Casual walking typically involves walking at a comfortable pace, allowing the dog to explore their surroundings, sniff, and engage with their environment. Unlike structured walks or intense exercise sessions, casual walks are more about enjoying the outdoors together and providing mental and sensory stimulation for the dog. During casual walks, the focus is on bonding, relaxation, and allowing the dog to engage their senses, rather than adhering to strict training or exercise goals. It provides an opportunity for the dog to enjoy leisure time, relieve stress, and simply enjoy the pleasures of being outside with their human companion.
"Heel" is a command that instructs the dog to walk closely alongside the handler's side with their shoulder aligned with the handler's leg. When a dog is heeling, they maintain a consistent pace and position, without pulling or straying away from the designated position. Heel helps to establish a strong bond between the dog and handler, promotes focus and discipline, and ensures a controlled and orderly walking experience.
"Work" refers to tasks, activities, or jobs that dogs are trained to perform, often to assist humans in various capacities. Work for dogs can encompass a wide range of roles and responsibilities depending on their training and abilities
Working may include any of the following; Agility, Guard, Mushing (Pulling), Hunting, Service, Therapy, Search and Rescue, Herding or any type of "Work"
Public access for dogs refers to the permission granted to trained service dogs and, in some cases, emotional support animals to accompany their handlers in public places that typically restrict pets.
Preparing dogs for public access is an important part of training for any service animal and their human.
Public Access is a necessary step toward AKC Canine Good Citizen certification and the initial step in training Service dogs, Therapy dogs and Security dogs. It is critical that before beginning Public Access training, all aspects of Basic Obedience are well trained. Please visit our "Basic Obedience" page for more information.