Spring Training !
New training programs are underway at Golden Ridge Farm.
Obedience Training program will be conducted from throughout the Spring and is intended for any age dog. Components of obedience training are emphasized, as well as behavioral management issues. The program is tailored to meet the needs of each individual dog and owner. The session includes 2 full days of doggie day care each week, during which your pup will receive 3 training sessions per day. Additionally, you will attend two Sunday sessions with your dog. The cost is $395 and there is limited space. Sign up SOON to secure your spot.
Recall Training/Obedience Refresher is ideal for dogs and owners who need to further strengthen and master obedience skills through a variety of repetitive exercises. It is specifically designed for the dog who does not consistently follow your commands and is in need of a structured refresher program to get him/her on track. You may choose from the 6:30 p.m. Friday session or 11 a.m. Sunday session. Classes will be held for five weeks and will cost $125.
”Basic Obedience and Beyond”is the title of our training classes that start the first of each month. These small classes are geared toward the specialized training of your individual dog. Pauline and her staff of motivational instructors will make training fun for you and your dog. Puppies and dogs of any age are welcome to attend the sessions that are one-hour long and meet weekly.
Please sign up in the kennel, register with one of our attendants, or email or call!
Training Tip of the Month
Dominance in Dogs
Clients have asked me about the difference between dominance and aggression in dogs. While both are terms that are often used interchangeably, there is actually a significant difference in their interpretation.
Dominance involves physical contact, such as a tug of the neck, but not to the point of puncturing the skin. It is actually quite natural for many dogs to show signs of dominance in a group or “pack” setting. This is the dog’s way of establishing a “Top Dog” or Alpha status. However, dominance has a limit and should be monitored and controlled to avoid escalation. Aggression, on the other hand, can be quite dangerous if not addressed. It is very difficult to change the dog’s state-of-mind when he/she reaches this point because he/she is so focused on injuring the other dog(s).
It’s important that dog owners know and understand dog behavior and “take charge” to avoid a dangerous situation. I always recommend that dog owners take the time to learn about dog behavior to fully understand what motivates their pup to act the way that they do.
Don’t let your puppy/dog use excessive dominant energy in his/her play … It’s best to monitor and control the situation and level of dominance that your dog is exhibiting around other dogs and people, especially children. Dogs become aggressive out of frustration and dominance. The frustration comes from a lack of exercise, and the dominance comes from a lack of proper leadership from the dog owner. Socialization is the best way to teach a puppy/dog how to interact with other canines. Social environments like doggy day care and play groups allow your dog to experience and learn about proper play and limits. Providing your dog with plenty of physical activity actually allows him/her to expel the excess energy and helps maintain a healthy state of mind.
Here at GRF, we assess the temperaments and behavior of each new dog before he/she is enrolled in our program. If we feel that a dog’s behavior is “aggressive”, we will not enroll that dog and suggest a training program to help “rehabilitate” the dog.
As always, please feel free to contact me if you ever have any training questions or issues.