New group classes start in 2012! Check back frequently for updates!
Basic Dog Training
This is a 6-week foundational course in which you will learn the necessary skills to teach your dog to be a well mannered family pet as well as to go on to more advanced training for competition obedience or any one of a number of dog sports. Supplies needed: clicker, pea-size food treats, flat buckle or snap collar or well fitted harness, and nylon, leather or cotton leash.
Intermediate Dog Training
This 6-week class builds on foundational skills taught in the basic class. The emphasis in this class is on polishing and proofing basic behaviors, including work under distraction. The class also includes instruction in how to teach a formal force-free retrieve and performance heeling. This is a relatively advanced class - participants should have completed a basic level class at Canine Connection. Supplies needed: clicker, pea-size food treats, flat buckle or snap collar or well fitted harness, and nylon, leather or cotton leash.
Novice Obedience
This 6-week class prepares students for competition obedience at the novice level. Dogs should have completed intermediate-level training. Supplies needed: clicker, pea-size food treats, flat buckle or snap collar or well fitted harness, and nylon, leather or cotton leash.
Open Obedience
This 6-week class prepares students for competition at the novice level. Dogs should have completed a novice obedience class. Supplies needed: clicker, pea-size food treats, flat buckle or snap collar or well fitted harness, and nylon, leather or cotton leash.
Private lessons
Private lessons, provided in the comfort of your own home offer advantages to group classes in that 1) You and your dog receive more individual attention than is sometimes possible in a group class and, 2) You and your dog can progress at your own rate. Lessons are based on an individual training program designed specifically for you and your dog to meet the training and behavior goals you have for your dog. Private lessons may be purchased individually or in a package of 2 or more lessons.
New puppy package
Get your puppy off on the right paw with personalized in-home training. This private lesson package is for new puppy owners who cannot make it to puppy class or need extra assistance with things such as housebreaking, chewing and basic care and training of their new puppy. This has been a very popular service!
Professional behavior evaluation & modification
Canine Connection offers a unique and much needed service for behavior modification in the tri-state area. Behavior modification is changing the behavior of a dog with fear, anxiety, aggression or other abnormal behavior using the principles of behavior science, specifically classical and operant conditioning. These are the same techniques used in training at Canine Connection, but the aim with behavior modification is to examine, address and change the dog's underlying emotional state as well as to teach more desirable ways of responding to the environment.
Cindy Ludwig of Canine Connection is uniquely qualified to perform behavior consultation and modification. She is the only trainer in the tri-state area and one of only two in the state of Iowa who has completed the week long Purdue University Veterinary Teaching Hospital's DOGS! behavior modification course. Additionally she holds a Master of Arts degree in education with an emphasis in learning and research, and worked in an animal learning lab in the psychology department at the University of Missouri studying operant conditioning and schedules of reinforcement. She has completed additional graduate level coursework in animal behavior and pet nutrition at accredited U.S. universities. Ms. Ludwig's 33 years as a professional nurse with tens of hundreds of hours of continuing education and a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Science gives her a solid background in physiology, psychology, pharmacology and other sciences necessary to understand behavior, perform professional assessments and effectively apply behavior modification treatment protocols.
Clients who are considering hiring a trainer to help them with behavior modification of their dog should view the following video in which Dr. Gary Lansberg discusses training controversies. He is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists and the European College of Behavioral Medicine, which means that he is board-certified in veterinary behavior medicine.
Training Technique Controversies
Please also see the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists and the American Veterinary Society of Veterinary Behavior position statements regarding the use of aversives (e.g., electric shock, choke chain collars, leash corrections, prong collars) in training and behavior modification:
How to Select A Trainer (American College of Veterinary Behavior)
AVSAB Position Statement: the Use of Punishment for Behavior Modification in Animals (American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior)
Following a request for consultation, clients will be asked to complete a questionnaire to gather basic background information about the dog and its issues, much like the form patients are asked to complete prior to seeing a new physician or consulting physician for the first time.
The information is reviewed and an appointment is arranged for a mutually agreeable time to meet with the client, his dog and the family in their home. During the in-home behavioral assessment, an in-depth history is obtained and observations are made of the dog in his natural environment. The consultation includes an initial training session to teach the client exercises that can be put to immediate use to help alleviate stress in the dog and start the dog on the road to recovery. Following the in-home consultation, a professional in-depth report of consultation is written that includes a detailed plan for behavior change, including an estimated number of sessions required to achieve this change. This in-depth report takes several hours to formulate but is usually available the next business day. A copy of the report will be shared with the client's veterinarian unless the client indicates s/he does not wish the report to be shared.
At the time of initial contact and request for a consultation, the client will be asked if s/he has consulted his or her veterinarian about the concerning behavior. There are many medical causes of behavior problems in dogs and standard practice dictates that these causes be ruled out prior to the implementation of a behavior modification plan.
Just as in human medicine, veterinary doctors are the only members of the treatment team who can diagnose and prescribe. It is highly preferable that a veterinarian perform a complete evaluation, make a diagnosis and prescribe a treatment plan for behavior modification. If the client's local veterinarian is not comfortable making a diagnosis or prescribing a treatment plan, Purdue University Veterinary Behavior Clinic and other board-certified veterinary behaviorists are available for phone consultation with local veterinarians. A list of board-certified veterinary behaviorists can be found on this website, arranged by state of practice:
Board-certified veterinary behaviorists by state
You may also want to consult a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, most of whom have a PhD and many of whom are also veterinarians:
Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists
It is strongly encouraged that clients involve their veterinarians in the diagnosis and treatment process. In some cases, for example dogs that have inflicted multiple bite wounds, Canine Connection will not proceed with behavior modification until a veterinarian has been consulted to rule out medical causes and formulate at least a tentative diagnosis (es) and treatment plan.
Canine Connection upholds the highest professional and ethical standards, and will not encroach on the legal scope of practice of a licensed veterinarian. Behavior modification interventions are based on standard and accepted practice, and implemented in close collaboration with the client's veterinarian and/or veterinary behaviorist.
Canine Connection does not provide kickbacks to veterinarians for referrals, something which the American Veterinary Medical Association clearly considers unethical.
Once a behavior modification plan has been formulated, the client has the option to accept or decline the plan and recommend modifications. If accepted, with or without modifications, an appointment will be set up for a time that is convenient for the client and the plan will be implemented. It will be frequently reviewed and modified as necessary. The usual and customary interval for in-home sessions is once weekly. Progress reports will be shared with the client's veterinarian unless the client specifically objects.
Following is a video of one of Canine Connection's clients who had a successful outcome thanks to the involvement of all team members - client, veterinarian and trainer:
Cindy Ludwig of Canine Connection is uniquely qualified to perform behavior consultation and modification. She is the only trainer in the tri-state area and one of only two in the state of Iowa who has completed the week long Purdue University Veterinary Teaching Hospital's DOGS! behavior modification course. Additionally she holds a Master of Arts degree in education with an emphasis in learning and research, and worked in an animal learning lab in the psychology department at the University of Missouri studying operant conditioning and schedules of reinforcement. She has completed additional graduate level coursework in animal behavior and pet nutrition at accredited U.S. universities. Ms. Ludwig's 33 years as a professional nurse with tens of hundreds of hours of continuing education and a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Science gives her a solid background in physiology, psychology, pharmacology and other sciences necessary to understand behavior, perform professional assessments and effectively apply behavior modification treatment protocols.
Clients who are considering hiring a trainer to help them with behavior modification of their dog should view the following video in which Dr. Gary Lansberg discusses training controversies. He is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists and the European College of Behavioral Medicine, which means that he is board-certified in veterinary behavior medicine.
Training Technique Controversies
Please also see the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists and the American Veterinary Society of Veterinary Behavior position statements regarding the use of aversives (e.g., electric shock, choke chain collars, leash corrections, prong collars) in training and behavior modification:
How to Select A Trainer (American College of Veterinary Behavior)
AVSAB Position Statement: the Use of Punishment for Behavior Modification in Animals (American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior)
Following a request for consultation, clients will be asked to complete a questionnaire to gather basic background information about the dog and its issues, much like the form patients are asked to complete prior to seeing a new physician or consulting physician for the first time.
The information is reviewed and an appointment is arranged for a mutually agreeable time to meet with the client, his dog and the family in their home. During the in-home behavioral assessment, an in-depth history is obtained and observations are made of the dog in his natural environment. The consultation includes an initial training session to teach the client exercises that can be put to immediate use to help alleviate stress in the dog and start the dog on the road to recovery. Following the in-home consultation, a professional in-depth report of consultation is written that includes a detailed plan for behavior change, including an estimated number of sessions required to achieve this change. This in-depth report takes several hours to formulate but is usually available the next business day. A copy of the report will be shared with the client's veterinarian unless the client indicates s/he does not wish the report to be shared.
At the time of initial contact and request for a consultation, the client will be asked if s/he has consulted his or her veterinarian about the concerning behavior. There are many medical causes of behavior problems in dogs and standard practice dictates that these causes be ruled out prior to the implementation of a behavior modification plan.
Just as in human medicine, veterinary doctors are the only members of the treatment team who can diagnose and prescribe. It is highly preferable that a veterinarian perform a complete evaluation, make a diagnosis and prescribe a treatment plan for behavior modification. If the client's local veterinarian is not comfortable making a diagnosis or prescribing a treatment plan, Purdue University Veterinary Behavior Clinic and other board-certified veterinary behaviorists are available for phone consultation with local veterinarians. A list of board-certified veterinary behaviorists can be found on this website, arranged by state of practice:
Board-certified veterinary behaviorists by state
You may also want to consult a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, most of whom have a PhD and many of whom are also veterinarians:
Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists
It is strongly encouraged that clients involve their veterinarians in the diagnosis and treatment process. In some cases, for example dogs that have inflicted multiple bite wounds, Canine Connection will not proceed with behavior modification until a veterinarian has been consulted to rule out medical causes and formulate at least a tentative diagnosis (es) and treatment plan.
Canine Connection upholds the highest professional and ethical standards, and will not encroach on the legal scope of practice of a licensed veterinarian. Behavior modification interventions are based on standard and accepted practice, and implemented in close collaboration with the client's veterinarian and/or veterinary behaviorist.
Canine Connection does not provide kickbacks to veterinarians for referrals, something which the American Veterinary Medical Association clearly considers unethical.
Once a behavior modification plan has been formulated, the client has the option to accept or decline the plan and recommend modifications. If accepted, with or without modifications, an appointment will be set up for a time that is convenient for the client and the plan will be implemented. It will be frequently reviewed and modified as necessary. The usual and customary interval for in-home sessions is once weekly. Progress reports will be shared with the client's veterinarian unless the client specifically objects.
Following is a video of one of Canine Connection's clients who had a successful outcome thanks to the involvement of all team members - client, veterinarian and trainer:
Day training
Canine Connection was the first to offer this alternative to "board and train" services in the tri-state area. Your dog remains in your home and comfortable. You may watch and participate in training if you like, or leave the training up to us! Post-training conference to teach you what your dog has learned and show you what to do to maintain your dog's training. Weekly rates with individualized training plans. Call or email for more information.
Pet sitting & walking services
Can be combined with day training. We will care for cats as well as dogs, by the day or by the week - inquire about other pets.
Service dog training and presentations
Contact Paws
with a Cause at 800-253-7297
if you would like information on how to apply for a service, hearing or
seizure response dog. If you are already a Paws client and live within 150 mile radius of Dubuque, you may call Cindy Ludwig at Canine Connection (563-451-9177) or contact Paws for assistance. Use the contact form under the "Contact" tab on
this website to request a presentation on assistance dogs
Presentations
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Teletraining
Now offering long-distance training consultation services! If you live in an area where there is no certified clicker trainer, and need assistance with basic training or basic behavior problems such as jumping, chewing or housebreaking, this service is for you! Call or email for more information.
Partnership with Leisure Services, City of Dubuque
Low-cost dog training classes are offered in association with the City of Dubuque Leisure Services as a community service. Look for class offerings in the Leisure Services catalog, in print at the public library or online on the city's website.
© 2011 Canine Connection LLC All rights reserved.
