Breakfast Club

happy dog

What is Breakfast Club?

Breakfast Club is a regularly scheduled gathering for caregivers and their dogs to address issues related to fear, reactivity, frustration, and focus.

Format

  • We meet up weekend mornings in different locations around the Kamloops area.
  • You and your dog are scheduled for two 15-minutes sessions, approximately 45 minutes apart. During that time we work on exercises customized for your dog’s needs and progress.
  • You also learn by observing other handler teams at work and by debriefing with the Behaviour Consultants while your own dog takes a break.
  • You pay only for the days you choose to participate; there is no obligation to attend every club meet-up.
  • We maintain a progress tracking report.

Neat Idea!

The idea of for this Breakfast Club format is based on Pamela Dennison’s book Bringing Light To Shadow. Pamela worked with Shadow in this group setting as a way to expose him, in a very safe and controlled way, to the triggers that otherwise caused him to react in aggressive ways. It was renamed from Growly Class to Breakfast Club because there really was no growling going on! Breakfast Clubs have been run successfully by Canadian dog trainer Sarah Dykes for many years, and others who have adopted this approach. We have adopted Sarah’s framework with her permission and support.

What are the benefits?

  • You receive customized one-on-one coaching.
  • You meet like-minded people — useful for sharing challenges and success stories, supporting one another, and having a good laugh!
  • You learn by observing other teams in action.
  • Participation is flexible and affordable; you sign up only for days when the time and location is convenient for you.
  • You are always welcome to participate in meet-ups without your dog. Just to observe and learn!

How do I participate?

  1. Are you a new client? Then your first step is to schedule one or more private consultations with a Breakfast Club Coach:
    – Sylvia Currie (sylvia@beingwithdogs.ca)
    – Pat Cutler (patthedogtrainer@gmail.com )
    – Karen Williamson (kamloopscaninecoaching@gmail.com)
    Your trainer will arrange either a private assessment and consultation, or suggest you participate in a group assessment at a regular Breakfast Club meet-up. This is an essential step so we understand your dog’s needs before working in a group setting.
  2. You will be invited to join the email group to receive announcements and details about upcoming Breakfast Club meet-ups.
  3. Come to your first Breakfast Club group meet-up as an observer, without your dog, to learn about the format (no cost).
  4. You then register for any meet-up that suits your schedule.
  5. Make a $40 payment at least 2 days in advance to secure your place.