PRIVATE COURSES

An individual consultation lasts an hour. People usually ask for this because they're experiencing problems with their dog or simply because they're interested in a private course. During the consultation, Jean Lessard, a behaviourist, begins with a brief survey: he asks a series of questions and you tell him what your needs are. He questions your dog too, of course!

Mr. Lessard evaluates your dog's behavioural profile, learning potential and relationship with you. He gives his opinion and the information you need to improve the situation with your pet, including exercises to perform and attitudes to adopt when faced with such and such an action, along with other advice. Next, you work on your own for a week or two. Mr. Lessard follows up with a phone call or email, if necessary, and sees you at least once more to make adjustments and advance the work.

DS™ Program (Desensitization to care)

Jean Lessard set up this program after completing an internship with Gary Priest at the San Diego Zoo and taking part in a seminar offering various forms of training on the subject in Florida, Mexico, the Cayman Islands and Jamaica, where he worked with the best trainers in America and a broad diversity of animals. The DS™ program (desensitization to care, known as biomedical training in zoology) was designed to enable veterinarians to proceed with tests, auscultations and medical treatments for dogs that were fearful or did not accept the contact necessary for physical or chemical restraint.

This "soft touch" technique completely changes the way we view "troublesome" animals. The same kind of technique is employed successfully in many zoological institutions throughout the world with animals such as gorillas, giraffes or marine mammals including the orca, the famous killer whale. Thus, in a few sessions, it's possible to positively condition a dog to accept touch, handling, injections and other minor interventions such as nail-trimming, tooth-brushing or having drops placed in the ears, without having to struggle with him!

This course aims to socialize puppies and teach owners how to interact with them. Owners learn to get to know their pets and to educate them using principles of positive reinforcement. Some areas covered are: chewing, jumping, housebreaking, crate training, dog language, etc. This course welcomes 5 to 8 puppies during 4 weekly meetings of an hour each.

• Flat collar (no choke or chain collars)
• 6-foot leash
• 1 toy
• Rewards cut into small pieces or your dog's usual food if he's very greedy
• Do not feed the dog before coming  (dog should not eat for at least 6 hours prior to the course)

*** Dogs can drink water any time. ***

*** Proof of vaccination required. ***

The whole family is welcome.

Children must be accompanied by an adult and be able to understand instructions

Questionnaire on your dog's personality:

When someone rings the doorbell, my dog:

a) Barks and barks and barks!
b) Runs and hides.
c) Runs to the door, jumps on visitors and slobbers all over them!
d) Waits quietly until I motion him to come greet the visitors.

During walks, my dog likes:

a) Nothing! Not people, dogs, cats or anything else!
b) To be held in my arms.
c) To run and pull at the leash.
d) To walk beside me.

My dog obeys commands:

a)) Hmmm...is such a thing possible?
b)) Half the time.
c)  After saying something 5 times I give up!
d) When accompanied by a gesture or a look

When I leave the house, my dog:

a) Growls at passers-by and falls asleep.
b) Howls, wrecks things, eliminates everywhere and falls asleep.
c) Rummages in the garbage and falls asleep.
d) Gnaws his bone and falls asleep on the bed.

When I feed my dog...

a) I hurry to give him his food because I can't go near him when he's eating.
b) Waits until I turn my back to start eating.
c) Gulps everything down in a few seconds!
d) Sits quietly and waits until I give permission to eat.

Mostly A:

You have a "challenging" dog. This type of personality often leads to aggressive or protective behaviours. It's possible to educate your dog to have a better relationship with you and those around you.

You have an anxious dog. This type of personality often results from a lack of confidence and overprotection. It can lead a dog to destroy objects and behave aggressively toward people as well. An exercise program can be designed to help your dog manage stress.

Mostly C:

You have a hyperactive dog! This type of personality needs a lot of attention, exercise and patience. Fortunately, these are often greedy dogs who love to work. The watchwords here are: calm, clarity and consistency. In other words, Zen-type training!

Mostly D:

Your dog is the ideal companion! He/she understands basic orders. It's now time to test your limits and try something new. How about clicker, flyball or agility?

At the Centre Vétérinaire Laval, our staff can help you build a better relationship with your canine partner.

Make an appointment with one of our receptionists!