For Puppies:
Kinderpuppy Class - for ages 12 to 20 weeks (toy breeds may attend at any age)
In this course, puppies are taught basic obedience commands such as sit, down, stay, leave it, wait
at the door, watch me, walk on a loose leash, and come when called. Socialization is encouraged
with both people and other puppies. Our trainers will be on hand to offer advice on housetraining,
bite inhibition, not jumping up, and other inappropriate behaviors.
Classes are one hour per week over a seven week period. Please do not bring your puppy to
orientation. For puppies' protection, they must have three DHLPP vaccinations plus a Kennel Cough
(Bordatella) vaccination in order to attend. A Rabies' vaccination is not necessary if your puppy is
too young.
American Kennel Club STAR Puppy Class - for ages 12 weeks to 1 year
STAR stands for socialization, training, activity, and a responsible owner. Students enrolling in the
STAR class have two goals: the first is to train their puppy, and the second is to successfully pass
the test administered in the final week. The CGC STAR certification is granted by the AKC to any
owner and puppy team who fulfills all of the class requirements, and who can demonstrate all of the
skills required in the test. Please read the AKC's page on the STAR Puppy Program to learn more
about the benefits of earning this certification.
This program is open to all puppies, mixed breed and purebred. Basic obedience skills will be taught
during the course, as well as good manners. Classes are one hour per week over a seven week
period. Please do not bring your puppy to orientation.
Petite Pups
Petite Pups was created specifically with small and toy breed dogs in mind. This class is open to any
puppy or adult dog under 20 pounds who has appropriate vaccinations. Basic commands will be
taught and off-leash play will be included each week. Classes are one hour per week over a seven
week period. Please do not bring your dog to orientation.
Intermediate Classes:
Canine Good Citizenship Class
This class is for puppies and young dogs who have completed the Kinderpuppy Class, or for adult
dogs who are ready to work towards their Canine Good Citizenship (CGC) certificate. Dogs learn to
sit and down stay with distractions and at a distance, calmly greet people and other dogs, walk on a
loose leash, and practice other skills from the CGC test. Lots of problem behavior solving included!
The test will be given on the last day. Please visit www.akc.org/events/cgc/index.cfm for more
information about this program.
Canine Acting and Tricks
This class teaches many fundamental skills such as “touch,” “foot,” and “take it,” as well as more
traditional tricks such as “Bang You’re Dead,” “Say Your Prayers,” and “Rollover.” Besides building
your dog’s repertoire, your dog will become more responsive and more focused. You will also learn
how to motivate your dog and how to shape his behavior. Please bring a small mat for your dog,
lots of soft treats, a clicker and/or target stick (if you have them), a four or six foot lead, and a plain
buckle collar. We do begin working with the dogs on the first meeting. Classes are one hour per
week over a six week period.
Real Life 101
Would you like to have a wonderful, well-behaved dog out in public? This course focuses on
improving and refining the basic obedience skills learned in beginning obedience. Emphasis is placed
on "proofing" your dog. We will be working through distractions on all commands including sit and
down stays, wait, come, leave it, and loose–leash walking. Your dog must be friendly to both people
and dogs. We do begin working with the dogs on the first meeting. Each owner must bring proof of
current vaccinations, including Kennel Cough, to be admitted. Classes are one hour per week over a
six week period.
Raising the Bar Games Class
"We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing." George Bernard Shaw
This class is designed to strengthen and reinforce basic obedience skills such as sit, down, stay, and
heel using games & team relays to build confidence in both dog & owner. Games include "shop 'til
you drop," tic-tac-toe, and "take me out to the ballgame." This makes learning great fun for all
involved, as well as fostering social skills & good manners.
Release your inner puppy. Put on your sneakers & join us for the enjoyable & rewarding experience
of play training your dog.
Introduction to Rally Obedience
Rally is the newest American Kennel Club (AKC) sport and provides an intermediate step between
pet obedience and obedience competition. Promoting fun and teamwork, Rally consists of
obedience exercises performed like agility on a numbered and timed course. Our class “Introduction
to Rally” is a fun and positive way to build obedience skills and rapport with your dog. We will cover
Rally exercises each week, run Rally courses, and further develop obedience skills including sit, stay,
heeling, front, and finish. Classes are one hour a week over a six week period. See
http://www.akc.org/events/rally/index.cfm for more information.
Walk With Me -- Level 2
This class will meet each evening for 4 weeks in a different location. We’ll be taking advantage of all
the beautiful trails and neighborhoods throughout the area. The focus of the class will be mannerly
walking on a loose leash while in the company of other dogs and people. We will teach walking
without pulling, mannerly greeting, and safe manners for crossing streets and passing moving
objects such as bikes, skateboards and cars. Join us for a fun and dynamic class that will teach your
furry pal the skills she needs to be a welcome member of the family and your neighborhood. You will
need water for yourself and your dog, a 4 to 6’ leash, soft treats and poop bags. See you on the
road!
Other Classes:
Companion Dog - for six months to any adult age
Companion Dog Class is a great introductory class for dogs six months of age or over. Dogs may be
graduates of Kinderpuppy Class, or have no previous formal training. Dogs are taught good
manners and basic obedience commands such as sit, down, stand, stay, wait, leave it, watch me,
walk on a loose leash, come, and hand signals. People are taught how to be clear and concise.
Classes are one hour per week over a seven week period. Please do not bring your dog to
orientation.
Best Friends
This six week class teaches children how to train their dog in obedience, tricks, and agility while
using positive reinforcement techniques. The class' goal is to develop a great working relationship
between child and dog, and to teach doggie good manners. This is NOT a problem solving class for
serious behavioral issues. Students must be able to control their dog on a leash. Best Friends is
geared towards children aged 7 to 11.
Reactive Rover
Reactive Rover is for dogs who are reactive when they see other dogs. Reactive behavior includes
lunging, barking, growling, and whining. The goal of the class is the dog's ability to encounter and
walk by other dogs without these problem behaviors, and for the dog to remain calm.
Instruction will include leadership techniques, obedience and focus skills, and relaxation methods.
All handlers will receive training handouts from the instructors, as well as a copy of Patricia
McConnell’s book Feisty Fido. This class lasts for six weeks, and the fee is $150.00.
