Spirit
Ridge's 'Paws for Literacy®'
Programme
The
Spirit Ridge K9 Crew
Client
Testimonials and Newsprint Articles about Spirit Ridge
Rescue News: We
have no rescued dogs available for adoption!
Important Reading:
Articles
of Interest to Dog 'Owners'!
Our Rescued Friends' Hall of Fame
In Memorium
KOAL
(Sept 1995-May 2008)
Spirit Ridge K9 Training
& Rescue
RR #3, Orton
E-mail: jim@spiritridge.net
"........ because sit happens"
Services
At Spirit Ridge K9 Training & Rescue we offer a wide array of K9 Training Services, Behavioural Modification advice and activities tailored to your dog's temperament and working abilities. We offer both an outdoor fenced-in training area set on a 22 acre rural property just north of Hillsburgh as well as a comfortable indoor 1,300 square training facility constructed and finished in August 2007. This facility is insulated, heated and has rubber floor matting to help cushion our furry friends' jumps when they practice agility and other like dog sports!
The following classes are offered in the Winter 2009 training season - please e-mail us or call Jim at 519-855-6962 for further information and start dates.
K9 Training and Dog Sport Classes
BEGINNER
GROUP
OBEDIENCE CLASSES: During this six (6) week class you
will learn fundamental dog handling and leadership skills as well as the
standard obedience exercises (sit, down, stay, recall, proper heeling, simple
turns and 'about' turns etc). Classes are small (do not exceed a
maximum of six dogs), last for one hour and can include dogs with varying
previous experience. Handlers will be taught motivational techniques and
the proper use of praise, toys and/or food motivation to get the most out of
their dogs. The fact that we are one of the few training schools
that not only allows 'bad' boys and girls in our obedience classes but also does
not segregate them away from the other better behaved dogs, is an incredible
powerful learning experience for all handlers. Our philosophy is that
unless handlers learn to confidently face their worst fears, then there
is no point in doing any group obedience classes. The real world is full
of challenges and the behavioural portion of our classes incorporates help for
those handlers wanting to learn to negotiate the real world with their
dog and not hide them away behind tall fences and in their homes. Please call (519) 855-6962 or e-mail
us to enquire about our next beginner group obedience class.
(6 weeks, Fee: $190.00).
INTERMEDIATE GROUP
OBEDIENCE CLASSES: This six (6) week class requires completion
of the Beginner Group Obedience class here at Spirit Ridge or an equivalent
class elsewhere. The level of obedience taught in the intermediate class
builds on the simple commands taught in the beginner class and takes it one step
further. We will not only teach new obedience commands but also start to
'proof' the commands (ie teach the dogs to 'hold' the commands no matter the
distraction). Heeling will continue to be a mainstay of the class and
Figure 8s, weave heeling and all sorts of turns will be taught and
perfected. The initial introductory steps for off leash heeling will be
taught to the dog/handler teams showing focus on-leash. The course
curriculum borrows its requirements from both the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC's)
Companion Dog (CD) level requirements as well as the CARO Rally Obedience Novice
level. Please call (519) 855-6962 or e-mail
us to enquire about our next Intermediate group obedience class. (6 weeks, Fee: $190.00)
PUP-TASTICS COURSE:
This 6 week course is targeted for puppies up to 6 months of age who have had little
or no exposure to proper or enough socialization during the first critical
months of their life at home. During this course, the puppies will not
only socialize with each other and learn proper K9 social skills (under supervision) but
will also be exposed to our own trained older mature and stable dogs. This
will be invaluable as the puppies will also learn social K9 skills from one of
their own species who has the skill and patience to teach them. All existing
behavioural problems in the home will be addressed and solutions provided.
Furthermore, handlers will be taught how to 'play train' their puppies at home
(only through use of purely positive techniques), administer proper and calming
massage, and get them on their way to
more formal obedience training. All puppies will be properly exposed to
environmental obstacles (ladders, agility tunnel, different terrain) under
supervision in order to create a solid foundation and improve the stability of
their temperament.
Please call (519) 855-6962 or e-mail
us to enquire about puppy classes. (6 weeks, Cost:
$180.00).
PUPPY AGILITY COURSE: This six week basic introductory low impact agility class is specifically tailored to young dogs (under the age of 1 year) paying particular attention to the fact that their musculoskeletal system is still under development. The puppies will be properly introduced to all the agility equipment and handlers will have an opportunity to determine whether their pups have an aptitude for this wonderful dog sport. Simultaneously, puppies will have an opportunity to properly socialize with their new buddies in a fun and active environment. Training will also include help with moderate behavioural issues, where appropriate. Please call (519) 855-6962 or e-mail us for more information about this class. (6 weeks, Cost: $190.00)
RALLY-OBEDIENCE CLASSES (Beginner): Get involved in this new dog sport that teaches obedience in a fun way for both dogs and handlers! A course is set up with 10-19 signs each of which instruct the dog/handler team to perform a certain obedience exercise. Dog/handler teams in the Intro level course will learn all the basic commands as well as how to motivate their dogs to do the obedience exercises. Remember, Rally-O is a dog sport that allows constant communication with your dog .... it's supposed to be fun! Teams will also have an opportunity to test themselves in a few short courses. The Beginner class will offer more advanced techniques to perfect the commands and teams will have several opportunities to run a full Rally-O course. Pre-requisites: Beginner group obedience class and ability of the dog to properly heel and reliably execute basic obedience commands (sit, down, turns, come, all on leash - minimum size of class is three handlers. Please call (519) 855-6962 or e-mail us to register or for more information about this class. (6 weeks, Cost: $190.00)
RALLY-OBEDIENCE (Advanced): Requires completion of our Beginner course and/or successful acquisition of the Novice Rally Obedience title. Please call (519) 855-6962 or e-mail us to register for this class. Wednesday evenings at 8:15 PM (6 weeks, Cost: $190.00).
TRACKING CLASSES (all levels): This 6 week course will teach you all about your dog's nose, how to understand it better, respect it and develop a bond by creating a handler/dog team that learns to search for hidden objects on a course. You will be taught how to lay a track, read a terrain and determine its suitability for your dog's skills and how to encourage and handle your dog. A 'schutzhund style' tracking technique will be used. This style essentially teaches the dog to use a 'deep nose' tracking style (nose constantly in the ground - no head lifting) that is slow and methodical. Since this is the hardest style of tracking to teach, you will easily be able to switch to a CKC tracking style to trial your dog, if you eventually choose to do so. The nature of tracking is such that it is best taught early in the morning. Consequently, this will be a weekend (Sat or Sun) morning class and will commence no later than 9AM. Requirement for the Intro class: a flat 1-1.5 inch width collar; additional requirement for beginner class: same flat collar plus a 20 ft light leash. (6 weeks, Cost: $190.00) Please call (519) 855-6962 or e-mail us to register for the next class.
AGILITY
CLASSES (Intro, Beginner & Intermediate): The
6 week Intro course introduces you and your dog to the basic agility obstacles,
jumps, tunnels and contact equipment. The Beginner class varies from the Intro
class because it presumes basic knowledge of all the equipment and emphasizes
footwork development and proper body positioning allowing your K9 teammate
to 'read' you and your commands better on the course. Prerequisites:
Dogs registering for the agility classes must be able to
behave in a high activity class, in the presence of other dogs learning the
sport. If your dog cannot function in such an environment, you are
required to take our Beginner Group Obedience course as a pre-requisite to
registering for agility classes. (Cost: $190.00). Note: These
two agility courses are open to dogs over the age of 1 year (for large breed
dogs, the age is 1.5 years). This rule ensures no detrimental health
impact on your dog's joints before they are fully developed. Due
to high demand, our
agility classes are usually on Wednesday/Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings - the exact day
and time is
determined by the level at which you and your dog are at in terms of agility and
general background obedience level.
NOTE:
Assuming completion of the first six weeks of beginner agility class, this course fee of
$190.00
also includes use of our
outdoor/indoor training facilities on Sunday mornings (9:30-12:00 AM) for practice!
PRIVATE E-COLLAR TRAINING: In certain situations where leash training is not possible or the behavioural situation is placing the dog's life in serious danger, e-collar training may be recommended. Some handlers prefer to issue corrections indirectly through an e-collar rather than a leash. Furthermore, some individuals simply don't have the physical capacity or are disabled and unable to properly use a leash to correct. In these cases, e-collar training may be indicated.
E-collars can be used in two totally different situations:
-
As an aversive tool (ie issuing a correction of a magnitude that will stop a dog from doing something that places its well-being in immediate danger - such as chasing cars, horses etc)
-
As a training tool. In this case, handlers are trained to teach the dog the "language" of the e-collar.
The cost of private e-collar training ranges from $510-$550 - depending on the size of the dog. It includes a specifically recommended-for-the-dog "Dogtra" brand e-collar plus up to two hours of private instruction on its proper use. A handout summarizing the do's and don'ts of e-collar use is also left with the handler to ensure appropriate use of this serious training tool. Handlers must be aware that, in order to use an e-collar, they should ensure they first check with their veterinary doctor to confirm the dog has no underlying heart condition. Handlers will also be required to sign a liability release form prior to receiving instruction. (Note: For health and safety purposes, E-collar training is not recommended for any dog under 1 year of age). Please e-mail us or call Jim at 519-855-6962 for further information on E-collar training.
SPORT PROTECTION: Sport protection is taught in select cases of K9s that have exceptional obedience and want to take it 'to the next level'. A rigorous obedience screening test of the handler/dog team must be successfully completed prior to entering this course. Absence of proper and reliable obedience training will necessitate starting Sport Protection with formal obedience training and subsequent testing to ensure proper standards. Please e-mail us or call Jim at 519-855-6962 for further information on this course.
Behaviour Modification Sessions
At Spirit Ridge we believe that no K9 should be left behind; dogs that have issues with dog-on-dog or dog-on-human aggression are welcome. The nature of these issues as well as safety precautions, make it imperative that - initially - such sessions be private. All behavioural problems are addressed at our training facility or, if you feel more comfortable, our K9 Trainer will visit you in the privacy of your home to help you with your K9 problems. Once your dog has overcome the initial problems, we recommend careful integration into our group obedience classes.
Our in-home private sessions consist of:
-- an initial consultation (during which a questionnaire about you, your dog and the dog's environment and temperament is conducted). Initial advice and training take place during this first session. Due to the seriousness of many of these aggression/dominance issues families face with their dogs, we try to provide help during this first session that will address the key issues and give families some relief.
Most dog "owners" report immediate improvement after using our recommended handling techniques and making the in-home changes that are recommended. Please note that the comprehensive nature of our recommendations is such that dog owners cannot cherry pick to use the ones they like while 'shelving' those they prefer less. Consistency is a main requirement for success as dogs see things very much in a 'black or white' manner. As a result, all actions on the families' part need to be consistent and point the dog only in one direction - that the humans in the family are indeed, the pack leaders. The initial consultation typically lasts about 1.5 hours. For the more difficult or multi-dog cases, the session could last up to 2 hours. At the end of the private session you are left with both specific recommendations and instructional handouts.
-- follow up Support: There is much to absorb from the first session. Occasionally, handlers feel overwhelmed with the magnitude of information and help imparted on the first session. Have no fear! We are only an e-mail message or phone call away - if you forget or are unsure of something or there is a family disagreement on how to properly address an issue. We are available to you (at no extra charge) for any questions or clarifications stemming from the initial consultation. Applying the lessons you learn, correctly and consistently, are very important for your success and we are with you every step of the way even long after we leave your home!
-- follow up additional sessions: In most instances, the initial consultation is enough to get you well on your way to controlling your dog(s). However, in a small percentage of difficult cases or multi-dog/animal homes, we are required to make a return visit and help with specific issues. These visits usually last no more than 1 hour. To date, we have never been required to make more than two visits to any household.
Following our in-home visit(s), do not be surprised if you are urged to attend an upcoming group obedience class at Spirit Ridge, in order to make your transition from behaviour modification to obedience training - in the presence of up to five other dogs and handlers. During these classes, we not only teach the usual sits, downs, come, heeling, turns etc commands but we also attend to any further behavioural needs of you and your dog in a supportive environment. Unlike some other training schools, everyone attending our classes is there not only to learn but to also help each other. We have all been in the very same situation, at one time or another, and know that training for real life situations is the only way we can be prepared for real life situations.
The cost of private behaviour modification sessions ranges from $80-$120 per hour depending on whether the session is in your home or here at Spirit Ridge.
Please e-mail us or call Jim at 519-855-6962 to enquire about our private behaviour modification sessions.
Seminars & Events
Throughout the 2009-10 Season, Spirit Ridge will offer a variety of seminars and events. For more information on some of our planned seminars and events please click here.
Training Area Rental
Our clients frequently have problems training where they live either because of safety issues with urban traffic or the existence of other dogs and animals. We offer clients our fenced-in training area for their own use as well as our area with agility equipment - assuming they have the basic knowledge to safely use the equipment and their dog is age-appropriate (over 1 or 1.5 years of age depending on breed size). Hourly rental for our outdoor training area is $20.00/hr; for our indoor training facility the fee is $50.00/hr. All proceeds go to our dog rescue fund. You may call (519) 855-6962 or e-mail us to enquire on availability and to book your time slot.
