Registration closes on Wednesday, May 25th 2o22,  at 5 pm. Or when class is full, whichever comes first.

Before reading below, check out the essence of social play in this video.

Cutting-edge research in psychology has helped us understand the importance of play in general and social play, particularly for the rehabilitation of timid and fearful dogs. I define social play as the engagement between a person and their dog that is voluntary and with no purpose other than to have a “good” time and “connect” or “re-connect.”

For the most part, social play is devoid of typical reinforces such as food and toys; however, these can help in some circumstances in making the dog more comfortable with the interaction.

Do you wish you knew how to bring out the comical, engaging side of your dog? Do you find yourself at a loss in not knowing how to best interact with your “soft” dog? Do you find that your dog does not respond to food or toys – as you would like him to while training? Do you struggle with your dog’s ability to focus on you when he is upset and overly aroused? Be it at home or during walks, or in public environments?

During this course, you will learn what constitutes good social play. Learning how to play with your dog could be the ultimate tool to help your dog thrive or re-focus when over-stimulated.

You will discover what sort of social play your dog (and you) enjoy and how to elicit your dog’s most playful nature. The course includes:

• Learning essential concepts of Social play.

• Watching video clips of appropriate and non-appropriate play.

• An opportunity to play with your dog during the virtual class while you receive feedback.

The class is open to all dogs (timid or not) and of all ages. They are no pre-requisite to join the class. Open to six pet parents and their dogs.

Dates: Tuesdays, May 31st  June 7th, 14th, 21 from  1-2 pm (US Mountain time) and

Private Zoom meet-up Friday, June 10th  from 1-1:40- pm, and Friday, June 24th, from 1-1:40 pm.

Fees: There are two options in taking the class and two fees:

Option 1: Includes 4, 1-hour classes and 2, forty minutes, zoom group discussion to answer questions and watch videos of play sessions with your dog. Submitting videos is optional, but live attendance is very much encouraged. If you cannot attend the “live” session, you can watch the recording later on your own.

Fee: $322 (Santa Fe County tax included).

Option 2: In addition to the above, option 2 includes two, 30 min. Private zoom sessions where we explore your dog’s play style as well as individual attention to problem-solving in more detail. To be scheduled jointly.

Fee: $422 (Santa Fe County tax included).

Testimonial:

I really enjoyed this class (How to Play with Your Dog), I learned that Gala (my dog) was playing when I thought she wasn’t and I learned how to focus her energy in a way that made me, her, and my 7m baby feel happy and secure. We have this new game where she shows off all her tricks at a distance which is fun and very friendly for newcomers and kids, especially since she is a Bernese and size tends to startle a bit. I can happily say we have grown for the better and we have had a happier family interaction since this class. Almudena’s approach is direct, clear, and always so gentle both for the dog and the owner. 

Very very happy client!

Macarena Blanco, Mexico City, Mexico.

You must complete the form on this page and submit the payment below before registering for this class.

Visit CHACO’s Waiver, Payment and Cancellation Policy for ONLINE/ REMOTE classes.

OPTION 1:

OPTION 2: