What are some examples of confidence-related behaviors observed in dogs?
How does HSD use the enrichment effect and puppy parties?
What is involved in the intense four-day NePoPo® training school?
Examples of confidence-related behaviors in dogs Based on a puppy socialization study and service dog evaluation guidelines, examples of confidence-related (or “boldness”) behaviors include:
Investigating novelty: Approaching novel or unfamiliar objects quickly and spending more time touching or exploring them
Independence: Spending less time seeking social support (such as clinging to or staying right near a person) when encountering something new, and whimpering less in new situations
Stress recovery: Showing a reduced initial startle reaction to sudden, loud noises and recovering or resuming play very quickly afterward
Social stability: Remaining calm and confident without showing undue fear, over-excitement, or aggression when approached or touched by a stranger
How HSD uses the enrichment effect and puppy parties Hope Service Dogs (HSD) utilizes the “enrichment effect” and “puppy parties” as core components of their Avidog and Puppy Culture rearing protocols
. By combining these specific socialization elements with emotional resiliency exercises, safe environmental exposure, puzzles, and problem-solving games, HSD aims to give their puppies the best possible developmental experiences from birth to build the foundation of a self-assured, confident dog
The intense four-day NePoPo® training school The four-day NePoPo® Service Dog School is a fully immersive, in-person program presented at Heart & Soul Dog Training in Central Florida
. It involves:
Comprehensive Curriculum: The school covers “all aspects of service dog training,” teaching attendees a complete approach to raising service dogs using the NePoPo® double-reinforcement system (which utilizes both operant and classical conditioning)
Expert Instruction: It is taught by Victoria Warfel, a certified NePoPo® Gold Premium trainer with over 17 years of experience in training and utilizing service dogs
Hands-on Experience: The seminar setting allows owners to practice hands-on training with their dogs around other canine professionals and dogs, while giving the dogs practical experience working in a conference environment
.