Once you as a team have passed your initial evaluation, attended a trial session and presented all required paperwork you are ready to join in Team Training Sessions.

While attending Team Training Sessions scheduled at DogAbility as well as at a nearby shopping mall, you will experience three (3) areas of behavioral focus that include:

                                  MANNERS & CONTROL   ~   TRICKS & GAMES   ~   OBSTACLES & WAGONS

You will better understand how the program works once you begin scheduling your sessions with our participants. You will not be left on your own, but rather will have a “Lead Team” there with you to serve as a role model during sessions with our participants.

Our sessions with participants and canine teams are scheduled 6 days a week, during or after school as well as Saturdays.

Each session with our participants requires between 2-8 canine teams in attendance. We identify these canine teams in advance into 3 different categories so as to best match a team with an individual or group.  That identification is established by observing you and your dog during training sessions, as well as discussing the area that you as a handler prefer. 

We have 3 CATEGORIES of identification:    ACTIVITY TEAMS  ~  COMFORT TEAMS  ~  FEAR of DOGS TEAMS

DESCRIPTIONS: 

ACTIVITY TEAM: In this team we have dogs with energy, focus and enthusiasm for engaging with children and adults doing jumps, tunnels, riding in wagons, chasing balls, playing tug and doing assorted tricks.

COMFORT TEAM: This team is required to remain seated or lying down for petting. These dogs usually attend a private session with a participant who has a fear or anxiety around dogs, or with seniors and/or adults with special needs who may be fragile and less mobile. 

FEAR of DOGS TEAM: Similar to a comfort team but with ADDITIONAL EDUCATION required when working within this specialized program.