K9 Companion: Week #1 - Trainer Notes

The K9 Companion class began as an entry level training course for dogs that are 6 months or older. The concepts, however, can be used for all ages of dogs including puppies. The class introduces you to reward-based training techniques that will help you communicate to your dog a basic vocabulary of commands and will strengthen the bond you have with your dog to help make him or her a better house companion. Please review all the weeks because information in latter weeks make be useful immediately. Certainly there are various sequences in which the exercises may be taught and you should do what works best for you and your K9 Companion.

Week #1 - Trainer Notes

Have handlers fill out:

“Dog and Handler Information”

Go over with them:

“Things you’ll need to know”
Class Etiquette
What you’ll learn in K9 Companion
Handouts in K9 Companion

Intros

Basic information (what to bring, feeding, type of instruction)
Owners tell a bit about their dogs

What are their challenges
What do they want to get from class

Demo of what will be taught

Clicker ok
Talk about how consequences affect behavior
Luring….attention….sit….downl….settle (bring mat)

New:

Yes/Treat
Good
Reaching for collar/yes/treat
Return to handler/yes-10 foot line
Bring mat for place command

Week 1 Handouts:

Homework Sheet #1/YES as a Marker
Communication is the KEY/Worksheet
Introduction to PLACE/What Motivates your Dog