" Puppy play is all important. Play is esssential if a puppy is to learn the social relevance of the vast jumble of behaviors in his doggie repertoire...What you need to do is teach your puppy the rules of the game. And, the more rules he learns in puppyhood, the safer he will be as an adult dog. "               -- Dr. Ian Dunbar

THINGS WE KNOW ABOUT REAL THINGS WEDOGSOppoOpportunistic scavengers (if edible and within reach, eat it NOW!).rtunistic scavengers (if edible and within reach, eat it NOW!). from Jean Donaldson, author of The Culture Clash It's all chew toys to them (no concept of artifacts) Amoral (no right vs. wrong, only safe vs. dangerous) Self-interested (no desire to please) Lemon-brains (small, less convoluted brains; learn through classic and operant conditioning. Predators (search, chase, bite, dissect and chew, all strongly wired). Highly social (bond strongly, don't cope well with isolation). Resolve conflicts through ritualized aggression. Finite socialization period (fight or flight when not socialized). Opportunistic scavengers (if edible and within reach, eat it

DOG TRAINING CLASSES AND SEMINARS

CLASSES

Growly Dog Class, Basic Manners Class and Puppy Socialization Class are offered on a regular basis.
Special seminars of 2 hour duration each on different topics are offered on an occasional basis for $40 per class.
Our classes take place at Paws Plaza - 1416 Fourth Street, Santa Fe.

GROWLY DOG CLASS
Finally!  Learn to transform barking, growling and lunging while on the leash! After class you can enjoy peaceful walks in a public place where other leashed dogs appear from time to time. 
Session duration 6 weeks. $475.  Participant number is limited each session. For a schedule of next session please call 505.820.7529.

BASIC MANNERS CLASS

• Develop life long skills as a dog owner:
• Increase the bond between you and your dog--Let's have FUN!
• Learn to avoid the rise and reinforcement of unwanted behaviors.
• Learn to humanely and effectively punish bad behaviors by controlling the stuff your dog wants.

Session duration 6 weeks. $235.  Next session will begin in August. Call to register and for specific dates, 820.7529.

PUPPY SOCIALIZATION CLASS
Puppies, 5 months and younger, will learn valuable life saving skills such as being handled by people outside their family. They are taught to visit the veterinarian, the groomer, and meet with other human social situations without stress and fear. Another emphasis of the class is appropriate puppy to puppy socialization, crucial to learn so that he/she can have a lifetime of friendly associations with other dogs. Session duration 6 weeks; open enrollment. Call for dates and to pre-enroll.

SEMINARS
We offer seminars beginning this Spring 2010!   Half-day seminars under consideration include:

• Kids and Canines
• Clicker Training 
• Tricks for Treats!
• Body Handling for Grooming and Other Applications
• Dog Park Etiquette and Safety