Classes

 

Classes and/or lessons are scheduled September through June.  The summer months are too hot for training.

CLASS FEES:

CLASS LOCATION:

Class Application Class Waiver ITEMS NEEDED FOR ALL CLASSES:

1. Praise for your dog
2. Flat or rolled buckle collar
3. A 4 to 6 foot nylon or leather leash. NO chain or Flexi leashes please.
4. Favorite toy(s).
5. Treats – small, bite sized. “Special” treats such as string cheese, hot dogs, or your dinner on class night.
6. Water for Dog and Handler.
7. A HUNGRY DOG. Please do not feed your dog before class, especially if he/she is not very food motivated.
8. Imagination and willingness to HAVE FUN!

What is AGILITY? Dog agility is an interactive Team Sport between a Dog and Handler. Agility takes basic dog training to a new level of training and fun. Agility is Not taking your dog to a playground to play by themselves on equipment. In the game of agility, the handler directs the dog through an agility course comprised of a mixture of agility obstacles in a race for both time and accuracy. Dogs must be able to run off leash through the course. The Handler directs the dog by voice, movement, and various body signals, requiring exceptional training of the animal and coordination of the handler.

Agility Classes Offered

PRIVATE LESSONS: Private lessons are by appointment

CGC,  CGCA and CGCU Information – Evaluations and Pricing Per Request

CGC Classes will be offered in six week class sessions with the final class being the examination.   An additional $5 fee will be charged at the time of testing to cover test materials.  AKC will also charge an additional fee for the type of certificate or title preferred.

Skills needed to pass the basic CGC test are:

AKC® CANINE GOOD CITIZEN® PROGRAM

The CGC TEST consists of 10 skills needed by all well-mannered dogs. All of the exercises are done on a leash.

Test 1: Accepting a friendly stranger

The dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach it and speak to the handler in a natural, everyday situation.

Test 2: Sitting politely for petting

The dog will allow a friendly stranger to pet it while it is out with its handler.

Test 3: Appearance and grooming

The dog will welcome being groomed and examined and will permit someone, such as a veterinarian, groomer or friend of the owner, to do so.

Test 4: Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead)

The handler/dog team will take a short “walk” to show that the dog is in control while walking on a leash.

Test 5: Walking through a crowd

The dog and handler walk around and pass close to several people (at least three) to demonstrate that the dog can move about politely in pedestrian traffic and is under control in public places.

Test 6: Sit and down on command and Staying in place

The dog will respond to the handler’s commands to 1) sit, 2) down and will 3) remain in the place commanded by the handler (sit or down position, whichever the handler prefers).

Test 7: Coming when called

The dog will come when called by the handler. The handler will walk 10 feet from the dog, turn to face the dog, and call the dog.

Test 8: Reaction to another dog

To demonstrate that the dog can behave politely around other dogs, two handlers and their dogs approach each other from a distance of about 20 feet, stop, shake hands and exchange pleasantries, and continue on for about 10 feet.

Test 9: Reaction to distraction

To demonstrate the dog is confident when faced with common distracting situations, the evaluator will select and present two distractions. Examples of distractions include dropping a chair, rolling a crate dolly past the dog, having a jogger run in front of the dog, or dropping a crutch or cane.

Test 10: Supervised separation

This test demonstrates that a dog can be left with a trusted person, if necessary, and will maintain training and good manners. Evaluators are encouraged to say something like, “Would women you like me to watch your dog?” and then take hold of the dog’s leash. The owner will go out of sight for three minutes.

Equipment

You’ll need to bring your dog’s brush or comb to the CGC test. In the CGC test, dogs must wear a buckle collar or slip collar.

For details regarding equipment, expanded descriptions of the exercises above, and how the CGC Test is administered, see:

http://www.akc.org/events/cgc/training_testing.cfm

More information can be found about CGC, CGCA and CGCU can be found on the American Kennel Club’s website.  http://www.akc.org/dog-owners/training/canine-good-citizen/

Trick Classes

Through games and rewards, owners will learn how to teach fun tricks.  Many of the tricks double as physical fitness exercises, conditioning exercises and agility foundation skills.  Others are just for fun.  These tricks can be used for AKC CGC Trick Dog Titles.  Shaping behavior is strongly encouraged.