Other Training Classes We Teach

Basic Classes

_{Puppy Kindergarten}

Introduction to school and learning. Building a positive attitude and work habits. Teaching basic manners. Socializing with other dogs and people  — for puppies under six months of age.

Level I 

Introduction to school and learning for dogs and mature puppies over five months of age. Work is more formal, more precise, and more advanced than puppy kindergarten.

Level I+

Completion of Level I or Puppy Kindergarten required. Knowledge of training theory required. Reworking Level I exercises with more individual attention to specific training problems.  In the first two basic courses, we spend substantial time instructing the handlers on their techniques and training principles and methods. In the Level 1+ class, the focus is on enhancing the dog's performance of the basic skills.

Specialty Classes

(Available after Level I or Puppy Kindergarten)

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Certificate Class

Training to pass: CGC (Canine Good Citizen); A.T.T.S. (American Temperament Test Society); T.D.I. (Therapy Dogs International); Delta (Delta Society Pet Partners)

Agility

A-frame. Dog-walk. Weave poles. Teeter-totter. Swing-plank. These are a few of the pieces of equipment your dog will learn to traverse in this class. Advanced agility teaches advanced skills and handling techniques. A major benefit of agility is confidence-building for the dog.

Tricks

Add tricks training to your relationship with your dog.  Tricks engage the dog’s mind to figure out what you want and increase the dog’s attention and compliance.  Dogs love having work to do — give it to them through tricks. 

Carting

Teaching to pull wagons and carts for pleasure and work. The size of the dog does not matter.

Nosework

Put your dog’s extraordinary sense of smell to work.  The challenge is for the dog to find the scent the handler has identified among boxes, in rooms, and outdoors.  Dogs love the challenge of this week because they are so well-equipped to do it.

Rally

A teamwork-based sport where you and your dog follow a course of signs, performing obedience skills like sits, turns, and stays in sequence.

Sassy Dog

For dogs that are aggressive, fearful, or acting in a dominant manner toward other dogs or people, or a combination of those behaviors.

Therapy

Commands, skills, and test components to make your dog ready to visit hospitals and nursing homes. Preparation for T.D.I. and Delta tests. Fun and great satisfaction grow from therapy service with your dog.

Tracking

Sometimes offered in the winter months when there is enough demand for this outdoor all-weather sport.

Freestyle or Drill Team

Working on dance, tricks, and unusual moves choreographed to music. Must also be enrolled in a regular obedience class, one other class of choice, and Drill Team.

Ring Procedure, Conformation, Beginning Handling

Develop presentation skills for you and your dog in conformation and obedience rings.