Connecting with Your Dog
7.75 CEUs for trainers
Connection with our dogs is a wonderful feeling but there are times when our worlds collide and we feel the connection is anything but perfect. Our dogs do not understand why they have to give up chasing a squirrel, and we do not understand why they will not be quiet. Connection is about learning how the dog sees the world, and showing them that living in our world is not always about giving up the good things, we have a wealth of really great things we can enjoy with them.
Our focus is often on the suppression of innate behaviors which is naturally met with resistance. Even though the science tells us the protocols are sound the reinforcement strategy can often lead to disappointing results. To move forward we need to focus on developing the instinctive occurrence of the behaviors we desire. Build and nurture builds connection, not suppress and depress.
The Connection Experience is a day of learning about your dog through many activities, both energizing and thoughtful, that deepen the connection through understanding. Finding the balance in your relationship. Exploring fun-credits we can give the dog for the compromises they need to make to live in our world.
Dogs are welcome if crated
(not all dogs will work every exercise)
Directions
Directions: San Luis Obispo area is located approximately halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles off Interstate 101. From Highway 101 in Arroyo Grande exit Grand Ave. (187A), turn east and then turn left on the first through street named W. Branch (between Shell Gas Station & Bank of America). Proceed about ½ miles to the South County Regional Center (next to the Library) on the right side of the street. Food: Continental breakfast and a delicious lunch are provided.
Lodging
HOTEL INFORMATION: (Please check current rates on their websites as summer/winter rates vary significantly in this area.)
- Oxford Suites Resort, 651 Five Cities Drive, Pismo Beach, CA 93449; (805) 773-3773, 1-800-982-Suite; www.oxfordsuitespismobeach.com. Pet Fee: $10 per day. Pets must be crated and quiet if left in room. They have a fenced dog friendly potty and play area. The hotel is located approximately 2.3 miles from seminar location.
- Premier Inns, 555 Camino Mercado, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420; (805) 481-4774. No additional fee for dogs. The hotel is located approximately 1 mile from seminar location.
- Spyglass Resort, 2705 Spyglass Drive, Pismo Beach, CA 93449 (805) 773-4855, (800) 824-2612 www.spyglassinn.com. Pet Fee: $20 per day. The Spyglass Resort is located right on the beach and is approximately 6.5 miles from seminar location.
- Cottage Inn, 2351 Price St., Pismo Beach 93449, (805) 773-4617; (888) 440-8400; www.cottage-inn.com. Pet Fee: $20 per day. A lovely little hotel right by the beach. The hotel is about 4.7 miles from seminar location.
- MOTEL 6, 860 4th Street, Pismo Beach, CA 93449; (805) 773-2665; www.motel6.com. No additional fee for dogs. The hotel is located approximately 2.2 miles from seminar location.
- Holiday Inn Express, 2100 N. Broadway, Santa Maria, CA 93454 (805) 928-6000; www.hiexpress.com. Pet Fee: $25 pet fee per day. About 14 miles from seminar location.
- Hampton Inn & Suites,
1400 West Branch Street,
Arroyo Grande, CA 9342; 805-202-211; hamptoninn.hilton.com
Participants without dogs can also call:
- Best Western, Casa Grande Inn, 850 Oak Park Rd. Arroyo Grande, CA; (805) 481-7398; (800) 528-1234 www.bestwestern.com. (NO PETS ALLOWED) Approximately 1.4 miles from Seminar Location.
- Mission Inn, 601 James Way, Pismo Beach, CA 93449; (805) 773-6020; www.missioninnpismobeach.com. (NO PETS ALLOWED) Approximately 2.2 miles from seminar location.
Campgrounds / RV Parks
Three local San Luis Obispo County Parks have RV and car camping available. The pet fee is $3 per day per pet. You can find more information on each park at www.slocountyparks.org. Phone numbers for each park are also listed below:
- Oceano Campground (805) 781-4900
- Coast Dunes RV Park (805) 781-4900
- Lopez Lake Campground (805) 788-2381
There are also numerous private RV parks in the area. The closest is Pismo Coast Village; 888-RVBEACH www.pismocoastvillage.com. (Unfortunately, I noticed that they now list breed restrictions “due to insurance requirements” so check the website.)
Registration and Refund Policy
REGISTRATION AND REFUND POLICY: Full payment is required to confirm your registration. Registration is not final until registration form and payment are received.
Cancellation Policy: Refunds will be given, less a $40 non-refundable administration fee, if notice of cancellation is received by one month prior to seminar date. Notices should be in writing and can be emailed to teah@gentlepets.com, faxed to (805) 481-1497 or mailed to Gentle Touch Pet Training at the address listed below. If notice is not received by one month prior to seminar date, no refund will be given unless your spot can be filled from the wait list.
