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In Beginners, owners will learn to capture & hold their dog's attention with the exercise Attention, Please! This simple sounding skill will set the foundation for everything else they need to learn. Initially, we start with the most basic behaviors of walking on a loose leash, coming when called, sit, stand, and down. As the weeks progress, owners learn to teach their dogs to stay, "leave it" and how to properly greet people (not jumping up!). We have also started working on training dogs not to bolt through doorways. Each group Beginners course has a lead instructor and an assistant to ensure individual attention. Behaviors are taught and practiced in class, then students leave with homework sheets which guide them through the essential practices throughout the week. Of course, dogs are brought to each class. We also encourage other family members to attend class, as well. We have plenty of seats and children are welcome as long as they are able to sit quietly through the one hour class. With the new methods we are teaching, the exercises at home can & should be practiced by all family members so that the dog learns in a consistent way and will respond to them all. A new Beginners course starts approximately every 3 weeks. For more information on scheduling, please visit our Course Schedule and Calendar pages.
The Level 2 class is for owners who desire more responsiveness in their dogs than is possible in a 6 week Beginners course. At this level, we teach the dogs to be more precise and solid in their behaviors. Much greater attention in given to increasing the training skills of the owners, as well! Each group Level 2 course has a lead instructor and an assistant to ensure individual attention. There is great emphasis on distraction training - giving the dogs the confidence to respond to owner signals even when much more exciting things are happening (in the park? company?). Level 2 is also the next step for owners interested in eventually competing with their dogs in any dog sport. All of the exercises that are required in order for a dog to earn a Canine Good Citizen certificate through the AKC (available for mixed breeds as well as purebreds) are covered in class. Politely greeting a stranger, allowing a stranger to gently brush, then examine ears and paws, remaining in control in a crowd, not chasing a jogger, etc., are covered by the end of the course. We have also added the very basics of several of the exercises for Canine Musical Freestyle which are great fun. The last class is always the most popular - Games Night! A new Level 2 course starts approximately every 4 months. For more information on scheduling, please visit our Course Schedule and Calendar pages. Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Prep
Owners and dogs in this course will build upon their earlier training as they prepare to take the AKC's Canine Good Citizen test. They will gain confidence and skill as they brush up on some beginner behaviors and polish behaviors from Level 2. The CGC test will be given on the last night of class (owners whose dogs pass the test will be given the paperwork to send to the AKC to receive their official certificate). Dogs do NOT need to be registered with the AKC, and mixed breeds are welcome! Private lessons are available on a limited basis for those whose puppies are younger than 12 weeks or who are seeking help with specific issues. The lessons are held in your home (most often), our homes, or the training facility (depending on needs & driving distance). The lessons are $75 each, and we will customize what we teach to your needs. Please contact Susan (for lessons in Pennsylvania & northern Delaware) or Mary (for lessons in Delaware) or if you have any questions or would like to schedule a lesson or two.
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