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 (STAR Puppy)

Requirements: Puppies must be at least six 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 with an introduction to heeling

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

This class will also prepare dog/handler teams for the S.T.A.R. Puppy evaluation offered by the American Kennel Club (AKC)*. S.T.A.R. stands for Socialization, Training, Activity and Responsibility. Key components covered include:

  • 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 on a leash, following owner on lead in a straight line (15 steps)
  • Walking by other people while on leash and five feet away
  • 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)

* The S.T.A.R. Puppy exam will be given on or after the last night night of class, depending upon the availability of an evaluator. S.T.A.R. Puppy evaluations can be given to dogs up to 12-months old.

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
(Canine Good Citizen--CGC)

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

Description: This 6-week class will prepare dog and handler teams for the AKC Canine Good Citizen Test (CGC) which will be given on or after the last night of class, depending upon the availability of an evaluator. Items on the CGC test include:

  • Accepting a friendly stranger
  • Sitting politely for petting
  • Appearance and grooming
  • Out for a walk on a loose leash
  • Walking through a crowd
  • Sitting and downing on command and staying in place
  • Coming when called
  • Reaction to another dog
  • Reaction to distraction
  • Supervised separation

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