Meet the RCK9 Crew
Stephanie Curran
Owner/Head Trainer
I am honored and excited to be able to introduce myself! I have been a veterinary technician and trainer for over 10 years. I have my CDT, I'm a member of the IACP and I am an AKC Certified CGC Evaluator & Trick Dog Instructor.
Many years ago I got my start in training through rescue. I ended up with a dog with some behavioral issues that I had to learn how to manage through trial and error. The more I read and learned, I realized that most of the dogs that have been surrendered are in desperate need of training. So I decided to pursue certification and open Recurve K9 Training and Behavior Modification! My hope is to keep dogs from ever ending up in a shelter/rescue because of behavior issues that could be resolved with training.
The Importance of Play
The importance of play for dogs cannot be overstated. Not only is it great exercise but it's so important for socialization and learning to read and practice appropriate social cues. Too often I feel like humans interfere and inhibit the natural cadence of how dogs, dog. That's what we call it here at RcK9, letting dogs learn to dog (without too much human interference of course!). Sometimes play can be rough and that's ok, it's all needed. As long as you have dogs that understand how to interpret other dogs social cues, it's all gravy.
We do more than just run around at daycare, we help dogs learn to be dogs again, by socializing and with confidence building. For the most part, we just supervise and let the dogs do the work. Most of the dogs in our crew have been through training and they know the drill. So when the new kids come to school, the resident dogs do the teaching.
Opening a Line..
Training is about establishing a line of communication between you and your dog. Our goal (and job) as trainers is to teach you how to communicate with and understand your dog in a way that's relevant. We'll work on the usual things but we'll also incorporate the use of body language and spatial pressure.
As far as methodology, we do not focus on any one particular method. Every dog is different and so what works for one dog, may not work for another. We do not get hung up on tools. A tool is just that- a tool, everything has the potential to be misused. We strive to create a balance of structure and love.
If you have questions, shoot us an email at info@recurvek9.com or give us a call at 781-745-BARK (2275)
Our Pack
Tiggs
This is my soul dog, I am a better trainer because of him. When I got him at 8 months old, he didn't know how to be a dog. He was fearful and aggressive-afraid of everyone and everything. He is and forever will be a work in progress but he has come so far and I am so proud of him!
Tiva and Z
Tiva (left) is the original girl, my husband got her as a puppy and brought her to the hospital that I was working at, the rest is history! She is the smartest dog I have ever met and as a result of that, also the biggest trouble maker!
Zarek "Z" for short (right)- my heart, the one who started it all, whom I lost at an early age due to a brain tumor. A long time ago when I was working mostly in rescue he was dropped off by a local. We discovered that he had some behavioral issues and thus began my adventure into training.
Bean
Or Bratty or Pork Chop or The Velvet Hippo. She goes by many names! She is the most recent addition to our pack (2015). My little traveling/work buddy, she goes with me everywhere and has not met a single person she didn't love!
Associations
