Day Training

If you have special training requirements, or if for some reason you are unable to train your dog yourself – perhaps you’re just too busy? – we can train your dog for you.

This service is 100% customized. The process includes regular “hand-over” sessions.

How does it work?

Day Training is 100% customized. The process includes regularly scheduled "hand-over" sessions.

The trainer will work with the dog for between 30 minutes – 1 hour, usually 3-5 times per week. You can also, if you prefer, drop your dog off at our Training Centre. (It is not, however, a pet sitting service!)

We will work with your dog for between 30-60 minutes, usually 3-5 times per week, either at your home or at our training centre.

The process begins with an in-depth behaviour evaluation with the client's family and the dog. This evaluation is necessary in order for us to get to know the dog and estimate the time required, as well as establishing the training plan.

It is not possible to predict how much a training programme will cost, as this is dependent on the dog's age, personality, previous training, etc. The owner's commitment to following the instructions to maintain the training and not use corrections is also imperative for any success.

A dog with a history of unsuccessful past training, particularly if aversive training methods have been used, will have a "baggage" that will make training to a reliable standard more complicated and time-consuming. At the opposite end of the scale we may have a young puppy with little or no training.

For dogs with fear, aggression or other reactivity and behaviour issues, a behaviour modification programme for these particular issues will be necessary, and should ideally be done in the full presence of the owner, rather than as Day Training.

Regular handover sessions will transfer the new behaviours from the trainer to the owner and also ensure that the owner can see that progress is being made

What training methods are used?

The trainer will use Positive Reinforcement training, which is part of established learning science (‘operant conditioning’). The method builds up a desire in the animal to perform the behaviour. Positive reinforcement means that we reward the behaviours that you want and remove any rewards associated with the behaviours that you wish to extinguish. There is no punishment involved in this training. Punishment has been found to obstruct learning, reduce reliability and interfere with the human-animal bond. For more information, see Training Methods.

How much does it cost?

Payment is required in advance of each training session. Discount packages are available. The fees are the same as for our behaviour modification services (http://cowichancanine.ca/behaviour-modification)

How long does it take?

Again, this depends on the dog and its background in training. A day training project can consist of anything from a single, simple behaviour that can be taught in less than a handful of training sessions, to a series of complicated behaviours, or behaviour modifications, that may require several months or more.

What is required from the owner?

1. Be committed to the training process.
2. Be available for the hand-over sessions, at the times agreed.
3. Make the dog available to the trainer at the times agreed.

Contact us today for a private evaluation session, to find out if a Day Training Programme is right for you and your dog!

E-mail [email protected] or telephone 250-732-5415.