Puppy Kindergarten

Puppy Kindergarten is a program aimed at creating well-socialized, well-mannered, happy companion dogs through early intervention. In Puppy Kindergarten, owners learn the basics of responsible ownership, how to socialize their puppies safely, how to teach basic commands and manners, and how to deal with the myriad of puppy issues such as attention, self control, house training, chewing, biting, etc. Puppies get positive exposure to people and other puppies in an environment that is safe and FUN! Our experienced instructors help identify and solve issues before they become habits. Only dog friendly positive reward based training methods are used.

This class will be taught by an AKC approved CGC Evaluator, if you and your puppy attend all 6 weeks of class your puppy may test to become an AKC S.T.A.R. PUPPY!

Please do not feed your puppy dinner before class. Bring a 6 foot leash and flat collar or harness fitted to your puppy. Proof of at least the first round of vaccinations is required for puppies under 12 weeks. All puppies must be current on their vaccinations. Bring soft treats like cut up plain meats or cheese for rewarding your pup, bring some water and a bowl. (A drink for your self too, if it is hot outside.) Bring bags for potty clean ups and some paper towels in case of an accident. Dog Handlers should wear sneakers or walking shoes.

Beginner Obedience

6 weekly one hour lessons

This is the foundation class in home obedience for dogs that are six months of age and older. It focuses on teaching you to train your dog. The emphasis of this course is on the basics that help your dog to become a better companion.

You will learn how to teach your dog to:

·         give you their attention

·         walk on a loose lead

·         sit

·         stand

·         down

·         stay in position

·         go to their place

·         and to come when to you when called

 Information on dog care and house manners problem solving are also discussed in the training sessions. We use positive reinforcement reward based training, as well as the appropriate (NOT harsh) corrections.  

Dog vaccination record and a current rabies tag is required the first night of class. Do not feed your dog before class. Each dog will need a buckle collar, head collar or harness and a 6 foot leash. NO flexi leads.  Bring small soft treats like cut up meat or cheese, a bowl and water for your dog. (A drink for yourself too, if the weather is warm) and a towel or bathmat. Don’t forget clean up supplies (plastic bags and paper towels)

"We give dogs time we can spare, space we can spare and love we can spare. And in return, dogs give us their all. It's the best deal man has ever made."
-M. Acklam

Canine Good Citizen training & testing

6 weeks of one hour classes prepare you and your dog.

The Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program, established in 1989, is an American Kennel Club program to promote responsible dog ownership and to encourage the training of well-mannered dogs. All dogs are eligible pure and mixed breeds. At the end of the 6 week class, the dog and handler team will take a short behavioral evaluation of less than half an hour; dogs who pass the evaluation earn the Canine Good Citizen certificate. The evaluation consists of ten objectives.

Test items include:

• Accepting a friendly stranger.
• Sitting politely for petting.
• Allowing basic grooming procedures.
• Walking on a loose lead.
• Walking through a crowd.
• Sitting and lying down on command and staying in place.
• Coming when called.
• Reacting appropriately to another dog.
• Reacting appropriately to distractions.
• Calmly enduring supervised separation from the owner.

If all ten objectives are met, the handler can apply for a certificate and special dog tag from the AKC stating that the dog has earned the CGC.

Dogs do not have to be registered with the AKC to earn a CGC, nor do they have to be purebred or, in fact, registered with any canine organization. The goal is to promote good citizenship for all dogs.

Since its inception, the CGC program has become the model for similar programs around the world, is the backbone of other exams, such as those given for therapy dogs, and is a good starting point for more advanced dog training.

"We give dogs time we can spare, space we can spare and love we can spare. And in return, dogs give us their all. It's the best deal man has ever made."
-M. Acklam