Service Dog Training Series: Basics I
Prerequisites: None
Purpose: To learn skills and basic concepts needed to lay a solid training foundation.
Course cost and length:
8 sessions
Introductory Price
Live or OnDemand=$252.00
(Currently only available OnDemand-Register above)
Course Info: This course guides you through the steps to prepare yourself to be an effective trainer. In training, we are developing habits in both the dog and handler. In being conscious of each behavior, both of the dog and the handler, and how the two interact, we can create and develop habits of training and handling that are ultimately the most efficient.
Each of us falls back on certain default behaviors in dog handling,
especially when stressed. These habits may or may not be useful in effective training. By becoming aware of each interaction that occurs between dog and handler, and consciously monitoring what we are doing, we become better able to respond appropriately.
Training, ultimately, is not just about giving cues and doing exercises. The basic format of your training, in many ways, predicts its’ success. Change is difficult for people. Changing the ways you interact with your dog can be challenging. Training creates change, and develops new habits. Training dogs actually is about training people. Dogs respond to what their handler is saying. Training works when the handler is communicating clearly to his/her dog.
By following the steps outlined in this course, doing the homework, and participating in the activities, you will develop effective training habits and clear communication with your dog.
What you can expect to learn in this Course:
- To understand training concepts.
- To define and recognize behaviors.
- To format an effective training session.
- To use a training journal to document training sessions.
- To recognize the important relationship between a dog’s behavior and your response to that behavior.
- To fully realize that training is actually a conversation between dog and handler, and be able to “listen” to your dog’s part of the conversation.
- To understand the importance of discontinuing behaviors which are counter-productive to your desired goal.
- To correctly hold a leash and participate with your dog in loose-leash walking.
- To use a tie-up.
Equipment Required for this class includes a tie-up, leashes, collars and clicker. Other equipment needed is a dog treat holder of some sort such as a belt pouch or fanny pack. See attached document: Basics Required Equipment for more details.
Student Feedback: Overall I was WAY more impressed with this course than I thought I would be when I started. When I started the course, I thought that if you were disabled and wanted a dog you just got on a list somewhere or trained your own if you could. This is a very informative course that I would recommend to anyone who is considering getting a service dog.
Instructor, Myra Fourwinds: Myra has trained dogs professionally for 30 years, and has been involved in obedience, protection, agility, herding, search-and-rescue, drug detection, therapy and service dog training. Her personal experience with disability led her deeply into the training of service dogs, and in 1987 she graduated from Dr. Bonnie Bergin's Assistant Dog Institute Instructor Course. Myra prefers to teach handlers to train their own service dogs. She believes that when handlers 
understand the methods and principles of the training, they can better adapt exercises to meet their specific needs. As a result, handlers and dogs develop better working relationships.
Myra has worked with persons with a variety of disabilities that include cerebral palsy, closed-head injuries, visual impairment, hearing impairment, learning disorders, spina-bifida, Parkinson’s, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, schizophrenia, anxiety, arthritis, diabetes and mobility problems.
Myra's commitment is to empower individuals to gain increased control and independence in their lives. These courses are offered in the hope of making the journey as efficient as possible, and broadening the options for obtaining a successful working service dog partner. Myra currently conducts classes in St. Paul, Minnesota for owner-trainers of service dogs and for “reactive” dogs. She studies competition agility with Annelise Allan of Agile Canines, and trials her dogs in agility.
Student Information
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You must also read and agree to the E-Training for Dogs, Inc. Standard Terms and Conditions prior to taking a course: Click here to read these. You will be asked when you register if you have read them and will not be allowed to take the course if you do not agree to the terms.
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