This is for pre-registration and does not guarantee you a spot in class. Please make sure to read this page in its entirety before heading to checkout.

What is this about?

Control Unleashed©, developed by Leslie McDevitt MA CDBC, is a framework for applying classical and operant conditioning procedures.  Put simply, this is a series of training games that you can use to help your dog feel more comfortable and confident in the world.  

CU games are designed to be simple for both dog and handler, to empower both ends of the leash.  You will learn to harness the powers of predictability, choice, and positive reinforcement.  We pay careful attention to the dog’s body language and their offered behaviors to ensure that they remain under threshold- meaning they feel safe enough to learn.  This approach centers joyful participation, which leads to more humane and effective behavior modification than traditional coercive training methods.

Any dog can benefit from the proper application of these training games.  They can be especially helpful for dogs who show fear- or frustration-related behaviors.  Even dogs who tend to thrive in different environments can benefit from the clear communication and choice aspects of this program.  CU was actually originally designed to help dogs in and around the agility ring and has come a long way!

Who are the instructors?

This class is taught by Ali Sutch KPA-CTP CCUI (Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner, Certified Control Unleashed© Instructor) and Cory Abshear CTBC CCUI (Certified Trainer and Behavior Consultant, Certified Control Unleashed© Instructor).

How does the sign-up process work?

There are 5 student spots available for this series and we will keep a waitlist.  Signing up via this platform does not necessarily mean you will be selected for class.  Signups will be considered in the order that they are received, but you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire to determine if you and your dog are a good fit for this particular class.  Then, you will be notified via email and asked to pay an invoice and sign a contract. During the check-out process, know that nothing will be shipped to you, so just choose either of the free shipping options.

How do I get on the waitlist?

Those of you who add this item to their cart, check out, and fill out the emailed questionnaire, but class has already reached capacity, will be added to the wait list and will receive priority for the next offering of this class (timeframe TBD).

Who should attend class?

This course is a good fit for human and dog teams who:

• Enjoy learning the “how” and “why” behind modern training techniques

• Want to strengthen their bond and two-way communication

• Are interested in learning how to incorporate choice into their training

• Can be successful in a learning environment near other dogs and strangers (some accommodations can be provided)

• Wish to feel more comfortable and confident around triggers (people, dogs, wildlife, skateboards, vet offices, etc)

Not sure if this class is right for you and your dog?  Send me an email ali@uptosnuff.net

What if my dog is reactive or aggressive towards other dogs or people?

Control Unleashed© can be a fantastic part of a behavior change plan.  However, since this is a group class and there will be other dogs and people in close proximity, we want to make sure that you and your classmates have a safe and enjoyable experience.  If your dog will be over threshold in a class setting (barking, lunging, biting, shut down, refusing food, hypervigilant, etc) this might not be a good fit right now.  We will be using lots of food reinforcement so if your dog tends to refuse food when they are in environments like this, you may want to consider private sessions instead.  Dogs who have bite histories with people or other dogs will be asked to wait for a later series.

With that being said, we do have ample space and physical barriers between dogs.  The dogs do not interact with each other during class and we do our best to accommodate everyone’s needs.

What are the logistics?

There will be 5 classes, 60 minutes each, held weekly on Tuesdays at 6:00pm. The dates are: August 8, August 15, August 22, August 29, September 5.  Class will be held at an outdoor location in west Alameda.  There are no make-up classes or refunds, so please plan to attend all five.  The cost for this series is $470 per student.

Do you offer any discounts?

At this time, we are not able to offer any discounts or payment plans.  In later iterations of this class we will offer a sliding scale.

Are there any prerequisites?

A general familiarity with positive reinforcement training, like how to use a marker (verbal or clicker) and how to deliver treats, are good skills to have.  We also would like your dog to be able to relax on a mat so that they are comfortable hanging out while you listen to instructions and watch your fellow students demonstrate exercises.  Upon payment of invoice, you will be sent more information including how to practice settling on a mat.

What are your Covid-19 policies?

Everyone will be asked to provide proof of vaccination and agree to stay home if they have been exposed or are experiencing symptoms.