Getting Help in Person

Specializing in Creating Happy, Well-Adjusted Dogs, One Paw at a Time.

If you live in, or near, the Fredericksburg, Virginia area we can meet in person to discuss your Life with Fido. If your relationship with your dog isn't all you hoped it would be or you just think you can become even more connected to your dog, but you aren't sure how, I can help. I currently offer 4 different methods to help you and your dog. One method might be more appropriate than another, or a couple of options combined might be necessary, depending on your goals and problems. If you are confused, need help, or just have questions regarding anything please do not hesitate to call, 937-470-7684.

• 60-90 min in home consultation
• Behavior Modification Plan designed just for you
• Continued support via email and phone

• 1 session a week for 6 weeks
• covers all basic commands, as well as, relationship building techniques

• 40 min consultations available at Hartwood Animal Hospital, Fredericksburg, VA.
• Please call Hartwood Animal Hospital at 540-286-2855 for more information, or visit their web site www.hartwoodanimalhospital.com

Group Training Classes  

Group training classes are available at Hartwood Animal Hospital. Most classes are 6 weeks long and meet 1 time per week (Super Puppy is 8 weeks long). Training classes are kept small, between 4-6 dogs per class to ensure individual attention and help with learning concepts in training and behavior. Dogs have unique personalities; not all methods work with all dogs. It is important to me that I allow time each class to help you develop the skills necessary to teach your dog. Having small classes helps ensure that should variations to techniques be needed for any dog, that there is time allotted for this purpose.

All classes are based on behavior modification theories and developing a healthy relationship with your dog. While basic commands are taught, focus is always on encouraging dogs to make good choices on their own without physical manipulation or punishment. The primary goal of any class I teach, is to create a trusting relationship between owner and dog. Positive reinforcement, patience, and the ability to leave your ego at the door is mandatory. :)   

The following is a list of classes offered. Please call Hartwood Animal Hospital at 540-286-2855 for a current schedule, or visit their web site www.hartwoodanimalhospital.com.     

Class Descriptions

Super Puppy- All puppies under 6 months of age with at least 2 rounds of vaccinations including bordetella are welcome. Includes information on raising a happy, well-adjusted puppy. Course topics to include socialization, attention getting, word association, encouraging positive behaviors, and discouraging unwanted behaviors. Commands covered include sit, down, leave it, come, and wait. Other topics discussed will be: loose leash walking, jumping up, nipping, appropriate toys, manipulation and exercise. Focus of class is positive, reward based, training built on behaviorism theories. Goal is to create a healthy puppy owner relationship.This class is 8 weeks long.  Next class starts: June 5th Thursday @ 7pm.

Basic Manners- Dogs over 6 months of age and not Super Puppy class alumni here at Hartwood. This class is similar to the Super Puppy with the following exceptions: There is more focus on command proficiency and less focus on typical puppy issues like, nipping, jumping up, and appropriate toys. The same skills and commands are covered but greater proficiency is expected due to maturity of the dogs. More time will be spent on movement exercises as a group and distractions. Next class starts: March 8th Saturday @ 1:30pm.

Canine Good Citizen Preparation- This class is an advanced class for dogs that are puppy class or basic manners alumni. The goal of this class is to become proficient at skills necessary to pass the AKC Canine Good Citizen Exam, which will be taken at the last class. Increased class cost reflects test materials fees. Necessary skills are as follows:  Accepting a friendly stranger, Sitting politely for petting, appearance and grooming, walking loose leash, walking through a crowd, sit and down on command and staying in place, coming when called, polite reaction to another dog, confident reaction to distraction, and calm supervised separation from owner. Next Class: Summer 2008. Please inquire about class if interested.

Action Distractions- This class is for alumni of any class here at Hartwood. The goal is to create unflappable dogs by exposing them to as many different distractions as possible while expecting them to perform the basic commands. This is a class for anyone who enjoys sharing their life with their dog in the real world outside of home or class. This class helps to create dogs that are well-mannered under many common conditions as well as not so common occurrences. Final 3 classes to take place in locations other than Hartwood, therefore dogs MUST attend each class so they can be prepared for the field trips. Next class starts: June 10th, Tuesday @ 7:00pm.

Distraction Class Photos: June 9th, 2007, First class

Fiona ignores treats      4 month old Odie ignores shake can

Sport stays in the face of ball distraction    Tucker is unflappable, even unsupervised

Dogs can take any class more than 1 time if desired or necessary. I encourage all owners to work consistently with their dogs at all times but especially while enrolled in class to ensure the greatest learning experience. Dogs and owners that enjoy class are welcome to continue taking Action Distractions repeatedly as each class will vary slightly in its distractions, structure, and format. The goal of this class is to encourage continued work with your dog and to create people and dog friendships inside and outside of class. Working together outside of class is encouraged, as well as attending structured play groups and seminars at Hartwood Animal Hospital.

Copyright 2006. Wendy Anastasiou, www.lifewithfido.com. All rights reserved. Reproduction with permission only.