C.H.A.C.O. Dog Training & Behavior Consulting LLC located in Tesuque, 15 min. North from Santa Fe NM is a company that is devoted to the well-being of dogs. The founder of C.H.A.C.O., Almudena Ortiz Cué, Almudena’s approach to dog training and behavior modification is based in the behavioral sciences. Here’s how this approach differs from the traditional dog training model:
In the traditional model, the trainer typically offers an interpretation of what a dog is thinking, its motives and its status within the pack. If you are working with a traditional dog trainer, you might hear such comments as “The dog if feeling guilty because he peed on the carpet,” or “He is being dominant, alpha.”In contrast, the behavioral model emphasizes the dog’s actual behavior. For example, it reminds us that dogs are not moral beings: they don’t know the difference between right and wrong, so they don’t feel guilty. But dogs do learn very quickly the difference between what is safe and what is unsafe. A dog that does not feel safe might warn us (growl), fight (bite), or flee. These three possible reactions are actual behaviors that could be modified.
Almudena’s mission is to educate and empower clients and the general public to make informed decisions by employing the science of animal learning as the methodology for dog training and behavior modification. C.H.A.C.O. advocates for the humane treatment of dogs ensuring that dogs are handled with compassion, fairness, and respect.
C.H.A.C.O. Dog Training & Behavior Consulting offers private training, group classes, and Tellington TTouch method private sessions and group classes.
Almudena Ortiz Cué is a graduate of the renowned San Francisco SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers (CTC), a Certified Professional Dog Trainer by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, (CPDT) a professional member of The Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) and the owner of C.H.A.C.O. Dog Training & Behavior Consulting LLC, located in the Santa Fe, New Mexico area.
She is also a certified Tellington TTouch® Practitioner for Animal Companions. She was a staff trainer for two years at Tony La Russa Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) in Walnut Creek, CA. where she worked with under-socialized dogs who had experienced lengthy shelter stays or scored poorly in the SAFER test. Her training was designed both to improve the lives of the dogs while at the shelter and to prepare them for successful adoptions. Ms. Ortiz Cué designed and implemented the shelter’s first Dog Training Internship Program (Dog T.I.P.).
She is the author of the following books: RIOJA! The Crazy and Fun Adventures of a Smart Little Dog with Magical Powers and the Family Who Adopted Her and Get Well Soon! A Practical Guide To Managing, Training And Entertaining Your Dog While They Recuperate From Surgery
For more information about Almudena Ortiz Cué and C.H.A.C.O. Dog Training & Behavior Consulting, please visit chacodogtraining.com.