When the socialization door closes ... does another one open?
Call Gail Hubbard at WNC K9 Dog Training at 828-712-4245 for suggestions if you have been given some information that has scared you.
K9 Manners Level Three — CGCU Public Access
Class Details:
This class builds upon K9 Manners Level Two offering extensions to the learning environment by meeting in different locations in and around Buncombe and Hendersonville County, depending on where the participants live.
We review the CGC Prep tests and focus on the CGCU test items below. At times people take this class several times because it is fun watching their dog learn and review important aspects of life. Everyone taking this class may be at different levels of performance when it comes to the CGCU items. Know that we will review and help you through all aspects with the Schooling Model in mind and meeting each dog where he/she is in the process of learning.
SAMPLE URBAN CGC TEST ITEMS
1) Exit/enter doorways with no pulling in dog-friendly buildings.
2) Walk through a crowd on a busy urban sidewalk.
3) Appropriate reaction to city distractions. This includes movement, noises, and walking on a variety of surfaces.
4) Crossing street: Stop at corner, stand or sit to wait and cross with no pulling.
5) Ignore food on sidewalk.
6) Approaching a person walking up to greet and pet your dog.
7) Public building control: Walks under control in building. Down stay in lobby or outdoor area while you are there.
8) Stairs, steps, or elevator control.
9) Housetrained for apartment, condo, and also in public buildings, or have observed in training classes.
10) Transportation control.
To pass the CGCU test dogs must pass all 10 items of the test. For more information go to the AKC website.
Prerequisite: If you are not coming from a K9 Manners Level 1 or 2 class, a private lesson must be scheduled [$80] to enter into this class.
Class Details: K9 Manners - UCGC Prep
5-Weeks of FUN (We meet at different places each week)
Cost: $165
New Class Start Date: TBA
Target End Date: TBA
Time: TBA
Locations: TBA
What to Bring: Bring what motivates your dog (toy and small, soft food treats) and your enthusiasm!
Introduction to Dog Sports
Class Details: Introduction to Dog Sports
5-Weeks of FUN to introduce the fun of a dog sport. This class will mentally challenge you and your dog as well as physically.
It is critical that your dog has been in a structured class BEFORE coming into Intro to Dog Sports. If you have any questions, please call me. 828-712-4245
This 5-week class is highly recommended for folks new to any dog sport scene. We want all our students to get all they can out of their interactions with their dog. Dog sports are FUN and this class is designed to prepare owners for navigating and controlling their dog in any sport class. It also teaches you more fun things to do with your dog at home ... mentally stimulation with fun games that will keep them fit while showing them how to use their bodies in the space - proprioception. This class offers a little bit of physical challenges, so your dog should go home tired. Sport classes are generally more stimulating then average dog training classes and so the types of things you will learn over and above learning new sporty activities are:
- Learn the art of shaping where the dog thinks and is more involved in the games we play
- Learn tricks for foundation skills in treibball, agility, and scent games
- Work on happy crate training techniques so that your dog loves any crate - especially at the vet office
- Learn how being a team player in the class can enhance your experience and learning
- Wellness fitness and conditioning games will show the dog proprioception, etc.
The sports that we review are: Agility - Treibball (Urban Herding) - Scent Nose Work (The Nose Knows) - K9 Fitness and Conditioning
If you have already taken this class, I can give you additional homework that will take you into the next levels of the sport you are most interested in. Call me to discuss the possibilities.
Cost: $165
5-Weeks of FUN ... with 4 dog limit. Please call with questions
Instructors: Gail Hubbard
NEW Start Date: Thursday, June 12 at 9:30 am
Mark Your Calendar: June 12, 19, 26; July 10, 17 [NO class on the 3rd of July]
Time: 9:30 am
THIS CLASS IS FULL Start Date: Saturday, April 5 at 9:30 am [no class on April 19]
Mark Your Calendar: April 5, 12, 26; May 3, 10
Time: 9:30 am
New Class:Intro to Dog Sports "Round Two" Agility, Scent Work, and Treibball (Urban Hearding)
Please contact me if you are interested. This is where we continue on with two different sports that people are interested in. It is fun and for those who want to have fun with their dogs.
Details: This Intro to Dog Sports class is for those who have taken a class before. So, your dog is used to working around other dogs in close proximity.
Location: 41 Edgewood Road Extension, Asheville NC 28803
This is a residence so play drive slowly. Please also know that there is plenty of parking on the right of the house so please pull all the way up the driveway. There are paw prints on the drive way to help you pull up the correct driveway as well as red posts with the number 41 on it to guide you. Follow the red doggie signs. There are red rockers on the porch and the red garage door. If you have any questions, please call me 828-712-4245.
What to Bring: Bring what motivates your dog (toy and small, soft food treats) and your enthusiasm!
Interested? Simply click the "Sign Up Now" bottom below.
Agility: Learning to love the teeter
A Scottie's Agility Journey! By Carol Vaseleski.
In agility class today, Katie Kinross Shadowchaser was running a fun practice course with her usual Scottie smile shining brightly. She strutted over the dog walk, turned and ran through the tunnel, took two jumps and left me in the dust when I sent her to the teeter. The teeter looks and acts like a playground seesaw. As the dog runs, it pivots on the center line so the side that was down goes up and the other side goes down. She scaled it and rode it down as the rest of the class cheered. You may ask “why?” Dogs do that every day. The answer is that Katie had not gone over a teeter for almost eighteen months.
Katie’s agility story began as her formal obedience story ended. After years of training and having fun at obedience and rally trials, Katie had stopped getting excited as we entered the ring. At our last trial, she stopped midway through the heeling pattern, sat down and scratched. She ignored my encouragement as I urged her back to action. I concluded that this was no longer fun for her, so we retired. When we both got bored, I decided to try agility. We discovered a whole new world of speed, challenges, and fun.
Agility training is different from obedience and rally training, though all three can be fun. Obedience and rally rely on handler focus, with the dog responding quickly and precisely to commands. Rewards are usually dispensed from the trainer’s hand for closer and closer approximations of perfection. Agility requires both handler and obstacle focus. Rewards are dispensed frequently to build drive and are usually provided at the point of success, not directly from the handler. This way, the dog associates the reward with its own actions regarding the obstacle, not with the handler. The dog relies on the handler to set the course (where to go) and on its own trained experience to complete each obstacle (what to do). This was a difficult transition for me after years of obedience training. Katie embraced it immediately. Other lessons were more subtle. I learned to be positive and appreciate Katie’s efforts. Katie learned it is more fun to connect with me and run a course than to dash around the ring by herself. I learned humility when I realized that every time she went off course it was my fault because I sent her there. We both learned that mistakes are just an opportunity to do better the next time. I had to learn to communicate with her without talking because she is very fast and I am quite slow. I could not talk and breathe and run at the same time. I had to rely on being where I could talk to her with the silent languages of hand signals, position, and movement. At trials, we qualified most of the time. We always had fun. Then, we had an unfortunate accident.
One Christmas, we got a practice teeter that Katie and I could use in the basement during cold weather. The teeter was her least favorite piece of equipment, so we worked on enjoying it. Progress was slow and steady, but she still merely tolerated it. One day, I slipped and fell against the teeter as Katie was at the pivot point. It collapsed on top of me. She fortunately rolled off the other side onto a rug. I screamed “NO” as I fell. She thought I was yelling at her. The perfect storm of training disasters had struck!
Fortunately, agility has some events that do not include the teeter, so we kept training and attending trials. We also embarked on a search for someone to help us get back on the teeter. Class and trainer number one advised me to buy really smelly treats and to place them along the teeter. I held her collar and lured her up one side and down the other while the trainer ensured that it did not move too quickly. Katie dearly loves treats, so she followed the trail. She did not enjoy this experience and did not learn anything. Class and trainer number two, our friend Gail Hubbard, offered a different solution. We isolated the scary parts of the teeter experience and created baby steps to address each one, one at a time. We played games by sending her up the teeter without allowing it to move and giving her lots of tiny treats one at a time when she got to the end. Then, we allowed it to move about an inch and did the same thing. Then, we ended the session at the beginning, just to ensure success. More inches followed until she was riding it down without trying to jump off. Many weeks later, the teeter dropped on its own about halfway down, landing on a blanket so there was no noise. Then, we introduced the noise. During this process, various members of the class would cheer her on to greater glory. Almost a year later, she jumped those jumps in practice and ran the teeter all by herself. The best part was seeing her actually enjoy the experience.
Agility is a challenge, a bonding experience and a thrilling game you can play with your dog. Our journey included a backyard class run by some friends who competed in agility. We moved to specialized classes at an agility training school and lots of practice in our backyard and basement. It’s amazing how much you can learn with three or four jumps and a tunnel. If you decide to take a journey of your own with your best friend, find a good trainer who can get you started safely, with a good foundation on basic skills. Whether you continue by yourself in your backyard, with friends in class, or at trials, you’ll never lose if you don’t give up. Each training session and each run is a new experience and a chance to learn.
This article originally appeared in the Bagpiper Magazine and is reprinted with permission of the author. Thanks Carol.
What is Puppy Socialization?
WHAT IS SOCIALIZATION?
Dr. Seuss reminds us all about broadening our horizons with a little bit of humor and rhythm in his popular book, Green Eggs and Ham, written in the 1960’s using fifty words. Using his simple animated writing style is a great way to illustrate the importance of socialization!!
Some choose not to deal with socialization.
It’s sad, I know! More desensitization.
You will not find the answer in the sky;
And Mister, I will tell you why!
We live in a busy world that races;
Too busy to take puppies to new places.
Oh My! Another fearful reaction;
That leaves you in such dissatisfaction.
Hmm, socialization is indeed a need.
There you go! Going new places most proceed.
Confidence. Clarity. And Thresholds rise.
No more anxiety, fear and frustrated “Whys?”
Look! A neutral reaction to a novel situation.
What a relief. Time well spent on socialization!
Almost everyone can relate to Sam-I-Am as he demonstrated his persistence and creativity while trying to help his friend to try green eggs and ham. Dr. Seuss’s fun and simple text reminds us all that meeting new people, going new places, and doing new things is only the beginning … a fun way of winning! See, socialization is a process that we have to do with our puppies - it is not a one time event. The outcome usually produces a well-adjusted adult dog willing to except different people, small children, new animals and unfamiliar environments … like bicycles and other things with a lot of movements! The key is NEW things. First impressions need to be GOOD impressions. An overwhelming wonderful impression!
So, take your puppy new places.
Touch different surfaces and see new faces.
Try it! You might like it, so I say!
The world is simply a free buffet.
There are different periods in a puppy’s life that we all should be aware of. A good breeder will usually take care of the first period, the puppy canine socialization period. Here puppies usually learn from their mother the meaning of discipline and to regulate the strength of a bite from the other litter brothers and sisters. So it is really important for puppies to stay with their litter mates and mother until they are 7-8 weeks old. After 8 weeks, your puppy will fall into the sensitive period of life and the first fear period hits rapidly there after. Anything during this first fear period (between 8-11 weeks) that scares the puppy usually stays with him for life unless the owner recognizes the fear and is able to react properly and distracts with treats and toys — anything of high value. It goes without saying that socialization is limited by the puppy’s increasing and unpredictable fear of the unfamiliar, but we should not let that limit us. Studies have shown that the environment in which a new puppy lives will have an impact on his temperament when he reaches adulthood. Simply focus on pleasant experiences during this period and you’ll make it through with a happy puppy. Between 12-16 weeks starts the cutting period where the new teeth are cutting in and the puppies are cutting off mother’s apron strings. This puppy needs to get out and go here, there, and everywhere!
At 4 months (16 weeks) up to 20-24 weeks (5-6 months) the puppy reaches a flight … call to the wild, period and stays here until puberty sets in. What? During this period the owner’s are encouraged to play and create a valued position in the puppy’s mind.
Last but not least is the puberty period. Between 6-14 months the puppy will start to experience hormonal changes. The parents reading this know how challenging this hormone surge can be for a child. For the puppy, they can experience anything from hot spots to irrational attitude problems usually from a fear of what used to be familiar situations. There are tricks to make it through all of these periods, please consider me at WNC K9 Dog Training for help.
You will find a puppy program that helps you teach fundamentals that will take your puppy places. You are in charge of your puppies confidence. And new experiences on a daily basis will help. New things, not the same patterns and places - new things and places. This is not playing with other puppies. This does not include dog parks or day cares.
Start with an area where there are not a lot of other dogs, perhaps a playground with swings! First find one without the sounds that a child brings!
Would your puppy like the mulch? The sand? The snow?
Would your puppy like you swinging from head toe?
Could your puppy figure out how to slide?
Could your puppy find you if you were to hide?
Small things that bring about stress;
Will only strengthen your puppy’s threshold — positive progress!!
I challenge everyone to get out there -- even if it is a cart ride at Hobby Lobby. A well-socialized puppy living an adult existence is more at ease, confident, easier to train and less likely to develop behavior problems. So, to me, socialization increases the probability of dogs staying in the original homes and decrease the number of dogs placed in the adoption systems.
It is very important to bring the “here, there and EVERYWHERE!” lesson into the training process as well. I challenge everyone to help their puppy offer simple and easy behaviors that they do around the nieghborhood “here and there.” Depending on the environment, have patience and lower your expectations. Give a young dog a break - deliver grace, love and help.
Creatively motivate proper focus on you “EVERYWHERE!” This is also called a connection. Develop focus, name recognition, and a love of the learning games at home … under a dome … in the car … at the North Star! On a boat .. next to a mountain goat! In the rain … no, I’m not insane!!
If you train and socialize here, there, and EVERYWHERE, you will better your changes of having a good adult family dog.
THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN SOCIALIZING!
- CREATE PLEASANT, POSITIVE EXPERIENCES for your puppy with a variety of people and in a variety of places. Introduce them to animals and novel objects like umbrellas, canes, baby strollers, vacuum cleaners, brooms … etc.
- DO NOT FORCE YOUR PUPPY to experience something she fears. Dragging any fearful dog to visit a child is not socialization … sorry! Punishment is not part of socialization and neither is contributing to any unpleasant experiences.
- ALLOW YOUR PUPPY TO TAKE TIME with new, novel stimuli. Encourage the puppy to make small successful steps by laying a trail of treats. If your puppy is repeatedly exposed to situations that elicit a fearful response, the goal of socialization is not being accomplished.
- If you puppy displays UNWANTED PROBLEM BEHAVIORS during an encounter such as fear or aggression, you may want to inquire about a private coaching session so you can learn about behavior modification games and counter-conditioning.
- ALWAYS SET THE PUPPY UP TO WIN by making the situation less intimidating. For example, ask that tall bearded man to sit on the floor without direct eye contact and hand him high valued treats. Perhaps he could create a “train” to his hand with treats.
- Make sure the puppy IS HAVING FUN by playing with favorite toys and by feeding high valued treats.
Socialization helps a puppy overcome emotional responses and accept unfamiliar things. So start today! You’ll be surprised at the positive relationship that it brings.
This was originally written in 2001 … and now a perfect thing to post.
Here are ways to connect with me:
Call Me — 828-712-4245
Email Me — gail@wnck9.com
Send a iMessage — @wnck9DOGtraining
Post an Instagram Pic — https://www.instagram.com/wnck9/
Gail Hubbard
Founder of WNC K9
Intro to Dog Sports "Round Two" Agility, Scent Work, and Treibball (Urban Hearding)
Class Details
Since teamwork between dog and human is the cornerstone of any sport, this class focuses on the relationship between you and your dog. Using a non-conventional way of training dog owners are challenged to team up with their k9 companion in a way they may not be used too. It is fun and the outcome is mind blowing as you get your dog to do things that you never could imagined them doing. In this Intro to Dog Sports "ROUND TWO" we push the basics a little further and start introducing other components in each sport. SO ... the prerequisite is the Introduction to Dog Sports!
This class can become an on-going experience. After this 5-week experience the class could continue on and on until you and your dog's performance and skills get to a competing level, if you so desire.
It is often exciting to watch the process and journey of each and every dog team.
Read a story from a student and her scottie.
If you have any interest to move on with any other sports we went over in Intro to Dog Sports, please contact me.
Cost: $165 for 5-weeks of FUN and Learning!
Instructor: Gail Hubbard
Mark your calendar: TBA
Time:
What to Bring: Bring what motivates your dog (toy and small, soft food treats) and your enthusiasm!
- A Good Dog's Life
- dog training classes
- Dog Agility Classes
- agility course
- Agility Dogs
- Agility Class
- agility
- dog tricks
- dog training
- dog private coaching
- agility private sessions
- Scent Dog Training
- Nose Works
- Treibball classes
- urban herding dog classes
- treibball private lessons
- dog sports
- k9 fitness
- confidence building
- conditioning
- dog conditioning
- dog fitness
- dog fitness classes
K9 Urban Herding / Treibball - One Day Clinic
Lesson Details: An Introduction to Urban Herding - Treiball
Is your dog showing signs of their herding instinct? It may be coming out as chasing the lawn mower, the sweeper, or trying to round up children, chickens, other dogs at your local dog park? If so, your dog will love urban herding.
Treibball (urban herding) is both a competitive and non-competitive sport for dogs of all ages and sizes. This fun sport requires patience while training the dog to have good teamwork and communication. It's great fun for any energetic dog who needs a job to do and fulfills daily enrichment through mentally challenging your dog. I think all dogs have and need to use their problem-solving ability and this will definately do that.
Treibball does not put any physical stress on the handler. It also builds confidence for shy dogs, and helps reactive dogs with impulse control.
You may start with a private lesson, especially if you haven't been through any classes at WNC K9 or A Good Dog's Life. The Intro to Dog Sports is another place to start.
Two Intro Clinics are scheduled below.
Please contact Gail Hubbard with any questions.
2 Hour Clinic Cost: $50
NEW Intro Clinic: Saturday, September 14 at 8:30am - 10:30am
Instructor: Gail Hubbard
Text/Call: 828-712-4245
What to Bring: Bring what motivates your dog (toy and small, soft food treats) and your enthusiasm!
Interested? You can click the "Sign Up Now" bottom below to sign up.
K9 Manners - Level 1
During K9 Manners - Level 1: Schooling begins with focus, attention, and name recogition -- building a solid understanding of the foundations is important. Then we go on to leash walking, positions (sit, down and stand), come, stay, leave it and drop. We also give solutions for a range of behavioral problems such as jumping up, nipping, and what to do if you feel as though you are nagging your dog. As I help you teach the behaviors you desire we also talk about how to extinguish the undesireable ones -- an awareness of what is rehearsed is essential at times. Your lifestyle with your dog will suddenly make sense and be easier with a handful of guidelines to live by for the life of your dog.
Level 1 is where dog owners priorities are developed, rehearsals are understood, and mindsets start to shift. Each K9 team can have different needs and I will do my best to help everyone in class. However, please know that I make myself available during these 5 weeks to answer as many questions as possible and will encourage you to reach out if you have any questions. If I think a private coaching session would be best, I will mention that option.
This class is held outside. Come dressed appropriately.
If you are interested and have questions please call or text Gail at 828-712-4245
Class Details: K9 Manners - Level 1 (Basic Manners)
5-Weeks of FUN ... with 4 dog limit. Please call with questions
Cost: $165
Payment Styles: Cash, Venmo, Zelle, or Check
Instructor: Gail Hubbard 828-712-4245
NEW Start Date: Monday, June 16 at 10:00 am.
Mark Your Calendar: Monday, June 16, 23, 30; July 14, 21 [no class on July 7th]
Time: 10:00 am
NEW Start Date: Wednesday, June 11 at 6:30 pm
Mark Your Calendar: Wednesday, June 11, 18, 25; July 2, 9
Time: 6:30 pm
Location: 41 Edgewood Road Extension, Asheville NC 28803
This is a residence so play drive slowly. Take the middle paced driveway on your left once you see the orange cones and mailboxes on the left indicating that Edgewood Road Extension does deadend. Please also know that there is plenty of parking on the right of the house so please pull all the way up the driveway. There are paw prints on the drive way to help you pull up the correct driveway as well as red posts with the number 41 on it to guide you. Follow the red doggie signs. There are red rockers on the porch and the red garage door. If you have any questions, please call me 828-712-4245.
What to Bring:
- 6 foot leash (no retractable)
- proof of rabies - PLEASE
- a favorite toy
- small soft food treats - i.e. turkey hotdogs cooked and string cheese ... it's different but that is what my dog's love!
- YOU ready to train. Enthusiasm and Joy! AND plenty of motivators for establishing your personal reward strategy!
Sign Up Now
Private Training and Behavior Consultations
Private Coaching Benefits are:
- At home coaching session
- Comfortable environment to optimize learning for your puppy
- Initial evaluation to determine goals and expectations are fulfilled
- Assessment of where the dog is within those goals and expectations
- Developing your initial plan with handouts and homework
- Follow up emails and phone calls
- Scheduling the second session to stay consistent and evaluate your training mechanics
Pricing
1 hour of coaching ... $105
1.5 hours of coaching ... $155
The initial meeting includes an evaluation, handouts and a follow-up phone consultation and typically lasts 1.5 to 2 hours. All follow-up sessions are typically an hour in length.
When working with larger families, children, and multiple dogs, the private coaching can extend even longer in length.
2 hours of coaching ... $195
Programs are provided giving the busy families a lot of options and supportive services. If you would like to discuss the programs, please let me know.
**Pricing is different for those living outside of a 15-mile radius.
K9 Manners Level 2 — CGC Prep
After successful completion of Level-1, you are encouraged to move on to K9 Manners - Level 2 if you are wanting to move toward therapy dog, and/or passing the CGC test.
K9 Manners Level 2 - CGC Prep introduces new ways to increase your dogs arrousal while working on compliance. Classes are always based on the foundation of how to properly handle and effectively communicate with yourdog. The goals are to go deeper into what you personally want and need as your dog's life (24/7/365) is the most important to me.
This class will prep you for the CGC class. It is held for 5-weeks so that you can build upon your obedience foundation.
During this class it will not be unusual for me to give one person more homework in one aspect of their relationship, and another may have a totally different focus. When we come together it is your opportunity to work on your individual relationship with your dog with guidance from me - moving towards your personal goals. It is a class so there will be limitations, but you are always encouraged to ask questions and send weekly updates via email.
K9 Manners - AKC CGC PREP CLASS
- Accepting a friendly stranger
- Sitting politely for petting
- Appearance and grooming
- Walking on a loose leash
- Walking through a crowd
- Sit and down on command and staying in place
- Coming when called
- Reaction to another dog
- Reacting (or not reacting) to a distraction
- Supervised separation.
To pass the CGC test dogs must pass all 10 items of the test.
If you are nosure if this class is for you. Please call Gail at 828-712-4245.
Important Notes: If you have not attended a K9 Manners class your dog may need to step back in order to move forward to accomplish your goals. An option: a private lesson may be scheduled [$105] to enter into this class.
During each private I evaluate and give essential homework to move forward with your desires.
Class Details: K9 Manners Level 2 - CGC Prep
5-Week of CGC Prep
Cost: $165
Cash, Venmo, or Check (Payable to: WNC K9)
New Class Start Date: TBA
The locations: The different class locations will be given during the first class.
The first class location is: 41 Edgewood Road Extension, Asheville NC 28803
This is a residence so play drive slowly. Please also know that there is plenty of parking on the right of the house so please pull all the way up the driveway. There are paw prints on the drive way to help you pull up the correct driveway as well as red posts with the number 41 on it to guide you. Follow the red doggie signs. There are red rockers on the porch and the red garage door. If you have any questions, please call me 828-712-4245.
What to Bring: Bring what motivates your dog (toy and small, soft food treats) and your enthusiasm!
For Puppies Ages 10-16 Weeks of Age
NEW 'THE YOUNG DOG' PROGRAM
Mark Your Calendar: TBA
Program's Content: The young dog is 10 - 16 weeks old. This program is a drop in meet and greet with instructional information helpful to endure life with a young puppy. This class is perfect for those puppies who have had their first successful visit with the vet of choice AND came from a healthy environment.
In order to drop in you must text or call me: 828-712-4245 if you already registered by hitting the Sign Up Now button below GREAT ... I'll be in touch.
Signing up is essential in order to come attend 'The Young Dog' program. The Price: $35 per class
Puppies 4-5 months are now coming into the K9 Manners - Level 1
Interested? Simply click the "Sign Up Now" bottom below.
Instructor:
Gail Hubbard gail@wnck9.com