KEAM FARM DOG CAMP

TRAINING

TRAINING PHILOSOPHY

Animal shelters are full of dogs which started out as "loveable sources of enjoyment" and ended up being too much to handle, or not what the owners expected.

Some of the perceived problems would include:

• Not house broken

• Jumps up on everyone

• Barks too much

• Aggressive to people in general

• Aggressive to children in particular

• Aggressive to other animals

• Runs away at every opportunity

• Will not come when called

• Chases cats, cars, joggers, bicycles etc.

• Pulls on the leash

• Compulsive eater (too fat)

All of the above are manifestations of symptoms, not the actual problem.

At Keam Farm Dog Camp, we have the motto The dog's fine - the owner needs help.  Our clients often say " I don't understand my dog, they scored very high at Obedience Class, but acts up at home or when we are out at the park".  Most obedience training is "Command Response" training.  Often the dog learns that Obedience is something you do once a week at a particular time and at a particular venue, and do not relate it too the rest of the world.

We believe in educating you about what your dog thinks, how they think, and why they think what they do.  If you want a calm, happy, well behaved dog, you won't get it by commanding them to "sit".  You will get it by quieting their mind and putting them at ease.  You do that by changing and improving the relationship you share with your dog.  When they are convinced that you are in charge and that you are capable of handling any situation (in other words, when you become a true LEADER for them rather than just a "buddy"),  they will be a pleasant, thoughtful, respectful child instead of a reactive, unfocused, wild animal.  You make a great you and a poor anyone else - The same is true of your dog.  Don't try to make them in to Rin Tin Tin or Lassie (they are probably a better dog).  We will teach you to communicate with your dog, so that they will know what you want, and you will learn to read what they are telling you.

At Keam Farm Dog Camp, we don't believe in teaching "reactive obedience", which some trainers try with gimmicks like food bribery and "clicker" devices.  These gimmicks may show short-term results, but do nothing to deepen the thinking relationship between you and your dog.  We believe in encouraging the dog to make a conscious decision whether or not to obey a command.  Once again, your dog's actions are a result of the relationship you share with them.  If they know you are their leader, they will treat you with loving reverence, not like a chew toy or playmate.

Teaching a dog "reactive obedience" is like teaching a child to stop at red traffic lights, without explaining why they should stop.  The consequences of NOT stopping at a red light may be catastrophic to the child.  Nature teaches a similar lesson to animals: there are consequences for actions.  Some consequences are good, other consequences are not so good.

This lesson starts with Mother Dog, who is sharp and clear when she corrects a puppy for inappropriate behaviour.  In so doing, she teaches them to respect her as an authority figure, and becomes the role model for any future "leaders" the puppy may have throughout their life.

The more closely you can duplicate Mother Dog in her demeanor -- her strength, consistency, fairness and sound judgment -- the easier it will be for your dog to understand what you want and why.

With this approach, there's really no need for "punishment", which is a foreign concept to animals living in a natural state.  There are, however consequences for actions.  Consequences are objective, not subjective.  The boundaries are clearer; "That is wrong, this is right" or "jumping up on me is wrong, and you will be sharply corrected.  Standing or sitting quietly next to me is good, and for that you will be lavishly praised and petted".

Keam Farm Dog Camp teaches you these concepts.  For most people, this is the only "obedience class" you will ever need.  Our motto is

The dog's fine - the owner needs help.

Training requires that the dog be left at Keam Farm for a week.  The training starts with an evaluation session with you and your dog.  This session lasts about an hour and we determine what you think the problems are with the dog, and what the dog thinks are the problems with you.  When you come to pick up the dog at the end of the week, we ask that you be prepared to spend an hour so that your dog can demonstrate their new behaviour and we can show you how to maintain it.

For further information or to book an evaluation session for you and your dog send us an e-mail or give us a call.