Classes, Seminars, and Workshops

Giffy dog

978 Front Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55103

Unless otherwise noted, register with giffydog@gmail.com or call
651 592 1264

Classes:

New Beginnings I: Building a healthy bond with your dog

Whether your dog came to you through rescue or has simply developed some challenging behaviors, this class will help you connect with your dog by teaching you how to calmly and confidently interact with one another. Throughout the 4-week course (1 hour per week), you’ll learn how to motivate your dog to be more attentive, how to engage your dog mentally so it wants to interact with you, and how to advocate for your dog with other people and dogs. We’ll also troubleshoot challenges unique to you and your dog. This 4-week course is the first in our New Beginnings series for shy-fearful, reserved, or rescued dogs.

New Beginnings II: Confidence-building
Together, we will help you and your dog explore small, fun challenges in a rewarding environment--things as simple as walking around obstructions or weaving around things, playing games, stepping over obstacles, walking on various surfaces, learning how to use a touch toy, and more. With each accomplishment your dog will become increasingly confident! This 4-week course (1 hour per week) is the second in our New Beginnings series for shy-fearful, reserved, or rescued dogs. Instructor approval or ½ hour private consult needed to take the class without level one.

BOTH New Beginnings classes are a combination of activities and discussion. Class sizes are small, with no more than 3 dogs per trainer, so we can give you lots of personal attention. Note, this is NOT an obedience class.

Workshops:

Tapping with your dog

In recent years, there has been explosion in people practicing EFT (also known as “emotional freedom technique”or “tapping”), and with good reason. Tapping is a simple technique people can use. By applying pressure to acupressure points to remove emotional blocks to financial security, weight loss, relationship success, pain management, and more. Did you know that you can also use EFT to help relieve your dog’s anxiety and stress? In this 2-hour hands-on informational workshop, you’ll learn some basics about EFT and how it can work for your dog, and during the second half of the workshop you’ll apply what you’ve learned on your dog. 

Out and About
This 2-hour workshop is intended for dogs that are easily distracted by other dogs and people when they're on walks. Designed with the "bad mannered" dog in mind, we'll be working on confidently handling your dog when s/he encounters distractions. The focus here will be helping your dog relax so you can enjoy your walks a bit more! 

Socialization
For the first hour of this 2-hour workshop, you'll work with your dog in the ring, learning how to recognize body language, how to redirect your dog if s/he escalates, what to do if another dog begins to escalate toward your dog, and how to encourage appropriate play behavior. During the second hour, we'll apply what you've learned in a safe, supervised play session with the participating dogs. NOTE: If your dog isn't able to safely participate in the play session, we'll work on helping your dog redirect to something fun using games and activities.


Services:
Spa Day: $5 nail trims
Certified vet tech, Aimee Mabie will trim your dog's toenails in a snap. And while you're waiting, you can relax and enjoy our homey shop.

Seminars:

I often partner with At Home Pet Care and Training to offer pre-planned and ala carte seminars designed for people working in rescue or those who simply want to learn more about dogs. Topics include: recognizing calming signals, advanced body language, introducing dogs to people and other animals, breaking up fights, recognizing appropriate and inappropriate "play," how to choose training tools, how to advocate for your dog in public settings, and many many more. 

Consultations:

Sometimes a dog (or dogs) need a little more one-on-one time. For those instances, I offer private consultations to explore your specific challenges in-depth. Two-person consults are also available for multiple dog and/or multiple handler homes.

To register or learn more, call 651 592 1264 or email giffydog@gmail.com.