Training the Retrieve

Instructor:  Pamela Leland KPA CTP, CPDT-KSA

Course Description:  In this course you will teach your dog a functional retrieve.   This step-by-step approach uses positive reinforcement to teach the different components of the retrieve (Take,  Lift, Hold, Give, Fetch and Deliver, etc.)  Later in the course we will look at examples of specific applications.

Goal:  After the successful completion of this course, students should be able to apply this retrieve skill to elements of Competition Obedience, Service Dog training, Helper Dog training, Trick Dog training, and pet dog training.  They should also be able to teach this skill to their students.

Prerequisites:

• Students should have a basic understanding of operant conditioning, shaping, luring, and reinforcement strategies.
• Students should be skilled at using a clicker or verbal marker.
• The dog should understand and trust that a reinforcer follows the click/verbal marker.
• The dog should be willing to work in close proximity to you.

Equipment needed:

• An assortment of items that your dog can hold in his mouth. Look at the picture above.  Not toys or tennis balls.
• An area where you can train without interruptions or distractions.
• A chair for you.
• A bucket, basket, or tub.
• Two stools. One approximately the height of your knee, and another the height of your shin.
• A place where you can keep your treats within easy reach. For example, a Klimb, a chair, or a counter.

Here’s an example of my set-up during training.  Notice the red bucket.  You might use a basket or small tub. 

Textbook: “Training the Retrieve” by Pamela Leland.  Available on Amazon and Dogwise.

Assumptions:

• Your dog is physically able to hold something in his mouth.
• The dog is willing to engage with you during training sessions.
• You have time set aside to train these behaviors.
• You are motivated to learn a method that might be different from what you learned, heard of, or read about in the past.

Instructional Methods:

• A three lesson, 90 minutes each, PowerPoint presentation with many supporting pictures.
• There are five quizzes.
• One video demonstrating the retrieve.
• This is an entirely web-based course with no face-to-face meetings.
• You will work at your own pace within the time limit permitted for this course.

Continuing Education Units: 

CCPDT- KA – Pending
CCPDT- KSA – Pending
KPA – Pending
IAABC – Pending

Course Cost –

For Credit: $150.00 USD

For Audit:  $75.00 USD (Same content as the “For Credit” except there are no CEUs or certificate.)

Length of time to access this course: Access to this course will be allowed for 6 months.

You must also read and agree to the E-Training for Dogs, Inc. Standard Terms and Conditions prior to taking a course: Click HERE to read these. You will be asked when you register if you have read them and will not be allowed to take the course if you do not agree to the terms.

Please read our policy on refunds. Click HERE

Backing and Pivoting

Instructor:  Pamela Leland KPA CTP, CPDT-KSA

Course Description:  In this course you will work on two distinct behaviors: backing and pivoting.  The two are related in that you are teaching the dog to move their back legs in a manner that contributes to more advanced movements.  Your dog should be clicker savvy (marker savvy), have good focus, and a willingness to learn.

Goal:  After the successful completion of this course, students should be able to apply these training skills to other interesting and challenging behaviors.

Prerequisites:

• Students should have a basic understanding of operant conditioning, shaping, luring, and reinforcement strategies.
• Students should be skilled at using a clicker or verbal marker.
• The dog should understand and trust that a reinforcer follows the click/verbal marker.
• Students should know how to create and submit videos for the homework assignments if wanting credit for CEUs.

Equipment needed:

• A set of training gates or X-pens that are long enough to be set up as a chute.
• A mat to be used as a rear foot target. (A 24” bathmat works great!)
• A sturdy pivot bowl that is approximately 4” high and wide enough for your dog’s front feet.
• A camera.
• An area where you can train off-leash.

Training gates:

If you chose to use training gates as pictured above, you can make your own.  The gate panels are actually wire cubicle bookshelves held together by spirals that one would use to make a spiral notebook.  Training gates are an invaluable piece of training equipment.

The panels and spirals can be found on Amazon.

• C&AHOME Wire Cube Storage, 8-Cube Organizer Metal C Grids Storage, Storage Bins Shelving, Modular Shelves
• GBC Binding Spines/Spirals/Coils, 16mm, 125 Sheet Capacity, 4:1 Pitch, Color Coil, Black, 100 Pack (9665070)

Textbook:

“Backing and Pivoting” by Pamela Leland.  Available on Amazon and Dogwise.

Assumptions:

• Your dog is physically able to use their back legs in both backing and lateral movements.
• The dog is skilled at working with you in heel position.
• You have time set aside to train these behaviors.
• You are motivated to learn!

Instructional Methods:

• A PowerPoint presentation covering each behavior with supporting pictures, as well as a video of each behavior.
• Two quizzes: one for Backing and one for Pivoting.
• A final exam at the end of the course.
• This is an entirely web-based course with no face-to-face meetings.
• You will work at your own pace within the time limit permitted for this course.

Homework for CEUs:

Students will submit a total of six individual videos for the behaviors they’ve trained: three for Backing and three for Pivoting.

What I expect from you: 

• Follow the steps taught for each behavior. Don’t skip steps.
• Maintain momentum in working through this course.
• Pace yourself. The dog will need breaks to rest their muscles and for latent learning.

What you can expect from me:

• Prompt reviews of the videos you submit within 24-48 hours (excluding weekends and holidays.)
• Responses to your questions, as needed.

Continuing Education Units:

CCPDT- KA (Pending)

CCPDT- KSA (Pending)

KPA –(Pending)

IAABC -(Pending)

Course Cost –

For Credit: $200.00 USD

For Audit:  $100.00 USD (Same content as the “For Credit” except there are no CEUs, certificate, nor homework videos required.)

Length of time to access this course: Access to this course will be allowed for 6 months.

You must also read and agree to the E-Training for Dogs, Inc. Standard Terms and Conditions prior to taking a course: Click HERE to read these. You will be asked when you register if you have read them and will not be allowed to take the course if you do not agree to the terms.

Please read our policy on refunds. Click HERE

Five Unique and Awesome Tricks!

Instructor:  Pamela Leland KPA CTP, CPDT-KSA

Course Description:  Teach your dog Five Unique and Awesome Tricks! This course will equip students with the skills needed to train tricks that range from moderate to challenging difficulty.  These Five Unique and Awesome Tricks can be found in many trick dog courses, Freestyle routines, and Rally-Free competitions.  Many components of these tricks can serve as foundation behaviors for other canine sports and Service Dog training.  Tricks #4 and #5 are more advanced and will take more time to train.  Your dog should be at a level of training to support these: they should be clicker savvy (marker savvy), have good focus, and a willingness to learn. For the For Credit option, you will need to send in videos of you and your dog demonstrating each of the five tricks for feedback and assistance from the Instructor.

The five tricks are: 

1.) Forward and Walkback Weaves

2.) Four Circle Moves Around the Handler

3.) Figure of 8 (without the handler)

4.) Back Around the Handler (challenging)

5.) Turn Back Thru (most challenging)

Goal:  After the successful completion of this course, students should be able to apply these training skills to other interesting and challenging behaviors.

Course length:  5 Lessons  (Approximately one hour each)

Prerequisites:

• Students should have a basic understanding of operant conditioning, shaping, luring, and reinforcement strategies.
• Students should understand how to use a clicker or verbal marker.
• The dog should understand and trust that a reinforcer follows the click/verbal marker.

Equipment needed:

• Target Stick or something similar like a long-handled spatula.
• Training gates (or an X-pen) that is long enough to be set up in a circle around the handler.
• Two cones or something similar (small upside down waste baskets would work.)
• A training platform (or something similar) that is long enough for a standing dog.
• For the For Credit/CEU option, students will need to send videos of you and your dog performing each trick to your Instructor.

Textbook:

“Five Unique and Awesome Tricks” by Pamela Leland.  Available on Amazon and Dogwise.

Assumptions:

• You and your dog are physically able to perform the tricks.
• You are tall enough, and/or your dog is short enough to move between your legs for the leg weave trick.
• You are motivated to learn!

Instructional Methods:

• A PowerPoint presentation covering each trick with supporting pictures, as well as a video of each behavior.
• A quiz at the completion of each trick for a total of five quizzes.
• A final exam at the end of the course.
• This is an entirely web-based course with no face-to-face meetings.
• You will work at your own pace within the time limit permitted for this course.

Homework:

Students will submit individual videos for the five tricks they’ve trained (for the For Credit option only).

What I expect from you: 

• Follow the steps taught for each trick. Don’t skip steps.
• Maintain momentum in working through this course.
• Get the first three tricks done early in the course because Trick #4 and #5 take more time to train.

What you can expect from me:

• Prompt reviews of the videos you submit within 24-48 hours (excluding weekends and holidays.)
• Responses to your questions, as needed.

Continuing Education Units:

CCPDT- KA-12.5 CEUs (5.00 Knowledge and 7.50 Skills) for trainers and 0 CEUs for behavior consultants
CCPDT- KSA-7.5 CEUs
IAABC – 7.5 CEUs
KPA – Pending

Course Cost –

For Credit: $200.00 USD (Choose this option if you need CEUs, a Certificate or Instructor feedback. Video homework will be required for CEUs and a Certificate of Completion)

For Audit:  $100.00 USD (Same content as the “For Credit” except there are no CEUs, certificate, nor homework videos required.)

Student Information:

Access to this course will expire in 6 months. Therefore, you have 6 months to complete this course from the date of registration.

You must also read and agree to the E-Training for Dogs, Inc. Standard Terms and Conditions prior to taking a course: Click HERE to read these. You will be asked when you register if you have read them and will not be allowed to take the course if you do not agree to the terms.

Please read our policy on refunds. Click HERE