How To Pick Your Dogs Best Friend!
Pairings, Playmates and Canine Relationships!
Sun 8/30 from 3-6 pm at Wilde Kind Farm, Litchfield.
Dog to dog pairings and relationships are more complicated than you might think: not all dogs like ALL dogs, some may have preferred genders, sizes, temperaments, energy levels or playstyles; some dogs may enjoy other dogs but have a hard time with initial greetings, or may be “hit or miss” the first few times.
There are lots of reasons why it helps to be mindful when selecting playmates, walking buddies, housemates and more, and there are LOTS of things that you can do to set your dog up for success!
This work shop is all about how to read your dog, understand the type of relationship they enjoy, their play style and tolerances, how to “screen” potential play partners and structure a proper introduction.
Together we will work to see how our pairings go, practice exercises for introductions of all types, and if we are lucky we get to observe some play as well!
Please note: This workshop is designed for dogs with a history of being able to play and/or get along with other dogs. Dog’s who are social, or selective or tolerant. This workshop is NOT designed for dogs who are excessively leash reactive, or dog aggressive.
Availability & Pricing
6 Working spots available (handler/dog) $175
Unlimited Audit spots (NO dog) $85
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With half day (3-4hrs) and full day (4-6hrs) workshops, there is plenty of time to deep-dive into a topic, learn lots of new skills and get plenty of hands-on practice.
All workshops offer “working spots” where you attend and train with your dog, as well as “audit spots” for those who want to attend without a dog, to listen, learn and take the new skills home!
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Workshops take place in several different awesome locations, including:
Wilde Kind Farm in Litchfield
Woof. Eat. Play. in Portland
Pupstart in North Yarmouth
Midcoast Humane in Brunswick
Various public locations
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A “Working spot” means you will bring your dog, and take part in the workshop. An “Audit spot” means your dog stays home, but you come along for all the learning!
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In order to keep workshops safe and functioning smoothly, there are certain criteria that “working spot” dogs must be able to meet (unless otherwise specified in the individual workshop description).
Working dog teams must:
Have NEVER caused physical injury to another dog resulting in the need for veterinary care (bite wounds etc.)
NOT have a history of OFFENSIVE aggression such as charging or chasing after dogs resulting in a fight, resource guarding, general intent to cause harm to other dogs. (**Please reach out to discuss if needed. Behaviors such as barking on leash, excitability, even behaviors like growling or snapping in certain social situations does not automatically disqualify your dog)
Be under the care of a veterinarian, and deemed healthy and fit for play.
Be current on rabies, distemper/parvo and kennel cough vaccines
Be comfortable waiting for periods of time between exercises in a crate/kennel/vehicle without undue stress or excessive noise. (Please note, if your dog is excessively noisy and disruptive, or distressed due to the separation you may be asked to leave the Workshop)
Makalo the Ridgeback and Amaya the Eurasier learning to have a conversation at a previous workshop at “the farm:”
“The Farm” Is a BEAUTIFUL backdrop for workshops!
“It’s Okay… He’s Friendly!”
Practical Solutions for the overly dog friendly dog, over-enthusiastic greeter, or friendly dog with poor greeting skills!
Saturday 9/19 from 9am-12pm at Happy Tails in Portland.
…. Be honest….do you own one of these dogs??
Tries to DRAG you to every dog he sees
DEMANDS to greet other dogs, without caring if the other dog wants to meet them or not
Fixate or refuse to move (or throw a full blown TANTRUM) until the other dog is gone
If allowed, moves STRAIGHT in to greet, and although your dog is generally friendly, the results of this approach are very mixed and may often result in moments of tension or scuffles (but can also end in play too)
LOVES to play, but is so intense with greetings it’s hard to get to the play point.
Once playing, goes from 0-100 quickly things can easily spill over into scuffles or tension
That you just KNOW wants to play and have dog friends but just isn’t sure how to do it!
Rushes the approach, seems social, but then seem awkward, displaying stuff movements, posturing or grumbles?
If ANY of this sounds familiar – this workshop is for YOU. We will spend a full three hours doing complete social skills case studies and intensive deep dives on just FIVE working teams (with plenty of auditor spots available for owners to come without their dog’s and observe the working teams). Come, learn all canine social skills and sociability, watch dogs practice “having a conversation”, learn slow greeting patterns and healthy play!
Availability & Pricing
Working spot (Handler and Dog) Only 5 spots: $275
Audit spot (NO dog): $110
Sign Up Here!
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Sign Up Here! 〰️
Working teams will:
Be part of completing a full social skills case study on your dog. Including:
A deep dive on your dog’s behavior, play history, life experiences and other factors making up their current social skill set.
Assessment of your dogs sociability level, social skill strengths and deficts through paired work with other dogs.
Assessment for greetings, interaction and controlled play when appropriate.
Receive a case history report and personalized training suggestions for moving forward (typed and provided after the workshop)
Get lots of hands on practice working directly with other dogs building better social skills in controlled exercises.
Learn how to slow down greetings, teach our dogs to have a conversation, and make thoughtful social choices instead of just rushing in.
Practice a variety of dog to dog greetings learning only calm greetings are appropriate.
Study dog to dog play!! Pairs able to greet calmly, showing mutual desire to play will be used to demonstrate controlled play sessions, take a break techniques, shaping social skills and more.
Audit attendees (no dog) will:
Be provided with full workshop materials, observe entire workshop, ask questions and learn with the group.
Engage as a group and assist in building our individual assessments and plans for working teams.
Help choose pairings and work with dog teams, observing behavior during dog to dog exercises.
Walk away with a WHOLE lot of knowledge and new skills to bring home to their dogs