Join us for a fun, hands-on weekend retreat where you’ll learn essential training skills to help your dog become a calmer, more confident, and well-mannered companion—at home, on walks, and out in the world.
This retreat is designed for curious, invested dog guardians—whether you're brand new to training or looking to deepen your understanding. Dogs of all ages are welcome, and the learning will be tailored to meet you where you are.
We’ll cover a wide range of practical and science-backed approaches to behavior and training, including:
How to capture, shape, and cue desirable behaviors
Building fluency in foundational skills
How to advocate for your dog in stressful situations
Tools and strategies for working through distractions
Techniques for fostering self-directed relaxation
Confidence-building games to help your dog focus and stay grounded
The fundamentals of behavior change, and how to apply them in real life
… and much more!
Please note: This retreat is not the best fit for dogs currently showing aggressive behavior or significant fear, anxiety, or stress. If you’re unsure whether this is right for your dog, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to help guide you.
Expect a weekend filled with meaningful learning, lighthearted moments, and lots of wagging tails. Spaces are limited to ensure a personalized and supportive experience for both dogs and their humans. Join us and start your journey toward a calmer, more connected life with your dog.
Whether you're just beginning or looking to fine-tune your skills, this weekend will leave you inspired, informed, and more in sync with your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this retreat for?
This weekend is for curious, thoughtful dog guardians of any experience level—whether you're just getting started or looking to deepen your skills. Dogs of any age are welcome, as long as they are comfortable working around other dogs and people.
What kinds of dogs are not a good fit for this retreat?
To keep things safe and enjoyable for everyone, this retreat is not suited for dogs currently showing aggressive behavior or experiencing significant fear, anxiety, or stress in new environments. If you're unsure whether this describes your dog, please reach out—we’re happy to help assess whether it’s a good match. If you'd like help for your dog living with these conditions, please reach out because we'd also like to help you find successful solutions to these common challenges.
What will we be doing during the retreat?
We’ll combine hands-on training sessions, low-key discussion time, and engaging games that build skills like calmness, focus, confidence, and resilience. There will be time for rest, connection, and soaking up the beautiful surroundings, too! Plus, you can opt-in for extra one-on-one training sessions with the trainer.
Where is the retreat held?
[Insert Outlier Inn info here: town/region, anything else relevant, and anything fun about the setting like “in the heart of upstate NY surrounded by woods and trails.”]
Do I need prior training experience?
Not at all! This retreat is designed to support learners at all levels. We’ll meet you where you are, and provide guidance and structure every step of the way.
What should I bring?
Once you register, we’ll send you a detailed packing list—but in general, you’ll need:
A comfy mat for your dog
A harness and leash
A treat pouch
Plenty of treats your dog loves (with variety for low, and high value) Joshua is happy to provide some ideas.
A notebook or journal (optional, but encouraged!)
An open mind and a sense of humor
Trainer:
Joshua Latour is a Certified Training Partner with the Karen Pryor Academy and continue education as the years go by, completing behavioral courses such as Puppy Start Right™ instructor's course (developed by Kenneth Martin DVM and his wife Debbie Martin LVT VTS (Behavior), completing a certification as a Service Dog Coach™ from Veronica Sanchez M.Ed., CPDT-KA, CDBC, Modifying Aggression in Dogs Master Course with renowned behavior consultant for aggression Michael Shikashio CDBC, and Dr. Susan Friedman's Living and Learning with Animals. I was also a behavior consultant for Behavior Vets (one of the only vet behavior clinics in the city until their closing in Sept 2024). I frequently see some of NYC's most challenging behavior problems in dogs.
