why we provide training
beyond safety, enrichment, and adventure
You may have noticed that all of our services include a training component. It is not so much beyond SEA, but more so a part of SEA.
Training is a part of Safety, Enrichment, and Adventure because continuously working on recall, drop/trade, and being redirected amongst other skills is crucial when exploring new environments outdoors, whether on- or off-leash.
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benefits of training
benefits of training
There are many benefits when it comes to training. Some benefits worth highlighting are that training builds confidence in your pup, promotes long-term behaviour retention, and provides excellent mental stimulation
building confidence
It is important that your pup knows trying new things pays off and is worth their time and energy! While socialization is important, and exploring new environments is good for pups, it is important that they are not overstimulated or fearful when encountering a new stimulus. Our goal is to have our pups be excited and eager to explore and embark on these adventures that will allow them to be even more confident in future outings.
Our pups can do a lot more than we often give them credit for. The key to allowing them to grow to their fullest potential is through proper socialization through shaping and desensitization.
promoting long-term behaviour retention
One of the most important aspects of training is consistency. As our pups learn desired behaviours while exploring outdoors, and as they continue to offer these behaviours through their own initiatives, the behaviour is more likely to be maintained throughout the pups’ life.
providing mental stimulation
Pups need physical exercise, but it is equally important for them to have mental exercise. Even a short 5-minute training session is a great way to engage their mind, and a pup whose mind is frequently and routinely engaged is ensured to have a better quality of life!
When we engage our pups’ minds before a walk, they will be more focused on us and more attentive during the walk, frequently checking in with us, offering desired behaviours, to get the reinforcement they so very much deserve.
Think of it this way: the more time we spend reading, the richer the mental stimulation. As we build on our intellect day by day, our minds are constantly being molded and shaped, and whether we are conscious of it, it changes the way we think and live.
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our training methodologies
Our staff are certified positive reinforcement (R+) marker trainers, and we do not support negative reinforcement, negative punishment, or positive punishment training methodologies.
training for outdoor daycare (group walks)
In a group setting, instead of using a clicker, trainers will use a verbal marker instead.
The designated individual training sessions are always before the walk, and the sessions are not long in duration. Keeping training sessions short is key to setting the pups up for success and crucial in ensuring that pups are not overstimulated, are in the right state of mind to learn, and do not get bored. An ideal training session is around or under 1 minute, but there will be multiple short training sessions throughout the day and time they are with us!
Aside from the designated training sessions, we will practice recall and drop/trade throughout the walks, and we will work on redirecting the pups on every walk as well, so they get accustomed to being redirected if a potentially harmful situation presents itself. Every time a pup checks in, we will be sure to capture the moment and reinforce the behaviour to set them up for future and continued success.
training for private walks and boarding
For private sessions, our clicker trainers will work directly with you on clicker/marker training. We will discuss the benefits of clicker training and let you decide whether you would like to give clicker training a try or stick with verbal markers.
For private walks, the designated training session is also before the walk, and is not long in duration. Aside from the training session, we will practice a variety of skills with your pup throughout the walk including recall, “let’s go”, drop/trade, being redirected, capturing their check-ins, and more! We are also able to tailor to what you would like to specifically train for private walks, such as leash skills and walking with a long line, and more.
training services
For our training services, of course there will be lots of training!
For private training sessions, we will also discuss the benefits of clicker training with you and let you decide whether you would like to give clicker training a try or stick with verbal markers. Private training session coverage can be customized with behaviours you would like to work on with your pup.
For group training sessions, we will encourage owners to give clicker training a try and bring their clickers to the group classes, but verbal markers work too! Group training has set modules and will be outlined in detail for you to continue to practice at home on your own time.
Training is often viewed as a standalone one-time service and overlooked when paw-rents search for dog-walking or daycare services. Your pup will be spending tons of time under our care, and we believe that incorporating training to be an integral part of their daily life is crucial in setting them up for continued success! Our trainers will impart contemporary, science-based knowledge to you that best fits your needs, but please remember that successful pet companionship depends on a combination of learned skills and continuously practicing them on the part of both the paw-rent and the pup!