OUR
STAFF
Sheldon, who holds a doctorate in social
sciences and a B.S. in physics, is a former member of the University
of California faculty. Barbara Twer has a degree in psychology and
extensive background in clinical health care. Our knowledge and
skills have enabled us to apply modern behavior shaping techniques
in a well balanced program that gives the consistent results that
our owners can count on. FACILITIES and HEALTH CARE
Our dogs are housed in modern chain linked sheltered concrete runs-each
with his own dog house; they are attended throughout the day by
a dedicated staff. Every dog at our kennel is required to be current
on DHL, Parvo, and Rabies shots. All external and internal parasites
are eliminated. Dogs are put on a quality meat and bone meal kibble
supplemented with fresh meat.
PROBATION
Every dog is on probation for the first month. During this month
the owner is informed if his dog does not seem to have the basic
motivation, is not physically sound, or for some other reason not
considered a good prospect. Owners are kept informed with monthly
progress reports.
METHODS
Our methods stress repetition. Training situations are controlled
so that the dog makes few mistakes and is not subjected to endless
corrections. Most dogs rapidly learn to enjoy these routines and
respond willingly to the demands made on them.
DAILY SCHEDULE
Dogs in our program experience bird contacts every day and have
at least one opportunity to honor some other dog's bird work. Over
the course of training each dog has contact with well over 100 birds-
a number of which are shot for him. Each dog is schooled daily in
obedience and force training. He is typically worked 3 times a day.
Our daily program is adjusted to the individual's temperament and
capabilities. Each dog has his own individualized training program. |
4
MONTHS
Basic training takes about 4 months for the average dog. Dogs that
are 10-12 months old are usually ready for training. We do have
puppy program for starting younger dogs.
END RESULTS
When he is finished he will respond to voice or whistle; be steady
to wing and shot; retrieve on command to hand. He will heel quietly
on lead, and be controllable in and out of the field.
AFTER GRADUATION
Before the dog goes home, we instruct the owner in how to maintain
the training, keep the dog in good physical condition, and sensible
ways to begin hunting with his dog.
FOLLOW UP
Because we realize that a dog's handling and maintenance after finishing
basic training is an important factor in his becoming a fine gun
dog, we consider our follow-up program essential:
Owners are given a training session and a typed
set of instructions.
Owners are asked to phone or correspond with us periodically to
report their dog's progress.
Owners sometimes need to return for further instruction.
We offer optional annual review and conditioning sessions for trained
dogs
COSTS
- Gun dog training $600/month
- Field trial dogs $500/month
- Obedience only $600/month
- Puppy program $100/week
- Boarding only $13/day (special long term
rates)
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