What is a Special Needs Class?
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It all started a few years ago. A few dogs couldn't make it in our Basic Skills classes. They would bark, leap, pull, anything but learn. There were some that were afraid, some excited, many under socialized from a young age. But the one thing they had in common was a inability to learn in a group class and they dropped out. |
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They dropped out but they needed group instruction as much or more than any of the other dogs. So we started to pull out the dogs with problems and taught them in their own class. At first we used "gates" with blankets draped over them between dogs. That worked for most of the dogs. They couldn't see the dog next to them so they could work. but there were a few that knocked over the barriers and that led to barking and leaping and breaking the first rule of Special Needs class, DON'T PUT THE DOGS IN A POSITION TO PRACTICE THE BEHAVIORS WE ARE TRYING TO END.
So, the next version of the class used the students cars to separate the dogs. At this point the classes were only outdoors because some dogs had trouble with the confined space in the building so the cars were an easy solution. The first week or two the dogs can't see each other. But after a leash broke when a Rottweiler lunged in the same class where a Bullmastiff's (photo above) owner feared she would lose control, we added a 30-ft lunge line to each dog in addition to the leash. The Bullmastiff never challenged the long line and behaved perfectly. But, more importantly, the owner was relaxed and confident that she had control. The class is primarily about getting the dogs attention off of the thing that over excites him (usually other dogs) and on to the owner. This is done with 5 different skills/commands. But first, starting the week between orientation and week one, the owners say the dogs name and gives them a treat as many times a day as they can in a non distracting environment. This lays the ground work for the attention away from distraction. |
They also hand feed their dogs most meals during that week. This lays the ground work for relationship repairs if needed. Many of these dogs have a poor perception of the human/canine order that we need if we are to live happily with the dogs in our homes and lives.
Back to Week One. Before anyone gets the dog out of their cars we attach the long line to the car and they are told to be "pro active." That means they see the dogs look in the direction of a possible distraction, ears go forward... say the name and "watch me" and reward. Incident prevented and we are off to a good start. This same principle is applied to all distractions and "Leave it"," touch" and "come" are added. "Watch me" is also added to "heel position" for moving attention. Along with the attention lessons, most of the basic commands are taught like sit, stay, down, heel. The reason is two fold. First, when the students move on to Basic Skills, I want the owners to be focusing on their dogs and be proactive, preventing outbursts. Since they have already taught their dog the exercise they can focus on their dog. Secondly, I want the dogs to feel comfortable and safe while working. Special Needs has had some wonderful success stories and a few failures. But we believe that almost any dog, whose owner is willing to put in the time and effort, can be rehabilitated. -Lynn Millar instructor, Special Needs |
Special Needs Waiting List
$170 which includes 6 weeks of Special Needs class, 8 weeks of basic skills, plus the balance of the year as a member including weekly member training and more. Plus a $2 on line administration fee.
Visit the orientation/first night page to see what is next by going to the footer of the home page or program page BUT you will have your own orientation on Sunday, April 30 at 10:30 AM! - NO DOGS Special Needs will be held OUTDOORS Starting April 30. At the Sinking Spring (Liberty) Fire Company at Ralph and Ruth Streets. |
Sign up for Special Needs 4/30/2023 |
7/17Berks County Dog Training Club
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If AFTER you have read the article explaining Special Needs AND you still have a question contact us at:
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First Class is your orientation. June 17, 10:30AM without your dogs!!Got a question? After you have read what is offered on the website
we will answer any other question.s --- email bcdtc1949@yahoo.com |
Package Includes a years membership and an 8 week Basic Skills class along with the 6 week Special Needs.
Classes held at Liberty Fire Co.
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find out more... watch BCTV program "All About Dogs" August 3, 2021
Berks County Dog Training Club
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This class is not offered |
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Package Includes a years membership and an 8 week Basic Skills class along with the 6 week Special Needs.
Classes held at Liberty Fire Co.
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The Class began
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Berks County Dog Training Club
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This class is not offered |
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Package Includes a years membership and an 8 week Basic Skills class along with the 6 week Special Needs.
Classes held at Liberty Fire Co.
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Next Class begins
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