Classes

Puppy class is for dogs from 10 weeks up to 20 weeks old with at least two rounds of Puppy vaccinations and Veterinarian approval.  At a pace suitable for very young dogs, we teach sit, touch, down, release, come, leave it, stay, wait, leash walking and heel. We also address issues like housetraining, nipping, chewing and jumping up.

Beginner class is for dogs 5 months of age and older with no previous training. With a focus on adolescent behavior, we teach sit, touch, down, release, come, leave it, stay, wait, leash walking and heel. We also address issues like barking, jumping and other bad habits.

Intermediate class is for dogs that have completed Puppy or Beginner class or equivalent training by evaluation.  We strengthen the lessons learned in the previous level to increase reliability at a distance, with distraction and for longer durations.  Skills trained including heeling, go to your bed, stand stay.  Goals include a long sit stay and down stay and a group stay. 
 

Intermediate II class is for dogs that have completed the Intermediate class.  With an emphasis on heeling, we strengthen the skills taught in the previous level in the context of a fun sport called Rally Obedience.  Station signs are set up to create a course the dog and handler team must navigate with a focus on accuracy and speed.  For more information on Rally Obedience go here.
 


Advanced
class is a Canine Good Citizen prep class for dogs that have completed Intermediate Class or by evaluation. This class focuses on the application a previously learned skills and a demonstration of those skills in a more practical context. The Canine Good Citizen Exam is a ten part test that requires your dog to demonstrate good behavior in public. Your must demonstrate that it can sit politely for petting and accept handling from a stranger. It must walk politely and on a loose lead through a crowd. It must obey basic commands and come when called. It must must not panic when there are reasonable distractions or if it is left with its handler out of sight for a minimum of three minutes. (For more information aboutthe CGC exam look here, at the AKC website.)The Canine Good Citizen Exam is not required to graduate but is included with the class.

Upon completion of the Advanced class, your dog will receive its Diploma from the PetSmart Training Program.