Course Outline

Here's what you and your dog will learn!

  • 01

    Welcome to Cooperative Care!

    • A Message from Your Instructor, Melissa

    • How This Course Works

    • Join Facebook Group!

    • Podcasts, Books, and More!
  • 02

    Training Basics

    • Marker Training Basics Overview

    • Marker Training Basics FAQs

    • Different Types of Markers & Rewards

    • Marker Mechanics

    • Capturing, Shaping, Luring

    • Adding a Cue
  • 03

    Week 1

    • Cooperative Care Intro

    • Choose Your Care Team With Cooperative Care in Mind

    • Communication is Key

    • Reinforcement and Equipment

    • Generalization and Practice, Practice, Practice!

    • The Top Three Things Your Groomer Wishes You Would Do

    • Using A Marker To Teach A Chin Rest While on a Table

    • Setting Up for Nail Care: Foundations

    • Setting Up for Nail Care: Scratch Board

    • Recommended Reading

    • Week 1 Homework
  • 04

    Week 2

    • Cooperative Care Class Week 2 Intro

    • Chin Rest Targeting

    • Nail Care

    • Dental Care

    • Giving Medication to Your Dog

    • Grooming at Home

    • Needs vs. Wants

    • Week 2 Homework

    • Week 3 - Coming Soon
  • 05

    Week 3

    • Cooperative Care Class Week 3 Intro

    • Restraint

    • Muzzles

    • Generalization

    • Other Resources to Aid Cooperative Care

    • Going Forward

    • Week 3 Homework
  • 06

    Class Wrap-Up

    • Thanks for joining us!

    • More Resources for You

    • We LOVE Great Reviews

Instructor:

Melissa began training dogs as a teenager, first in junior showmanship/conformation, and then in obedience. While living in Europe after college, she found and fell in love with the sport of dog agility. In addition to competing with six different dogs of her own over the last 20 years, she has enjoyed teaching other people and their dogs about agility, rally, canine manners and tricks. Melissa is a Certified Training Partner of the Karen Pryor Academy and a Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed through CCPDT. She has a TAGteach Level 1 certification (Teaching with Acoustical Guidance), and recently finished a 21-year career as a member of the U.S. Navy Band in Washington, D.C. She is fortunate to live with four great dogs: Georgie Girl, Ruby, Maybe and T-Rex, who range in age from five to fourteen.

Melissa Bishop KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA

Associate Trainer

FAQ

  • How old does my dog need to be to take this class?

    This class is idea for dogs 6 months and older.

  • How long will I have access to the course?

    You'll have access to the course for one year from your enrollment date.

  • What if I have questions as I'm working through the course?

    We have a private Facebook group just for students of our online classes. You can post videos and ask questions there!

  • How long does it take to get through the course?

    It takes a minimum of 3 weeks, as new content is released to you every 7 days. Many of our students take more than one calendar week on certain course weeks of content. It's up to you how fast you and your puppy move through the material!