Understanding dog behavior and conquering your fears

Many people have a fear of dogs for a variety of reasons. That's why Helen Woodward Animal Center offers you "DogSmart".

The Dog Smart program uses specially trained, non-threatening behavior training dogs to help participants understand dog behavior. Each individual, over time, learns to read canine body language, understand how to act around stray and aggressive dogs, and is equipped and empowered with tools to manage day-to-day life. DogSmart sessions are conducted on an individual basis, with participants progressing at their own pace. The program is designed to help those of all ages.

Session cost - $25; $10 additional for siblings

 

  A Dog Smart Success Story

      Over the years we have had many success stories with our Dog Smart program.  Recently, we had a mother of a former client contact us to share her appreciation of the program, as well as update us on her son’s progress since he completed Dog Smart.

      Casey came to us as a 10-year old who had been through a year of therapy in an effort to overcome his fear of dogs.  He would attempt to get away from any situation involving them.  After a recommendation to try our program, Casey’s mom called us to schedule his first appointment.  Once Casey had toured the Center, it was time to meet some of the animals.  Although he was nervous around many of the animals at the Center, he did pet some lizards, bunnies, and ponies.  During this first session, he met, and eventually even petted, one of the Education dogs.

      After several sessions of meeting various dogs, learning about dog behavior, receiving “homework” of things that he could work on in between sessions, and with the support and commitment of his family, Casey was ready to complete the program.  He had learned how to approach dogs, how to safely play with dogs, how to walk and care for a dog, and had gained confidence around dogs.  The instructor determined that Casey was ready to approach life with a new understanding of dogs.  Casey even told the instructor that he and his family were going to get a puppy when they found the right one. 

      

Casey & Rylee, March 2009

Since Casey’s completion of the program in April 2008, he and his family have adopted a Goldendoodle named Rylee.  He helps care for her and has even taken her to Dog Beach in Del Mar, playing with her and the other dogs there.  Along with the pictures Casey’s mom sent us, she told us, “I wanted to let you know how appreciative we are of [the instructor] and the program at Helen Woodward.  I recommend your program to everyone that I speak to that has a child with dog fears.” 

For more information, contact the Education Department at (858) 756-4117 Extension 318.