Techniques to help nervous, defensive and reactive dogs feel more comfortable in new situations.
Addresses socialization issues, desensitization techniques for helping
nervous and anti-social dogs gain confidence with people and other animals.
Leadership techniques to help your dog understand that you will take care of situations,
he doesn't have to - and that he has no business playing hall monitor.
Addresses the importance of being a confident leader your dog can trust.

Topics to be covered:
The importance of socialization
Games to build confidence and establish control
Safe management of the reactive dog
Reading your dog's body language - and using yours effectively!
Anticipating problems before they occur - Set your dog up to succeed!
Handling your dog - Socialization issues
Re-directing your dog's attention back to you

A private consult / evaluation may be required prior to attendance.
Because each session builds on the week before it and the relationships and comfort zones
of the dogs are paramount, attendance is very important. Please plan to attend all 7 classes.

From one of our students:

"Carol!!! I took Onyx (very large Rottweiler) to the vet today for a booster vaccine and to get his dandruff looked at (the vet agreed it was just a food allergy to the yummy treats!). Before the socialization class our Vet routine was show up and Iwould peek my head in the door and tell the receptionist that Onyx was here for his appt. I would stand outside to the side of the building with him and they would call me in when they had an exam room empty. I would rush him into the office and they would have all the people up against the wall (not kidding) with their dogs up against them. As soon as Onyx saw the dogs he would start snarling and growling and lunging. I would end up dragging him in the room holding him up by the collar so he couldnt lunge at the other dogs. Today was different. I had his gentle leader on, prong collar for insurance and muzzle, and i had my hot dogs in my baggie. I went right into the vet clinic and signed in (like a normal person), there were no dogs present so I sat down. The receptionist came into her area and looked shocked that Onyx was sitting in the waiting room!

Onyx saw the clinic cat sitting on the counter (about 5 feet away) looking right at him and didn't react at all. The receptionist warned me a little husky puppy was going to come out of one of the exam rooms at any minute. When the puppy, did Onyx stared at the dog, not more than 3 feet away bounding about on its leash. I kept breaking his stare with "watch" and giving him hot dog and after about 25-30 seconds of the woman standing there with the pup, they left the clinic. The whole time Onyx wouldnt turn his back to the pup and kept staring at him but he didnt make a sound, not one growl or snarl....and he didn't even attempt a lunge. It was obvious the dog made him nervous and he didn't like it BUT he didnt react!!!

I am so pleased. The funny thing is I didn't expect him to lunge, I wasn't nervous and I think I just "told" Onyx with my confidence that I was in control gosh darnit. I just said "Onyx watch me" and as he made eye contact he got his hot dogs and I just had confidence that the power of the hot dog would overcome his urges...and it did!! Also a very tall man in hunting garb came in and walked very close to Onyx and kept staring at him and Onyx didn't react to him either, course he stared right back at him, but he kept his peace. I was so excited about the visit, I had to write and tell you!