2020-05-25 Training for dogs and people
 | The Long Road or the Prong Road When you start training your dog you have lots of options for training tools and approaches. While my approach rests on the pillars of relationship and reinforcement, the results take time and consistency to achieve, as well as lots of buy-in from owners. The Long Road is one of luring, treats, shaping, building relationship and choosing what to reward. This method typically depends on ignoring problems and undesirable behaviors. The shorter road requires different tools and communicates corrections through a stronger message with the prong collar. While both roads have their ups and downs, finding a trainer to help guide you through these interesting questions without forcing their beliefs upon you becomes tricky. As a positive reinforcement trainer turned balanced trainer, I have grappled extensively with these questions. Some dogs and their owners do just fine on the Long Road and are willing to put in the hours to build a vocabulary with their dog over time. Other owners need help now and require a lifeline of a set commands taught quickly and effectively to return sanity to an overwhelmed or otherwise busy household. The Prong Road becomes the logical answer, starting with an intensive board and train program. None of these decisions can be made without knowing the owner’s goals for their relationship with their dog. Based on your guidance and your dog’s personality, we will navigate your next steps together to develop a game plan to teach your dog the skills they need to blend seamlessly into your home and life. Having used the full slate of available training tools, I can help you untangle your prong and untie your check chain. We can re-situate and properly fit a martingale or harness together so that you know you are on the right track. Need someone to text with a quick question? I am here happily responding to several texts a day regarding socialization, management, training, food, exercise, dog sports, and anything else my clients and friends can think up! Want to get started? Let’s talk! |
2020-05-11 Services & Covid-19
 | Approaching the “new normal” It has taken me a long time to get to this point, but I believe I have processed enough to take a new step forward. Thanks to town approval, our commercial kennel license is on its way and I could not be more thrilled to check that box. With it comes some new questions as March 18th approaches in MA. With my children at home, closing daily training care services was a must to ensure everyone’s protection. I have continued some services through the closure, but am not rushing headlong into the new world as of yet. These closures have caused me to reevaluate my goals and the direction in which Fluxpack is heading. At this time of uncertainty, I want to focus on what I do best, which is in home overnight care here at Fluxpack and training support in client homes. Until my children return to school, services will be limited to boarding and home visits for training and walking. I will also be available to meet for training in open outdoor spaces, weather permitting. As we strive to provide a high level of care and training, these changes will keep us focused as we move through the summer. We will reevaluate adding daycare services in the Fall and offer some limited availability to current clients with emergency cases requiring more hands on support. As an alternative to daily training care, Fluxpack will now offer a new service: Adventure Outings! This service includes pick up and drop off at your home with two full hours of exercise and adventure at their favorite outdoor spot or training here on property. You may also customize your dog’s adventure to include training in obedience, agility, tricks or whatever you think your dog will enjoy! We hope this offering will help dogs get out of the house during this uncertain time. As we build a relationship with you and your dog, the possibilities only grow, so we look forward to working with you! Stay tuned for more updates as we move forward. |