Foundation Classes
Foundations
Dogs love to learn, especially when learning is FUN!
If you have a adopted a new dog, brought home a new puppy, or have a dog that hasn't had much training, foundations is where you will begin. Our canine partners are never too old to learn new things!
Teaching foundation skills to your dog is really teaching your dog how to learn. We are also teaching you, the handler, the skills to communicate through good mechanics and reward delivery. This is the core upon which all your future training will be built.
During our Foundation classes, one of the most important items we will focus on is relationship building between you and your dog.
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Our final session of classes for 2024 will begin the week of October 14th.
S.T.A.R Puppy
Prerequisites: Puppies must have at least 2 rounds of vaccines as appropriate for their age per veterinarian recommendation.
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Puppies are not required to have an AKC registration to earn the STAR Puppy award, and the class is open to all puppies.
STAR Puppy class focuses on establishing the training relationship between you and your puppy! This class will introduce basic commands, and will focus on socialization tools, gentle training, appropriate activities and the responsibility of the puppy owner.
Completion of the 6-week class makes you and your puppy eligible for the AKC STAR Puppy award!
Puppies must have a minimum of 2 rounds of shots to attend, and must be younger than 6 months. Dogs older than 6 months of age are invited to register for Level 1 Obedience.
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Day & Time:
Dates:
Class length: 6 weeks*
Minimum of 5 dogs, maximum of 10 dogs
* Students must attend all 6 weeks of classes in order to be eligible for the AKC STAR Puppy certificate.
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Focus Games
Prerequisites: Completion of a puppy or beginner class, or prior approval of the instructor
Focus is fun! Focus is the most important part of a productive relationship between you and your dog, and for many the most challenging to attain. This course will help you and your dog develop a better working relationship using a variety of fun games that both you and your dog partner will enjoy playing.
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Day & Time: Tuesdays 6:30 - 7:30pm
Dates: October 22 - November 19
Class length: 5 weeks
Minimum of 5 dogs, maximum of 12 dogs
Level 1 Beginner Obedience
Prerequisites: None
This foundational class will teach you how to use positive training methods to reward good behavior and discourage less desirable behaviors. This class will teach basic obedience skills including heel, sit, down, come, stay, stand and finish. Completion of this class will give you a basic understanding of marking and rewarding desired behaviors, a foundational understanding of leash manners and foundational obedience commands.
Note: Puppies under 6 months of age are encouraged to sign up for STAR Puppy class before going thru our Beginner series.
Day & Time: Wednesday 6:30 - 7:30pm
Dates: October 16 - November 20
Class length: 6 weeks
Minimum of 5 dogs, maximum of 10
Level 2 Beginner Obedience
Prerequisites: Completion of Level 1 Beginner Obedience class, a Beginning Obedience class, or prior approval of the instructor.
This class builds on the Level 1 class. The emphasis of this class is on developing a confident dog with a reliable response to basic obedience commands under a variety of distractions. This class will build leash skills and will set the foundation for dog and handler teams that are interested in taking the Canine Good Citizen prep class or other speciality classes.
Note: Puppies under 6 months of age are encouraged to sign up for STAR Puppy class before going thru our Beginner series.
Day & Time: Thursdays 6:30 - 7:30pm
Dates: August 29 - October 3
Class length: 6 weeks
Minimum of 5 dogs, maximum of 10
Intermediate Obedience
Prerequisites: Completion of Level 1 Beginner Obedience class, a Beginning Obedience class elsewhere, or prior approval of the instructor
This class builds on the Beginner classes. The Intermediate class emphasizes proofing your dog under distractions, adding more advanced training skills such as loose leash heeling, sitting for greeting, and recalls. You will move from luring positive behaviors to marking positive behaviors. This class will set the foundation for dog and handler teams that are interested in taking the Canine Good Citizen prep class, or getting started in dog sport classes.
Day & Time: Thursday 7:45 - 8:45pm
Dates: October 17 - November 21
Class length: 6 weeks
Minimum of 5 dogs, maximum of 10
Instructor: Heather O.