Group Obedience Classes
We offer a wide variety of group puppy/adult dog obedience classes. Sessions are held in a variety of locations including outdoor arena, natural settings such as public buildings, pet friendly retail establishments and public transportation. We create a group communication board posting homework, helpful articles/videos and recap of class content. It's a fun movement oriented balanced training environment. We have years of experience and loads of great reviews. Join us!
Obedience Offerings
PUPPIES
Puppy classes are generally for the little guys/gals who are fully vaccinated (at least two parvo shots) and are 12 weeks or older. se Session includes five (5) one (1) hour classes. Evaluation is on the sixth (6th) class. This class is open to any puppy under 1 year of age.
AKC STAR Puppy - Mondays 7:30pm
The S.T.A.R. Puppy program (Socialization, Training, Activity, and Responsibility) is meant to help get you and your puppy off to a good start. Both purebreds and mixed breeds are eligible. Once your pup passes the S.T.A.R. puppy test (which is given at the end of the session) you’ll be given an application to send in to AKC. They will send you a puppy medal and a certificate showing your pup is now a STAR!
Your puppy will learn to:
Be free of aggression toward people. Be free of aggression toward other puppies in class. Tolerate collar or body harness of owner’s choice. Allow owner to hug or hold puppy (depending on size). Allow owner to take away a treat or toy. Allow (in any position) petting by a person other than the owner. Allow owner handling and brief exam of ears and feet. Walk on a leash (follow owner on lead in a straight line for 15 steps).
Your puppy will learn to walk by other people (walk on leash past other people who are 5 feet away). Sit on command (owner may use a food lure) Down on command (owner may use a food lure). Come to owner from 5 feet away when name is called. Have an acceptable response to distraction (puppy may startle but not show extreme fear or aggression to something like a chair being dropped 15 feet away). Stay on leash with another person while owner walks 10 steps from pup and then returns.
Owner will Take the Responsible Dog Owner Pledge
Before taking the S.T.A.R. Puppy test, owners will sign the Responsible Dog Owners Pledge. We believe responsible dog ownership is a key part of the Canine Good Citizen concept and by signing the pledge, owners agree to take care of their dog’s health needs, safety, exercise, training and quality of life. Owners also agree to show responsibility by doing things such as cleaning up after their dogs in public places and never letting dogs infringe on the rights of others.
Owners Will:
Show that he/she maintains puppy’s health (vaccines, exams, appears healthy) Describe adequate daily play and exercise plan Demonstrate that he/she brings bags to classes for cleaning up after puppy Show that he/she has obtained some form of ID for puppy – collar tag, etc.
DOGS
These classes are generally available to older puppies with obedience experience and dogs of all ages. Please note dogs must be up to date on vaccinations to attend and participate.
Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Mondays 6:30pm
Session includes five (5) one (1) hour classes. Evaluation is on the sixth (6th) class.
AKC CGC
Over our time together, you will learn the skills necessary to meet the objective of good canine citizen (CGC). CGC is a ten-skill training program that’s open to all dogs–purebred and mixed breed–that focuses on teaching the basics of good manners and obedience, instilling the values of responsible ownership, and strengthening the bond between you and your dog at home and out in the community.
Over our Time Together
You will learn the skills necessary to meet the objective of good canine citizen (CGC). CGC is a ten-skill training program that’s open to all dogs–purebred and mixed breed–that focuses on teaching the basics of good manners and obedience, instilling the values of responsible ownership, and strengthening the bond between you and your dog at home and out in the community.
After mastering the ten skills, passing the CGC test together, and taking the Responsible Dog Ownership pledge, you and your pup will join the proud ranks of those awarded. CGC is also a prerequisite for many therapy dog certifications, as well as a great introduction to more advanced dog sports and activities. Some homeowners’ insurance programs even offer discounts for CGC dogs, and an increasing number of apartments and condos see CGC awards as a major bonus for becoming a resident.
10 Skills:
1. Accepting a friendly stranger
2. Sitting politely for petting
3. Appearance and grooming
4. Walking on a loose leash
5. Walking through a crowd
6. Sit and down on command and staying in place 7. Coming when called 8. Reaction to another dog
9. Reacting (or not reacting) to a distraction
10. Supervised separation.
After mastering the ten skills, passing the CGC test together, and taking the Responsible Dog Ownership pledge, you and your pup will join the proud ranks of those awarded. You'll be given an application to send in to AKC. They will send you a medal and a certificate showing your dog is now a canine good citizen!
What do I bring?
Please bring your dog on a 4-6ft leash. Later in the program, you’ll need a 10-15ft long leash handy for some exercises. Bring a hungry dog! We recommend you bring your dogs kibble and a variety of high value treats to help work them through any challenges.
Please bring a toy or a high value chewy for relieving stress during down time between exercises and during our Q&A period.
Do the dogs play with one another?
Dogs in this class will not play or interact. It is the handlers job to keep their dog (and the others) safe. No nose touching.
Advanced Canine Good Citizen (CGCA) Wednesdays 6:30pm
Session includes four (4) one (1) hour classes. Evaluation is on the sixth (6) class. Prior CGC required.
Urban Canine Good Citizen (CGCU) Wednesdays 6:30pm *seasonal
Session includes four (4) one (1) hour classes. Evaluation is on the sixth (6) class. Prior CGC required.
Classes fill up fast, reserve your spot now!
Class size is limited to offer you and your dog the best experience. Reserve your spot now with a down payment. Balance due the first night of class. Sessions run every six (6) weeks.
We look forward to meeting you!
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AKC Class Overview Videos
AKC S.T.A.R Puppy
The AKC S.T.A.R Puppy is a reinforcement-based training program open all dogs up to one-year old. This fun activity teaches your puppy basic training skills and gives you a solid foundation on how to care for your dog. It also provides an opportunity for your puppy to socialize with other puppies and people during this important time of development.
CGC
The Canine Good Citizen Program (CGC) is the first step in training for many dogs. Due to its established reputation as the “gold standard” of canine good behavior in our communities, the CGC Program offers many practical benefits for owners in addition to helping you discover the great benefits of training.
CGCU
AKC Urban CGC requires that the dog demonstrate CGC skills and beyond in a setting that includes traffic, crowds, noises, smells and other distractions that are present in a city or town. As with Canine Good Citizen, AKC Urban CGC is a 10-step test of skills that dogs must pass to earn the official AKC Urban CGC title.