Not sure if this is the class for you? Please email  suemyles@gmail.com and I'll help.

$295.00
Five weeks one hour per class

Rescue Dog/Rehab Class

$350.00
5 weeks one hour and fifteen minutes per class

First class is without dog.

Does your pooch have 'less than the best' manners around other dogs? Is lunging and barking his favorite sport? Is your pet uneasy and nervous around humans? Is your dog new to you and from a Rescue Group or Shelter? Is he undergoing changes each week you have him? Is his background and history unknown to you?  If the answer is yes! then the 'Rescue Dog/Rehabilitation class is for you.

This highly focused class helps new Rescues and dogs in need of social rehabilitation with humans and dogs. Dogs with unknown backgrounds, dogs attacked by other dogs, dogs threatened at dogs parks and beaches are all welcome. Dogs shy and scared of humans are also welcome.

Problems special to Rescue dogs such as Separation Anxiety are addresses in this class.

First session is without dogs.

Dogs who are assessed by me to be too dangerous to be in a group class will be asked to make a House Call. We can make those adjustments, if need be, in the first session.

Class includes bean bag, correction spray and Portable Training Mat. Also, you'll receive a daily week day training tip sent to your email address for the five week session.

 

Q. What will my dog learn in the Rescue/Rehab class?
As your pet learns to be less aggressive toward other dogs, more trusting of people, more obedient and we untangle much of the dog's background of abuse, neglect or poor prior training, we'll teach other skills, too. He'll learn to stay at your side when other dogs go by, to connect with you, to be more attentive as he learns training commands.

Q. What methods will I use? Will my pet have to wear a pinch or shock collar?
 No, your dog will wear a harness, head collar or flat collar just like the dogs in my Puppy and Basic Companionship classes. Pinch collars promote aggression as do shock collars. Any punishment techniques used are the ones I use in my 'regular' classes. Pets from a rescue or those in need of rehab do not need more harshness...it is usually the opposite.

Q. Will my dog play with other dogs in class?
Many of the dogs in class are not relaxed with other dogs. We'll have exercises designed to help Rescues feel safe and 'at home' with other dogs, but, playing with other dogs is not on our 'to do ' list.

Q. It sounds like my pet will be in class with trouble dogs. Is it worth taking this class?
Many pets, especially the rescue dogs, start this class scared, confused, anxious and just plain a bundle of nerves with a collar. They don't stay that way. Each and every dog in this class improves quickly as the owners learn why their pet behaves that way. None of the dogs are 'bad,' but this is a class where we all understand that our pets need special help and attention.

Q. Why don't we bring the dogs the first session?
 I have so much information that helps you immediately, I want the environment free of worry and distraction. When you arrive at the second session, with your pet, you will know exactly what to do so the class is smooth and problem free. And, there are management and training exercises I teach the first week you'll employ, immediately.

Q. Why does this class cost more the other classes?
Enrollment is very limited. This class is much, much harder work than my 'regular' classes. Teaching a group of dogs with unknown histories who may dislike one another or humans takes lots of energy, calm in the face of chaos, cheerfulness when owners are discouraged and plenty of patience. I've taught many of these classes and always have a wine cooler (at least!) when I come home.

And, I include help with separation anxiety and the six week 'thawing out' period and what to do in this class, which I do not in the 'regular' classes.

Q. Do all rescue dogs have to be in this class? My new guy seems fine with people and he likes other dogs. Can I enroll him in the Basic Companionship class?
This class is perfect for Rescue and new to you dogs. Not only do you get basic training in useful commands you get the extras that Rescues need. Once you've graduated from this class you're on to Basic Companionship. Start here and the road to training is an easy climb.

Group Training - Which Class Is For Me?

Q. My people took me to a puppy class at a pet store. Can I skip your Puppy/Beginner and go right to Basic Companionship?

A. Oh you overachievers. A class held in the middle of a distracting environment like a pet store taught by an instructor whose been alive fewer years than I've been training is not a comparable class. You'll learn more in my first hour than you did the whole pet store session.

Q. I am a much smarter than usual pup. My people have done a lot of training with me at home. I think I should be promoted to the Basic Companionship class. What do you think?

A. People who do a lot of home training get an A plus, but, you still need the social skills only a group class can offer. We'll all appreciate your smarts in the Puppy Class.

     Q. I don't know where I belong! I'm two years old and I've never been to group school. What class is best for an older girl like me?

    A. Speaking as an older girl myself, you should come to the Puppy/Beginner, or, if you are a Rescue dog, please enroll in the Rescue/Rehabilitation Class.. We can switch you if the class is not right for you. Just because a pooch is older does not mean she has had a good academic start.

   Q. Uh..sometimes I am not nice to other dogs. Can  I come to school?

A. Yes, I have a class for you. The Rescue/Rehab class is for dogs who do not play nice with other dogs as well as an assortment of problems. If you lunge and bark at other dogs while you think bad thoughts you are a perfect Rescue/Rehab candidate. And, if you've been attacked by other dogs this is also the class for you.

   Q. What's the DogThink Method? Is that why your logo has a dog smushed against a human's head? Is the dog trying to get the human to think?
   A. Yes! You are one smart pup. My DogThink method uses only gentle, effective training without force or fear. I teach the humans to think like a dog. Humans like to understand their pet and DogThink helps. No other trainer in Orange County uses or understands DogThink which is too bad for dogs.

   Q. How would my human know if you and DogThink are what they want? I know I do! Can they come to watch a class?
   A. Sure. They have to leave you at home (sorry...) bring a folding chair to observe one class and understand if effective, gentle training taught with a lot of humor is for them. If you have stodgy owners who don't like to laugh...well....

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Not sure if this is the class for you? Please email me at suemyles@gmail.com and I'll help you decide what's best for your pet.