Group Classes

A quick note on important policies:

Please note that for safety reasons I cannot allow aggressive dogs in a group class.  If your dog does not do well in groups, we can arrange for a private lesson.

I require for classes that all dogs have proof of vaccination or titer testing and be in good health.

I do  not allow any choke collars, prong collars, shock collars or other “training” type collars in class. I also do not allow retractable leads in class. Please bring your dog with a flat buckle collar and a solid lead. I will allow the use of a non pull harness but I will discuss with you its purpose, correct fit and using training so that you will ultimately not need this device.

For a schedule of current classes, please see our
Class Schedule tab.

“Agility Basics”:

In this class you and your dog will learn to safely negotiate each obstacle at a time. We may start to sequence obstacles once your dog is comfortable  on them. We will review and use Marker and Target training techniques.  If your dog needs, we will also review recall, sit, stay and getting your dogs attention in the face of distractions. For dogs to be successful at agility, they must be able to give you attention even with distractions, come to you when called, and have a solid sit/stay. Please see our summer sports page for a more in depth description of agility.  Dogs must be in good health and vaccinated.

“Canine Good Citizen Class and Certification”:

Canine Good Citizen is a program that teaches dogs basic manners to become a companion animal. It is also the beginnings to becoming further certified as a therapy or service dog. These are the foundation skills. In this class we learn appropriate greeting manners for people and other dogs, loose lead walking, self control around other people and dogs, basic skills of sit, down, stay and come and ability to have your dogs attention even with distractions.

 

“CaniX”:

Please see summer sports for a description.  We teach this as part of our dog sports sampler class.  However, starting in the summer of 2011, we may be offering this as a separate workshop.  Please stay tuned for this coming spring and summer.

“Dog Sports Sampler”:

Ever wonder what a sport is or just want to try it? In this popular class we introduce a different dog sport per session and let you give it a try.  We cover sports such as CaniX, Pack Dog training, Rally, Tricks, Flyball and Agility. You and you dog may discover hidden talents! At any rate, you will have alot of fun!! No previous dog sports training is necessary. Dogs must be in good health and vaccinated.

“Howliday Manners Refresher”:

Get ready for the holidays! Our first class in this series is a seminar (minus your dog so I can get your  attention!) that goes over both training and management of your dog regarding greeting manners, handling interactions of guests and other dogs with your dog during the holiday, handling food issues etc. In the second class we will practice greeting manners, place, and leave it with your dog.

 

 

“Obedience for Real Life”:

This is a basic 101 obedience course taught using positive reinforcement bases and NON forceful techniques. Bring only your dog in a buckle collar, a solid lead, treats and your praise and positive attitude.  We will not only teach basic obedience commands, but also ask your dog to do these even when faced with real life distractions. We will also address when and where these commands come in handy while living “real life” with your dog.

“Rally”:

This course starts at the beginning with a review of non forceful methods to get your dog to heal, follow you, sit, stay, come and obey other basic obedience commands. From here we will start to go through simple Rally courses working our way to more advance courses. Teamwork with your dog and keeping it fun and positive are emphasized! Dogs must be in good health and vaccinated. For a more in depth description of Rally please see our summer sports page

“Skijoring”:

Please see our skijoring section for an in depth description of this sport. In a basic skijoring workshop, we will have an indoor session (where I can get your attention before you are hooked up to your dog!) in which we will go over equipment, dog care, training, places to skijor etc. Then we will move outside on the snow. In a beginning session we will work on getting your dog to pull, learning and teaching  “let’s go” /”hike”, “Whoa”/stop. and “On By” commands. You will also become familiar with how to handle the lines.

In more advanced classes we will do more of a skijor tour together and also work on the “Gee”/Right. “Haw”/left, “Come Around”, “Line Out”, “Gee Over” and “Haw Over” as well as ALWAYS working on the most important “On By”.

“Squirrel???”

Does your dog act like he is hard of hearing but you know he is  not?  This class focuses on getting and keeping your dog’s attention even in the face of irresistible distractions. This is a “recall” class, meaning its about getting your dog to come to you even if they would rather keep investigating the greater outdoors. Dogs must be in good health and vaccinated.