Adult Behaviour Course for Dogs

The Adult Behaviour Course for Dogs has been designed by Animal Behaviour Coaching for for adult dogs over 2 years of age. It is a six-week program that teaches owners positive reinforcement training techniques for common basic, and some more advanced, behaviours. The course also contains several important education topics, including co-operative care, which will help make vet visits and grooming easier and less stressful. This Course is designed for owners who have not completed any dog training courses with Animal Behaviour Coaching before, however is also beneficial for those who have completed classes previously but are not yet ready for the Advanced Behaviour Classes.
 
Force-free training techniques
Force-free training predominantly uses positive reinforcement techniques to teach the desired behaviours. This is when 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 petting. We will be associating these reinforces with a bridge (eg clicker) to aid in rapid and effective training.
 
What’s Included?
Adult Behaviour Course for Dogs includes lifelong access to the online Course material, plus 4 hours of contact time with veterinarian and Delta-certified Instructor, Emma Vermeeren. In addition, each dog receives a training clicker and a certificate & gift upon completion. Owners can expect individual feedback and advice, handouts to accompany each dog skill and education topic, links to videos to assist with training at home, and references to further resources if interested.

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. 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 may be required if your dog was not vaccinated at Bordertown Veterinary Clinic.
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
  • Creating a relaxation zone
  • Safety around dogs
  • Recognising mental health disorders
  • 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, unless otherwise instructed
  • 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
Unfortunately missed classes cannot be refunded if you have enrolled for the term.

Dog Skills
  • Eye contact
  • Socialisation
  • Sit when asked
  • Polite greetings - dogs and people
  • Drop when asked
  • Self-settle on mat
  • Loose lead walking, U-turns, curving
  • Recall and respond to name
  • Accept collar being held to attach lead
  • Tolerate handling and restraint
  • Stay vs wait

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)