Training Class Description

Puppy Nursery/KPT: for puppies 8-16 weeks of age at the start of the class. This class covers puppy socialization and basic "manner" training. Health care and housebreaking will be addressed as well as the foundation training for the puppies to advance to Kindergarten Puppy Training.

Kindergarten Puppy Training: for puppies 4-5 months of age at the start of the class or graduates of Puppy Nursery School. This class covers basic "manner" training (sit, stand, down, come etc.). Weekly handouts are provided and homework is assigned.

Kindergarten Puppy Training/Beginners: for puppies 5-7 months of ageat the start of the class. This class covers basic obedience commands (sit, stand, down, stay, come etc.) with the goal of correcting behaviors that have started to become bad habits. All members of the family are welcome to observe the class. Weekly handouts are provided and homework is assigned.

Beginners: for dogs 7 1/2 months of age that have had no formal training. This class covers basic obedience commands (come, sit, stand, down etc.) with the goal of establishing a correct owner/dog relationship. Behavior modification will be discussed as needed. Weekly handouts are provided and homework is assigned.

Pre-Novice: for graduates of a basic training class. This class provides the dog and owner with the skills necessary for a dog to obtain an AKC Canine Good Citizen certificate. Handling techniques will be emphasized as well as distraction training. Off leash work will be introduced with emphasis on coming when called.

Novice: for graduates of Pre-Novice. Off leash work by the entire class will be perfected. Handling techniques beneficial for obedience competition will be stressed. Coming when called with distractions and "stay" will be emphasized.

Breed Handling: for dogs of any age that are currently being, or will in the future, be shown in the breed ring. Lessons include handling techniques, stacking, gaiting, baiting, ring procedures and tricks and tips on how to win over the professional handlers.

Rally-O: more intensive work on obedience geared towards off-leash. Introduction to Rally-O and improving attention for Novice work. Dogs competing at the Novice level and preparing for competition will be given a run thru at owners request.

Clicks and Tricks: for continuing or new students looking for alternative training methods. This course will address the fundamentals of training your dog to execute obedience commands and tricks. The theories offered will be applied to obedience work as well as identifying your dogs potential for further trick training. Clickers will be provided to all registrants as well as printed materials.

CGC/Therapy Dog Training: This class is designed to provide you and your basically trained dog the tools and information you need to pass the AKC CGC test and/or the modified test for THERAPY DOGS INTERNATIONAL, INC. Jeanne P. Gurnis, TDI evaluator, worked with Therapy Dog's International during the year 1999 developing a training program and establishing new criteria for dogs and owners to be certified through TDI, INC.

The AKC S.T.A.R. program teaches all breeds of young puppies under one year of age at the start of the program the elements of the AKC Canine Good Citizen Test (CGC). This includes sit, down, stay, walking on leash without pulling, come, leave it and grooming. Also stresses socialization among other puppies and people by allowing them to play with each other off leash. Aggressive behavior towards other dogs and people will be dealt with. The responsibilities of pet ownership (exercise, neighborhood manners etc. are also covered). Health care and nutrition will also be addressed. 20 items will be worked on during the classes (pertaining to the owner AND the puppy). Successful completion will allow the owner to receive S.T.A.R. recognition from the AKC and to continue on to future CGC certification and potential testing as a Therapy Dog.