Evaluating Puppies & Dogs for Service

~ Jessa Parker, CPDT-KA

Have you ever wondered how professional dog trainers go about choosing a new puppy or dog?  Most trainers use a combination of a temperament testing and their own personal experience when selecting a new companion or working dog candidate.  The puppy breeder or the adoption counselor (if it’s a rescue dog) may provide additional information as well.

In this seminar, Jessa Parker CPDT-KA, will be explaining temperament testing options and sharing her experiences selecting puppies for working service dog careers.  You will have the chance to watch puppies and dogs go through portions of temperament tests and get to discuss the results with professional trainers.

Please join us for these fun and educational sessions where you will learn that working dog selection is something of an art form backed by science.

Each session is $50 per hour, per person.
No charge for the accompanying, 2nd companion.

Service Dog Seminar – DIABETIC ALERT TRAINING
~ Jessa Parker, CPDT-KA

A discussion on the services of a Diabetic Alert Dog!

In the case of diabetic individuals, these animals are trained to detect blood sugar levels in a range of degrees that may be too high or too low for the person to withstand safely on any given hour.  Jessa will be discussing training and techniques specific to Diabetic Alert Dogs,  the laws around Service Dogs and how we train Service Dogs at AZ Dog Sports.

Practical information on how to keep our dogs cool and safe in this Arizona Summer heat.  When you join us, you will learn:

• Heat & water safety
• Booties or no booties
• How to recognize signs of heat stress
• Swim lessons for your dog
• Water safety including the dangers your dog could face,  swimming protocol, dangers of water and water borne illnesses.

A positive method for boundary training

Does your dog think every open door is an invitation to run through it? Do you ever feel crowded by your dogs in your kitchen or when you sit down to eat? This seminar will cover a fun and positive method of boundary training, which means teaching your dog to remain behind a threshold or line that you designate. You will learn how to make your dog want to stay out of the kitchen while you’re cooking, and wait politely at the front door as you come and go.

Some trainers make raising criteria look so easy. They know exactly when to help their dog figure something out, and when to ask for more effort in the next moment. This seminar will discuss using a marker for reinforcement, developing shaping skills, and tricks for taking your dog’s understanding of cues to the next level. You will learn how to create effective generalization, and transfer reinforcement away from food.  Most importantly, we’ll learn what criteria is and exactly how to raise it.

Does your dog enjoy being handled? Can you easily clean your dog’s ears or brush your dog’s teeth? In this seminar you will learn ways to make a dreaded grooming interaction, like nail trimming, fun for you and your dog. You will learn how to brush and care for your dog’s coat, brush their teeth, keep nails short and healthy, and administer ear meds or eye drops without a big fight.
Other things we will cover:

• chin rest behavior in your hand and on your lap
• nose press for teeth brushing
• offering front and back feet
• holding a stand for being brushed
• a roll to expose the stomach
• how to counter-condition negative associations and make grooming positive for the dog from the beginning

Developmental Puppy Stages and the Importance of Socialization

A confident, stable, well-adjusted, adult dog begins with a well-socialized puppy. Most behavioral and obedience issues in mature dogs have their roots in puppy-hood, with pups who have not been properly introduced to the world around them. This class will cover the various developmental stages of puppy-hood, what to expect in terms of behaviors during these periods and how owners can best adapt their training to the puppy’s psychological/emotional state. Owners will learn about the Rule of Twelve and its importance in the first year of a puppy’s life. This class is a must for anyone with a puppy or considering bringing a new puppy into their home. Puppies under 6 months old are welcome to attend with their owners (proof of vaccination required.)

Understanding How Breed Characteristics Can Impact Canine Learning Styles

Every human being learns and processes information differently. Dogs are much the same. Their learning styles are often aligned with their dominant breed characteristics. Even All-American mixed breed dogs are a compilation of these factors. This class will not only cover the primary canine drives (motivating instinctive behaviors) but how these are inherited and hard wired in certain breeds. At the end of this class, trainers will have a clearer understanding of why their dog does that and how best to modify their training methods to more successfully utilize their dog’s learning style.

The Evolution of Dog Training

The theories and practices of dog training have changed greatly within the last 50 years. The use of force and intimidation has given way to more dog friendly practices of positive reinforcement and a focus on better communication between dog and handler. Come learn where dog training started and not only where it is now, but where it is headed in the future. This class will give you an insight into what may be holding you and your dog back, as well as showing you the endless possibilities that modern training can create.