Pet Obedience

Why should I train my dog?

Your dog will become a pet that you will be proud of with behaviors that include:

  • Politely interacting with family and friends
  • Calmly greeting your guests at the door
  • Developing life saving skills (coming when called, staying when told, and not running out the door)

We use positive training methods.

Basic 1 & BASIC 2

Description:
The Basic 1 class
is for dogs of all ages – from the youngest puppies through older dogs that are still new to training.  You will teach your pup at the level appropriate for them. Behaviors include basic commands (sit, down, come), good manners (loose leash walking, appropriate behavior around other dogs and people, door manners, and leave it), building a bond through play, bravery and confidence exercises.  Behavior issues are addressed as needed.

The Basic 2 class builds upon the skills learned in Basic 1.  Adding reliability to your recall, stay, and leash manners, go to place and continued focus, attention and impulse control will be covered.  This class will also teach you the exercises needed to earn the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) title. Please see the AKC web site for more information on the CGC program: http://www.akc.org/events/cgc/index.cfm.  With CGC evaluators on staff, we are able to administer testing on site as students are ready to participate.

    • Students should bring each week to class, a variety of high value food treats, treat pouch, tug toy, 6 foot leash, and a hungry dog.
Therapy

Description:
This class prepares your dog to pass a standardized therapy dog test which will enable you to volunteer wherever therapy dogs are welcomed.   Therapy dogs are traditionally found in hospitals & rehabilitative facilities as well as in hospice & nursing homes.  Additionally, libraries and schools encourage visiting therapy dog teams which educate children about pet care and safety and offer the opportunity of participating in the National Kids Read Program. Please see http://www.golden-dogs.org/ for more information on therapy dogs and testing.   Therapy dog testing will be conducted on the last day of class.

Tricks

Description:
This class teaches beginner level tricks for those dogs new to tricks and advanced tricks for dogs that have taken a prior tricks class. Tricks can keep your dog agile, gives young dogs an outlet for their energy and gives old or retired dogs something to keep them active. In teaching tricks you can capitalize on and improve what your dog already knows while you strengthen your bond with your best friend. Teaching tricks will give your canine friend a way to expend mental and physical energy in a positive and productive manner. Tricks are an excellent way to help you develop a higher level of communication. Who would benefit from this class, therapy dogs can entertain people with their new skills, Tricks are a great warm up for the competition dog and stress reliever in the ring between exercises they are a great outlet for energy on a cold winter night, and can build confidence in a shy dog. Great for kids, teaches them how to teach their dog to listen to them in a fun way.