FRiSKY FiTNESS
Lifestyle Evolution for dogs and people!
Each of the following are offered as interactive, day-long seminars, multi-week classes, or hour-long presentations. Contact me for more information regarding fees and other details.
Frisky Fitness "Lifestyle Evolution" Modules
Everything you need to know about service, therapy, and emotional support dogs
Do you want to learn more about the training and/or certification process for these classifications of dogs? Do you, or does someone you know, need a service dog? Have you searched around on the internet, only to find long wait lists at organizations that provide service dogs free of charge, sky-high costs for trained service dogs, or information that is confusing, conflicting, or lacking altogether? Having earned my A.S. in Assistance Dog Education at Bergin U. of Canine Studies (and working on my M.S. there presently), I've learned from the woman who, quite literally, "wrote the book" on service dogs. I am available to consult with you, share my knowledge and experience in the field, and help guide you in the right direction.
Zen &The Art of
Walking the Dog
When walking your dog becomes a conscious practice -- rather than a passive activity, frustrating chore, or stressful tug-of-war -- many gifts await.
- Lessen resistence and tension on both ends of the leash
- Reap the benefits of a meditative practice from daily walks with your dog
- Practice gaining control by "letting go"
- Forward movement of the physical body = forward movement of the spirit
- Hone in on your ability to take life one step (literally) at a time
- Be in the present moment as a way of relieving worry about the future or regret about the past
- Breathing and relaxation techniques that allow you to be the calm in the middle of any storm you and your dog may find yourselves in (whether it be dogs barking behind a neighborhood fence or your dog wanting to lunge at other dogs or people)
From the simple act of walking with your dog comes the opportunity to learn profound life lessons. The walk is a metaphor for forward movement on all levels, not merely the physical. Walking in a consciously "present"
state of mind offers us the chance
to share an experience with
our dogs that is at once
primal and spiritual
in nature.
Canine
Health &
Wellness
* Determine whether your dog is overweight or obese: BMI (body mass index), BCS (body condition score), ideal weight for breed and gender
* Nutrition: Commercial, homemade and/or raw dog food and feeding methods
* Treats: Fun, active and stimulating ways to provide them
* Physical Exercise, cognitive stimulation, and honoring your dog's primal spirit for a well-rounded animal
* Provide balance through equal parts work and play, activity and rest, freedom and structure
* Custom health and wellness plan for your dog, including fitness goals and a plan of action for achieving them
Life Skills Through Dog Handling
* Being better in your relationship with your dog has a ripple effect in other areas of your life
* Properties of a good dog handler are the same as those of any strong leader -- a parent, boss, coach or teacher
So You Want to Work in the Pet Care Industry?
The pet industry is worth billions and billions of dollars, and continues to grow! Careers in pet care are financially viable, enjoyable, virtually recession-proof, and in high demand! I am available for consultations, presentations, vocational-skills workshops or experiential "shadowing" apprenticeships related to developing one's career path to include dog walking, pet sitting, dog training, dog grooming, rescue work, etc.
Bringing Home Puppy
* Choosing the right puppy for you, and acquiring from a rescue organization or shelter
* Purchasing essential supplies -- toys, food, treats, bones, beds, leashes, collars, harnesses, etc.
* Puppy-proofing the home
* Introducing puppy to his new home and family
* Socializing your puppy
* Crate training
* How to deal with chewing, jumping, mouthing, walking on a leash, etc.
* Basic obedience (sit, down, stay, come when called, etc.)
* AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy certification
Understanding, Predicting & Managing Your Dog's (Wanted & Unwanted) Behavior
* Learn how to communicate with your dog -- without words and with them (i.e. giving words meaning and value through operant/classical conditioning, positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, etc.; and practicing more subtle forms of body language, eye contact, appropriately-timed and focused attention, etc.)
* Managing your dog's behavior by managing her environment: designating personal space, activities, house rules, leash rules and energetic boundaries
* Controlling resources and teaching your dog how to earn them with desired behavior
* Providing consistency via schedules, rituals and routines in order to set your dog (and you) up for success; following through
* Motivating and rewarding wanted behavior while correcting and deterring unwanted behavior
* Desensitizing and counter-conditioning for reactive behavior resulting from fear, anxiety, or a dog's misplaced sense of responsibility
Frisky Fitness: FAMILY STYLE!
* Teaching kids responsibility through pet care
* Active, fun, and meaningful family time via walking the dog, outdoor excursions, and socializing with others
* Implementing house rules, rituals, and disciplines that work to bring out the best behavior in all family members, two- and four-legged alike
* Fun and creative ways to keep your dogs and kids ACTIVE TOGETHER!
* Teaching leash skills to kids
* Introducing your dog to a new environment, such as a pet-inclusive assisted living complex
* Socialization with other dogs and people through "pack walking"
* Gentle fitness and relaxation exercises to practice with your dog
* A balanced and well-exercised dog is a happy, healthy and well-behaved dog
Frisky Fitness
for Seniors
