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about us

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Our team

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our training

We offer the following set courses. However, Since we specialize in one-on-one training, we can combine elements of different courses to come up with a custom course to fit your needs.

 puppy package

For puppies from birth to 4 months. This package consists of 3 sessions designed to get you started off on the right foot with your new addition. The first session is a consultation covering common topics such as housebreaking; crate training; good and bad toys; feeding; and general advice for around the house. This first session can be done even before you bring your puppy home so that you are ready and everything is setup ahead of time. 

The second lesson covers marker training and teaches some basics of engagement. Your puppy will learn what YES and NO mean. The session will cover how to teach basic body positions: Sit; Down; Stand. We will also touch on the foundations of teaching a good recall with your puppy which is probably the most important command you will ever teach them.

The final session will address common behavioural issues that may arise after your puppy has come home and has settled in for a while. These would include: nipping; jumping up; barking; stealing things; chewing furniture; etc. Any concerns you would have would be addressed at this lesson and you would get several solutions to each of your puppy’s issues.

$350…

novice obedience

I am a balanced trainer, drawing from a wide spectrum of techniques to train the dog that is in front of me. What that means is that every dog is different so I strive to find what works best for your individual dog. I start off with a lot of positive reinforcement during the initial learning phase before transitioning to leash and collar corrections once the dog knows what is expected from them and eventually phasing out treats to only 5-10% of the time. I teach a First Time-Every Time type of training technique which means that we only command things one time and then the dog must respond. The lessons are one on one in your home and are backed up by video support and comprehensive PDF handouts for each lesson. I train YOU to train your dog.

This is a 7-lesson course where you will learn sit at heel position; a release command; heeling on a loose leash with right and left turns; sit to be pet; the “OUT” command; down at heel position; sit stay; down stay; the place command (sending the dog to a bed or place); the LOOK command; recall (come when called); and stand for examination (great for vet visits and grooming). The course begins with an understanding of marker training and leash pressure and transitions to how to use correction to achieve results.

There is a video orientation before training begins which discusses what to have for training; leashes and collars; my method and some key points; and some general recommendations for around the house. Each lesson includes a link to a video companion which reviews all the technique and homework as well as a detailed PDF handout for reference. Students who successfully complete the course will receive a certificate and be eligible for further training if desired.

I am based in Fonthill, but I do lessons in the whole Niagara Region. All my training is done at your home, or a place of your choosing and I will have at least one of my dogs at all practical lessons to act as a demo dog and for distraction for your dog. The curriculum is designed in a way where each week builds off the previous week so you will need at least a week between lessons to practice, however; the beauty of private lessons is that we can adjust the times to accommodate work and life schedules.

$800…

intermediate obedience

This a 6-lesson course and includes a one year membership in my weekly Pack Walks that introduces the student to some more advanced drills while focusing on distraction proofing your dog. During the initial 6 lessons, the student will learn 4-5 new drills each session. After that, the student will hone their skills on these drills by attending weekly Pack Walks. The 6 initial lessons can be booked whenever is convenient for the student. Once enrolled, the student will get access to the weekly Pack Walks which take place on Sundays @ 3pm at various locations around Niagara. Included in the price of the course is a TDT T-shirt; 15’ long line; and video support for the drills.

The lessons are desinged as follows:

Lesson 1

• In-About Turn

• Sit In Motion

• Recall with Hand Signal

• Change of Body Position from Heel

Lesson 2

• Down In Motion

• Sit Stay and Down Stay with Increased Time and Distance

• Change of Body Position from In Front

• Long Distance Recall

• False Return

Lesson 3

• Stand Hand Signal from Heel

• Stand In Motion

• Stand Stay

• Sit Stay and Down Stay with Food Distraction

• Sit on Recall

Lesson 4

• The “Finish” Routine

• Recall from Release

• Stand Hand Signal from In Front

• Progressing Sit on Recall

Lesson 5

• Recall Over Food

• Swing Finish Routine

• Recall to Heel

• Hand Signal Only Commands

Lesson 6

• Swing Recall

• Voice Only Commands

• Review of All Drills

$900…

 intermediate to advanced off-leash program

This a 13-lesson course that alternates between Intermediate Obedience and Reliable Recall training and eventually transitions to more Advanced drills learning off- leash obedience. The lessons can be booked individually and once completed, the student will get a LIFETIME membership in my weekly Pack Walks which take place on Sundays @ 3pm at various locations around Niagara. Included in the price of the course is the Mini Educator remote electronic collar by Ecollar Technologies with an upgrade to titanium posts and a bungee collar strap; 15’ and 33’ long lines; a custom tab for eventual off-leash work; and a TDT T-shirt.

The lessons are structures as follows:

           Lesson 1-Intermediate Drills

• In-About Turn

• Sit in Motion

• Recall with Hand Signal

• Change of Body Position from Heel

           Lesson 2-Ecollar Conditioning

• Consultation on the Mini Educator

• Charging the Marker with the Ecollar

• How to Condition Recall with the Ecollar

           Lesson 3-Intermediate Drills

• Down in Motion

• Sit Stay and Down Stay with Increased Time and Distance

• Change of Body Position from Front

• Long Distance Recall

• False Return

           Lesson 4-Field Trip Phase 2 Recall

• Determining Levels on the Mini Educator

• Introducing Distractions

• Working with the 33’ Long Line

            Lesson 5-Intermediate Drills

• Stand Hand Signal from Heel

• Stand in Motion

• Stand Stay

• Sit Stay and Down Stay with Food Distraction

• Sit on Recall

            Lesson 6-Field Trip Phase 3 Recall

• Working in a High Distraction Environment

• Multiple Corrections on the Ecollar (If Necessary)

• Competing Motivator

  Lesson 7-Field Trip Intermediate Drills

• The “Finish” Routine

• Recall fro the Release

• Stand Hand Signal from Front

• Progressing Sit on Recall

  Lesson 8-Field Trip Phase 4 Recall

• Working in High Distraction Environment

• Transitioning to Line on the Ground

• Competing Motivators

• Incorporating Finish Into the Recall

  Lesson 9-Field Trip Intermediate Drills

• Recall Over Food

• Swing Finish Routine

• Recall to Heel

• Hand Signal Only Commands

  Lesson 10-Field Trip Phase 5 Recall

• Completely Off-Leash Lesson

• Working in High Distraction Environment

• Competing Motivators

• Reliable Recall Certificate

  Lesson 11-Intermediate Drills

• Review of All Obedience Drills

• Swing Recall

• Learning Off-Leash Heeling

  Lesson 12-Introduction to Advanced Drills

• Learning Down on Recall

• Learning Stand on Recall

• Using the Ecollar to Teach Commands

• Off-Leash Obedience.

  Lesson 13-Field Trip Review

• Incorporating Everything Into Pack Walk

• Moderate Distraction

$1,500…

 Behaviour consultation

This is an in-person session to address any behavioural issues you are having with your dog. Typically a consultation runs about 90 minutes and topics can range from nipping; jumping up; crate training; etc. for puppies to aggression; separation anxiety; excessive barking; etc. for older dogs.

We would sit down to discuss what has been going on with your dog and I will give you several solutions to work on by yourself to address the issues.

$150…(zoom availalbe for $85)

 ecollar consultation

This consultation is designed for the student who mainly wants to work on behavioural issues around the house like excessive barking; jumping on counters; stealing laundry; etc. During the consultation I will explain the functions of the Mini Educator; discuss my philosophy on Ecollar training; explain conditioning technique; and get some baseline levels for your dog on the collar.

Once the student has done conditioning for at least a week then I will write out a comprehensive PDF on how to deal with all the behavioural issues that want to work on including: how to set it up; what levels to use; etc.

The price of the consultation includes the Mini Educator by Ecollar Technologies which is fully waterproof and has a 1⁄2-mile range and is also available with a Micro Receiver for small dogs for the same price. Here are the features of the Mini Educator:

• 1⁄2 Mile Range

• Convertible to a 2 Dog System by Adding a Collar Receiver: ET-302

• Li-Polymer Rechargeable Batteries Both Units (2 Hour full Charge)

• 100 Levels Dial Adjustable with “Lock and Set” Feature

• User Settable Booster Levels

• Separate Momentary and Continuous Buttons

• Modes and Levels Retained After Charging

• Tapping Sensation (Non-Stimulation Training)

• Night Blue LCD Display for Precision Control

• Low Battery Indicators on Both Units

• Lost Transmitter Beeper

• Remote Controlled Night Light

• Durable BiothaneTM Collar Strap

• Two Year Full Warranty (Batteries Covered)

• Limited Lifetime Warranty (Batteries Exempt)

• Assembled in the USA

  The standard configuration is either a yellow or black remote with a black strap, however; you can mix and match any combination of strap and remote colour for an upgrade fee.

$400…

 Reliable recall

This course teaches your dog off-leash freedom while giving you the power to call them back 100% of the time. The course is structured in Phases and gradually increases distraction with the use of dogs OR high distraction locations. The price of the course includes everything you need for the training: Ecollar Technologies Mini Educator 1⁄2-mile remote collar including upgrades to titanium contact points and bungee strap ($300 value); 33’ long line; and a custom tab for eventual off leash work. I also have a team of volunteers who help me with the lessons by using their dogs as distraction if appropriate for your dog. If your dog does not get along with other dogs, then the lessons are done at high distraction locations instead of using other dogs for distractions. The lessons are arranged as follows:

Consultation/Phase 1-Conditioning

• The Mini Educator is explained in detail and is fitted to your dog. I explain my philosophy on Ecollars and how to condition and imprint the marker word with and without the Ecollar; and how to condition recall working at the lowest level your dog feels to teach them the language of the Ecollar. This is a consultation type lesson that is done at your home.

Phase 2 Introduction of Distraction

• Working with the 33’ long line in hand and one other dog OR in a location with distractions to begin to introduce distraction so your dog learns they need to come when called every time. Field trip lesson.

Phase 3 Increase in Distraction

• Working with the 33’ long line in hand and increasing the distraction by using more dogs and/or working in high distraction environments. Focus changes from leash technique to Ecollar technique.

Phase 4 Line on Ground

• Working with the 33’ long line on the ground and increasing the number of dogs and/or distracted environments to ensure the quality of the recall.

Phase 5 No Long Line

• Using only the Ecollar and the tab, the final lesson ties everything together by using as many dogs as possible and/or working in a very high distraction environment to give the handler the confidence that their dog will come when called under all circumstances.

The lessons are spaced out at least a week apart, however; this is based on the student practicing every day. If this is not possible then we can stretch the time frame out to every two weeks or even longer. For most people, a two-week span works best. It is important for the human and especially the dog to fully grasp each phase before moving to the next one.

The collar that I include in the price of the course is the Mini Educator by Ecollar Technologies which is fully waterproof and has a 1⁄2-mile range. Here are the features of the Mini Educator:

• 1⁄2 Mile Range

• Convertible to a 2 Dog System by Adding a Collar Receiver: ET-302

• Li-Polymer Rechargeable Batteries Both Units (2 Hour full Charge)

• 100 Levels Dial Adjustable with “Lock and Set” Feature

• User Settable Booster Levels

• Separate Momentary and Continuous Buttons

• Modes and Levels Retained After Charging

• Tapping Sensation (Non-Stimulation Training)

• Night Blue LCD Display for Precision Control

• Low Battery Indicators on Both Units

• Lost Transmitter Beeper

• Remote Controlled Night Light

• Durable BiothaneTM Collar Strap

• Two Year Full Warranty (Batteries Covered)

• Limited Lifetime Warranty (Batteries Exempt)

• Assembled in the USA

The remote and strap are available in a variety of colours. The standard configuration is either yellow or black remote with a black strap, however; you can do whatever combination of remote and strap colour you want.

$800…

 behaviour modification

This course is designed to work on reactivity and aggression. I use a variety of techniques to systematically desensitize your dog to their triggers. The course is not a “cure” for your dog’s issues but rather a way to give you the tools and techniques to read your dog’s body language; strengthen your connection with them; and know what to do when they encounter their triggers. The course includes an Ecollar Technologies Mini Educator 1⁄2-mile remote collar with upgrades to titanium contact posts and bungee strap ($310 value) and the long lines necessary for recall training. I also have a team of volunteers who help me with the lessons. If your dog has human aggression, then you MUST imprint a muzzle for all the lessons. I can send information separately on muzzles and how to condition them. There are 6 lessons, and they are arranged as follows:

Lesson 1: Consultation and Introduction to the Ecollar

• This is a consultation lesson where we will go over the answers on the Behaviour Mod Questionnaire and I will explain the course curriculum. You will be given the Mini Educator collar and some handouts on anxiety and mindfulness to help with the “human” side of the training. There is no hands-on training at this lesson other than to fit the collar to your dog.

Lesson 2: Phase 1 Conditioning

• Working at the lowest level your dog feels we teach your dog the LOOK command and RECALL while pairing it with the Ecollar to teach the dog the language of the collar. Conditioning is always done at the LOWEST level possible to put a positive spin on the Ecollar. This is not a corrective level, and it will only be used during conditioning. After conditioning, the collar is only used IF NECESSARY or as insurance for those “what if” moments when your dog doesn’t listen to you.

• We will be using a marker word (YES) and high value treat to reinforce the positive nature of the commands. You will learn how to free shape the marker with and without the collar.

• During this lesson I also use a sound box for the Ecollar so that we can iron out any mistakes with technique before putting the collar on your dog. 

Lesson 3-6: Phase 2 Introduction of Distraction

• During this phase I re-create the scenarios that cause your dog’s unwanted behaviours so that I can coach you on the proper corrections and praise to use. For aggression and anxiety cases

• I use my own modified versions of techniques such as Behaviour Adjustment Training and Constructive Aggression Treatment as well as the Ecollar during these lessons. This is also where my team of volunteers comes in and generally these lessons are spaced out approximately one to two weeks apart to allow you time to work on what you have learned on your own.

• During these lessons I am teaching you how to read your dog’s body language and the techniques to redirect them BEFORE they react. These are the tools and techniques that you will use long term with your dog even after the lessons are over.

  The Imprinting is done for at least a week before the conditioning Phase. Conditioning can take anywhere from a week to two weeks depending on how often you are able to practice. The lessons in Phase 2 can be spaced out every week if you are practicing every day or every two weeks if you fell you need more time. For some dogs, their learning curve is steep as far as behaviour issues are concerned and less lessons are needed to correct the problems. If this is the case with your dog, then we can transition to learning more advanced uses of the Ecollar with your dog such as off-leash recall or using the collar to reinforce obedience commands like heeling.

  The collar that I include in the price of the course is the Mini Educator by Ecollar Technologies which is fully waterproof and has a 1⁄2-mile range. Here are the features of the Mini Educator:

• 1⁄2 Mile Range

• Convertible to a 2 Dog System by Adding a Collar Receiver: ET-302

• Li-Polymer Rechargeable Batteries Both Units (2 Hour full Charge)

• 100 Levels Dial Adjustable with “Lock and Set” Feature

• User Settable Booster Levels

• Separate Momentary and Continuous Buttons

• Modes and Levels Retained After Charging

• Tapping Sensation (Non Stimulation Training)

• Night Blue LCD Display for Precision Control

• Low Battery Indicators on Both Units

• Lost Transmitter Beeper

• Remote Controlled Night Light

• Durable BiothaneTM Collar Strap

• Two Year Full Warranty (Batteries Covered)

• Limited Lifetime Warranty (Batteries Exempt)

• Assembled in the USA

  The standard configuration is either a yellow or black remote with a black strap, however; you can mix and match any strap and remote colour.

$1,000…

 Therapy Dog Course

With the end goal of becoming a Therapy Dog, your dog needs to obtain a certain level of basic obedience and then transition to working under high distractions including both people and other dogs. The course will begin with teaching them the basics and then branch out to start to include my volunteers and their dogs at lessons to add to the distraction level. From the midpoint of the course, we will do lessons as field trips to high distraction environments so I can expose your dog to things like loud noises; unusual circumstances; food temptations; etc.

Initially lessons will be spaced out a week apart or as schedules permit then, as the course moves on, we will space them out at least 2 weeks apart to give you time to work with your dog under distraction.

The course is laid out as follows:

Orientation

• Video orientation.

• You will receive the link to my orientation video and PDF handout.

• The information covers what to have for training; my method; leashes and collars; some key points; and gives some general advice.

Lesson 1

• Sit at Heel.

• Release Command.

• Charging a Marker Word.

• Leash Pressure Work.

• Introduction to Heeling.

Lesson 2

• Heeling with a Loose Leash.

• Right and Left Turns.

• Sit to Be Pet.

• Naming Behaviours: Look.

• Shaping Place.

Lesson 3

• Down at Heel Position.

• Naming Behaviours: Place

• The “OUT” Command.

Lesson 4

• Sit Stay.

• Beginning of Distractions with Volunteers.

Lesson 5

• Down Stay.

• Beginning to Use Competing Motivators.

Lesson 6

• Recall.

• Progressing the Place Command.

• Increasing Distractions.

Lesson 7

• Stand for Examination.

• Increasing Time and Distance on Place.

• Increasing Time and Distance on Sit Stay and Down Stay.

Lesson 8

• Real Life Distractions Are Introduced.

• Stand Stay.

• Food Refusal and Other Competing Motivators.

Lesson 9

• Field Trip to High Distraction Environment.

• Review of All Training.

• Increasing Time and Distance on Stays.

Lesson 10

• Proofing Behaviours in High Distraction Environment.

Lesson 11

• Therapy Dog Test and Certificate.

$1200…

 Scent Detection

This course is designed as an introduction to anyone who wants to learn sport Scent Detection. It uses Wintergreen as the primary odour which is the odour that is used for CKC Instinct and Novice level competitions. The course incorporates elements of “real life” scent detection also, such as teaching a passive indicator; proofing with competing odours; and outdoor finds.

Students are required to purchase their own scent boxes and essential oil for practice at home, however; all supplies are provided at the lessons. A full list of supplies will be provided upon enrollment.

The first lesson is a seminar type session followed a week later by the first practical lesson with dogs. After that, the lessons are spread out every two weeks for the duration of the course to give the student ample time to practice technique before moving on to the next lesson.

Lesson 1 (No Dog)

• How to Charge a Marker.

• Timing Your Marker.

• Discussion On Jackpotting.

• Choosing An Indicator.

• Choosing Your Command.

• Discussion On Equipment.

Lesson 2

• Field Search Using Tennis Balls Impregnated With Odour.

• How To Work On Your Dog’s Final Indicator Independently.

Lesson 3

• How To Shape Behaviour.

• Difference Between Free-Shaping and Shaping.

• Shaping Going To the Platform.

• Shaping the Box.

• Choosing Your Final Reward.

Lesson 4

• Adding a Second Scent Box.

• Working On Your Dog’s Final Indicator.

• Direct Reward.

• Terminal Marker Work.

Lesson 5

• Multiple Scent boxes.

• Direct Reward At Hot Box.

• Using Different Setups.

Lesson 6

• Multiple Boxes.

• Merging Indicator Work

• Different Setups.

• Working On Indicator With Final Reward Distraction.

Lesson 7

• Searching Independently.

• Introducing Final Reward.

• Thresholds and Keeping Your Dog Motivated.

• Refining Indicator At Source.

• Delaying Reward.

Lesson 8

• Introducing Competing Motivators.

• Proofing Odour.

• Extended Search.

• Demo of “Real Life” Search.

Lesson 9

• Proofing.

• Eliminating Boxes.

• Search From Start to Finish.

• Mock Trial.

$1,000…

 Professional Dog Trainer Mentorship

This is the most comprehensive course of its kind in the area, covering all aspects of running a successful dog training business. The course is designed to give the student the knowledge and skills to pursue a career as a professional dog trainer. The focus is the pet dog field, however; the course will give the student the foundation to branch out into other specializations of their choice.

The course consists of monthly information session on a variety of subjects (see modules) and weekly shadow sessions. During the shadow session, the student will accompany me on a variety of lessons including consultations; obedience; behaviour modification; Ecollar lessons; scent detection; therapy dog training; etc. This will give the student hands on exposure to a wide range of breeds and issues along the way.

It is my belief that by learning the theory behind why dogs do what they do and how to manage and shape those things, that you will be able to better deal with dogs or issues that don’t fit in the normal cookie cutter mold of most dog training systems. Of course, theory only goes so far, and the student will also need practical hands-on experience to fully benefit from this program.

Besides teaching my own method, other systems and tools will be discussed and explained during the monthly seminars. This will give students a more complete picture of dog training and allow them to make their own choices on what methods to use once they establish their own businesses. I am a firm believer in expanding your knowledge base so that you can make informed decisions on how to train the dog that is in front of you.

The successful student will be required to attend a variety of lessons each week to gain knowledge on how to teach and address specific needs of both the dogs and their owners. Pet dog training is more about training people than dogs, so this is an essential part of the curriculum. Every dog is different but also, every person learns differently. At the end of the day, it is your responsibility as a dog trainer to make sure that the person is successful in being able to train their own dog.

The student will be required to train their own dog as part of the curriculum. There will be weekly lessons with just the student and their dog to learn how to train their own dog from start to finish. Ideally this would be a puppy, however; an older dog would also be suitable if the student is willing to approach things with an open mind and teach their dog as if they had not had previous training. The student will go through basic to advanced obedience with their dog; Ecollar training;  and scent detection. 

Towards the end of the program, students will get hands on experience teaching a variety of classes and curriculum to my clients under my supervision. Successful completion of the course requires the passing of an extensive written test as well as passing Intermediate Obedience with their own dog.

The following outlines the modules of the course. These are the theory-based lecture/seminar lessons and do not include practical hands-on or shadowing sessions. Seminars will be scheduled each month.

Modules

• Learning Theory

• How Dogs Learn/Critical Periods of Development

• Obedience Training

• Intermediate/Advanced Obedience

• Behaviour Modification

• Sport

• Business Development and Models

• Promotion and Advertising

• Business Taxes

• Sustaining Your Business Mod

Current or previous TDT students can do the course for a 20% discount. To arrange a meet and greet session to discuss the course in greater detail, please use the Contact Us link below.

$625/Month…($7,500 Total)

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Satisfied Customers

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contact us

Email

Get in touch

If you would like more details about any of our courses please email us and we will be happy to provide you with additional information.

Phone

You can also contact us by phone or text at:

Flip Townson 289-690-DOGS (3647)