OUR SERVICES

Our classes are small; there are normally 5-7 dogs in our level I classes.   Our level II classes are larger and our level III classes are held in various places giving us the ability to work with the dogs in a natural environment.  CLASS TIMES:  The class schedule is not fixed.   We do our best to match dogs and people to a class that best suits the dog and also the persons schedule.   People today are always on the run.   It is important to us to fit the training class to the dog and the persons needs.  Classes are primarily held on weeknights and Saturdays.    I will hold a day class if there are enough people available for a class.  All you have to do is let us know when you are available for class and give us your dogs age, breed, approximate weight and skill level and we will do our best to fit you into a class that will work for you and your dog. ORIENTATION:   Before a new client starts any of our classes they must attend our new client orientation.   This lasts about 1-1/2 hour.   Only humans attend, the dogs stay home.   The new clients get to meet us, talk to us about their dog/s and the things that are going on at home.  We discuss dog behavior and how we humans can create more problems without even knowing it.  Topics covered are: Description of classes and what is needed for class. Learning Theory  - how dogs learn by operant and classical conditioning (associations). Types of training methods - force & fear based vs. positive reinforcement. Reinforcements - What they are and how to use them. Problem Prevention - Crates, confinement & tethers. Jumping   Bite Inhibition - Nipping and biting Chewing Potty training for puppies  Digging  Barking Calming Signals - stress signals dogs exhibit that we misunderstand Cue System You will learn the name game and a few other exercises to take home and teach your dog. CLASSES: SUPER PUP - Puppies, Adolescents or Adult dogs Manners & Etiquette I The 8 week course plus a new client orientation. The dogs are grouped by age and/or size.  This class incorporates socialization, handling/tactile tolerance and bite inhibition exercises to help our dogs succeed in a humans world.  Puppies will start and end class with puppy play/ & socialization.  Adolescent and Adult classes will also enjoy social play time if the dogs are dog friendly. ©The Third Way foundation games of eye contact, sit maintain and walk away will be the foundation to which other skills build upon.  Those other skills include  name game, down, stand, come, proper greeting etiquette, walking on leash, drop it, check in, chase me-collar touch and tricks..  This level stresses the “maintain or what some refer to as duration” part of our dogs skills.SuperPuppy Manners and Etiquette A  puppy's critical socialization period is from 3 weeks of age to 14/16 weeks of age according to many  respected and well known animal behaviorists.  During this time period the owner must socialize their puppy not only to people and dogs but also to as many sights, sounds and smells as possible.  We can work wonders with the shy or fearful puppy during this period.   Adolescents and Adult dogs also need handling and socialization.   The sooner these things are taught to pup the better.   Manners & Etiquette II The 7 week course. Prerequisite: Manners & Etiquette I  (or equivalent)   Level II is  where we begin our off leash responses when appropriate.  Proofing the skills developed in level I is an important step to improving our dogs skill level.   We proof the skills by adding distractions and distance.  Greeting etiquette, socialization and tactile tolerance/handling skills are an important part of this class..  Canine Good Citizen exercises are an important part of this class.  We are getting the dogs ready for the outside world. Manners & Etiquette III The 6 week course. Prerequisite: Manners & Etiquette II  (or equivalent) This class takes place in the outdoor environment so your dog can practice their skills in the real world.   The class is held in spring, summer and fall when weather permits.   Each week we meet at a outdoor location to build on our dogs skill level.   We encourage all dogs to strive for their Canine Good Citizen award and incorporate those skills in this class.  Canine Good Citizen Class and Testing Loving Paws offers a class to help prepare for the CGC test.   The purpose of the CGC Program is to ensure that our favorite companion dog can be a respected member of the community because it has been trained to be well behaved in the home, in public places and in the presence of other dogs.  This is offered to purebred and mixed breed dogs. Testing for the CGC award is scheduled 4 times a year unless other arrangement are made. Private Training - In home or at the training site. If a group class does not meet your needs we offer private training in your home or at the training site.  The class will be structured to address your personal needs.  The length and duration of these training sessions will vary to suit the owner and the progress of the dog. Doggie Social Hour/Play Group Classes are grouped by age and/or size of dog or puppy and are 1 hour long.  The dogs allowed are the doggie graduates from our classes that have been approved by the training director.  Dogs interact with each other and the families of the other dogs and rehearse proper doggie etiquette.  You can continue to proof the skills your dog learned in training class.  The agility tunnel, jumps and other fun things are introduced.  By attending these play group the dogs not only practice good canine behavior but the people that attend learn more about dog interactions and behavior. Agility Class is also available to current clients.   Due to our tight schedule these classes are offered to our established clients first.   The dogs will learn the agility obstacles and how to keep their attention on you. Behavior Consultations:  These take place in the clients home.   The initial visit will take anywhere from 1-1/2 to 2 hours.  Behavior modification programs take time, consistency and commitment on the part of the owner.   Because of this, many owners elect to properly manage the situation because of their busy schedules.  All options are addressed at the initial visit. Shy and fearful dogs are handled differently than others.   We need to understand that by using force/fear based training methods with these dogs the problem will tend to get worse instead of better.   We have a successful history of working with these types of dogs, let us help you. Doggie Day Care:   A fun day of play for dog social dogs. The groups are based on size and temperament of dog to reduce the chance of injury during play.     PLAY & TRAIN - in addition to day care.      Your dog is taught skills your desire (additional cost). Loving Paws LLC                       8719-Sheridan Road Kenosha, WI  53143 Phone: 262-652-0652 or 262-764-2032 Email: Contact Laura Email: Contact Jennifer