AKC STAR Puppy
Class Description:
The first class will be a handler orientation of the class topics and expectations; therefore, please leave puppies at home for the first night of class. The class will follow the recommended curriculum from AKC and will end with the AKC STAR Puppy evaluation. Graduates passing the test will receive an application to send to AKC in order to receive an AKC STAR Puppy Medal and a frame-able certificate of your puppy’s achievement. Topics covered will include attention, loose leash walking, sit, down, stay, life-saving recall, being handled by different people, calmly greeting other dogs on leash, exposure to novel things (variety of objects and surfaces), body awareness (ladder work, agility tunnel), and impulse control.
Prerequisite for this class
Puppies 12 weeks – 1 year of age. Vaccinations are highly recommended as follows: less than 16 weeks of age should have the second set of puppy shots; over 16 weeks should have rabies vaccination per agreement with your veterinarian (16+ weeks).
No Drop In
No Alternate
Class sessions are one hour for eight weeks with a maximum of 8 dogs.
CGC – AKC Canine Good Citizen
Class Description:
All dogs, including both purebred and mixed breed dogs are welcome to participate in the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Program. Dogs must be old enough to have received necessary immunizations such as rabies vaccines. Owners will sign the Responsible Dog Owners Pledge attesting to having the dog under the routine care of a veterinarian who will work with the owner to determine an appropriate plan and schedule for vaccines and other health care procedures.
There is no age limit for the CGC test. A dog is never too old to be a good citizen. Puppies who have completed all immunizations and boosters may be tested, however, because we know that behavior and temperament can change over time, when puppies pass the CGC test, owners should have them re-tested as adults.
No Drop In
No Alternate
Class sessions are one hour for eight weeks with a maximum of 6 dogs.
Passing the Canine Good Citizen test does not make a dog a service dog or emotional support dog.
Nose Work – Advanced
Class Description:
The Advanced Nose Work class is for dog and handler teams that have experience in nose work. Dogs must be confidently working on birch, anise and clove. The focus of this class will be solid on source behavior and searching duration. We will train interiors, containers, buried, vehicles and exteriors (weather permitting)
All dogs work one at a time and will be crated when not working.
Class requirements – crate, flat buckle collar or harness, 10 foot leash and high value treats or toys.
No: choke chains, pinch collars, halti leashes, gentle leaders or flexi leashes allowed to be used during class.
Prerequisite for this class
Dogs must be confidently working on birch, anise and clove.
No Drop In
No Alternate
Class sessions are one hour for eight weeks with a maximum of 6 dogs.
Obedience 101
Class Description:
This class will show you how to teach your dog manners and basic commands, to build a better relationship with your dog and to have fun. Basic commands such as sit, down, stand, wait, come, stay and heeling on leash will be taught. Even if you don’t intend to compete in dog sports and events, it’s crucial that all dogs receive basic training, from how to walk well on leash, responding to you when distractions are present, to being comfortable with strangers.
Class requirements – 6 foot leash and high value treats or toys.
Prerequisite for this class
Dogs must be 5 months old, able to work in a class setting and be dog and people friendly.
No Drop In
No Alternate
Class sessions are one hour for eight weeks with a maximum of 6 dogs.
Rally – Novice/Intermediate
Class Description:
This class will introduce all of the novice rally signs, as well as some of the intermediate signs over the course of the 8 weeks, including techniques for performing each exercise, basic training tips as needed, and how to run a course. The instructors will cover rules and regulations that apply to rally competition. A practice novice/intermediate course (12-15 stations) will be set up to practice weekly, with emphasis on the signs taught that week (additional signs not covered yet in class may also be used but explained during the course walk-through). The instructors will add skills/signs in weekly at students’ requests
Prerequisite for this class
Basic Obedience (AKC Beginner Novice/Novice) performance required- this includes heeling on a loose leash, sit, stand, down, come to front, and returning to heel from a front position in both directions. Does not have to perfect (instructors are happy to work on improving these skills), but must have a general understanding of these commands.
Alternate and Drop in: Yes, Student must be familiar with novice/intermediate rally signs. Teaching is sequential and a new student would have missed learning signs
Class sessions are one hour for eight weeks with a maximum of 8 dogs.
Rally – Advance/Excellent
Class Description:
Advanced, Excellent, and Master level rally signs will be introduced and practiced. Heeling while backing up, moving stands, and moving downs will be among the skills taught in this class, in addition to covering the signs. This class is perfect for those still working at the novice level so that they will be able to transition to the advanced level smoothly. It is also aimed at those exhibitors that are currently working at the Advanced and Excellent levels but need more practice. There will be input on how specific signs should be executed as well as 4training tips as each team works the course. A practice advanced/excellent/masters course (12-18 stations on average) will be set up to practice weekly, with emphasis on the signs taught that week (additional signs not covered yet in class may also be used but explained during the course walk-through). The instructors will add skills/signs in weekly at students’ request
Prerequisite for this class
Students should be working at an AKC Advanced Rally level. Sit, stand, down, come with returning to heel position in both directions, stay, and heel off leash (or working towards off leash heeling).
Alternate and Drop in: Yes, Student must be familiar with advanced rally signs.
Class sessions are one hour for eight weeks with a maximum of 8 dogs.
Tricks Class
Class Description:
Young or senior, pure bred or mixed breed, any dog will enjoy trick training! Trick training is one of the best ways to build a fun, engaging, loving relationship with your dog. Dogs of any age and breed(s) can participate in tricks. During classes, a variety of reward-based training methods will be used to elicit behaviors as you work through the title levels for both Do More with Your Dog! and AKC.
Trick training not only builds your relationship with your dog, it provides much needed mental stimulation, can increase your dog’s confidence and help build your dogs self-esteem.
Prerequisite for this class
Must be able to interact in a multi dog class setting.
Alternate and Drop in: Dependent on class size. Please check with Class Registrar.
Class sessions are one hour for eight weeks with a maximum of 8 dogs.