How far the dog will progress in a Treat/Retreat program depends on many factors:
- The dog’s temperament Is the dog sociable? anxious? fearful? defensive?
- The dog’s experience A dog may be anywhere on the spectrum from simply lacking socialization and appropriate experience, to being deeply traumatized by experiences and events.
- The dog’s age Treat-Retreat is as appropriate for puppies as senior dogs, with the understanding that it can be more difficult for the senior dog due to possibly longer standing behavior patterns.
- The dog’s physical condition Anything that affects how the dog feels physically can impact behavior. This may include sensory sensitivities or deficits, structural or functional dysfunction, pain, limitations, acute and chronic conditions.
As with any training program, Treat/Retreat can only take a dog as far as the dog can go.
That may sound strange, but always keep in mind that there are a variety of factors at work influencing the dog. Not all behaviors, fears, shyness or lack of confidence can be overcome by training. Dogs – like people – can and do have limits.
Our goal — always! — is to help each dog find the greatest possible balance within himself, and to develop the dog’s skill and confidence in dealing with people. Some dogs will become social lunatics who then need to learn good manners about greeting people. And we cover that with Go Say Hi 1-2-3.
For other dogs, interacting with people will always remain challenging. For these dogs, we take them as far as they can go, helping them develop skills while also providing a structure for the handler and dog to make interactions as pleasant as possible.
Some dogs simply cannot make much progress, or will need extraordinary lengths of time (years). It is important that handlers of such dogs come to recognize the significant limits these dogs have. Goals and expectations must be adjusted to reasonable, humane limits for these dogs who need a smaller world in order to stay as functional as possible.
Treat/Retreat offers each dog a new perspective on a world full of people, and provides them an opportunity to build their skills and confidence. How far they can go? Hard to say, but it is a gift that helps each dog go as far as they can.
Treat/Retreat is a powerful tool for any training toolkit.
Looking to learn more about Treat/Retreat?
SAVE $500 with the ANNUAL SALE! Treat/Retreat is currently on sale for the month of May, you can get it for just $999 now through May 31st, 2025. Regularly $1499.
Not sure if you are ready to dive into the certification course? We have a Treat/Retreat Webinar coming up on May 15th, at 2pm EST.
Still not sure if Treat/Retreat is right for you? Take the Treat/Retreat Quiz!
