GROUP CLASS GUIDE

Trainer/Behaviorist: Walter Mott

Contact Info: training@wolfmanscanines.com

Office Hours: Tuesdays & Fridays: 10am-4pm

TRAINING OVERVIEW:

This is your very own OWNER TRAINING GUIDE! It is intended to serve as a generalized guide for how we will go about GROUP CLASSES designed for dogs who are under-socialized and other common behavioral issues such as jumping, excessive barking, leash pulling and more!

Our lead canine behaviorist, Walter, will help you better understand the basic principles of dog behavior and psychology through relationship centered, science backed methods each class you attend. Wolfman’s Canines is under the direction of Walter Mott, Co-Founder, Professional Dog Trainer, AKC Certified Evaluator, SIRIUS Dog Trainer Accredited, Dunbar Academy Educated. While his wife, Hannah Lairmore is also a Co-Founder & Administrative and Communications Director. Our training and behavior modification-based objectives are imparted on your dog at an accelerated rate the more consistent you are with class attendance and at-home exercises.

ESTABLISHING A FOUNDATION

Group Classes at Wolfman’s Canines aren’t just for dogs with behavioral issues! Many dogs and puppies who attend our group classes, use it as a substitute for dog parks, petsmart type puppy classes or just to establish a more solid foundation of basic obedience that sets them up for future success. This is especially true for families who desire a well-behaved dog that can accompany them during off-leash activities such as hiking, bike riding, camping, family BBQs and more!

EVIDENCE BASED METHODS

Each dog begins by learning (either from “scratch” or as a thorough review) foundational good behavior principles. Then, through repetitions in different high-distraction environments, the goal is for your dog to gain the ability to generalize a variety of training concepts.  The end result is that your dog is attentive to you, no matter the environment, and has the ability to navigate most all situations with ease and confidence. At Wolfman’s Canines, your dog will be shown a new way of life through the process described above, also known as CLASSICAL CONDITIONING. Classical conditioning is a learning process that creates a conditioned response through associations between an unconditioned stimulus and a neutral stimulus in their environment. We will create positive associations where negative triggers once existed, in order to create pathways for positive association. Our consequences are simple redirections either by leash redirection or lure away from the unwanted behaviors. By redirecting that energy, we can harness it into a wanted behavior, such as an automatic sit when you come home or completely ignoring the barking dog across the street. Turning a negative reaction into a neutral or positive response is what we are after! This consistent, calm technique will give your dog the confidence they are lacking.

EXPECTATIONS & GOALS

We only have one expectation, and it is that you will put the same, if not more energy into the success of your dog than we do. Although two dogs may have similar issues, their course of treatment might be significantly different. Our goal is to offer professional guidance to you and your unique pup based off evidence based methods and supported by ongoing owner education. Just as we use FOOD, FUN & FREEDOM in our reward-based training with dogs, we also apply these same principles to the human experience of group classes and training programs. Using food is more fun than shock collars for both the dog and owner, let’s be honest. Plus we often host off-site group classes at breweries or other places where human food is available as well! All of this FUN having and FOOD sharing is ultimately going to lead you down a path of enjoying more FREEDOM with your favorite furry family member!

We will go about this by always working at the speed of which the dog can handle. We never ask for more than we can replenish. We recharge the dogs with lots of positive reinforcement, stimulating socialization play sessions, and of course treats!

WEEKLY GROUP CLASS SCHEDULE: 

Below is a basic representation of what each will entail. Although each dog is unique in its needs and abilities, the skills they learn will all be the same. How we get there will be as unique as the dog, and we only move at the speed at which the dog can handle. We NEVER put your dog in situations they’re not prepared for and never ask for more than we replenish.

WEEK ONE

  • Classical Conditioning

  • Jazz-up and Settle Down

  • Reward Any Good Behavior

  • Offered Attention — Find Your Face

  • Verbal -> Lure

  • Walking On-Leash — One step + Sit -> n steps + Sit (w. leash over shoulder)

  • Q&A- 15 minutes

WEEK TWO

  • Classical Conditioning

  • Jazz-up and Settle Down Comp.

  • Reward Any Good Behavior

  • Offered Attention — One step & turn (90-270); Sit stays?

  • Verbal -> Hand signals (no lure)

  • Random Position Changes + Short Stays

  • Walking On-Leash — Let’s go! Slow down for attention

  • Q&A- 15 minutes

WEEK THREE

  • Watch Me Competition timed — no lures, food as reward only

  • Off - Take It w Food in Hand — immediate cessation of contact

  • Hand signals only & Verbal -> signals

  • Sit, Down & Stand Stays — no lures

  • Roll Over and Bang!

  • Walking On-Leash

  • Let’s go! Slow down for attention

  • Hustle & Steady fast & slow

  • Concentric Circles + Sit Stays — with lures if necessary

  • Q&A- 15 minutes

WEEK FOUR

  • Watch Me Competition timed — no lures, food as reward only

  • Off - Take It — Food on Floor, ONLY given by hand

  • Off - Take It - Thank you with Tug Toy

  • Verbal only, verbal -> signal

  • Sit, Down, Stand & Bang! — no lures; minor stay-proofing

  • Heeling with food lure

  • Concentric Circles + Polite Greetings (Sit)

  • Q&A- 15 minutes

WEEK FIVE

  • Off - Take It w Food on Floor

  • Fetch - Thank you with Toy

  • Verbal only, verbal -> signal

  • Sit, Down, Stand & Bang! Stay Competitions (timed) stay-proofing

  • Heeling with TOY lure/hand signals

  • Walking On-Leash Course +Sits, Downs, Stands, Bangs etc.

  • Concentric Circles + Polite Greetings + Down & Stand Stays

  • Q&A- 15 minutes

WEEK SIX - Final

  • Sit, Down, Stay— timed + R:R ratio

  • Hand signals only

  • Verbal only

  • Off timed (min. 15 secs)

  • Sit Stay timed (min. 20 sec.)

  • Down Stay timed (min. 30 sec.)

  • Stand Stay timed (min. 10 sec.)

  • Walk on Leash timed

  • If time permits: GAMES: Follow The Leader, Biscuit Balance, Dead Dog

BIG Farewell & Congratulations!! Hand out certifications

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:

Basic Manners & Obedience

  • Sit, Stand, & Down

  • Take it/Leave it

  • Woof/Shush

  • Loose leash walking

  • Recall* (Level of distraction proofing varies by dog)

  • Place

Every dog owner can be a dog trainer!!

AT-HOME EXERCISES

Homework will be assigned after each class. This is to ensure the highest level of success possible with the new set of life skills we help you teach your pup! HOMEWORK is for you and your furry friend to build a general understanding of the training methods and concepts that will be taught and demonstrated during class time. This is the time to buy the recommended tools and get you and your companion familiarized with them. It is best to sign up for the DUNBAR ACADEMY prior to boarding your dog so you can become familiar with the methods and terms that will be used during your dog’s training.

You only need to spend 15- 30 minutes daily to achieve & sustain progress in training!!

REQUIRED TEXTS:

These required texts are full of pertinent information regarding the development of your dog. Click the links below to access each text. 

REQUIRED ONLINE COURSE:

Dunbar Academy Behavior Problems Course – Free online course for you to enroll in before your training program begins. **Just input your name + email, create a password and then you have access to this FREE COURSE.**

RECOMMENDED READING: 

This link will take you to the free downloads section of Dog Star Daily. Please go to the Downloadable Articles and Behavior Blueprints and see if any of these materials hold any relevance to your training needs!

RECOMMENDED VIDEOS:

RESOURCES:

OWNER FOLLOW-UP:

For all Wolfman’s Canines clients, we offer a month FREE trial of the Dunbar Academy. This is to help strengthen your understanding of the methods used and how to better communicate with your pup before, during and after their training program has been completed.

INSTRUCTIONS TO SIGN UP FOR DUNBAR ACADEMY:

1. Click this link, it will navigate you to "The Dop Dog Academy" page with a green banner on the top saying "100% off the first payment of $20"

2. Click the blue "Subscribe Now" button.

3. Input your relevant credit or debit card information and click "Complete Purchase". 

             --->>> Like all free trials, a credit or debit card on file is required. There is no penalty, however, to cancel after the first free month. I recommend clients put a notice or alert in their calendar to remind them to cancel after 1 month if they wish to do so. And so with this, you will have access to ALL courses for FREE for this first month.

4. Enjoy your FREE month trial!

REQUIRED TO BRING TO CLASS:

  • You and your dog!

  • 1x 6ft Leash (non-retractable)

  • 1x Medium Bag of Treats (high reward)

  • Tug toys (play breaks)

  • Collar w/ Dog Name + Owner Information