Canine Activity Holiday:
Exploring your dog’s natural abilities
Sheila Harper
6th – 10th August 2010, 9.30 (registration) - 5pm
at The Lamp Room, Museum of Cannock Chase,
Valley Road, Hednesford, Staffordshire, WS12 1TD
£ 325 Handlers welcome
Many owners complain that their dogs never seem to be satisfied no matter how much they walk them, or that their dog is demanding even if they give him lots of attention. Then there are those dogs that tend to do their own thing when out, going hunting or chasing. Alternatively, what about those dogs that need rest or peace and quiet but where you feel they are under-stimulated?
We don’t believe in quick fixes, but we may be able to help with some alternative canine activities that don’t take a lot of effort, but that help your dog to learn more appropriate pastimes.
Perhaps you would simply like to have a nice relaxing week in an enjoyable setting with a variety of stimulating yet relaxing activities especially designed to challenge your dog’s senses?
Whatever the case, this activity holiday may be just what you are looking for!
Our dogs have exceptional senses designed for survival . Unfortunately our dogs’ senses are sometimes over-stimulated, leading them to go into overdrive, and may result in the dog indulging in activities that may be inappropriate or even socially unacceptable.
During this activity holiday we would like to give you the opportunity to experience the value of challenging dogs to creative thinking and problem solving rather than reverting to physical exercise designed to tire them in an attempt to calm them down. Creative activities such as nosework and problem solving will stimulate your dog to use his brain and can provide him with learning opportunities for developing skills for daily life.
This activity holiday is suitable for all breeds, temperaments, age or size. Just because your dog isn’t “perfectly behaved” doesn’t mean that he can’t come with you. Even if he tends to be under-socialised, fearful or lacking in confidence we can find some suitable activities to build his skills. Perhaps he is reactive, but even so we will be able to 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 also an adventure for the both of you. Experience the satisfaction in your dog when he’s using his natural abilities and seeing him growing in confidence. In sharing activities with your dog where his senses are stimulated and where his problem solving abilities are stretched you will feel proud of what he can achieve with activities that he enjoys and make sense to him.
Activities will include:
· Enjoyable alternatives for conventional exercises
· Insight into mental stimulation versus physical exercises
· Activities as a substitute for that rainy day walk or for dogs that are not allowed out
· Activities to boost your dog’s confidence and to build a stronger relationship
· 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 seniors!
What was said about last year’s course:
A note to say how thrilled I am because Poppet is getting more and more confident and trusting me too. A big THANK YOU for all the wonderful info you gave us. She no longer goes off at breakneck speed to hunt, but “hunts” with me! She loves her treat trees and walls and we have been very creative with this. It’s lovely to see her stretch her body up to find that last piece.