THE PROGRAM

A 4-level obedience training course with each level teaching different new skills and practicing previous skills. You and your dog will progress through the levels at your own pace. Each level has specific skill requirements that must be met prior to moving on to the next level. Each student will have 5 months to participate in any or all four levels. Each level meets at a different day and time. As with all our training, we use positive motivational methods to achieve great results and a happy dog.

We teach basic manners and obedience skills, silly pet tricks, good social skills, agility obstacles, Canine Good Citizen skills, and more. We play games and make class fun for you and your dog.

HOW IT WORKS

Level 1 is a six week class and you must be able to attend all 6 classes. If you miss a Level 1 class, you will be responsible for scheduling and paying for a make-up lesson so you will be ready for the next week's lessons with everyone else. Once you successfully complete Level 1, you will move up to Level 2. At this point the class becomes self-paced, working much like a gym membership. You may come as often or as little as you need to master the skills. As you pass the skills tests for each level you can move up to the next level until you have completed the program or until the end of your 5 months.

ADVANTAGES

Using the levels training program rather than the more traditional class structure has the following advantages:

1. Since all the dogs in each level are at a similar stage of training, we can better address the needs of each dog.
2. You are able to work at your own skill level for as long as necessary, not moving up until you and your dog are ready.
3. You can revisit a lower level at any time to brush up on previous skills if needed.
4. Dogs are often moving into and out of each level, providing new dogs as distractions - just like in real life.
5. Once you are in Level 2, if you find that a week or two off is unavoidable, it can be taken without the frustration of feeling that you have fallen behind since you can return at the same point you left.
6. Even after completing Level 4, you can continue training at any level for as long as desired up to the end of the five month period.

Once you are enrolled in classes you may practice on the field anytime there is not a scheduled activity. Field hours are from dawn to 10pm. Please remember to potty dogs before allowing them to run and play on the training field. Please also pick up after your dog.

METHODS

Our training methods are based on positive motivation, utilizing games, toys, treats, petting, and praise to make training fun and successful. This type of training focuses on teaching and rewarding correct behavior rather than on punishing bad behavior. This build a relationship based on trust and cooperation. These methods are effective for puppies as well as adult dogs, bold dogs and shy dogs, large dogs and small dogs. We welcome mixed breeds as well as purebred dogs. You will need to bring treats and toys to class to reward your dog for trying new things!

GROUP CLASSES OR PRIVATE LESSONS?

Group classes are great for most dogs. Classes have built in distractions and you can learn by watching others working with their dogs. Having several dogs in class allows us to play group games like tic-tac-toe and musical chairs for a fun way of reinforcing the lessons. However, if you prefer one on one training with an instructor, cannot attend at the normal class time, or just have 1 or 2 issues you'd like to work on, we offer private lessons tailored to your specific needs.