoming Classes
(full classes not listed)
Puppy Playschool
Tues Feb 19 - Mar 12 5:00-6:00pm
Tues Mar 5 - Mar 26 6:10-7:10pm
Sat Mar 23 - Apr 13 1:30-2:30pm

Beginning with Basics
Thurs Mar 7 - Apr 18  7:20-8:20pm (Pet Valu)
Tues Mar 19 - Apr 30 10:00-11:00am
Wed Mar 20 - May 1 7:10-8:10pm
Sat Mar 23 - May 4 12:20-1:20pm
Mon Mar 25 - May 6 5:00-6:00pm
Mon Mar 25 - May 6 6:10-7:10pm

It's Small Time
Wed Mar 20 - May 1 6:00-7:00pm (Pet Valu)

Small Dog Games
Wed Mar 20 - May 1 6:00-7:00pm

Small Dog Next Step
Wed Mar 20 - May 1 7:10-8:10pm (Pet Valu)

The Next Step
Sat Mar 2 - Apr 13 11:10-12:10pm
Thurs Mar 7 - Apr 18 6:10-7:10pm (Pet Valu)
Tues Mar 19 - Apr 30 11:10-12:10pm
Mon Mar 25 - May 6 7:20-8:20pm

Branching Out
Tues Mar 19 - Apr 30 12:20-1:20pm
Mon Mar 25 - May 6 8:30-9:30pm

Walkin' & Recall
Wed Apr 4 - May 9 5:30-6:30pm
Sat Apr 6 - May 11 1:30-2:30pm

Scent Games
Lvl 1 Wed Mar 20 - May 1 11:15-12:15pm
Lvl 1 Sat Mar 23 - May 4 1:30-2:30pm (Pet Valu)
Lvl 2 Sat Mar 23 - May 4 2:40-3:40pm (Pet Valu)

Tricks
Lvl 1 Sat Mar 23 - May 4 11:00-12:00pm (Pet Valu)
Lvl 1 Sat Mar 23 - May 4 12:10-1:10pm (Pet Valu)

Agility Classes
Fundamentals Sun Mar 17 - Apr 28 10:00-11:00am
Fundamentals Tues Mar 19 - Apr 30 7:20-8:20pm
Novice Sun Mar 17 - Apr 28 11:15-12:15pm
Intermediate Sun Mar 17 - Apr 21 12:30-1:30pm
Advanced Sun Mar 17 - Apr 28 2:00-3:00pm
Comp 1a Sun Mar 17 - Apr 28 4:30-5:45pm
Comp 1b Sun Mar 17 - Apr 28 6:00-7:00pm
Class Schedule
Copyright © 2019 The Dog Classroom, All rights reserved.


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