SERVICES
SELECTING THE RIGHT DOG
PUPPY
KINDERGARTEN
BASIC
OBEDIENCE
PROBLEM
SOLVING
DOGS AND
BABIES
THE PACK
WALK
CUSTOMIZED
LESSONS
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The Pack Walk
Dogs are the descendants of wolves,
who are some of the most successful hunting animals of
our day. Wolves travel in packs for long distances every
day, looking for prey. Traveling in a pack not only
provides the wolf with an opportunity for catching large
game, but also, by necessity, teaches every member in
the pack how to follow the pack leader and pay attention
to his directions. Basically, a pack member who does not
know how to behave on a hunt will cause the pack to lose
the prey and go hungry. Wolves like that are either
brought in line very quickly or, in the interest of
survival, run out of the pack.
Despite the fact that our domestic
dogs do not need to hunt for their food, the need to
travel in a pack is still deeply ingrained in them.
Walking is one of the best forms of physical exercise
for dogs, and when combined with a pack structure, also
provides good mental stimulation and discipline. Dogs
that do not get to walk on a regular basis tend to
exhibit many behaviors usually attributed to anxiety and
can escalate to obsessive behaviors and outright
aggression. Moreover,
allowing your dog to run
around with other dogs at an off-leash dog park as the
only form of exercise can actually contribute to his
level of anxiety and dominance-drive, making him that
much more difficult to control at home. Have you noticed
how many dogs become "deaf" at the dog park, ignoring
their owners despite being called, chased, yelled at, or
enticed by treats or toys?
Although it
is best for the dog to go on a walk
with his owner, it is sometimes not possible due to the owner's
busy schedule or limited physical ability. The next best option
is to have somebody else take the dog on proper, disciplined
walks on a regular basis. The dog's innate needs for discipline
and walking in a pack are satisfied, leaving a much more relaxed
(and tired) pooch to greet you at home.
My version of a Pack Walk
is a combination of a walk and a training session. It
fulfills the dog's innate need to go on a hunt with his
pack, develops strong discipline, and creates a desire
in his mind to follow a leader. This desire
remains with the dog long after the walk is over, thus
making it easier for his owners to assume and maintain a
leadership role in the home.
Program Details
Most dogs respond best to two or three Pack
Walks per week, but even one Pack Walk per week is of great
benefit. Each Pack Walk is one hour long and is always
led by a trainer who knows how to ask for and receive the dog's
full attention. Your dog will be asked to not only walk on a
loose lead, but will also be required to ignore barking dogs,
joggers, and kids on bicycles or skateboards, as well as obey commands like sit,
stay, and come. In effect, the Pack Walk becomes your dog's job
and physical exercise.
The Pack Walk is appropriate for dogs over
the age of six months and is currently available to clients who
live within a 35 mile one-way driving distance from Trumbull,
CT.
Cost
Pack Walks are given at a rate of
$35/hour.
Please add $10 to each Pack walk if one-way travel in excess
of 20 miles from Trumbull, CT is required.
How to Enroll
Pack Walks are
scheduled to fit into your schedule. Please
call or email
us to set up your Pack Walks. |
