TRAINING YOUR ASSISTANCE DOG

Week 1 - Looking at comforting an anxious person & dog.

 

In this Session we learn about:

* the 'calming signals' and how dogs communicate with us letting us know when they need some extra comfort.

*How we can comfort ourselves by training the dog to come and touch us when we are upset or anxious

 

We will Practice:

* looking at the calming signals your dog is communicating to you.

* Using Click to Calm to help your dog feel calm in challenging situations

*Working through the 3 calming stages to help you feel stable, have a still mind and be focused on this moment in time with the help of Centering Therapy.

 

Week 2 - Improving Impulse control & Focus using visual cues

 

In this Session we learn about:

* How a person & dog can feel traumatised when they do not have enough choice and control in their life. Also how Dog training is a Therapy for Wellbeing and can help with recovery.

*The difference between making a dog do something and asking it nicely. (pushing a dog into a sit or teaching it a cue). How we can learn from dogs.

*How visual and verbal cues are necessary to help a dog understand what behaviour you want it to do. How we can get a sense of being in charge and the joy in this while dog training.

 

We will practice:

*swopping a favourite toy with a treat (letting the dog choose to let you have the toy).

*putting on a harness or a coat (with each movement praising and rewarding).

*Some basic behaviours (sit, stand, lie down) using both verbal and visual cues.

* Using the cue leave - making a temptation tunnel.

 

Week 3 - Learn some PAWT (Public Access Wellbeing Test) Obedience Skills

 

In this Session we learn about:

*We need to learn some training techniques that will help us to comfort & calm the dog when it is at finding a situation challenging.

* Learning some skills for the dog to focus and be centred on its handler

*Learning when you need to  and how you can calm the dog down.

 

We will practice:

*A two minute stay. Also with a person stroking the dog, with food being dropped and with a trolley coming past.

*Walking on a looselead and dropping the lead, picking the lead up and continuing.

*Sit, lie down and stand so that it is consistent and after one verbal cue or signal.

*Not walking up to other people or dogs unless allowed to.

 

Week 4 - Looselead Walking is brilliant for our Wellbeing

 

In this Session we learn about:

*The joys and benefit to our and the dog's wellbeing when the dog is walking on a looselead.

*The psychology behind dogs pulling. How we need to get the  "I won't pull you if you don't pull me" feeling.

 

We will practice:

*walking without a lead in the house.

*walking with a lead in the house or garden (using a treat or toy or a cuddle as a lure).

*Going to the park and walking close to you without a lead (then with a lead)

 

 

Week 5 - A Really Reliable Recall & Relationship

 

In this Session we learn about:

*How important a recall is for the dog and for you.

*How closely a good recall is linked to a good relationship between you and your dog.

Let's look at improving that relationship so that you are even more attractive than a squirrel.

 

We will practice:

*Recall in an enclosed space.

*Recall on a long-lead.

*Recall with distractions.

*The Bucket Game.