Classes

Introductory Class Descriptions 

Head Start PUPPY KINDERGARTEN:  Help your pup develop into a calm, capable adult through training in self-control, drive-building, basic obedience and exposure to new things, people and dogs. Tuesdays 7:15 – 8:15 pm.  Recommended for pups 6 months & under.  Cost is $140 for 6 sessions.

BASIC & BEYOND BASIC & Level 3 OBEDIENCE:  The basics for training your dog whether you want him to just  be a good companion or start him on the road to competitive dog sports.  Six 1-hour weekly sessions, $140

BASIC (includes Sit, Down, Stand, Stay, Come, Walk on lead, Leave it & Take it Nicely)  Saturdays, 2:00-2:00 pm

BEYOND BASIC (includes practicing above skills in varied settings & other useful skills) Saturdays 4:00 – 5:00 pm

LEVEL 3: (includes proofing of above behaviors & several training games) Saturdays 5:00 – 6:00 pm

FOUNDATIONS FOR AGILITY:  This class, a prerequisite for all other agility classes, provides the proper foundation for training the future agility or rally dog and helps create the right relationship to allow you and your dog to become an effective team.  Topics covered will include Sit, Down, Stand, Come, Stay, Targeting, Attention work, Self-control and directional commands such as Close, Turn, Left and Right.  An introduction to jumping and a few obstacles will be introduced.  Six 1-hour weekly sessions, $140.  Day & time to be announced.  Recommended that dogs first complete basic obedience class and be at least 9 months of age.

CONFORMATION HANDLING:  For those new to showing in conformation or old-hands wanting to accustom a new dog to the ring routine. Learn ring procedure, handling tips and how to emphasize your dog’s best traits as your dog gets accustomed to the conformation environment. $20 per night, Tuesdays 7:00 – 8:00 pm.

TRICKS: Teach some simple tricks to your dog.  There will be 2 to 3 tricks as homework per week, including;  Shake, Wave, Sit up, Weave thru Legs, Jump Into Arms, Stand on Hind Legs, Shame, Roll over, Bang, Spin, Walk Back, etc.  Tricks are a great way to teach your dog how to LEARN! Day & time to be announced.  $125 for 6 weeks.  This class is open to all dogs, but we do recommend that your dog have completed a basic obedience class first as Sit, Down, Stay, Come & Walk on lead are the most important “tricks” of all.

Classes for CANINE ENTHUSIASTS & SPECIALISTS

THERAPY DOG & CANINE GOOD CITIZENS SKILLS:  Therapy dogs are dogs that visit schools, nursing homes, and hospitals bringing a message of love and cheer. They should have proper greeting manners, leash manners and be able to tolerate dogs and strangers in their environment as well as some vigorous body handling. To work as therapy dogs, most organizations require teams to pass an evaluation or pass the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification. The CGC is offered by the AKC and requires dogs to pass a 10 part examination, demonstrating their obedience skills and tolerance to handling and strangers. The Canine Good Citizen Program is a two-part program that stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. All dogs who pass a 10-step CGC test may receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club. Many dog owners choose Canine Good Citizen training as the first step in training their dogs. The Canine Good Citizen Program lays the foundation for other AKC activities such as obedience, agility, tracking, and performance events. Come learn the requirements for each of these examinations and hone your skills in preparation for them or just to practice good manners so your dog is welcome in the community.  Six 1-hour weekly sessions, $140. Minimum of 4 dogs, maximum of 10.  A CGC test & free Therapy Dog evaluations are usually scheduled following the conclusion of the class.  Recommended for dogs that have completed a basic obedience class.

CONTROL UNLEASHED:  Learn to turn stress to confidence & distraction to focus using positive methods. Leslie McDevitt’s versatile Control Unleashed® program is designed to help “dogs with issues” learn how to relax, focus & work reliably in stimulating or stressful situations. Recommended for dogs that are reactive; anxious; or easily over-stimulated and unable to focus.  Day & time to be announced.  $140 for 6 weeks.

OBEDIENCE COMPETITION PREPARATION & RALLY COURSEWORK CLASSES:  Practice & develop further skills for obedience or polish up your heelwork & handling for Obedience or Rally competition.  Utility Practice/Open Prep (9:00-10:30 am); Novice Obedience Competition Prep (10:45-11:45 am); Rally Coursework (12:00-1:00 pm) $20 per class;  (except Utility). Reservations required and will open on the preceding Monday.  Most Saturdays, pay-as-you-go.

 BEGINNING AGILITY

AGILITY OBSTACLES 1 & 2:  Foundation for Agility graduates may enroll in these six week courses focused on introducing each obstacle in a manner that safely builds confidence & fluency.  Each obstacle will be worked individually with an emphasis on speed and accuracy.  Six 1-hour weekly sessions, $140.  Day & time to be announced.

DEVELOPING AGILITY SKILLS:  These one hour classes focus on continuing to build confidence and fluency on each obstacle while introducing basic handling maneuvers.  Simple sequences of obstacles and proofing of obstacle performance will be introduced.  Directional commands and obstacle discrimination will be introduced and developed.  Six 1-hour weekly sessions, $140.  Varied days & times.

 AGILITY ENTHUSIASTS 

PRE-NOVICE & NOVICE AGILITY:   These courses are open to graduates of the Developing Agility Skills classes and focus on continuing to develop dog and handler skills in performance of full courses. Competition readiness will be evaluated.  Strategies will be discussed for negotiating standard and non-standard classes.    $23 per week paid by the month or $27 per week (one-hour session).  Varied days & times.

COMPETITION AGILITY & ADVANCED COMPETITION AGILITY:  These monthly advanced handling classes will feature full course run-thrus and skill-building drills focusing on the advanced handling skills necessary for the dog and handler teams currently competing.  Course analysis for standard courses and strategy for Gamblers and Snooker will be included.   $23 per week paid by the month or $27 per week (one-hour session). Varied days & times