Canine Enrichment
The Canine Enrichment Center at LA Dogworks is a unique approach to training your puppies and dogs. We have developed a simple program starting with puppies 12 to 14 weeks old. We call this Puppy Preparatory School. Here your puppy will spend two weeks in an intensive training program learning the basic five behaviors, Come, Sit, Down, Stay and Place. They also will learn proper leash behavior. We honestly feel that this is the best way to train a puppy. It takes the onus off of you and builds a solid foundation so that when they go home, they can respond properly to what you request them to do. These two weeks of puppy training will help you have a solid bond and relationship with your dog.
When not in training they will also, through socialization with other puppies and small dogs, learn proper dog manners. By playing with other puppies and dogs they learn bite inhibition, develop play styles and best of all they naturally make friends and become part of the pack.
The first week introduces your puppy to each of the 5 behaviors through positive reinforcement techniques. Most puppies are food motivated and this simple technique is easy for the puppy to understand. “I do it right I get a reward”. Also known as Treat Training this has proven to be a successful approach to puppy training with great results. To keep your puppy stimulated we use treats of different value. Based on your puppies performance we offer lower or higher value rewards. As your puppy learns each behavior we phase out the treats by offering it in different intervals so the puppy never knows when the treat will come keeping them motivated and willing to perform the behaviors.
The second week is where we put everything to the test. This is where our “Lifestyle Training” method kicks in. Your puppy will go on field trips to different stores, malls, restaurants and ride in a car. They will have to perform their behaviors with distractions and in different environments. This is where it all comes together and it gives your puppy the opportunity to put their education to practice.
After we are confident that your puppy is proficient in their training skills and ready to go home we get together and I teach you what your puppy has been trained to do. We suggest you record this session so you can refer to it when you are working with your puppy. It is very important that you understand that this is your puppies first stage of learning. You will be responsible to maintain their training. Practice often at random times and set 10 minutes aside for a formal training session with your pup. You will receive a packet with instructions and notes on how to maintain your puppies training and keep them proficient in their response to your requests.
There is a lot to understand about puppy behavior and we will help you learn to think and act in ways your puppy will understand. Puppies and dogs do not process information the way humans do and we will teach you some tips on how to relate to your puppy in ways they will understand. There are some very simple mistakes people make that can confuse your puppy and can effect your puppy negatively.
Our “Teach The Human Train The Dog” approach helps you to understand more about your puppy. You will learn things that will help strengthen the bond between you and your puppy and the dog they become. For example, three things we will explain to you, 1. Never use your puppy or dogs name in conversation unless you are addressing them directly. 2. Do not use the word “NO” as a correction. 3. Do not let your puppy do what you do not want your dog to do.
Level 2. Canine Enrichment Boarding School
Here we work with dogs that are older but less than one year. It primarily is a “Tuneup” for dogs that have had some training but have a need to fine tune there behavior. Based on a two week program we can bring your dog back to a level that will allow you to continue their training with better understanding and response. They will relearn the basic behaviors, Come, Sit, Stay, Down, Wait, Go to place and walk properly on a leash.
It is up to you
Please remember that training your dog is an on going process. You should set aside at least 10 minutes a day to work with your dogs to keep them sharp. It is up to you as a responsible dog owner to have a socially aware and well behaved dog.
Stop by LA Dogworks or call 323 461-5151 and let’s talk about how we can help you make your puppy the best dog they can be.