Training & Workshops for Pet Owners and Pet Professionals

offered by Cheryl Orletsky, DogGuru & Founder/Director of Holiday Pet Care
Facilitating Harmony between People and their Pets

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Pet Care Internship Program 

Ever wondered if there was somewhere that offered training to work in the Pet Care Industry?  Well here it is!  A seminar series that covers the basics and the hands-on training for an exciting career as a Dog Daycare Attendant, Dog Walker, Pet Sitter, Kennel Attendant, Veterinarian Assistant, Dog Trainer Assistant, Animal Control Officer, Pet Rescue Worker.

Successful graduates have been quickly hired into various positions - from Attendants to Managers, by local Pet Care Facilities to National Pet Hotels.  Others have started their own Daycare/Boarding Centres or Dog Walking business, and still others have pursued careers as Trainers, Animal Control Officers, Veterinary Assistants, and Veterinarians.

Cheryl Orletsky is the owner of Holiday Pet Care, the highly successful Dog Daycare & Cagefree Boarding Centre, Dog Walking and Pet Sitting Service serving York Region since 1998.  As the DogGuru, public speaker and workshop facilitator, Cheryl has been offering her expertise to the Greater Toronto community, and is now giving you the same opportunity to benefit from her knowledge.

Don’t miss this opportunity!

 

Professional Pet Care 101 - Certificate Course     $225.00 +HST

See Google Calendar (above) for dates and locations

You will learn about: 

Basic care of different types of pets

Dog Group Dynamics: Play v.s. Fighting, how to supervise & prevent altercations, break up fights safely

Dog-Human Body Language & Communication, understanding dog heirarchy and how it applies 

Basic Dog Training & Behaviour Modification, understanding Operant and Classical conditioning

Administration of Medication, medical terminology, vaccine protocols and parasite treatments

Proper Pet Handling: approach, moving dogs, and restraints 

Basic Grooming/Brushing tools and their use

Procedures for Sanitization

Recognizing Health Issues and some coverage of Emergency Concerns & Medical Conditions (Register for Pet First Aid for full certification in this area)

 

Following completion of Professional Pet Care 101, Students are welcome to register for any or all of the following:

Dog Daycare Specialty & Practical 201D 10 hrs (in 3 sessions) $225 +HST(Prerequisite: Pro Pet Care 101, Scheduling is based on facilitator and placement availability)

Dog Walker/Pet Sitter Specialty & Practical 201WPS 10 hrs (in 3 sessions)  $225 +HST (Prerequisite: Pro Pet Care 101, Scheduling is based on facilitator and placement availability)

Techniques learned in Specialties & Practicals will guide you in implementing proper procedures and practices to an above-standard level. By using hands-on techniques you will learn to provide for pets' well-being, demonstrating attentiveness to their needs, safety, feeding, cleanliness, dispensing of medication, as well as the proper sanitization procedures of their environment. While performing the duties of these positions, the intern must be aware that they will be frequently exposed to vomit, urine, stool, saliva, outside weather conditions and noise. 

click here for registration form

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Pet First Aid     $175.00 +HST

See Google Calendar (above) for dates and locations

This veterinarian-approved, certificate course is recommended for all Pet Lovers, yet is comprehensive enough to provide Pet Care Professionals the needed tools to safely care for other people’s pets, and to know what to do, should their pet become ill or injured.

In this course, you will learn:

·        The importance of preventative care, including how to find out what is "normal" for your pet

·        What you can do to avoid illnesses and injuries

·        How to help your pet stay healthy and live a long life

·        How to recognize and manage all types of injuries - bleeding, bone fractures, contusions, scrapes, punctures, lacerations, strains and sprains

·        How to recognize and manage medical conditions/potential emergencies  - seizures, diabetes, heat exhaustion, hypothermia, bloat, shock, poisoning, parasites; breathing emergencies such as choking, and how to perform artificial respiration and CPR

·        How to properly restrain and stabilize an injured pet until qualified veterinary care can be obtained

You will practice bandaging, and other techniques on stuffed toy animals, as well as on live animals

Be there when your pet needs you!  Feel confident that you will know what to do, should the time ever come!

click here for registration form

 

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Puppy 'Head Start' Training Classes   6:30-7:30pm (5 weeks) $150.00 +HST

See Google Calendar (above) for dates and locations

FIRST class is from 6:30-8:30pm and is for humans only.

Please note that these classes are for medium and large breed puppies under 5 months old and small breed puppies under 6 months old.

Five weeks of pure fun, positive learning, and essential socialization for very young puppies - and their families!

This is the most important class your puppy will ever take!Your puppy's first months are the most critical for establishing good habits and preventing future behavior problems. Each week, the course will cover a combination of puppy level commands, opportunities to socialize in off-leash play time, educational lectures combined with sessions to answer your questions.

This early education class will also emphasize:
~Essential good manners training, including Sit, Down, Settle/Relax, Stay, Leave It, Give/Drop It,
~Leash Manners
~Come When Called
~Tips for establishing proper housetraining and chewing habits
~How to cope with your young pup's play biting/mouthing/nipping
~Jumping up/over-exuberance when meeting people, will also be discussed

The first class is essential education for human family members only (no puppies this first class only), designed to give you crucial problem solving and training skills that will set you and your puppy up for a successful training experience. Your puppy attends classes 2 - 5.

All family members (including older children over 7 years of age) are encouraged to attend and participate in the training. We provide helpful reference materials to round out your own education, along with homework for you and your puppy to practice outside of class to maximize your learning experience.

Please note: This class is for young puppies up to 5 months (Toy & Small breed puppies up to 6 months may also enroll.) 

click here for registration form

 

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Dog Manners Training Classes   7:30-8:30pm (5 weeks) $150.00 +HST

See Google Calendar (above) for dates and locations

FIRST class is from 6:30-8:30pm and is for humans only.  

These classes are generally for dogs over 5 months of age.

If your dog missed out on puppy school and is starting the training game a little late - or perhaps you've recently adopted a new dog - this 5-week beginners class is just what you and your adolescent or adult dog need, to put you on the path to a happy, lifelong relationship!

This fun five-week class is fast-paced (after all, your dog has a lot of catching up to do!) and teaches you state-of-the-art positive reinforcement techniques to help you kindly, gently, and effectively replace your dog's "out of control" antics with appropriate behavior.

This Good Dog Manners class teaches dogs of all ages and breeds:
~Basic house manners, including Sit, Down, Stay, Settle/Relax, Leave It, Give/Drop It
~Focusing attention on you and listening to you upon request
~Impulse control around easy distractions
~Courteously greeting visitors (no jumping up or wild displays at the front door)
~A solid foundation for a reliable "Come when called"
~"Wait" to help prevent barging through open doorways or car doors
~Polite leash manners (or how to walk your dog without dislocating your shoulder!)
~We'll even show you how to teach your dog a fun trick or two!

The first class is essential education for human family members only (no dogs this first class only), designed to give you crucial problem solving and training skills that will set you and your dog up for a successful training experience. Your dog attends classes 2 - 5.

All family members (including older children over 7 years of age) are encouraged to attend and participate in the training. We provide helpful reference materials to round out your own education, along with homework for you and your dog to practice outside of class to maximize your learning experience.

click here for registration form

 

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Dog Obedience Training Classes   8:30-9:30pm (5 weeks) $150.00 +HST

See Google Calendar (above) for dates and locations 

These classes are generally for dogs over 5 months of age.

In the Dog Obedience classes, dogs and their handlers continue the learning that they obtained in the Dog Manners or Puppy Head Start classes, and further refine handling techniques.


Handlers will first work to refine all commands while on leash (sit, down, stay, heel, stand.) Hand signals are then substituted for the verbal commands and the distance between the handler and dog increases (while still on lead) with the dog following visual commands from a distance.  The goal is to eventually have the dog trained to follow commands, either voice or hand, while off lead. 

The purpose of this process is to create a relationship with a dog, where they can be controlled/guided at all times, even in emergency situations, and to strengthen your communication and understanding of one another.

click here for registration form

 

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Individual Consultations - In Home Training  

Special introductory rate, for new training clients: $100 +HST per hour

Schedule determined based upon client need and trainer availability.

click here for to register or request a consultation

 

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Pet Food: It's all the same isn't it?    usually 7-8:30pm 

See Google Calendar (above) for dates and locations

Have you ever been confused by the multitude of Pet Food Brands available? Ever wondered if it really matters which one you choose?

Attend this seminar to get answers to all your questions about feeding your dog or cat. We will explore the dietary needs of dogs and cats, and give you the criteria you need, to choose the right food for your pet and lifestyle. We will summarize popular brands, and invite you to bring labels from your own pet food choices for us to help you analyze.

Everyone wants their pets to live a long and healthy life. Do what you can to provide everything possible to keep your pet at his or her best.

You are sure to go away with a new perspective as well as solid information that you can put to use right away.

click here for registration form

 

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The 'Why?' Workshop for Dog Owners  $30 +HST usually 7-9pm

See Google Calendar (above) for dates and locations

Have you ever wondered just what your dog is thinking?  What's really going on inside their head?  Why do they do the weird and wacky things they do?

Do you have questions and concerns about your dogs behaviour, but don't think it's quite enough to have to call in a Dog Trainer to consult with?  Have your questions addressed, in a friendly and informative seminar-style evening. 

This session includes a brief discussion on some of the common misbehaviours, fears and phobias, followed by a Question & Answer period to answer your individual concerns.  Questions can cover everything from basic care to behaviour to health concerns. 

Don't miss this great opportunity to have time devoted to everything YOU have always wanted answers to.  As well you’ll get the opportunity to hear what others have on their list. 

You are not alone, and there are answers.

click here for registration form

  

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My Dog Just Won't Listen To Me!    $30 +HST  usually 6:30-8:30pm

See Google Calendar (above) for dates and locations

Have you ever complained to your friends or family, that your dog just won't listen to you?  Are you or your family tired of having your dog run your household?  Does your dog steal food or clothing or other belongings, get into the garbage, or worse?  Has he or she ever growled or snapped at you or anyone else?  Wouldn't it be nice to have guests come into your house without getting barked at or jumped on?  Don't you wish you could walk down the street without having your dog pull and bark incessantly when other people or dogs pass? 

If you've answered YES to even ONE of these questions, then this introductory course is for you!  You will realize that there IS hope.  This session will give you a new outlook, and some tools to start making changes right away.

click here for registration form

  

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Sit Happens    $30 +HST usually 7-9pm

See Google Calendar (above) for dates and locations

This course is a follow-up to My Dog Just Won't Listen To Me!

In this workshop we will keep you moving ahead.  You now have an idea as to why your dog wasn't doing what you wanted, so now let's hone in on those skills we taught you, and teach you a few more.  We'll give you a review of what it means to be Top Dog, and why it is so important. 

You may be thinking, "but my dog already knows how to sit"!  Attend this workshop to explore how you can continue to use this very simple tool to enhance your relationship with your dog.  We'll teach you the deeper meaning behind the 'Power of Sit' and help you to take this simple skill that you already know, to the next level. 

Guaranteed, your dog will get it, when "Sit Happens"!

click here for registration form

  

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Are You the One For Me? Choosing A Pet  $30 +HST  usually 7-9pm

See Google Calendar (above) for dates and locations

click here for registration form

 

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Locations for Workshop Series:

Holiday Pet Care, 8234 Yonge St., Thornhill, Ontario (South of Hwy 407, West side of Yonge)

Tail & Paws, 8208 Bayview Ave., Thornhill, Ontario (North of John, South of Langstaff, West side of Bayview)

PawsWay, 245 Queens Quay, North Building, Toronto, Ontario (Harbourfront Centre)

 

 

Registration can be filled out online.   click here for registration form

e-mail:   courses @ dogguru.ca     (note, eliminate spaces when using this email address)

Workshop Info & Booking Line: 647-428-3819

Please Note:  Many of these courses are 'lecture only' classes for humans.  Your dogs' participation is not needed in those.  If you would like to have your dog attend Daycare while you are in session (at the Holiday Pet Care location only), you can arrange to have them in Holiday Pet Care's dog playroom.  Friendly, socialized dogs with up-to-date vaccinations only please.  Must be reserved in advance.  Proof of vaccines required.  Please indicate so on your registration form.

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  Holiday Pet Care Dog &  Cat Logo... offering dog daycare, cagefree doggie boarding / dog hotel, (not a kennel) dog walking, pet / cat sitting,  in  Thornhill, Richmond Hill, north Toronto, Ontario, Canada