Lesson Descriptions

Socialization, Socialization, Socialization

The majority of the problems people have with their pets happens in public places or with other non-family dogs close.  With the new computer era, dogs spend too much time at home, become territorial or haven't learned proper manners out in public - away from home.  They have not learned how to tolerate frustration or turn away from a situation to prevent a fight.

It takes months and months, you and your dog are always learning; always building a relationship.  A four or five week class is just the beginning, not intented to be the cure-all.  Be patient with your dog/puppy.  Start with a good foundation and build off of it.  Teach your dog the rules, limitations, and boundaries at home; then take those skills and practice, practice, practice in public places.  We ALL are learning our entire lives.  Just like you are not the same personality you were at age 7 years; your dog's personality will change also.

The majority of our dogs will eventually have to spend a night or two in a veterinary clinic or boarding facility for one reason or another.  Prepare your dog for this.  Teach your dog to be handled by many people so a veterinarian can easily assist your pet in case of an emergency.  Teach your dog to respect others.  The dog that acts the poorest in a public boarding environment is the dog that the staff least wants to interact with.  Make your dog their favorite so when the time comes your dog and all who meet him will enjoy the interaction.

If your dog shows signs of aggression, TEACH HIM/HER TO WEAR A MUZZLE.  This is mentally peaceful for all involved.  The public gets a clear picture and gives your dog it's space - which in turn puts your dog at ease.

Puppy Training:

For puppies 12 weeks old to 6 months. Cues learned are Sit, Down, Loose Leash, Stay, Release word, Off, and Leave it.  You learn why your pup does what it does; how to instill confidence, right from wrong, consistency, manners, and calm behavior.  $75 for 4 lessons starting at 6PM the first of each month.

Old Beginner:

6 months and older.  Same sessions of lesson as Puppy Training with duration of compliance and deduction of food reward. 

Canine Good Citizen: Five lessons to teach your dog socialization and manners in public.  see AKC http://www.akc.org/events/cgc/program.cfm  for details. A test on week #6.  Each lesson held in a different public location.  Offered in July

Agility: Confidence building.  Condition your dog to move away from you to complete a task.  Not for competitive training.  No negative, all positive and fun training.  Your dog must know basic Sit/Stay and Come.  Offered in summer and you are encouraged to use our Agility pen to continue your new skill.  It's great exercise for both of you.

Open Obedience (Winter only):

Dog must have had prior basic training in a class.  One hour long.  We work on your needs.  February and March.  We start with improved performance of commands and move toward duration, concentration, teamwork, positive relationship.  Techniques used are positive re-enforcement, clicker, Rally, Agility, Tricks, and some off-leash confidence building.   You are required to tell the instructor what you want to work on.  Think outside the box.  $10 per visit (pre-pay not required)  Trainer will not prepare your lesson.  You must come with a plan.

Private lessons are taught on weekday evenings and Saturday mornings.  $175 pre-paid.  4 one-on-one lessons plus 1 set of class sessions.  Socialization is top priority for training your dog.  The most often occurance of problems happens when other dogs or people approach you and your dog.  Homework is required to practice your skills at home, in your neighborhood, and many other public places.  My goal is to teach you how to have a well-mannered dog that your family, friends, and neighbors enjoy.

Apprenticeship Mini class:

Apprenticeship 101: 6AM to 10AM at doggie day care.  Observe 6 dogs from multiple families that learn to become a unit.  Videos to view also.  Test at end of session. $100

 Apprenticeship 201: 2 hours at private dog park.  Observe owners and dogs in a fenced area.  Learn variety of human and dog body language. $50

Apprenticeship 301: 2 hours each day for 5 days at doggie day care.  Learn how to run/manage a dog business.  Building purpose and lay-out, scheduling, knowing your limitations, paperwork, poop clean-up, kenneling, structured rules, consistency, etc. $200

Obedience or Behavioral Mini- classes: 1 hour of instruction on behavior problem of your choice or 3 commands.  This requires more commitment on owner's part to continue lesson at home and in public and make a permanent change. $50

HOOPS: Dog's physical demands are minimal (basically it's just flat-surface running); the challenge of Hoops is entirely focused on the ability of the handler and the dog to work together as a smooth flowing team. It is the responsibility of the handler to strategically plan the course, and then direct the dog through the hoops on an efficient path so they can collect the needed hoops and complete their course in the least possible time.   Fun while you learn. In the Spring and Summer. $60 for 4 sessions

Nina Ottoson game nights.  Have fun while you teach your dog to participate in Nina Ottoson brain games for dogs.  You can rent a game to take home for a week.