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The Hanalei

Human-Centered Learning for Dog Trainers

The Mentorship Program

A six-week virtual program, with an optional in-person shadow program, led by Samantha Ewashko, Professional Dog Trainer and Certified Yoga Therapist, of Adventure Hounds North Carolina. This program will focus on creating empathetic dog trainers who seek to support their clients in learning dog training methods that truly change lives.

The Mentorship

6-Week Virtual Program | Sept. 16 - Oct. 21

Mondays 5-7pm

Lunch Hour Q&A Fridays 12-1pm

$1500

The Mentorship Program will include both dog training techniques & owner training techniques. The details of these are below.

Dog Training

The dog training portion of this program will teach the Adventure Hounds Method which trains based on the understanding of a dog’s nervous system, and how to heal dogs through that lens. However, this program is not about teaching one dog training method as “right”, but rather seeks to teach trainers already actively working with clients how to develop a more adaptable approach of meeting each dog where they are.

Skills taught:

  • Leash Pressure & Leash Handling Skills

  • Understanding of the Nervous System in Dogs

  • E-collar conditioning for Leash Work

  • E-collar conditioning for Recall

  • E-collar conditioning for Place & crate

Owner Training

The reality is that most dog training won’t “stick” unless the owners learn it too. Too many dog training programs completely neglect owner-training. The best dog trainer in the world is only a good trainer if they can teach their owners too. But how to do that? Therapeutic skills such as active listening, unconditional positive regard, questioning, reflection, and more are essential and learnable skills for dog-trainers to have! 

Skills taught:

  • Therapeutic Communication skills

  • How to teach owners dog training skills, either virtually or in-person

  • How to translate complex training techniques and education into easy-to-understand language for owners

  • How to make dog training a lifestyle, for yourself and your owners

  • How to take care of your own mental health as a trainer

  • Confidence-building

Weeks 1-3

Focus on dog-training skills.

Week 1: Meeting the Dog Where They Are (The Nervous System)

Week 2: The Rhythm of Leash Work

Week 3: Mindful E-Collar Conditioning

Weeks 4-6

Focus on human-centered skills.

Week 4: Therapeutic Communication Skills

Week 5: How To Translate Dog Training to Human Training – lessons, board and trains, and virtual training

Week 6: Your Why and Your Own Mental Health

Requirements to apply:

  • Must be actively working with clients

  • Must have a dog to work regularly

  • Must follow @AdventureHoundsNC on Instagram and be familiar with my daily stories and how I train

 

*Minimum of 5 people must be enrolled for the program to begin.

*The program will be capped at 8 individuals.

In-Person
3-Day Shadow Program

*Optional, but strongly suggested!

Winston-Salem, NC
October 25-27

$500

What’s included:

  • Homemade lunch each day (can make allergy accommodations)

  • Handmade coffees by Stephen :)

  • Hands-on experience with dogs

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What's not included:

  • Accommodations

  • Breakfast and Dinner

Next Steps:

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Once you have applied, within 24-48 hrs Sam will reach out to schedule an interview. Upon your acceptance, a non-refundable deposit of $250 is required to secure your spot in the Mentorship, and a $100 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your spot in the Shadow program.

Why "The Hanalei" program?

Hanalei is my dog of 7 years now. She is my best friend, my soulmate, and my lifeline. Hanalei is one of the smartest dogs I know! She is a fully tasked-trained Service Dog, and has helped me live a life I'm not sure I could lead without her. 

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I named the program after her because her nickname is "Princess Smartypants", and she's known as a bit of a know-it-all hehe. So when joining this program, you too are going to become a "Smartypants" by learning all the dog and owner training things! 

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I cannot wait for you to join me in this journey!

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