Dog Training

"Dogs are, after all, man's best friend. The least we can do is try to understand them a little better."

Nicholas Dodman

I believe that a big part of the training success is about the relationship between the handler and his dog and how well people can read canine body language. Learning how to read your dog and understanding what he is trying to say, will give you a lot of answers on his behaviour. My training methods are entirely pain and force free, meaning no shock collars, choke chains, prong collars or old school "alpha" theories. My training methods are based on positive reinforcement, the newest research results and my personal experience. I don't want robots on 4 legs. I aim for dogs that think, dogs that want to cooperate and make the right decision, dogs that are happy and form a reliable team with their owner. I use marker training to provide a clear and easy communication system between human and dog to ensure quick and positive training results.

IMPORTANT: I do not use shock collars, choke chains or prong collars and do not tolerate these in any of my training sessions. If you want to know how to train your dog successfully without a prong or shock collar, let's meet and I will teach you!

Agility is a dog sport in which you direct the dog through an obstacle course in a race based on both time and accuracy. Your dog runs off leash with no food or toys as incentives, and you are not allowed to touch your dog or the obstacles. Your controls are limited to voice, movement, and various body signals, requiring exceptional training and coordination. An agility course consists of a set of obstacles laid out by a judge in a design of his or her own choosing in an area of a specified size. In competition, the handler must assess the course, decide on handling strategies, and direct the dog through the course, with precision and speed.

I have successfully competed with my dog Macho in agility and would love to help you train your dog. Agility is for dogs of almost all sizes and ages. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced agility team, your training will be adjusted to your skills, experience and goals. I offer private lessons, group courses or free test lessons.

Board & Train is the perfect option if you don't have the time, patience, willingness or knowledge to train your dog. Training plans are always set individually, which gives us almost endless options:

• socialization
• puppy training
• leash manners
• sit, down
• stay
• recall
• off-leash reliability
• fixing aggression issues
• task training
• and much more...

Board & Train options vary from 10 days to multiple months. During this period, your dog receives daily one on one training sessions, enjoys multiple group walks a day and spends his free time keeping us company and joining us in our daily business. You will get the necessary training instructions, regular updates and follow up lessons to ensure long term training success.

Whether you are going on vacation or have an operation planned or your dog can't stay home alone - your dog is always welcome to spend time at the Wettstone Guest Ranch! Your dogs join us in our daily activities and live with us on the ranch just as our personal dogs do. Does your dog need to catch up on some training? No problem, just let me know and I will work on it while your dog stays with us. To ensure that every dog gets enough attention and love, spaces for boarding are limited.

I also offer foster dogs a warm bed and training until they find a new home. And of course you can bring your dog with you for your vacation at the Wettstone Guest Ranch. Please contact me for more information.

Half day (1-6h) - CAD 20

Full day (6-12h) - CAD 30

Overnight - CAD 40

Special prices are available for long term stays, dogs from the same household and dogs that have completed training with me. Extra charges may apply for puppies, dogs with special needs or aggressive dogs.

2011             Certificate of competence - theory (1 day)

2012             Certificate of competence - practical test (2 months with Macho)

2011-2016     Volunteer work for wirvermitteln.ch – fostering, Transportation, checking of new homes etc.

2013             Seminar “massage for dogs”, Nicole Thali (1 day)

2013             Seminar “dog lunging for beginners”, Wendy Fischer (1 day)

2013             Agility intensive seminar, Sep Cadalbert (1 day)

2014             Agility intensive seminar, Jenny Stephenson (1 day)

2015             Certificate of competence – practical test (2 months with Tiny)

2015             Agility intensive seminar, Michi Brandstetter (3 days)

2015             Beginners course target searching, Ursi Rutz (1 day)

2015             Living with wolves – a challenge and enrichment, Monty Sloan (lecture)

2014-2018     Education as guide dog trainer, ATN Akademie für Tiernaturheilkunde

                   Learning and Education I – Exercises with the dog, Silvia Pfister (2 days)

                   Learning and Education II – Exercises with the dog, Silvia Pfister (2 days)

                   Learning and Education III – Exercises with the dog, Silvia Pfister (2 days)

                   Expression-behaviour of dogs, Joachim Leidhold (2 days)

                   Behavioural training I: On the way with your dog, Heike Benzing (2 days)

                   Behavioural training II: Anti-hunting training, Heike Benzing (2 days)

                   Ontogeny I: Handling of Puppies, young dogs and bullies, Irène Julius (2 days)

                   Ontogeny II: Handling of Puppies, young dogs and bullies, Irène Julius (2 days)

                   Planning and structuring of trainings and courses, Dorothee Schneider (2 days)