Puppy Kindergarten

Requirements: Puppies must be between three and six months old at the time class starts.

Description: In this 4-week class, puppies will be socialized and will learn how to:

  • Walk on a leash
  • Sit, down and come when called
  • Manage new situations

We will also discuss potty training, crate training, jumping and any other puppy-related topics such as food, treats and toys.

This is the perfect class for first-time dog owners or anyone looking for a refresher course on raising a new puppy.

Equipment: Owner must bring a leash, collar (no harnesses) and soft treats.

Class length: 45 minutes for 4 weeks

Class size: 6 dogs

Cost: $60 for members; $80 for non-members

Beginner Obedience

Requirements: Puppies must be at least three months old at the time class starts.

Description: This 6-week class is designed to teach puppies how to become well-mannered dogs. Dog/handler teams will be taught how to:

  • Sit, down and stand on command
  • Stay and come when called
  • Walk politely on leash

The class will also focus on the following home manners:

  • Grooming and handling, include checking ears, teeth and feet
  • Relinquishing toys, food and other items at handler’s request (drop it)
  • Teaching door respect (wait) and leave it
  • Allowing (in any position) petting by a person other than the owner
  • Allowing owner to brush/groom dog and handle the ears and feet
  • Walking by other people and dogs while on leash
  • Sitting on command (owner may use a food lure)
  • Downing on command (owner may use a food lure)
  • Coming to owner from five feet when name is call
  • Reacting to distractions (distractions are presented 15 feet away)
  • Staying on leash with another person (owner walks 10 steps away and returns)

Equipment: Owner must bring a leash, collar (no harnesses) and soft treats.

Class length: 1 hour for 6 weeks

Class size: 8 dogs

Cost: $90 for members; $120 for non-members

Advanced Beginner Obedience

Requirements: Dogs must have completed the Beginner Obedience class or demonstrate equivalent skills.

Description: This 6-week class expands on the skills learned in basic obedience and provides a basic introduction to heeling and other more advanced skills. This class will also provide a strong foundation for our Canine Good Citizen class which focuses on skills such as:

  • Accepting a friendly stranger
  • Sitting politely for petting
  • Walking politely on a loose leash and through a crowd
  • Sitting and downing on command and staying in place
  • Coming when called

Equipment: Owner must bring a leash, collar (no harnesses) and soft treats.

Class length: 1 hour for 6 weeks

Class size: 8 dogs

Cost: $90 for members; $120 for non-members

Tricks

Requirements: Dogs must have completed the Beginner Obedience class or demonstrate equivalent skills.

Description: Dog/handler teams will be taught behavior shaping skills and methods to learn tricks including those listed under the AKC Trick dog title guidelines. This is a 4-week class unless otherwise noted. (Not offered every session.)

Class length: 1 hour for 4 weeks

Class size: 8 dogs

Cost: $90 for members; $120 for non-members

Beginner Novice (Competition Class)

Requirements: Dogs must have completed the Advanced Beginner class or demonstrate equivalent skills.

Description: This 6-week class will provide new handlers with an introduction to formal showing in the obedience ring. It will also teach dog/handler teams the exercises necessary to compete in AKC-sanctioned dog shows in the Beginner Novice (BN) class. These include:

  • Focused Heeling and Footwork
  • Figure Eight
  • Sit for exam
  • Sit stay
  • Recall
  • Introduction to dog shows

Equipment: Owner must bring a leash, collar (no harnesses) and soft treats.

Class length: 1 hour for 6 weeks

Class size: 8 dogs

Cost: $90 for members; $120 for non-members

Therapy Dog Readiness Class

Description: This 4-week class focuses on practicing skills that any therapy dog will need: heeling properly, good down/stays and sit/stays. Other skills focus on greeting people respectfully, not jumping or scratching with claws and staying calm when exposed to loud noises, unexpected actions by other people and wheelchairs, walkers, etc. A mock test will be offered on the last day.

Prerequisites: Dog must know the basic commands, (sit, stay, down, come, walk on a loose leash), and be dog and people friendly.

Cost: $60 for members; $80 for non-members