Our approach is force-free and based on the science behind learning theory.
We teach gentle, humane, scientifically proven methods of building behavior. We take the time to explain why we are using the exercises, and how an animal learns and thinks. Every experience we work on will develop and foster a relationship built on trust. We build foundation behaviors using food, praise, play and a clicker. We never use coercion, yelling, hitting or alpha-rolling.
Class sizes are intentionally small. In a small class, your instructor can watch you train and give immediate feedback, increasing the rate at which both you and your dog learn.
Why Runamuck is convenient and flexible. We use a modular syllabus, meaning that each student works on a series of behaviors at their own pace. Once you sign up for a class, you have plenty of time to finish all of the exercises in any order. This makes it easier to start at any time and finish in the time frame that works for your family. You don’t need to wait until you have six to eight weeks in a row available.
Instead, you can just come to a class at a different time. When you sign up for classes as you go, you buy a series of classes and schedule each class time according to your calendar.
We believe that ongoing learning is imperative to professional development as teachers. We are only as good as what we teach, so we selectively choose the best behaviorists, trainers and scientists from which to study. We attend seminars all over the country and even internationally to assure that we have the best education available. We strive to answer all your questions intelligently, honestly and simply from first-hand experience.
Life Skills I
The focus of the class is on developing skills that help your canine companion feel more comfortable in public while building reliable foundation behaviors for the home. As a group, we practice public behaviors in a safe and compassionate place. Preparing for trips to the groomer and the veterinarian, we work on developing positive associations with handling and husbandry behaviors. We will give you tools with which you can build the behaviors you want and help modify unwanted behaviors through management and positive reinforcement strategies. Enhancing the relationship of handler and dog with a mutual enjoyment of the process, it is possible to build husbandry and cooperative care behaviors by incorporating positive associations through force free techniques. We will help you develop a deeper understanding of canine behavior and how it applies to your dog and his/her living environment. This class is for dogs of all ages who would benefit from being in a classroom with other dogs and people. 5 classes $250
Life Skills II
Preparing for CGC and TDI
Exercises geared toward passing the CGC and TDI tests.
Life Skills III Excursions
For experienced dog/handler teams who are confident in their clicker mechanics. Group outings.
Puppy Start Right
A dog is born with a special critical window of opportunity where experiences that happen have greater value, birth to around14 weeks, depending on the breed. This is true for both negative and positive experiences. We design our curriculum to create positive associations with lots of experiences for young puppies to help inoculate them from the unpredictable exposures that will likely happen in their lives. The more times they have a positive experience prior to the first bad one, the more likely that the bad one will be shrugged off. Every puppy is an individual and so we have created opportunities to discuss and ask questions during class. This class is only for pups who have been in their homes for at least two weeks and have had their first round of immunizations. 4 classes $200
Conformation/Show
Although 'Show' training looks easy, it is more complicated than it appears. During a show, the dogs are handled and examined physically by a stranger in the presence of and in close proximity to unknown dogs. The dog is required to stand still during this examination, then move in an easy gait around the ring. We give the dog and handler the tools and the confidence required to show not only well, but also comfortably. 5 classes $250
Scotti taught us so much in her classes! From practicing handling at a vet, to staying calm when other dogs approach, she identifies potentially stressful situations that most dogs will encounter, and then teaches handlers how to navigate them with a confident, relaxed dog. She taught us how to read K9 body language, so that we could truly bond with our animal, and understand what he needed. While you will learn basics like teaching “sit”, you’ll really learn how to positively connect with and train your dog, so that your family can have a lifetime of fun with a happy, balanced pet! We’re so grateful for Scotti’s instruction and will take more classes in the future!
Megan and John