Scroll through the calendar below to view upcoming events and classes. Please note tht classes are planned a quarter in advance.
“By attending “C.H.A.C.O Dog Training & Behavior Consulting LLC” classes we learned a lot and so did our standard poodle Dash. Almudena has a first-class facility with a large field for classes, within a larger securely fenced area that readily adapts to the wide range of activities she incorporates in her teaching. She is a personable and caring individual as well as a very knowledgeable professional totally committed to helping owners and their dogs.
The classes are usually small, 4 owners with their dogs, which allows some one-on-one time with Almudena when needed, and the classes are nonthreatening and fun for the dog. With her extensive knowledge, she is able to address any special problems encountered. For example, our dog had spent the first nine months of his life in a kennel being mostly ignored. Almudena really helped socialize Dash and he’s become a confident, happy dog, who likes to play and he enjoys the company of other dogs and people.” – Robb & Kate Palmer, Tesuque, NM
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From participants of the Developing the Confident Dog class.
“Thanks so much for the excellent recall class that Roxie and I attended. I really enjoyed it. You teach important concepts in interesting ways, and your class is a very different experience than other classes I have taken over the years. It was very helpful and thought provoking.” – Patty Sciarrotta & Roxie
Jul
6
Sat
Registration is now closed.
4 Day- Tellington TTouch- Introductory course:
Tellington TTouch® is a method of working with animals that has proven effective in reducing stress, fear, aggression and anxiety; as well as modify behavior, increase flexibility and—when combined with veterinarian care—aid in recovery.
The approach is gentle yet systematic and helps animals to better cope with different and novel situations. It improves confidence, focus and learning. With the use of gentle touches, body wraps and groundwork (a variety of exercises with equipment) we engage and calm the animal’s nervous system as well as teach the animal to move in non-habitual ways. Since an animal that is stressed or anxious cannot learn, the incorporation of TTouch® becomes an initial first step to any learning. Your dog will learn how to focus and better cope with situations in which he/she reacts with fear, concern or anxiety. This class is ideal for guardians/owners who want to learn the basics of the TTouch® method by working with their own dog.
Pre-requisite:
Dogs must be comfortable while working in the proximity of other dogs on a leash and people. No lunging, growling or excessive barking.
Each dog must have a handler, but multiple family members are welcome to attend.
What to bring to every class:
- A six-foot long leash (no flexi leashes please), flat collar, harness or head collar. No prong collars or pinch collars. If your dog has a flat collar but you normally walk him with a harness or head collar please bring both to the workshop.
- A bed or mat for your dog. Soft treats.
- One 4” ACE bandage (NOT the self-adhesive kind) for dogs over 30 lbs. 2” bandage for dogs under 30 lbs.
- A frozen (with food inside) KONG of the appropriate size for your dog OR a chewy that will last and your dog loves such as bully stick, antler etc.
Details: Dates & time: July 6th ,13th , 20th and 27th. 2019. First class is orientation without your dog. 8am -9am
Fee: $ 145.00
Location: C.H.A.C.O. Hub in Tesuque. Note: Almudena will email the Wednesday before class starts with address and directions.
Open to 4 dogs/handler 5 months of age onward.
Trainer: Almudena Ortiz Cue, M.A. CTC, CPDT-KA, Tellington TTouch Practitioner.
For new clients, you must complete the form on this page and submit payment below before registering for this class. If you are a current client (or have taken a class/private training with Almudena) C.H.A.C.O. Dog Training & Behavior Consulting, LLC., please complete the form on this page here.
Apr
4
Sat
Apr 4 @ 10:00 am – Apr 25 @ 11:00 am
Introduction to Parkour:
Registration closes Wed. April 1st, 2020.
3 spots left
As described by the International Dog Parkour Association (www.dogparkour.org) Dog Parkour is thought of as urban agility. It is a fun activity that teaches dogs to safely and confidently engage with obstacles in the environment. Dogs are taught how to climb, balance, jump among other activities. I would add that Dog Parkour can double as a fantastic and quick way to engage your dog mentally and physically. This class is ideal for dogs that need a “job,” energetic dogs (that are driving their people craa-zy!) as well as dogs that need to learn to enjoy novel things.
In this introductory course we will work on having dogs climb, balance, step backwards and go around.
Requirements:
Open to 4 handlers and their dogs ages 5 months onward
Dogs are comfortable working around people and other dogs on leash. No lunging, growling or excessive barking.
Required Vaccinations:
Rabies, DHLPP (distemper & parvo) or titer test. Proof of vaccination required at first class.
The Details:
Saturdays: April 4th, (skip Sat. 11th) 18th, 25th and May 2nd 2020. First session is orientation without dogs. Class held at C.H.A.C.O.’s hub in Tesuque. Directions will be sent upon registration.
For new clients, you must complete the form on this page and submit payment below before registering for this class. If you are a current client (or have taken a class/private training with Almudena) C.H.A.C.O. Dog Training & Behavior Consulting, LLC., please complete the form on this page here.
From: 10-11 am
Fee: $160.05 (Santa Fe county tax included).
Apr
9
Sat
Registration Closes on Wed. April 6th at 5pm OR when class is full.
Registration is now closed.
Do you share your life with a (or a few) herding-breed dog? Congratulations! Your life will be full of adventures, requests for activities that seem never to stop, a loyal companion. The characteristics above describe the beautiful part of living with a herding breed. I personally love them! My current family members include two Border collies and a Cattle-dog mix. I also had a Kelpie, who taught me so much about living with a herding dog.
Now, to the aspect of living with a herding breed that will create massive amounts of misunderstandings and frustration. While everyone agrees herding dogs need a “job,” I ask, what does “giving them a job” really mean?
And here is where our exploration begins.
Herding dogs often do not make good pets because they are bred to work around livestock. However, their unique capabilities in gathering, directing livestock are at the crux of what makes them challenging pets.
Among the genetic traits selected to carry on their (real) job are:
1. Stamina,
2. Sensitivity to any movement. Desire to stop movement (manage movement).
3. Ability to focus and not disengage (from the stock).
4. Hyper-sensitivity to their environment and changes in the environment (SEC).
5. Strong responsiveness in working with a handler. Sensitivity to the handler’s demeanor.
6. A very robust “work ethic.”
How do the qualities above translate to herding dogs living as our pets? When being kept as pets, their genetic make-up regularly becomes the reason behind their intense and problematic partnership within the household.
Consider the following:
1. Their high stamina needs an appropriate daily outlet.
2. Controlling the movement of family members, including the family child, cat or, other dogs, any moving object (ball, car, bicycle) becomes an exercise in ongoing management.
3. In general, trouble disengaging from movement and the environment leads to an over-aroused dog that is hard to re-direct and unpleasant to live with.
4. Their refined sensitivity to changes in their environment (SEC) often leads to arousal in the form of excessive barking, frustration, and OCD behaviors (chasing shadows, biting flowing water, the like). Sound sensitivity to everyday noises and events such as fireworks and thunderstorms.
5. Their high desire to pair with a handler often translates to “neediness – a “velcro” dog that hates being left behind.
6. Suspicion or lack of trust for others besides the handler they trust. And yet, we love them! But loving them is not enough!
What our herding dogs deserve from their families is for us to acknowledge them for whom they are. They need for us to provided them which legal outlets (jobs) 🙂 so they can express their natural tendencies safely and often.
If the above description of chaos resembles your life with your herding dog, this course is for you! It will help you identify a myriad of possibilities for change and improvements in the life of your at-home-herding dog. It will also transform your relationship with your working dog and provide depth to your understanding and appreciation for who they are.
The Details:
Six weeks course. Week one is a people-only orientation. The remaining sessions are working sessions with the dogs. This course is hands-on, and folks need to commit to practicing at home in between sessions if they want to see results!
Open to 4 herding dogs (or herding mixes that exhibit herding-dog behaviors), ages five months of age and onward, and their handlers.
Requirements:
Dogs must be comfortable working around other dogs and people; they should not lunge or bark at either people or dogs and vaccines:
Required Vaccinations: Dogs should be current on their DHLPP vaccines, OR provide a current titter test. Please bring proof of vaccination or titer test (if not previously uploaded on my website) for the first class.
COVID protocol for people: Folks may choose to wear a mask or refrain from wearing one if vaccinated. Primarily we will be working outside.
Dates:
Saturdays, April 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th, May 7th and 14th. 2022 from 1pm- 2pm.
Fees:
Option 1: $ 300 + Santa Fe County tax = $ 322.00
Option 2: Take $50 off from Living Harmoniously with a Herding Dog if you also enroll in How to Teach Your Dog to (Really) Relax Anywhere class.
$ 250 + Santa Fe County tax = $ 268.00
Visit CHACO’s Waiver, Payment and Cancellation Policy for classes.
For new clients, you must complete the form on this page and submit the payment below before registering for this class. If you are a current client (or have taken a class/private training with Almudena) C.H.A.C.O. Dog Training & Behavior Consulting, LLC., please complete the form on this page here.
Living Harmoniously with a Herding Dog - Option 1
$322.00
Living Harmoniously with a Herding Dog - Option 1
$322.00
Living Harmoniously with a Herding Dog - Option 2
$268.00
Living Harmoniously with a Herding Dog - Option 2
$268.00
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