Services

Dog training tailored to meet your needs

All of the training methods we utilize are rooted in science and emphasize the power of positive reinforcement. Training a dog requires consistency, repetition and the incorporation of training into contextual situations.

We understand that each person’s life is unique. Therefore, we do not offer “cookie cutter” training programs. They do not work.

We will work with you to develop a plan that is conducive to your schedule. This may include typical sessions where we work together in your home, conduct some sessions away from the home where we work with your dog in your absence or use a combination method of in home and board and train sessions where we keep your dog at our facility. Whatever your situation we will work with you to ensure that the training experience leads to a happy and productive relationship between you and your dog. We guarantee your 100% satisfaction and will work with you until it is achieved!

Kids and K9 sessions

These sessions are designed for young dog lovers (parents can be involved too) with the goal of building self confidence, self esteem, teaching teamwork, following instructions and allowing the child or teen to work with one of our Labrador retrievers in simple obedience, teaching tricks or an all time favorite- canine agility!

These sessions allow the child/teen to see how the power of positive reinforcement allows them to get the needed behaviors from the dog they are working with. Similar programs have shown that such activities teach the child to transfer these techniques to real life situations!

Service Dog Consultations and Assistance

We can provide help with all facets of service/therapy dog placement for children diagnosed with special needs including Autism, Down syndrome and other emotional challenges. We can help whether you own already own a dog that you would like to have trained as a service dog or are just beginning the search for one. Our services include :

• Evaluation of an existing dog for a service/therapy dog role
• Procurement of pups for service work from reputable breeders
• Assistance and guidance in how to choose the right puppy raising family
• For local clients we work with you to earn the Canine Good Citizen certification.
• For families outside the Charlotte region we interview certified trainers in your area to assist with the Canine Good Citizenship certification.


Sessions ultimately begin as free flowing interaction until the child develops a level of confidence with the dog. Once this occurs structure is added to focus in on specific developmental needs of the child. We can work individually or in conjunction with a doctor, occupational therapist or physical therapist. If necessary we are willing to travel to a facility where the medical professional can make observations.

Many times therapy sessions serve as a barometer in determining whether having a dog in the home would be beneficial. Sessions can be designed to work on increasing attention span and focus, development of general speech patterns, sensory issues, development of motor skills, physical coordination and social interaction skills. While these are the main areas in which the dogs have been found helpful we are willing to incorporate the ideas of your medical professionals into each session.

Dogs used in these sessions are Labrador retrievers owned by Circle of Life, LLC. They can range in age from months old to 6 or 7 years old. The specific dog used in a session will be based on a number of factors including the child’s prior exposure and willingness to engage with a dog, motor coordination or sensory issues and any therapeutic goals trying to be achieved through the interaction.

Breed Consultations

Did you know :
• Nearly 50% of all dogs don’t make it to their first birthday
• The number one reason a dog is “given up” is due to bad behavior.

• There are over 4 milion dog bites in the country each year and that most dogs are known by the victim.


The goal of each breed consultation is to ensure that you make the best decision in acquiring your new family member.Breed consultations take the emotion out a acquiring a puppy or dog. They make the process an educated and well thought out one that helps you to understand the pros and cons of pure bred versus a shelter dog as well as the pros and cons of the breeds you are considering. Don’t let your new pet become a statistic. We’ ll take the guesswork out of finding the perfect canine companion.

Consults include interviews with each family member and breeder or shelter interviews.

 
Charlie@CircleofLifeLabs.com
Phone: 704.256.4056
7008 Providence Road South
Waxhaw, NC 28173

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