Behavior Support
We All Want the Best for our Dogs.
Sometimes, our dogs don’t understand that and think that everyday things are scary like nail trims, going to the groomer, getting in the car, or having visitors over. Behavior that stems from fear or insecurity can look REALLY ugly, but it’s important to understand that in most cases, when medical issues have been ruled out, that your dog isn’t giving you a hard time — they are having a hard time themselves.
Sometimes, You Just Need More Support. Below Are Some Options Available From Pawfect Partner LLC:
Cooperative Care
What Is It?
Cooperative Care is a training philosophy that slows down necessary husbandry into small, achievable portions to allow your dog to be more comfortable by using positive reinforcement for fearful or reactive dogs.
How Do You Teach Cooperative Care?
Cooperative Care is practiced in small, repeatable steps every day. It starts with desensitization to the tools and equipment themselves, so that it becomes less scary to see over time. At the same time, we work to desensitize handling — touching feet, ears, tails, etc. while building up their tolerance. The next part is teaching cues with duration like holding their paw up, sitting nicely, or standing still. Then, we desensitize to the sensation of the tools: vibrating toothbrush acting as a nail grinder or clipper, a spoon to practice touching nails & body exams, or using a basting brush to mimic being brushed with soft bristles.
One of the biggest uses of Cooperative Care is to teach dogs to tolerate and accept nail trims while being a willing participant by allowing them to consent through many practice sessions. This can be incorporated into any training plan or be the focus of an entire training plan. Best for dogs who need to be desensitized to grooming, handling, taking medications, or other necessary care.
“What if I need this but I’m too far away?”
Virtual Coaching
Virtual training is an option for dog parents who need training assistance, but may be too far, busy, or want a more hands off approach to figure things out themselves. Although, it is meant to be supplemental to in-person training to allow for demonstrations and active observation of behavior by the trainer to benefit fully.
Cooperative Care and other training like AKC Home Manners can be coached fully virtual via Zoom so long as you are consistent with homework & practice in between and are consistent with taking videos for review.
Virtual support can be easily integrated into existing training plans to complement in-person sessions. This option is ideal for busy dog owners or those located outside of Ocean County who need greater flexibility and convenient access to guidance.
“What if I don’t really have the time, but I know my dog needs training?”
Support Services
Training Walks $35
Training walks are similar to regular dog walking, except it emphasizes training concepts in a one-on-one setting with the trainer for an additional $15.
Best for dog owners who need the additional training support, or those needing dog walking services and want the benefit of training support.
Drop-in Stay & Train $120
Drop-in Stay & Trains are 2-hour visits that include care tasks, walks, and training practice based on your training plan. This is a support option for working pet parents who work long hours and still want the benefits of at-home training.
Best for dog owners who need additional support between training lessons to help their dog with consistency at home.