TAO DOG® Yoga, Dog Training & Adventures

TAO DOG® offers a variety of programs designed to strengthen the bond between humans and dogs. The “Walk & Train” adventure, held monthly in West Hartford Center, focuses on attention exercises, leash manners, relaxation in busy environments, and safe socialization. The “Group Dog Training Class” at Fidelco Guide Dogs Training Center in Bloomfield covers attention, loose leash walking, place command, proofing sit/down, stays, recalls, canine fitness, and fun games. Both require dogs to be neutral/friendly with other dogs and people.

“TAO DOG K9 Conditioning Group Class” focuses on canine conditioning and core strengthening, adaptable for all dog types and ages, held monthly in Bloomfield. “TAO DOG® Online Canine Conditioning Sessions” are private, customized virtual sessions via Zoom for dog yoga, fitness plans, or training from home.

Adventure programs include “Yoga-Hike Adventures” (yoga and hiking with dogs, May-October, various CT locations) and “Paddling with Your Dog” (Introduction, Group Outing, and Guided Wilderness River Adventure in Simsbury, CT). These paddling adventures teach dogs to be comfortable with equipment and on the water, with options for bringing your own gear or using provided equipment. Private paddling sessions and customized private group experiences are also available.

“TAO DOG® Yoga Class” is an interactive practice where humans and dogs learn yoga poses, relaxation, and calm touch exercises to build trust and strengthen relationships. This class is accessible to all yoga levels and dogs, provided the dog is neutral/friendly with other dogs and people. For reactive dogs, private training or online options are suggested.

Pricing Summary

TAO DOG® Walk & Train and Group Dog Training Classes are offered as drop-in classes for $45 (including tax & fees). TAO DOG® K9 Conditioning Group Class is also a drop-in for $45 (including tax & fees). Online Canine Conditioning Sessions are $85 (including tax & fees) for 60 minutes and $55 (including tax & fees) for 30 minutes.

Paddling with Your Dog adventures have a BYOG (Bring Your Own Gear) drop-in rate of $55 (including tax & fees) or an All Inclusive Gear drop-in rate of $85 (including tax & fees) for Introduction to Paddling and Group Outing. The Guided Wilderness River Adventure is $85 (BYOG) or $125 (All Inclusive). Private paddling sessions are 90 minutes, costing $125 (BYOG) or $150 (All Inclusive).

Yoga-Hike Adventures are $45 (including tax & fees) for drop-ins. Hiking Adventures are $35 (including tax & fees) for drop-ins. Some classes are included in All Inclusive and Dog Training Memberships, but specific membership pricing is not detailed.

Policies

Participants for paddling adventures must register at least 1-hour in advance. Drop-in participants for Yoga-Hikes and Hiking Adventures must register 1-hour in advance. Human participants in paddling adventures are required to know how to swim and must be 21 years or older. Both humans and dogs are required to wear life jackets for paddling. Dogs should be social/neutral with people & other dogs for group classes and adventures. Reactive dogs are not suitable for group classes but can be accommodated in private or online settings.

TAO DOG® Yoga, Dog Training & Adventures, operating under Behavior Unleashed LLC, offers a unique approach to dog wellness and training by combining dog training with yoga and outdoor adventures. Their philosophy centers on meeting all of a dog’s needs through proper exercise, rest, training, enrichment, nutrition, and behavior modification, treating each dog as an individual to foster a happy and well-balanced pet.

The business aims to deepen the connection between humans and dogs, believing that a calm human leads to a more successful dog in terms of impulse control and learning. They provide various programs including group dog training classes, K9 conditioning, and private training sessions, alongside unique offerings like TAO DOG® Yoga classes where both humans and dogs practice yoga poses.

Unique advantages include specialized “Yoga-Hike Adventures” and “Paddling with Dogs” adventures, which integrate training into outdoor activities. They also offer corporate wellness programs featuring virtual or in-person dog/pet yoga sessions. The founder, Stef Corbeil, has extensive experience as a Certified Guide Dog Mobility Instructor and Certified Professional Canine Fitness Trainer, bringing a diverse background to her training methods.

Accomplishments

Stef Corbeil is a Certified Guide Dog Mobility Instructor, Certified Professional Canine Fitness Trainer, RYT200 Yoga Teacher, and Certified Chair Yoga Teacher. She holds a B.S. in Animal Science from the University of Connecticut. Her career includes 15 years at a guide dog school as a Certified Guide Dog Mobility Instructor, Puppy Program Coordinator, and Supervisor of Breeding and Early Puppy Development.

Stef also worked with Suzanne Clothier as Director of Program Development, assisting in training seminars, creating online courses, and performing evaluations. She was a Canine Procurement Specialist for an explosive detection canine company, evaluating and acquiring dogs. Stef currently trains and trials in American Schutzhund, titling two of her dogs. She has shared TAO DOG® YOGA with national corporate audiences including Petco, Amazon Dogs at Work, and FitPros On Location. She is also the Co-Director of the Yoga Program at Hartford’s Camp Courant, where she introduced service dogs to the yoga curriculum.

Chris Eastwood is a Certified Guide Dog Mobility Instructor & Placement Specialist, and an expert in fishing and outdoor adventures.

How to Get Started!

To join a Walk & Train, Group Dog Training Class, Group K9 Conditioning Class, or TAO DOG® Yoga class, clients can use the provided scheduling link. For online canine conditioning sessions, clients can inquire to begin, and after booking, the business will reach out to discuss session goals. For private paddling sessions or private group adventures, clients are encouraged to inquire directly. For questions about class suitability, especially for dogs with reactivity, clients can email Stef at stef.corbeil@gmail.com.