|
||||||||||||
|
Every dog |
|||||||||||
In addition to my basic obedience program, I offer a cruelty-free problem solving program called Every Dog Deserves a Chance. Chance was a beautiful chocolate lab with a heart of gold. His self-appointed goal in life was to act as a doggy psychiatrist. Every dog loved Chance, even those who disliked other dogs, and Chance had an amazing effect on every dog he worked with. With Chance around, suddenly thunderstorms weren't as scary, strangers weren't as threatening, and the compulsion to chew a hole in the couch vanished. He was a canine Miracle Worker. I believe every dog deserves a Chance; someone to listen to them when they have something to say and answer them with understanding, acceptance, and guidance. EDDAC is my attempt to fill Chance's pawprints, and I try my hardest all along to ask myself, "What would Chance do?" EDDAC can address big problems and small ones. Owners have contacted me with problems from biting to digging to jumping to depression. Together, the owner and I decide whether we're dealing with a potential emergency that may constitute a direct threat to the dog's health--as in biting and jumping--or if we're talking about an annoying but not life-threatening problem. If the dog is in an emergency situation, damage control is the first step. I may ask them to modify their fence to keep the dog from getting over or to keep company out of the house until the biting is under control. Afterwards, we can work with the real underlying cause of the problem to eliminate the undersirable behavior. Maybe, unbeknownst to the owner, the dog has a serious lack of confidence that makes him nervous around strangers. Maybe he's bored to tears and goes over the fence to find some adventure. If we want to know what's wrong, the only one to ask is the dog. Deepening communication is what EDDAC is about. What happens when you call me for an EDDAC session? Just like the basic obedience program, EDDAC begins with an evaluation. I need to see the dog in his own environment to diagnose the problem. After the evaluation, we can discuss what course of action can be taken, and I can give my "prescription". This can include dietary changes, a trip to a vet, modifications to the dog's environment, a series of desensitization sessions, relationship exercises, basic obedience work, and anything else the dog may need. The price of EDDAC sessions may vary according to personal risk and travel expenses (to the vet's office, for example), but will not exceed $50 per session. A price will be agreed upon during the evaluation. Sessions may last anywhere from an hour to an afternoon, depending on what needs to be done. This too will be discussed during the evaluation. If you have questions about your dog's unique situation, please contact me. I can never hope to be as amazing as Chance, but I owe it to his memory to try my best. Chance never gave up on a dog, and neither will I!
|
|
|||||||||||
