The Dog Teacher - Candy Sullivan
Professional Dog Behaviourist and Trainer
'one paw at a time'
Most of us view our dogs as treasured family members and lots of dogs see their owners as a secure base , similar to the relationship between an infant and their parent. But dogs know that humans and dogs smell different , look different and behave differently. When they interact with you, they know that you're not a furless, two-legged version of them. The fact is that your dog may understand the pet -human dynamic better than you realise.
Would you like to know how to interact with your dog towards a more harmonious life together?
If you've got a young puppy, then this is the perfect time to learn how they think, what they need, why they behave the way they do, how much sleep they need and how to set a routine which works for you and your dog. Ingrain those good habits now!
And when puppies become an adolescent at around five to six months of age, depending on size and breed, life can become quite challenging . All dogs have different temperaments and some may temporarily go off the rails, some may become more anxious than usual and some may remain steady and easy going. This won't last forever but you may need some support during this potentially tricky developmental phase.
Adult dogs may develop behaviour problems which need addressing with a bespoke training programme. Unwanted behaviours such as nipping, biting, barking, resource guarding etc can be helped with consistency and careful training.
I do believe that by using the correct body language, signals and commands which your dog will understand, your dog will be able to better connect with you and therefore a stronger bond between you both can be established. What will follow should be harmony and the making of happy memories.
Plan
PUPPY PACKAGE
£260
Billed monthly
puppy training and advice
-how to gently familiarise your puppy with it's environment (we will gently expose your puppy to as many things we possibly can ie noises from the traffic around, household items, tv, hoover, car travel, other dogs and people etc
- puppy information pack
- puppy goodie bag
- 4 training sessions, 45 mins each
support for 12 weeks via email or Whatsapp
Plan
1-2-1 BEHAVIOUR CONSULTATION
£120
Billed monthly
1 hour, 30 mins
help addressing a number of issues in your home and/or out walking that your dog is struggling with
(for example)
- reactivity
- anxiety
- focus
- impulse control
- excessive barking
- resource guarding
- jumping up
- mouthing
Plan
1-2-1 TRAINING
£75 or
£210 for 3
Billed annually
3 x1 hour sessions
basic obedience resulting in a
well- behaved and happy dog.
The advantage of 1-2-1 training is that you can choose a time and day to suit your diary, quicker results and a bespoke training programme specific to your dog's age, breed, temperament and learning ability
Plan
PUPPY CLASSES
4 WEEK COURSE
£70
Ripley Village Hall
Ripley, Surrey
dates to be advised
Billed annually
1 hour
fun and informative group classes
maximum in class - 6 dogs
The following training exercises will be covered during the course
- structured, supervised socialisation with other dogs
- harness and lead into
- setting a routine
- housetraining tips
behavioural control and leadership
- park etiquette
- teething & mouthing
- breed specific advice regarding expected behaviour
- preparing for the next phase, the adolescent dog
*vaccination certificate required
*A small brush and towel (week 3 only)
Plan
JUNIOR/ADULT DOG CLASSES
6 WEEK COURSE
£105
Ripley Village Hall
Ripley, Surrey
Tuesdays
24th Sept - 29th Oct '24
Billed annually
1 hour
fun and informative group class - 5 dogs
Basic obedience skills for you and your dog to learn each week with homework
Age and breed related behavioural advice regarding your dog
Please contact me to book your place in the class
Some of the following training exercises will be covered during the course
- eye focus
- recall
- walking on a loose lead
- sit, down, stand
- stay
- how to play and bond with your dog
- how to greet people and dogs appropriately
- how to handle your dog
- mark + reward (a signal to show your dog that they have done some right)
- break (to tell your dog that the exercise is finished)
I have enjoyed owning and training dogs for many years, in my own family home environment and supporting others with their own dogs. I have practiced agility with my own dog and reached a competitive level with him. Agility relies on controlled, well timed commands through body movements, voice and pace. I found it interesting to notice that dogs will look at their handler's body language constantly, so perhaps we should listen to our dogs body language too and try to understand what they are feeling and trying to tell us. When incorporating this in their training and everyday handling, along with clear commands, we create a strong bond with our dogs resulting in settled, well behaved and happier family pets, who see you as their friend, and they will want to listen to you ....... whilst still being their best friend.
My approach, towards dogs behaviour, is through holistic positive reinforcement, consistency, establishing a routine, and above all, patience and staying calm.
My other passion is teaching Pilates, of which I have been qualified since 2004 and am fortunate to have a beautiful studio at home where I see clients. I have found that having a deep understanding of how the human body moves and breathes (or doesn't breathe), carries tension and stress in the muscles, could have an effect on our dog's behaviour and how they relate to us.