BALANCE   ENGAGE   EDUCATE   AWARENESS  MINDFUL

BE²AM is a method to help people become mindful and aware of their dog.  It provides tools so one can handle stressful situations (such as a stranger walking up; a new dog approaching, new surface to walk on, etc.) one may encounter with their dog in everyday life. You will learn the basics in understanding calming signals and how important these signals are in understanding your dog.  This is a technique so one will form a partnership with their dog.  In doing so the dog can learn and  confidence is built along with trust.  All dogs need basic manners, such as: sit, come, down, stay and walk calm on a lead and BE²AM will provide the student with the tools to reach the goals in a positive manner.

Tellington TTouch methods are incorporated into the learning process along with basic clicker training.  TTouch helps to enchance learning, you have fun with your canine, you and your canine learn to focus and to think (engage).   Many times we are in a hurry and want results immediately.  Think moments not minutes, and all work is broken down into baby steps.  Once a dog is successful at a "cue" (many use the term command), then you add another small step.  If the canine is not able to do the next step, then you back up to where the canine is successful and break the future step down even smaller.  It takes time and patients.  But one will be successful and the canine will know exactly what is excepted.

One of the means to help build confidence is by groundwork using a confidence course.  The course usually includes a labyrinth, cones set up to weave around, alley way--two PVC pipes parallel to each other, boards flat on the ground (walk acrss), different type of surfaces (piece of rug, plastic runner, etc.), teeter-totter (set very low), a walk over (board wide enough for a dog raised at both ends), zig-zag poles or walkway, star (3-5 poles raised at one end that are stuck inside a milk crate with the other ends of the poles resting on the ground to form a "star") and tires.  The confidence course is a way to do non-habitual movements by allowing the canine to explore.  When doing the course you do it slowly which brings attention to what is being done and you and the canine must engage together to accomplish the course.  It is not a race, but a means to work together and learn together.

Other tools used are body wraps which help to calm an excited dog down and to become aware of itself.  TTouches are also used and help the canine but also the person doing the touches.  One must relax and things are done slowly, and when you have an excited canine touches are a way to calm all involved.  A wand may be implemented to help guide and direct the canine.  A calming band may be something one may wish to use on easily excited canine.  Step-in harnesses are used with 7 foot double snapped leads so one is able to snap to the collar and to the harness to help direct the canine.  A proven puller one may wish to use a type of head collar (Halti, Snoop loop, Gentle Leader, etc.) plus the step-in harness.  All work is done at the pace the dog is able to learn and no means of force are used.
No choke (training) collars, no jerking on the lead, no pushing the dog to the position one wants, no shaking, yelling, or any type of dominance means are used.

Would you like to host a Tellington TTouch workshop or would like private help?  Email PI Dog Trekking to learn more.

If you would like to learn about dog sledding or go for a ride this fall and/or winter contact  PI Dog Trekking

Watch for information on seminars and workshops on different canine topics such as:  basic grooming, pet first aid, kids and dogs---safety first (PAWS = please ask, walk slowly), alternative health for canines, Tellington TTouch, fun activities for you and your canine, and many more.

Links

Tellington TTouch
Clicker training
Spirit Dog
Listening to Whispers
Dancing Porcupines
Raise with Praise