Adolescent Behaviour Course for Dogs

Adolescence is a difficult time for many dogs as they are exploring the world without fully realising the consequences of their actions. It marks the time between puppyhood and social maturation into adulthood, which is often associated with exuberant behaviour and an apparent deterioration in learnt behaviours. Adolescence often involves a "fear period" lasting days to weeks where your dog is particularly sensitive (and possibly reactive) to experiences and changes. It is therefore essential that you are prepared by knowing how to effectively train and support your dog through this developmental stage by attending Adolescent Behaviour Classes, which has been designed by Animal Behaviour Coaching for dogs between 6 months and 2 years of age.
 
Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement training is where a pleasant consequence is added to the situation to increase the likelihood of the desired behaviour. Examples of positive reinforcers for dogs include food, play, and praise. We will be associating these reinforcers with a bridge (eg clicker) to aid in rapid and effective training.
What's Included?
Dog Skills
  • Respond to name
  • Eye contact
  • Socialisation
  • Sit when asked
  • Polite greetings - dogs and people
  • Drop when asked
  • Settle on mat for increasing duration
  • Loose lead walking
  • About/U-turns
  • Recall
  • Accept collar being held to attach lead
  • Tolerate handling and restraint
  • Stay for increasing duration

Owner Education
  • Positive reinforcement training
  • Handling and grooming
  • Mouthing, jumping up, barking (as required)
  • Appropriate play
  • Understanding and managing normal behaviours
  • Guidance and guardianship
  • Environmental optimisation and enrichment
  • Basic health and husbandry
Attendance Rules
  • 1-2 people/dog (children >10 years only)
  • You are responsible for your dog at all times
  • Must be on a lead at all times
  • Instructors must supervise entries and exits
  • Do not approach other dogs without permission from the instructor
  • Notify the instructor if your dog is unwell
  • Report any hazards or incidents
  • Smoking is not permitted
  • No loose clothing is permitted
  • Wear enclosed flat shoes and long pants
If you've signed up for a multi-week Course, missed classes cannot be refunded. You will receive the material that accompany the missed class, and the instructor will help you catch up during the next class.
Preparation
Vaccination
Please ensure that your dog is up to date with its C5 vaccination, as this is a requirement of attendance. The puppy course of vaccinations consists of 2-3 vaccinations roughly 4 weeks apart. Then, a booster vaccination 12 months later is required, and yearly thereafter for life. If you are unsure of your dog’s vaccination status, or if your dog has not received any vaccinations yet, please contact your veterinarian. Proof of vaccination will be required before attendance is permitted.
 
What to Bring
  • Suitable collar or harness and lead
  • Clicker (provided)
  • Treat pouch and treats
  • Favourite toy – no squeakers please
  • Chair for each attendee
  • Dog mat/bed/blanket
  • Appropriate clothing (enclosed flat shoes, pants)
“After attending the adolescent dog class I feel more confident to train my dog with the instructions provided during class and in the manual. The class was very well organised and presented in a way that every dog and owner had the best chance to learn.” ~Tammie