Stranger Danger Program
About this Class
Have you ever wondered why your sweet companion canine is so wonderful with your family and people they know but is absolutely different when strangers come around? This class is for you. Learn the reasons your dog may be worried or hesitant around strangers (hint – it’s probably not your fault!) Learn how to best set them up for success in any environment and keep everyone safe. Learn how to change their underlying emotions about strangers. And finally – teach them the skills they need to interact with or ignore strangers.
What's included in this package:
- 60 Minute private consultation at our facility in Tumwater
- Seven weeks of Stranger Danger Class:
- Virtual group orientation via Google Meet (60 minutes)
- Six weeks of in-person sessions at our facility in Tumwater (60 minutes each)
Who is the best fit for the Stranger Danger Package:
- Dogs that are nervous around human strangers – this may look like hesitancy to approach, cowering/hiding, or rushing towards/barking when meeting new people. Ideally these dogs are interested in interacting with strangers but don’t have the skills to do so.
- Dogs who are fearful or reactive towards humans (strangers)
- Dogs who need help building confidence around new people
- Guardians who are committed to positive reinforcement training and who do not/have not used aversives (punishment, shock collars, pronged collars, etc.)
- Guardians who can commit to doing required coursework and managing dog-human interactions, and who understand that slow and steady wins the race!
- Guardians who are able to commit to at least one to two hours of initial virtual sessions (an individual assessment/consult and an hour-long virtual group orientation)
Who this class is NOT a good fit for:
- Dogs who have separation anxiety and cannot be left alone in the car (unless you have an adult human buddy who can sit with them)
- Dogs who have a severe or significant bite history (contact us if you are unsure about this)
If this sounds like your pup, please see our Fear, Aggression & Anxiety packages with either a virtual consult or in-person without your dog
When and where sessions are held:
- Group classes are on Sundays. Initial consults will be scheduled during regular private training availability hours. Initial consultations are on Sundays, Monday or Thursday afternoons.
- Once you purchase a package, you’ll get an email with a booking link for your private session. **If we determine that your dog would be a better fit for private training after the initial consultation, the remainder of your payment ($395) will be applied towards a private training package**
- After the initial consultation, we will put you on the list for the next group Stranger Danger class if we do not already have one on the schedule.
- Virtual Sessions are held via Google Meet
- In-Person sessions are at Happy Dog Institute Headquarters: 7924 Sweet Iron Ct SE, Suite 109, Olympia WA 98501
Meet Your Instructors
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? Find answers about this class and Happy Dog Institute below, or reach out to our staff at (360) 915-7130 or email info@happydoginstitute.com for more information.
Register Today!
Stranger Danger Program
Ready to get started? Register now to choose a date and secure your spot in the class. Questions? Contact our trainers at (360) 915-7130.