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
Apr
9
Sat
Registration Closes on Wed. April 6th at 5pm OR when class is full.
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 (or have taken a class/private training with Almudena) C.H.A.C.O. Dog Training & Behavior Consulting, LLC. client, please complete the form on this page here.
Option 1:
Option 2:
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