Northshore Magazine

May/June 2012

Northshore magazine showcases the best that the North Shore of Boston, MA has to offer.

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ne Canines Side Stepping Whittaker brings one of his charges to heel without the need for a leash or collar using his unique Naked Dog training program. average of $65,000 per dog, Whittaker is excited about the newer Canine Solutions, which focuses exclusively on obedience and manners training for family dogs. Based on a unique program called Naked Dog Training, Whittaker and his team of eight professional trainers teach clients precision control of their dogs, both on and off a leash and in any surroundings, while bringing out the best in the dog's natural personal- ity. The program can also help eradicate undesirable dog behaviors, such as barking and biting, and creates impeccable manners that will turn frustration into pleasure for both owner and dog, all achieved without ever having to raise your voice. "First and foremost, we create complete off-leash control with commands said once and in a normal tone," says Whittaker. "Most training centers tell you to 'com- mand' your dog--speak with authority, don't request. We have to reeducate owners to do just the opposite and stop speaking harshly . . . we teach dogs to respect commands said in normal, pleasant tones. It's very impor- 88 nshoremag.com May/June 2012 tant the dog thoroughly enjoys the training process and long-term performance." Whittaker describes old-school train- ing methods using negative reinforce- ment, hard corrections, and even choke chains as "primitive" and not conducive to learning. "There are much more resource- ful, more respectful, and enjoyable ways to relate to dogs, and that's our approach," he adds. "We still use the same tools—food, toys, and training collars—but it's done differently enough to get the highest level of obedience and performance off-leash while bringing the dog's personality out." Whittaker says the 'Naked Dog' ele- ment, referring to a dog being off-leash without so much as a collar on, is about joy and freedom. "It's hard to imagine walking your dog off-leash on Newbury Street, Fifth Avenue, or Sunset Boulevard, but we achieve that level of control, and it's won- derful for the owner and the dog." Whittaker's "functional results" are typically achieved in 12 weekly training sessions for an adult dog and 16 weekly sessions for a puppy, starting with a de- tailed questionnaire completed by owners to help assess the dog's training needs. The weekly lessons are one-to-one, or with one other client and dog, and owners are given "homework" to practice with their pets between lessons. The cost is $950, which includes unlimited weekly lessons for up to a year after the official training program. "Follow-up sessions are not usu- ally needed," says Whittaker, "but after a month or two, clients sometimes feel the need for a couple of 'touch up' sessions." Clients who live further afield can place their dogs in a condensed B&B program that typically lasts four to six weeks. This program costs $3,500 (pick-up and delivery are an additional charge), which includes a full day's training and handling instruction with the owner once the trained dog is delivered. While Whittaker's high-profile clientele brings the business a celebrity status—other notables include best- selling novelist Nicholas Sparks, New

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