Welcome to YOUR
TRAINING GUIDE!
Below you will find our lead canine behaviorist’s generalized PLAN OF ACTION for behavior modification at the dog farm. While we work with all breeds and ages, we tend to prioritize and specialize in under-socialization, trauma/bite history situations, dog-dog reactivity, & dog-people reactivity. We stand by our individualized, research backed training programs! The DOG FARM sees PUPPIES learning new life skills and even the worst of REACTIVE DOGS transform every day!
TRAINING METHODS
“We invite you to participate in your dog's program so that you LEARN HOW TO COMMUNICATE and apply the training directly to your life. This makes a world of difference as we see behavior changes stick LONG TERM!”
- Walter Mott, Co-Owner/Lead Canine Behaviorist
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At Wolfman’s Canines, we understand each dog is an individual and for this reason, each dog learns at a different pace. A rigorous schedule of daily interaction facilitates your dog’s motivation and learning process, and when combined with our professional dog trainer’s ability to listen to what you and your dog’s needs are, this is how a solid foundation is built. At Wolfman’s Canines, we choose the best methods for each dog. All behavior goals will be outlined in detail between you and the trainer prior to the start of your program.
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Our lead canine behaviorist, Walter received education through the Dunbar Academy. The Dunbar Academy is a dog training program created by Dr. Ian Dunbar, a veterinarian, who received his doctorate in animal behavior & psychology at University of California, Berkeley. Dr. Dunbar researched the development of social hierarchies and aggression in domestic dogs. After he completed his certification and training, Walter apprenticed in 2021 under Kelly Dunbar (Co-founder of the Dunbar Academy).
Walter will apply these basic principles of dog behavior and psychology through relationship centered, science backed methods each day your dog is in his care. We are more interested in long term behavioral change and adaptations and less on short term, “easy fixes.” Our methods and techniques are always evidence and experience based.
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At Wolfman’s Canines, your dog will be shown a new way of life through POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT. The first step to this type of training is CLASSICAL CONDITIONING. Classical conditioning is a learning process that creates a conditioned response through associations between environmental triggers. We will create positive associations where negative triggers once existed, in order to create new pathways! Our consequences for undesired reactions or behaviors towards (like another dog or car going by) are simple redirections. Redirections are either done by simple leash redirections or lure away from the unwanted behaviors with food. By redirecting that energy, we can harness it into a wanted behavior, such as an automatic sit when you come home or completely ignoring the barking dog across the street. Turning a negative reaction into a neutral or positive response is what we are after!
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Our training programs utilize tonal change, redirection, lures and rewards (FOOD, FUN & FREEDOM) to accomplish the training goals we set out to achieve with your dog. We NEVER use unreliable and inhumane e-collars, choke, prong collars, or leash snapping in any of our training programs. Our lead canine behaviorist is certified from the ADPT (Association for Professional Dog Training) and adheres to their LIMA (Least Intrusive Minimally Aversive) protocols.
A DAY AT THE DOG FARM…
Wolfman’s Canines 7-ACRE “DOG FARM” is located on the north end of CAMANO ISLAND (1 hour from Seattle and Bellingham). Our DOG FARM includes in-home 4’x8’ KENNELS for each dog on-site as well as a 10,000sqft fenced in PRIVATE DOG PARK. In addition to having a fenced in outdoor space, we have plenty of open spaces and wooded trails on-site where dogs can get all the exercise and socialization they need (farm animals too for a fun bonus distraction!).
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As a small family business, we treat every dog like they are our own. You'll have the opportunity to tour our personal property, aka 'The Dog Farm' and see where your dog will be trained and where they will sleep. In addition, we will give you regular updates with frequent pictures and videos shared via a Google photos folder, in addition to answering any questions about your dog's progress that you may have via email.
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Whether you desire “loose-leash” walking, better manners, increased socialization, advanced “off-leash” walking and obedience, or want to address specific behavioral issues such as dog aggression, separation anxiety or excessive barking, our experienced & professional dog trainer will work with you and your dog to reach your goals.
Basic Manners & Obedience
(foundation to ALL PROGRAMS)
Sit, Stand, & Down (no jumping)
Take it/Leave it
Threshold Manners (sitting before going thru door)
Crate Manners (sitting before exiting)
Woof/Shush (speak/no bark)
Recall* (Level of distraction proofing varies by dog & B&T length)
Place/Crate Comfort
Loose leash walking (3x/wk B&T +)
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REQUIRED TO SEND WITH YOUR DOG:
Dog Food (for the #/wk boarding + plus 1x extra week)
1x Medium Bag of Treats (high reward)
Mandatory Medication
Collar w/ Dog Name + Owner Information
TOOLS USED/PROVIDED:
Kongs (size dependent on dog)
1x 6ft Leash (non-retractable)
Slip Lead (loose leash)
30’ Long leash (recall)
1x Bowl for Food
1x Bedding/Pad or Blanket
Tug toys (play breaks)
XL Crate or Kennel (size dependent on dog & stress reduction measures needed)
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9-10AM: All dogs are let out of their kennels into our private off-leash park for first bathroom break + free time to explore. Only socialized when appropriate & trainer led- otherwise dogs are let out one at a time. All dogs put back in kennels and B&T dogs fed (kong method)
12-1PM: All dogs let out for the 2nd time of the day but each have 1-on-1 training with lead canine behaviorist this time. Includes Dog Farm walks & field trips to public places (advanced B&T only)
3-4PM: All dogs let out for the 3rd time of the day with 2nd 1-on-1 Training Session and/or Structured Socialization depending on individual training needs
5-6PM: Day & train dogs let out for final bathroom break + free time to explore and socialize before going home for the night. B&T dogs put back in kennels & fed (kong method)
8-9PM: Board & train dogs let out for final bathroom break + free time to explore/socialize then put back in their kennel for the night
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Below is a basic representation of what each week of this Board/Day & Train program will entail, but the week will vary for each dog. Each dog is unique in its needs and abilities, but the skills they learn will all be the similar. How we get there will be as unique as the dog, and we only move at the speed at which the dog can handle. We NEVER put your dog in situations they’re not prepared for and never ask for more than we replenish.
Week 1
Decompression & Trust Building
Week 2
Intro to Basics (Low Distractions) + Intro to Individualized Goals
Week 3
Basic’s Cont (Med to High Distractions) + Individualized Goals + Training Field Trips- public proofing skills learned
Week 4
Intro to Advanced Training Skills + Individualized Goals (High Distractions) + Training Field Trips- public proofing skills learned
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What is missing from almost ALL dog training programs? Socialization as a focus!
With every training program, we offer trainer led, structured socialization as a form of enrichment for each dog. Socializing dogs is imperative to make them good canine citizens that you can easily take in public. The end result of consistent and positive dog-on-dog socialization is that your dog will learn or enhance their ability to navigate most all public spaces with ease and confidence. This will ultimately play a pivotal role in creating opportunities for dog-on-dog training as well as a regular exercise outlet. These play breaks also allow your pup to 'just be a dog' in between more concentrated periods necessary for behavior modification. It’s the fun part of DOG BOOP CAMP ;)
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A tired dog is a well-behaved dog!
All dogs need to get outside and move! That is why our training programs are structured to include exercise, pack hikes, and play breaks. We will take your dog on outings (when appropriate) to local parks and public spaces, as well as Home Depot or Petsmart for example. These trips have the added benefit of testing your dog in different environments, so that they know how to behave even with a wide variety of distractions in new places.
PUPDATES & HOMEWORK
Wolfman's Canines is a small family business comprised of a husband and wife. Because of our small size and limited capacity, we have designed our schedule to allow for the necessary energy that goes into our trust and relationship centered training techniques. Clients can expect to receive responses to training questions from Walter (owner/lead trainer) via EMAIL ONLY. Any communication requests outside of the times below will only be answered upon an emergency basis from Hannah (owner/admin).
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We realize when you are away from your pup that knowing how and what they are doing is extremely valuable (and helpful when you miss them!) and so we have a reliable and structured way of providing regular updates. It's good to know what to expect!
CLIENT COMMUNICATION
NEXT DAY- Owners can expect a ‘first night’ text update on how their dog is doing so far on the farm.
REPORT CARDS- Starting 1x week after drop-off, a detailed written update will be sent via email from our lead canine behaviorist Walter Mott. This report card will include what was worked on in training through the week, what your dog needs to still improve on, as well as correlating at-home assignments.
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Pictures & videos are made readily available via an individualized Google photos album. You can expect to receive an invite (or link) to your dog's unique Google Photo Album within 24-48 hours after drop-off. New photos and videos of your dog's progress here at the dog farm will be uploaded (notified via email) every 1-3 days.
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Please send all training and dog care questions or concerns directly to Walter at training@wolfmanscanines.com. All text messages received during your dog's stay will be redirected to email.
SCHEDULING OR QUESTIONS FOR ADMIN?
General questions on policies, payment arrangements, scheduling or paperwork will be answered by admin Tuesday-Saturday (12-5pm). This does not apply to any emergency requests or situations which will be handled asap as we do monitor our messages outside of these hours
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HOMEWORK will be assigned to you and your dog before your first training session to build a general understanding of the training methods and concepts that will be used while your dog is at the DOG FARM.
It is best to sign up for the DUNBAR ACADEMY prior to boarding your dog so you can become familiar with the methods and terms that will be used during your dog’s training.
Included in your FINAL REPORT CARD will be FOLLOW-UP HOMEWORK, that will consist of guides and recommendations from our trainer on where your dog still needs improvement.
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For all Wolfman’s Canines clients, we offer a month free trial of the DUNBAR ACADEMY
In order to take advantage of the AT-HOME EXERCISES included in your program, it is REQUIRED that you create your own login with the DUNBAR ACADEMY (instructions on how to sign up are sent via email & text) Please have this completed prior to your first appointment.
This is to help strengthen your understanding of the methods used here and how to better communicate with your pup before, during and after their training program has been completed
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