DOG TRAINING

Choosing a Pup
Are you unsure about which breed of dog to choose? Schedule a 60 minute consultation (all family members are welcome) with TLC to help you pick the breed (age and gender) which will be the best companion for you and your family.

Prepping for your Pup
Most prospective pup owners underestimate the amount of preparation needed before a pup's arrival. We offer a 2 hour in home session in which the following concerns
are addressed:

• How to prepare your home environment for an active, chewing, inquisitive bundle of puppy
• How to arrange the feeding and sleeping areas and the training crate
• How to determine a feeding and walking schedule which will facilitate housetraining

Housebreaking your Pup
We offer an easy three part course on how to teach your pup to "hold it" until outside.

1. A 60 minute in home session in which we determine a consistent feeding, walking and crate training schedule. The crate's role, as a tool to facilitate housebreaking is thoroughly discussed. It is imperative that all family members use the same schedule and techniques, so all family members are welcome in the session.

2. A two week training board for your pup in which a consistent, thorough housebreaking schedule is followed. Daily socialization and play sessions with other pups and dogs are an additional benefit. During the board we keep a feeding / walks / elimination journal and maintain intensive communication with you.

3. A 60 minute follow up after the board is a crucial conclusion to the course for all family members. The feeding / walks / elimination journal is studied and we teach you how to keep the same kind of journal so that you are able to manage your pup's home environment until he is ready to have the full run of the house.

What is "Alpha" Training?
We feel that it is most effective to train the owner(s) and the dog simultaneously. We focus on teaching you how to train your dog. In three 60 minute sessions we stress learning:

• The canine mother's role in her pups' development
• The "alpha" (or top) dogs' roles in the pack
• How to form your unique pack in which your dog will be reared
• How to mold the dog (who will be a companion to you for a big chunk of your life) that you want- with the method that works best for you
• The difference between learning by consequence and learning by association
• How to correctly time positive reinforcement (rewards)
• Basic commands such as sit / stay, down / stay and come
• Consistent "alpha" behavior (homework!)

Leash Training
We feel that it is most effective to train the owner(s) and the dog simultaneously. We focus on:

• Your handling of the lead
• Teaching you how to train your dog

In three 60 minute private sessions beginning in your home and continuing outside on the street you and your pup or adult dog will learn:

• No biting (soft mouth)
• Sit
• Watch me
• Sit / stay
• Let's go / heel
• Stop / wait
• Down
• Down / stay
• Drop it / leave it

Training Walks
In a 30 minute session your dog is walked solo emphasizing appropriate:

• Leash behavior in the home and outside on the street
• Elevator etiquette (outside and inside)
• Social interaction every step of the way

On solo walks we can also address specific problem behaviors, some of which require conditioning or de-conditioning. Solo walks are a supplement to, and should not take the place of, leash training sessions. Therefore, a 30 minute follow up session with owner and dog is a scheduled part of this package.

Hygiene Training
It is so important to begin consistent pet hygiene as early as possible with pups and kittens. TLC will provide you with information on how to touch and clean your pet in a 60 minute training session.

Telephone Consultation
TLC is available to consult via the telephone by appointment by the half hour. Topics covered may include: breed selection, training walk progress reports, housebreaking v. paper training, "alpha" dog v. subordinate dog behavior.

Please e-mail for a full list of services and rates.

E-mail:
Carol’s mobile 347-539-2856
Peter’s mobile 347-539-2855

2006 SERVICES/RATES/POLICIES SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT THE SOLE DISCRETION OF TLC