School of the Naked Dog

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What is our philosophy of dog training?

Our dog training classes blend effective, humane management techniques with positive reinforcement training methods. We believe that positive reinforcement training is the most effective and humane method of creating happy, eager, and joyful partnerships between animals and humans. All our training classes (private or group) are designed to help you teach your dog self-control. A dog with self-control will never be out-of-control.

What is Positive Reinforcement? It is a training method based on the science of operant conditioning (which is a set of scientific principles about why animals change their behavior). Behavior is changed when it is reinforced. It is also called Reward Based -- rewarding good behaviour, ignoring and also correcting bad behaviour.

Dogs need direction. A dog can not be 100% perfect. They will make mistakes, but it is up to us to teach them the right behaviour.
Read our The Act of Good Dog Training.

TTouch

The Tellington TTouch is a specialized approach to the care and training of our animal companions. This method teaches you how to create your dog's natural calmness by using touch, body position/posture, and a series of 'walks'. It also helps establish a deeper rapport between humans and animals through increased understanding and more effective communication.

The Naked Dog team has attended a two-day workshop which has given us an introduction. We are not experts at TTouch, but we will certainly pass on some of the knowledge that we have acquired.

Our Classes

Kids and Dog Tricks Class

We teach kids how to gain their dog's cooperation when teaching them new skills and tricks.

KinderPuppy Class

We give a 6 week puppy class that has been endorsed by Dr. Ian Dunbar. Socialisation, bite prevention, teaching commands, TTouch Find out More

Older Dog -
Life Skill Class

Discover the Einstein at the end of your leash! Basic manners class for dogs over 5 months old. Drop-ins
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Dog Bite Prevention Presentation

We offer schools & community groups this program. 80% of dog bites happen in the home! Be safe!

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In Home
Dog Training

We come to your house. Private lessons for all types of training, and dog behaviours.

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Homeschooling

We train your dog for you in your home, day or evening or while you take a holiday!

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Dog clubs are a great way of meeting people, learning about how other people train their dogs, and it gives you a group atmosphere. Please be aware that some of the instructors aren't qualified, and are asked to 'take this class' if their regular instructor isn't available. DO NOT accept ANY instructors that screams/yells/pulls on your dog. If you are NOT happy on how your dog is manipulated, say so, and if you need to, leave.

If, however, you chose to go down this way, here is a list of dog clubs in your area. Agility and Flyball are great ways for your dog to have fun. We strongly encourage you to have a look and see.

Why Private Lessons? Advantages of One on One Training

Stay at home and wait for the trainer - no driving required
Have lessons at your convenience- 60-90 minutes is usual for appointments.
Easier to train your dog without the distraction of other dogs nearby
Less stressful for your dog
Lessons are customised to your specific needs, lifestyle and dog's personality.
Proceed at your own pace.
The entire family can be involved in the training, not just one person.

Do you offer group programmes?

Yes, we do. We have started the Kinderpuppy course. It's an evidence-based curriculum endorsed by Dr. Ian Dunbar a well known vet and dog behaviouralist. It is an 8 week course, however, we divide it into two 4 week sessions as some people may feel that they don't have enough time for the whole 8 weeks. We have Older Dog Classes with Drop-Ins.

You will also save money on pet sitting if you required this. All clients gets a discount if they need a sitter for their dog. Check Homestays for Dogs

Why can't you just give me advice over the phone?

Well we can and do...
But, of course, some behavioural problems are best seen at the scene.

We will ask you for the history of your dog, the problem that you are having, and what sorts of interventions that you have tried. We have a questionnaire that we like for you to fill out in order to save your time... and to give us the big picture of your situation.

You could probably search the internet and find your answers but sometimes it's just easier, and quicker for someone to show you some of the techniques. Doing is a lot better than listening to HOW TO DO.

If teaching techniques are not done properly, it won't correct the problem and in some cases, can escalate the problem.

About our Private Consults

Who must attend the session?

Make sure everyone involved in the problem and correction procedures can attend.

What happens at sessions/lessons for private consults?

First we'll sit and talk. We'll ask you what the behavioural problem is, find out where it happens, find out what you've done to rectify the problem, and talk about possible solutions.

How many appointments will be required ?

This depends on the problem that you are seeking help with. If it is the short and sharp session and your problems are solved, that's great. Phone or email support is always available. We'll give you a call or an email and ask how it's going. Alternatively, you can ring us with updates.

If you want to follow a programme plan, then more visits are required. Three or more is possible. We'll give you a programme plan for you to do with your dog, then we'll come and see how it's going. If it's around aggression, it may be that we have a daily or 3 times a week visit... We can negotiate the price if that's your worry.. We would rather see you have fun with your dog rather than feeling that your dog's a problem.

Will any special equipment be required? If so, what?

None. Although we like voice command and feel that this is the ultimate trained dog, collars and leads are usually required while training. Have treats, and toys ready.

If the problem persists after the program is completed, what happens?

Give us a ring. We'll visit if we need to. Sometimes just talking over some of the options may just be want is needed.

What is the dog problem you get asked about most?

Toileting in the house is a major headache for some people, barking, pulling on a lead, not coming when called, afraid of staying home alone, chasing other animals. Aggression towards other dogs while walking is also common.

Some people attend obedience class but when they leave the comforts of the class, they can not get their dog to do the commands with other distractions. Other times, some classes don't help with their dog behavioural problems and sometimes are asked to leave!

How do I teach my dog right from wrong?

From a dogs perspective, there is no such thing as bad behaviour. It is our perception and our level of acceptance that usually makes us judge-- chewing the furniture when you are not at home actually calms the dog... he's stressed of losing you. Digging is not really bad except for the location!

Dogs are not intentionally badly behaved creatures.

Every time your dog does something right, you reward him and make positive associations. When he does something unacceptable you teach consequence of action... usually ignoring is the best way. Some times a sharp "Ha!" does the trick.

If dogs believe they are leader, they are responsible for their pack, but living in a world they do not understand is, not surprisingly, very stressful for them, that stress can manifest itself in many different ways depending on the personality of the dog. By showing the dog leadership, he will no longer need to look after you.

@ Naked Dog Designs
2007-2010