pranaDOGS Rehab Center
PranaDOGS Behavior & Rehab Center is located on 20 beautiful acres just outside of Durango, Colorado. We have confidence and agility courses, climbing and walking areas, dog obstacles, and plenty of room to play, train, and run!
After working with dogs for decades, we’ve found a simple formula that works. It’s not rocket science, but it does take effort to implement successfully: Hold routines, while also realizing the need for flexibility. Like us, dogs are all different, and there’s never going to be a simple solution for everyone. The pranaDOGS Training and Rehab Method includes;
Adjustment period – KEY STEP (and one most missed) This is where we are ‘holding the space’ for the dog. We invite them into our world, but to set up a solid foundation, it’s imperative for them to watch and not interact. By doing this, we’re allowing them to learn the routine without walking in with old patterns and behaviors. Dogs absorb a lot by watching. We give them the time to see how things work; how the other dogs interact with us, which allows them to relax and let their guard down.
Identify & Evaluate – Once the dog has settled in (typically after 3-5 days) it’s here we identify what issues are at play. What type of dog are we dealing with? It is also where we identify any problem behaviors. In this step, we develop our training plan including milestones, timelines, and goals.
Problem Solving – This is where we work through household and people manners, including jumping, barking, doorways, house soiling, cat interactions, appropriate greetings, dog reactivity, counter surfing, etc.
Training – Perhaps it seems odd that training is the last step, but we’ve found that this is also the easiest step – and one that’s technically built throughout their stay.
By implementing this 4-step formula, we’ve successfully helped re-home hundreds of dogs since 2015.
Where Do We Get Our Dogs?
We work in partnership with many organizations and rescue groups. Dogs come to us through a shelter or rescue, then after rehab, are adopted through the original organization. This allows pranaDOGS to focus on the dogs, their needs and growth while allowing the original organization to connect with the adopters.
How Long Does it Usually Take?
The majority of dogs are ready to go in 3-4 weeks. But some, depending on their reactivity or earlier trauma, take longer.
Do The Dogs Live Outside?
No! Our goal at pranaDOGS is to set dogs up to live successfully in a home, with a family, so it’s imperative that they practice inside. Dogs are pack animals and do not want to be alone. Many want the company of another dog, but most want the company of humans.
What’s a Typical Day Like?
Our days are busy here at pranaDOGS. The dogs start their day at 6 am, with romps in the yard. Followed by a nutritious breakfast and their first training session. We have a group play session before lunch, followed by naps. In the afternoon, training sessions start up again and run until dinner time. Group play happens again after dinner, and everyone is in and typically asleep by 9 pm.
What Happens if a Dog Cannot Be Rehabilitated?
Unfortunately, not every dog can be helped. Sometimes dogs, just like us, shoot themselves in the foot over and over again. When we feel we cannot help a dog at pranaDOGS, or when it’s going to take an extended period of time (6mo or more) we have a discussion with the sponsoring organization. The decision is theirs to make.
We have fostered dogs at our rehab facility for well over 12-months, who are now successfully in their lifelong homes, but it can be a tremendous commitment to make. Since we’re talking about living beings, there are no guarantees. We have succeeded with more than 94% of the dogs that have come to us!
