1. CONFUSION OVER LEADERSHIP

2. TOO MUCH FREEDOM, TOO SOON

3. LACK OF CONDITIONING

4. LACK OF SOCIALIZATION

5. NOT ENOUGH REAL EXERCISE- PHYSICAL AND MENTAL

6. ISOLATION/BOREDOM

We are here to work together to learn to read our dogs, to meet their needs and create harmony in the home.

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WHAT DOES MISS BEHAVIORS' OFFER?

Welcome Home Puppy Sessions.. are available by the hour in your home. Working with the whole family, teaching the proper commands, housebreaking made easy, child safety and puppy safety. We use treats and play to make your puppy's first learning experience positive.

Personal One-on-One Sessions... are available to suit almost any schedule - mornings, afternoons, and evenings. These classes will be held in Regional Nanaimo area or at your home if preferred.

Praise / Playtraining Method... uses food treats, praise and play. Creating a positive, enjoyable bonding atmosphere for dog and owner, both will soon look forward to going to "school". Proper corrections = fewer corrections.

Group classes conducted by Kathy Reilly with assistant Tracey Klymchuk – offer lots of one on one help with timing and technique
We begin a new class near the beginning of every month except December. (see calendars for the next date)

First Class - Orientation 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
1 1/2 hours (without the dog)- (For people whose puppies are not yet fully immunized, if you register for any of the future group classes, you are entitled to attend this orientation) You will then receive support by phone until the class starts. The orientation will give you information on how to prevent problem behavior before it starts, an easier task than trying to correct it after.

We have no "puppy classes" per se. We work all ages of dogs together. Many students get together at another location to socialize their pups. Keeping the dogs 10 feet apart teaches them to pay attention to their handler no matter what else is going on around them. It also helps the dogs feel less territorial, and less threatened, a safe environment to condition your pup. We also work the dogs on long ropes to ensure control.

The course is fun for the dogs and fast paced to prevent boredom. A puppy can sometimes learn quicker than an adult dog with bad habits. We usually have at least a couple of 3 and 4 month old pups in our class and they do well on all the exercises. However, you cannot expect to work them for a solid 30 minutes, as their attention span is not good enough. We suggest frequent breaks and lots of play. After all, it really is people training and you can still learn from watching the others during your little breaks. The people with the little pups are the envy of those who waited too long and are coming out to learn how to correct the problem behaviors that are now occurring.

My classes are twice a week for 3 weeks (immersion) in the first month (see schedule) and then after going home to practice and build up time and distance on the stay command and the come command, you come back the following month for the completion part of the course. (twice a week for another 3 weeks) This is where we start to "proof " the dogs on what they learned in the first month...............i.e. increasing distractions around them while they are in the Stay, dropping the leash , allowing them to play with other dogs and then calling them away. Two of the classes are down at the waterfront in the “real world”.

We limit the classes to 12 participants (average is 6 to 8). I have a qualified assistant trainer so you are assured of lots of one on one attention. Our training is geared towards creating a well-behaved family member rather than a dog that can work well in obedience trials but is unruly outside the ring in the real world. We encourage the whole family to get involved (only one person handling the dog each class but the others are welcome to come and watch). Training will improve the bond with your dog. No single method or equipment works for all people and dogs. We have a number of different tools in our toolbox to help you and your dog communicate.

You get  more than just some exercises in our classes. In the first month we add 15 to 20 minutes of theory to every class, so that you actually get the reasons behind the techniques we use, some valuable recommendations for preventing or correcting problem behavior, really important information on how to really read your dog and understand him, the opportunity to ask questions and have a detailed demonstration of different techniques. Classes typically run from 50 to 60 minutes the first month and approximately 45 minutes the second month.

Cost is $200.00 for all twelve classes. (Pre-Registration and prepayment required) Click here To register



ADDITIONAL SERVICES OFFERED

Consulting... is available in your home or at Kathy's office on various topics including:

•  the pros and cons of various breeds,
• male versus female
• how to raise your puppy properly.
• the pros and cons of purchasing your pet from a breeder, or selecting a dog from a shelter.
• Problem behavior such as excessive barking, digging, jumpin up, nipping and aggression

Kathy's knowledge and experience will help you find the pup or adult dog  that's right for you and your family.