Training Archives | NYOC Dog Training

Will NYOC classes prepare my dog to be a therapy dog?

The primary objective of Therapy Dogs is to bring smiles and a sense of well-being to everyone they visit. To do this, your dog must be safe, friendly and well trained.

NYOC Dog Training has two basic classes, Beginners 1 and 2 that will give you a start on this. You might also consider working with the NYOC Demonstration Team. The Demonstration Team visits senior’s residences, long term care homes, libraries, Girl Guide and Boy Scout groups. Although the dogs on the team do not have to be certified therapy dogs, they do have to have similar skills. Check out what is takes to join the Demonstration Team.

There are two organizations in Ontario that certify Therapy Dogs. Look at the criteria for both people and dogs.

St. John Ambulance Therapy Dogs Canada

Therapeutic Paws of Canada

What should I do if my dog has chronic health issues or gets sick after the training sessions begin?

If your dog has a chronic health condition eg epilepsy, deafness, be sure to include this information on the Dog Handler Profile form that is part of the registration form.
If your dog is sick, please don’t bring him/her to class. If you are unsure, check with your veterinarian and let your instructor know. We encourage you to come to the class and observe so that you will know what to practise with your dog at home when s/he is well.

What if I have a shy/aggressive dog?

We are accustomed to dealing with dogs that are not initially at ease around other dogs or people. Usually, through a combination of behavioural adjustment methods, confidence building and gradual proximity exercises, dogs learn to accept this new experience.

We will NOT employ “flooding” techniques (a short-term, stress inducing solution), so time, patience and commitment on your part will be required. It is imperative that you let us know in advance if your dog has these problems so that we can take appropriate measures to ensure a safe and successful experience for all participants.

Our classes are not designed for, nor will they be effective in, treating dogs with severe aggression issues. If, in our opinion, a dog poses a safety risk, we reserve the right to withdraw that dog from our classes. In such a case we will issue a partial refund. We will also offer suggestions for private trainers or more appropriate training locations.

Why do you allow noisy/unruly dogs in class?

Much like children, dogs are individuals with unique personalities shaped by a variety of factors. These include genetics, parenting styles (both canine and human), exposure to different stimuli and levels of socialization (life experiences). Some dogs come in ready to focus on learning, others just want to play; some are anxious, others grumpy at missing their favourite TV shows (or, more likely, the couch in front of the TV). How do dogs communicate these feelings? Barking, play bows, lunging, heading for the exit, planting their bums and going on strike, even on occasion growling and snapping. Sort of like the first day of school after summer vacation.

All of these dogs need to learn acceptable manners and how to listen properly. That is why they are in class! We teach all handlers how to get and keep their dog’s attention, how to redirect behaviour when necessary and how to set their dog up for success.

It is mandatory that each handler be able to physically maintain control over his/her dog at all times. That is why we will, on occasion, suggest a different member of the family handle the dog during class. And don’t worry, usually by week three or four things have quieted down considerably.

I have a small dog. Do you have separate classes for small and big dogs?

Sharing time and space with a trained dog, no matter what the size, is a pleasure, not to mention safer for the dog and any people he/she interacts with. (Trust us, your vet will be extremely grateful for a well-mannered patient – little teeth hurt, too!).

Small dogs and big dogs share the outside world all the time – the vet’s office, dog parks, walking on the street. At NYOC we believe it is best to let them get comfortable with one another in a controlled, safe environment like a dog class. Therefore, we mix sizes in our classes and make sure everyone adapts accordingly – you’d be surprised how bossy some Yorkies can be!

Is my dog too young to train?

Probably not.

The most recent research shows that puppies can successfully begin gentle training much younger than previously thought. Sixteen weeks is optimal for our Beginners 1 class where, for health and sanitary reasons, we require your puppy to be house-trained and have completed his/her second round of vaccinations before starting. When offered, our Puppy Kindergarten class will accept puppies as young as nine weeks.

Is my dog too old to train?

Absolutely not.

Unless your dog suffers from CCD – Canine Cognitive Disorder (similar to dementia or Alzheimer’s disease in humans), he/she is still capable of learning. It may take a little longer and require more repetitions, but with patience and understanding most dogs can learn what you are asking and how to comply. If you have adopted an adult dog, realize that your new friend may have to “unlearn” some old habits that do not conform to the new environment. These adult dogs are not being bad; they just haven’t been taught to do things the way you would like. The best way to remedy this is through positive training at any age not punishment.

Big or small, we train them all!

How long will it take to train my dog?

You will be surprised at how much you and your dog can accomplish after successfully completing Beginners 1 and Beginners 2 classes. Of course, this will require a commitment on your part to practice daily what you are learning at class. Multiple short sessions a day is far more effective than one longer training session at home. Simply showing up once a week without practicing will not get you the results you desire, nor is it fair to your dog.

Attending all of the classes in a session does not mean you should automatically move your dog into the the next higher class! Dogs and handlers benefit immensely from repeating a session. The second or third time through a class, you and your dog get so much more out of it! Not only can you both be stars but you will understand what you are doing, why you are doing it and how you can continue to make progress!

Even when you “graduate”, it is just the beginning of your dog’s life-long learning. You will need to continue to provide gentle guidance and positive reinforcement for behaviours you want your dog to do. And if you really love dog training, there are all kinds of dog sports to explore!

Who teaches your classes?

NYOC Dog Training instructors are all Club members who volunteer their time, experience and expertise to the public. They all have a strong commitment to nurturing happy and healthy bonds between dogs and people.

Our instructors have gone through our classes, served as training observers and assistants for multiple sessions, and then started instructing classes under the supervision of senior instructors. All share a commitment to creating a happy and healthy bond between dogs and their families.

Our instructors are also some of the most active people in the dog sport community. Almost all of them have trained dogs who have earned multiple titles in various areas of competition including formal obedience, rally-obedience, agility, tracking, field trialling and conformation. All of our instructors have dogs who actively participate in family life, sports or therapy work. Many still take classes themselves and attend training seminars and workshops to remain current with dog learning theory. They also spend lots of time with other “dog people” discussing what works best in various situations. As a result, our students get the best possible combination of instruction that is both theory-based and practical.

What should I bring to class?

The basics are a collar, leash, treats, and usually your dog. For more detail, see the information below.

Collar: During class, the dog should be wearing a flat collar, Martingale collar, or a harness; instructors can advise which is the best once they meet the dog, see its structure and behaviour. No choke chains, prong collars or electronic collars are permitted in classes. Head halters are not used for safety reasons, but instructors can show you how to introduce your dog to one and how to use it outside of class, on walks, for example. Prong collars are a management tool rather than a training tool. They may be needed in certain situations to ensure safety. If you think you need a prong collar, contact the training secretary who will put you in touch with an instructor or the training director to discuss your needs.

Leash: Dogs should be on six-foot leather or nylon leashes (four-foot leashes are too short for on-leash recalls and stand-for-exam exercises). Thinner leashes are more manageable during class, but if your dog is a forger (a dog who pulls) make sure the leash is strong enough to restrain him/her. Flexible/retractable leashes are not to be used during classes.

Treats: For treats, we recommend something small and soft that you know your dog likes and is not too messy. Small, because you may be giving lots of them; soft because they are easier to swallow, especially while moving; not too messy for obvious reasons. These can be small cheese cubes, sliced hot-dogs or other meats cut into small chunks, commercial treats such as Ziwi Peak, Rollover or Natural Balance training bits, or anything else you know your dog likes and will be motivated to work for. Crumbly biscuits are not encouraged, as pieces fall on the floor and then all the dogs start sniffing and snacking.

Your Dog: Our classes are for you and your dog. There may be times however when your dog is not up to attending (i.e., tummy troubles, after spaying or other surgery, when a female dog is in heat – intact males may be in our classes). In these cases, we recommend that you come to class without your dog. This way you will know what was covered and can practice at home, thereby not falling behind your classmates when you return with your dog.