Our Training Philosophy
Our training philosophy is mainly motivational. We use food and toys in the beginning stages of training to imprint the dog and create the behavior that is being taught. This method works with very young puppies and older dogs that have prior foundation training. It creates a positive environment of learning and happier relationship between dog and owner. Dogs are taught to focus and pay attention throughout all aspects of the class. Dogs are corrected only when they fully understand a command and chose to ignore what is being asked.
We can customize methods of training to suit the needs and personality of the dog, depending on the best technique for the nature of the dog.
We successfully work with all groups from toy to working, from tiny
We achieve successful training by teaching the owner how to communicate with his dog in a manner the dog understands. We also stress pack relationship values with you and your dog. Along with each regular lesson sit, down, stay etc., we teach you techniques to make your dog respect you as a pack leader at home and away.
~ ~ Group Classes~ ~
Most people prefer the group class environment to teach their dog. It enables the owner to interact with other dog owners and expose their dogs to others in a controlled setting. It is fun and relaxed, but structured training program for all courses.
Along with each hourly lesson, we cover behavioral topics of interest to everyone. In Puppy Kindergarten & the Beginner Obedience Class along with regular lessons, we cover “Pack Leadership Skills” so that you can relate to your dog every day as the leader through simple techniques such as feeding and how to pay attention and how to ignore your dog. We also cover any special issues that come up throughout the classes as well as techniques for proper socialization. Class size is limited to 10 dogs or under, so everyone receives lots of individual attention.
Puppy Kindergarten Group Class
Puppy kindergarten classes are designed for young puppies with first series of vaccinations, generally 8 weeks to 6 months old. The class exposes a puppy properly to new situations. Emphasis is on proper socialization, attention, play techniques and basic good manners though mini obedience lessons. Each week topics are covered that pertain to having a new puppy in the household. Some of the topics include things such as hand biting, jumping, pulling and house breaking.
Axel sitting at attention 9 weeks old, August 2004
Adult (Beginner) Obedience Group Class
The adult classes are geared for dogs 6 months and older and run for a period of 8 weeks. They cover basic obedience elements such as sit, walk on loose lead, heel, come, down, stay, stand. Classes are relaxed but structured and each week builds on the previous week’s lessons; similar to learning your ABC’s, words, sentences then paragraphs. Dogs are always worked with motivation and “drive” to accomplish the skill they are learning. Food is used to “create/cause” the behavior then later “reinforce” it. At the end of the 8 weeks, dogs are able to link together series of commands without the use of food.
Private Lessons
Private lessons work well for people who are unable to make the group classes due to conflicting schedules or for those who have special behavioral issues they want to address. Private lessons are structured to the goals of the individual. For example private lessons may focus on eliminating car chasing or excessive barking. Generally we suggest a minimum of four private lessons, depending on the goals of the owner.
Problem Solving Consultations
. Behavioral consultations are generally done to assess and make suggestions for correcting a dog’s unwanted behavior. The most common examples of this are fearfulness or aggression. We make recommendations to correct the behavior based on the goals of the owner, the owners ability and the nature of the dog. For best success all family members should participate in the discussion. Each consultation is unique. At the consultation, the owner is given handouts and detailed information on how to modify and correct the behavior. We will follow up on the progress a month later by telephone. Further steps might include private lessons or a group class environment.
Beginner Agility Classes
“Jumps for Fun”
We have 25 pieces of equipment to work with including all the elements for USDAA (United States Dog Agility Association) and AAC (Agility Association of Canada). We also have a complete set of USPCA (United States Police Canine Association) agility equipment as well for something a little different. There will be lots of options for things to do as the dogs and owners develop skills.
The format for the class will be to properly introduce and learn the obstacles over a 6 week period. From the first night we will make "mini runs" for the dogs and add the new obstacles each week. There is there is a lot of fun and fast paced activity for dogs and owners !
Here's the important part ! You have to have a non-aggressive dog with good recall since eventually you will be working off lead. It is recommended that you have completed an Adult Obedience Class (either here or elsewhere) but this can be considered on an individual basis depending on the dog and owner.
Next Level Agility Class
This a 6 week course designed for dogs with prior agility experience. First 1/2 of the class we will work on individual objects at your own pace, last 1/2 hour we will do "runs" for the dogs.
“Open” Agility Class
Occasionally we may offer this open agility class for people & dogs who have taken the Jumps for Fun Agility class or have previous agility experience. It is a “pay as you go” field time for 6 week time period, $5.00 each week per dog. It is intended for dogs who know all the obstacles and can just come into the field and practice as you would like. This is being offered for the many people who want to just come and use the equipment and enjoy running their dog !
Canine Good Neighbour Classes
The Canine Good Neighbour program is open to dogs of all breeds and mixed breeds too ! It’s geared to promote well behaved dogs and their owners in real world everyday situations. In general it will help develop a good relationship between you and your dog and let others around you appreciate a well mannered dog.
The philosophy of the program encompasses some basic obedience behaviors plus many other skills such as calmly meeting a stranger or a new dog. This series of classes will be geared to help you form better rapport with your dog and will cover the 12 topics of the CGN program geared towards having your dog be a model canine citizen.
This is a 6 week course in relationship building with your dog and will assist you in preparing Canine Good Neighbour certification offered through the CKC. The cost of this course includes the CKC certification at the end of class, if you would choose, either at the end of class or anytime the test is offered.
Beginner "NEXT LEVEL" Obedience Classes
These beginner obedience classes are designed to bring your dog to the next level in attention and performance. This class is great for dogs that know all the commands but only listen when they feel like it. For the person who wants to polish obedience skills in their handling consistency and as well as their dogs accomplishments. This class, the “Next Level”, is for dogs that know the basic commands but would like to polish behaviors in many distractions. This is the suggested “next” class to take after Beginner Obedience. Since each class is unique; some things we may cover are, more attentive focused leg-work heeling, long downs by other dogs, motivational drive obedience rewarding, retrieving and work around lots and LOTS of distractions. Some of the exercises will be done off lead depending on the individual dogs abilities. Content of each of the classes will be geared to accommodate the goals of the individuals attending the class. Many people take this class simply to have a more responsive dog around the house or prepare for obedience trials such as CKC or Schutzhund BH to exposure the dogs to distractions they might encounter in trials. Pack leader principals are not taught in this class as individual lessons.
This class replaces the “Advanced Beginner Obedience Class”
Specialty Classes- Tracking
Tracking classes are offered in very small groups and are two hour sessions. Understanding foundations of scent work and article indications will be covered. Classes will take place in several different locations in the immediate area. There are many different forms of tracking; this class will be geared towards CKC and Schutzhund tracking title preparation. Tracking is a great opportunity to teach your dog how to use his nose the way you want him to!
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