Dog Centred Holiday:
Social Skills
Sheila Harper B. Ed, BA with
Winny Boerman B.App.Sc.
11th - 15th August 2012,
9.30 (registration) for 10 am start - 5pm
at The Centre For Adventure,
Penkridge Bank, Cannock Chase, WS15 2UF
£325 up to 12 dogs and handlers welcome
Limited numbers: Maximum number of places including spectators: 20
Target audience: anyone from pet owner to professional who wants to enjoy time with their dog!
Dogs are masters of so much more than we give them credit for. Their natural abilities include a wonderful social competence and they can be great problem solvers and peace keepers.
Fitting in with our society is not so easy, however. All dogs benefit from good quality 
social contact, and appropriate stimulation to build self-confidence and security. Having a good balance between mental and physical exercise is underestimated: creative, stimulating yet relaxing activities such as nosework and problem solving can provide dogs with learning opportunities for developing skills for daily life.
Experience the value of challenging your dog to creative thinking and practising good social skills. In sharing enjoyable activities that make sense to your dog and where his intellect is stimulated and abilities developed, you will feel proud of what he can achieve.
Whether he needs a confidence boost, whether you would like to improve your relationship, to help him develop his social skills, to connect with you instead of going hunting or chasing or if you simply enjoy being with your dog, we can work with you. Alternative canine activities don’t take a lot of effort, but help your dog to learn and enjoy appropriate pastimes and social contact.
This activity holiday is suitable for all breeds, temperaments, age or size. Even if your dog isn’t perfectly behaved, tends to be under-socialised, fearful or lacking in confidence we can find some suitable activities to build his skills. Even if he is reactive we will find him appropriate opportunities to relax in the vicinity of other dogs for social development. Equally, for well-socialised dogs with no issues, this holiday will be an adventure for both of you. 
Activities will include:
• Enjoyable alternatives for conventional exercises, including mental stimulation
• Activities as a substitute for that rainy day walk or for dogs that are not allowed out
• Interests to build your dog’s confidence and stronger relationships
• Opportunities for good social skills such as quality educational walks
• Plenty of other activities to stimulate and satisfy your dog’s nature
The needs of each dog and owner will be discussed before suggesting activities in order to ensure choice of suitable practical work.
Please note that these activities are dog-centred rather than owner-centred. Each dog will be treated as an individual, and activities will be tailor-made even for puppies or seniors!