Member Meetings and Topics Calendar
Sign up for our expert-led guidance sessions. Each month we will have a different theme but there is also a chance for members to raise questions or ask for advice regarding their pup’s behavior. Nothing is considered off-topic in these sessions.
Don’t forget to check out the topics calendar below!
Introduction to Scentwork
We all know that dogs love to use their noses but did you know that scent-driven games can be a great way to boost your dog’s mental stimulation and tire them out? We’ll talk about what the other benefits of sniffing are and how to encourage more sniffing to take advantage of these.
Scentwork: Training Tips and Tricks
Teaching your dog how to find hidden treats or items on cue can be a great way to reduce indoor boredom and even treat behavior concerns. In this session we’ll review the prerequisite training tutorials for scentwork games and address any questions about applying these techniques.
Cooperative Care: Paw Handling and Nail Trims
Most dogs don’t LOVE having their paws handled, which can make weekly husbandry like nail clipping a real pain for both you and your dog. Learn how to use cooperative care techniques to get your dog feeling confident and comfortable with paw and nail handling.
Cooperative Nail Care: Training Tips and Tricks
If you can’t touch your dog’s paw how are you supposed to keep their nails short between vet and grooming visits? We have a trick for that! Review accompanying nail care training tutorials and ask questions about implementing cooperative care procedures with your dog.
Off-Leash Etiquette: Training Tips
Does your dog have a rocket recall? If not, tune in! We’ll be this essential off-leash skill in our accompanying training tutorials and helping you troubleshoot and recall problems you’re having.
Guest Manners
Does your dog go bananas when guests are coming over? This can be a real challenge when you have to manage your jumping dog and your incoming guests at the same time. Learn why some dogs are more prone to barking at the door than others and how we can take start to encourage more appropriate guest behavior.
Guest Manners: Training Tips
Once you’ve identified how you would like your dog to respond to guests entering the home then it’s time to set off on your training plan. Review the accompanying training tutorials for guest manners and get your questions answered.
Resource Guarding: Training Tips and Tricks
Though resource guarding is a “normal” behavior, there are times when we need to get something from our dog quickly and without stress. We’ll review the accompanying training tutorials in this session and cover and resource guarding questions.
Resource Guarding: Normal Behavior or Over the Top Problem?
Sometimes our dogs become protective over or “guard” resources like toys, bones, and even their beds. Learn how to look out for signs of resource guarding and when is the appropriate time to step in.
Reactivity On-Leash: Training Tips and Tricks
There are several skills we can teach a dog to help them avoid triggers or to help them feel better about on-leash triggers. In this session, we’ll review the accompanying training tutorials for leash reactivity and cover any related questions.
Reactivity: Lunging and Barking on Leash
Many guardians experience some level of leash-reactivity with their dogs. Leash-reactivity or barking and lunging at things on leash can range from low intensity and slightly frustrating to moderate or severe intensity and incredibly dangerous. This session will cover how to identify and address leash-reactivity to help you and your dog feel less stressed on walks.
Dog Park Etiquette: Training Tips and Tricks
There are a few training skills we believe are important for your dog to have practiced before heading to the dog park for maximum safety. In this session, we’ll discuss the accompanying training tutorials and answer any questions that you have regarding dog park procedures.
Dog Park Etiquette: Navigating an Unpredictabe Space Safely
For our social city dogs, it can be hard to find them off-leash time unless you’re comfortable frequenting your local dog park. Learn our top tips for navigating a dog park safely and for discerning if the dog park is the right option for your pup.
Addressing Barking Indoors and Setting Realistic Expectations
Learn how to move your dog away from your doors and windows to stop barking in it’s tracks. Review the Thank You Protocol and teach your dog how to bark less and perhaps even get rid of barking altogether!
Troubleshoot Accompanying Videos:
Mat Relaxation
Thank You Protocol
Things that Go Bump in the Night: Reduce Barking at Noises in Your Home
Is it normal for dogs to bark at noises they hear outside the home? Yes! Can it also be a frustrating and disruptive? Yes! Learn how to effectively manage your dog’s exposure to noises and reduce their barking response.
Applying Cooperative Care Techniques
Learn how teaching your dog what to expect through predictor cues can help to minimize distress during handling. Explore ‘consent’ in dogs. Identify ‘choice’ vs. ‘no choice’ moments during handling and how to determine when you should not push your dog during grooming or at the vet.
Troubleshoot:
Predictor Cues
Consent
No-choice moments
Opt-in behaviors
What to do when your dog says “no”
Building Comfort around Handling and Veterinary Procedures: Intro to Cooperative Care
Does your dog run and hide when the brush comes out? Our dogs are handled for the majority of their lives and many of them learn to hate it. Learn how to start building your dog’s comfort around grooming and veterinary procedures to reduce their stress and you frustration.
Tips for Successful Human Greetings: Ensure Your Dog is Comfortable and Polite When Greeting Human Friends
“Fido, NO! Fido, OFF!” Does that sound familiar? Many of us chastise our dog for jumping on family and friends during greetings. What if your dog’s high-jumps mean something other than excitement? Teach your dog how to greet humans calmly and ensure your dog’s excitable behavior is not a sign of underlying discomfort.
Get in Your Dog’s Head:Using Your Dog’s Body Language and Behavior to Understand their Emotions
Most of us think we have a pretty good sense of what our dog is feeling but what if we’re wrong? Uncover the truth behind your dog’s wagging tail and examine video examples of dog behavior that will shed light on your own dog’s choices.
L.E.G.S: Applications for Your Dog
We all know we need to address our dogs’ mental and physical needs but when it comes to enrichment activities, there should not be a one-size-fits-all approach. Learn how to apply the L.E.G.S curriculum to help you choose what enriching activities will best serve your dogs and their unique genetic needs.
L.E.G.S Overview
Award-winning certified canine behavior consultant Kim Brophey introduces a comprehensive framework known as L.E.G.S (Learning, Environment, Genetics, Self) to explain all four aspects of a dog’s behavior. When these are in balance, they work in harmony, but if not, they can create discord or disaster.