I wanted to explain how a typical first lesson goes.
The 1.5 hour lesson:
First of all, I would ask that you put together a "Goals List". This will be a key guideline for us to have - to ensure we are accomplishing or at least moving in the direction you originally intended.
I would go over any immediate issues - as an example, if your dog were to jump all over me on first meet, the first thing I would do is show you (and your dog) who the Alpha is in the pack. This would be very important for the beginning of the lesson in this case so your dog would have an understanding that I am more dominating and if it were to test me again and again, I would demonstrate it wouldn't be able to have it's way with me.
Potty training is next. We would go over how everything has been going and work out the best solution to this problem and instill it as a routine to follow.
The next subject would be communication. I want to make sure you understand that dogs have a language of their own and break that down for you, show you in fact, so that you can practice communicating in your every day interactions with your dog in order to teach it right from wrong. The subject of getting along with other dogs would be covered here as well.
At this point in the lesson I would begin to do some "hands-on" work with your dog. Teaching it how to Focus, knowing that this is the foundation to getting your dog to listen to you in the first place. You would also be a part of this. Some people have the funniest responses to this as they watch me do this because it can be quite an eye opener to see how I can calm a dog down and get it to Focus.
There will be other factors and questions that come up throughout the lesson and I will cover those. I can't point them out now because we aren't actually doing the lesson now - they come up as they come up and I give you my best solution to each.
Hand commands are included in the lesson - hand commands for Sit, Down and Here/Come. Teaching your dog not to dart out the door in front of you is part of the first lesson.
Walking properly on a leash is also an important subject covered on the first lesson.
So, by the end of the lesson we will have gone through all of the above.
It is loaded with information that I would insist you have a pad of paper to hand and write the important things down so that when I leave you will be able to retain this information and look back at it when you need to. The purpose of this lesson is not only to teach your dog but also to train you, your wife, your husband, your kids and anyone else that interacts with the dog.
A lot of people do one lesson and I call them back in a couple of weeks to check on them and find out they're doing great and that I was able to help them a lot to get things back under good control. But, it can be a disappointment for me because I'm trying to make a living and it's hard when I only need to do one lesson!
Some have me come back a second, third or fourth time because they appreciate the influence I can give to a dog. Some dogs need special handling and the owners know they won't be able to accomplish it without my help and so have me come 2-3 times a week for a few weeks in a row.
It really depends on the dog.
How does all of that sound to you?
If you are interested in having me come over and help please let me know when you would be available.
