Register for a Class

Basic Training Additional Fun Conformation Obedience/Rally Competition

 

All classes and drop-in sessions are one-hour in duration unless otherwise noted. All dogs must be 5 months or older with the exception of puppy and conformation classes. Verification of current rabies vaccination is required.

Basic Training

Puppy Kindergarten

8 Week Class for $100

This is for the little ones, ages 3 to 5 months. Puppies must have vaccinations appropriate for their age. Class content includes: confidence building, leash manners, introduction to basic commands and answers to basic puppy questions. Puppies learn how to behave in the presence of other dogs. Puppy class does not include “puppy playtime”. A puppy information booklet is included in the cost of the class. Please Note: Students should not bring their puppies to the first Puppy Kindergarten class session. Please bring a mat for you and your puppy to work on and a supply of treats to class.

Beginning

8 Week Class for $90

Prerequisite: Dogs must be 5 months of age or older.

This class includes the introduction and practical application of basic commands. We help you to understand your dog and resolve problem behaviors. Class content includes: focus (dog’s attention focused on you), sit, down, stand, greeting people with a well mannered dog, “let’s go” for casual walks and an introduction to heeling on leash. The class emphases is on applying what is learned to real life so that you have a well–behaved pet that you can enjoy. Please Note: Students should not bring their dogs to the first Beginning class session.

Beginning Review

4 Week Class for $50

Prerequisite: Beginning or equivalent.

Review and practice the techniques taught in the Beginning class, including: focus (dog’s attention focused on you), sit, down, stand, greeting people with a well mannered dog, “let’s go” for casual walks and heeling on leash. The class will progress at the pace of the student’s skill and interest. Dogs are to attend all of the class sessions.

Intermediate

Starting January 9th, 2012 this class will change to a 6 week format; 6 weeks for $70

Prerequisite: Beginning or equivalent.

This class works on improving the dog’s response to commands, moving the dog and handler to the next level of skill and understanding. Off lead work is introduced for dogs that are ready. This is a structured class that builds teamwork between the dog and the handler. This class follows Beginning but it is also an excellent class for the dog and handler that have been away from training and need to brush up on their skills.

Advanced Drop-In

Drop-in classes do not require pre-registration. Non-members: $10; Members $8

Prerequisite: Intermediate or equivalent.

This group class covers a variety of Novice and Open exercises with distractions. The class focuses on knowledge necessary for obedience competition at the novice level. This class is for handlers and dogs that wish to maintain existing skills and commands. Includes on and off lead work and introduces some advanced training concepts. This is also a good class for the average pet owner that wants to continue doing fun things with their dog. It will help maintain the skills taught in Beginning and Intermediate.

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Additional Fun

Fronts, Focus And Finishes

4 Week Class for $50

Prerequisite: Intermediate or equivalent.

Attention (focus) is the corner stone of obedience and training. It is particularly important for fronts and finishes. This class will focus on improving each dog’s existing performance. Various techniques will be used to increase the dog’s focus while working as well as the dog’s understanding and performance of fronts and finishes. There will be emphasis on achieving these goals while maintaining a good working attitude in the dog. This class will help improve your dog’s performance in competition events.

Clicker Training

8 Week Class for $95

Prerequisite: Beginning or equivalent.

This is an introduction to the world of clicker training. Have you ever wondered how they train whales and dolphins to do all of those fancy tricks? This class will help you to understand that and learn how to apply it to training your dog. Clicker training can be used to shape behaviors for a variety of activities including basic and advanced obedience. It is also a fun way to teach tricks to your dog. You will learn how to apply basic clicker training concepts. “Targeting” is taught as a foundation exercise.

Jump Training

8 Week Class for $90

Prerequisite: Handler must have basic off leash control of their dog. Dogs must have a solid “come” command since we will be doing work off lead.

This class will give your dog the practice it needs to jump safely. The dog learns how to gauge varying jump heights and angles safely. Dogs learn to be aware of their footing, take–off distances and taking cues from the handler as they negotiate the jump line. This is an excellent first class for people planning on agility competition and for dogs that will go into advanced obedience competition (i.e. Open and Utility). This is also a good class for people looking for a fun activity for their dog.

CGC Class

8 Week Class for $90

Prerequisite: Beginning or equivalent skills.

No dogs on the first night of class.

The CGC class teaches you the skills that you and your dog need to demonstrate good manners. The class will break down the ten areas of the American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizenship test so that you and your dog can gain the skills and confidence needed for the test. The CGC test is not part of the class but is offered bimonthly on Sundays at our clubhouse. The class focuses directly on all ten-test items that comprise the test. Be sure to visit the AKC website and download the CGC Participant Guide, which will give you details of the test.

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CGC Testing

This is not a class. It is a skills test. $10 testing fee

Prerequisite: Beginning or equivalent skills.

Our Beginning classes and our new CGC Class prepare you for the AKC Canine Good Citizenship test. Administration and certification of the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen test is done by certified testers at our training building. The Canine Good Citizen Program rewards responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test may receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club. We offer the CGC test approximately every two months. Check the schedule on the calendar for the next test date. Additional information on the CGC can be found at the AKC website.

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Conformation

Provides an atmosphere in which to practice and perfect your show techniques, to receive feedback on performance and to allow your dog to become familiar with the show environment. Exposes your dog to a variety of other breeds and provides socialization that is needed in the show world. All conformation drop-in sessions are one-hour in duration.

Conformation Drop-In

Drop-in classes do not require pre-registration. Non-members: $10; Members $8

Prerequisite: None.

3 months and older. This drop–in session covers all of the skills required for presenting your dog to its best advantage in the conformation ring, including basic ring procedure, handling techniques, and socialization. Provides an atmosphere in which your dog can learn to be well behaved in close proximity to other dogs. Both registered breed and mixed breed dogs are welcome. Practice rings are provided where mock judges go over dogs individually. Instruction includes how to stack your dog, perform out–and–back patterns, triangle patterns, go–around patterns, etc. Includes table and platform judging.

Conformation: New Exhibitors

8 Weeks for $95

Prerequisite: None.

This class is for dogs 3 months and older. This class provides basic instruction on how to show a dog in conformation. It covers how to locate dog shows, how to fill out entry forms, how to present your dog, basic ring procedures, what to expect from judges, and various handling techniques. This class is only offered a few times each year depending on demand.

Grooming and Handling

4 Weeks for $55

Prerequisite: None.

Learn how to get your dog to love being groomed (including having his or her toenails done). Now you too can clip nails, brush, clip, bathe, and blow dry your dog without having to fight with them (except to keep them off the grooming table). Learn which brushes to use for your dog’s coat along with the techniques to make your dog look it’s best. Instructor, Melinda Grosch, was a professional dog groomer for 5 years in a very busy grooming shop.

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Obedience/Rally Competition

Attention, Heeling And Stays

4 Week Class for $50

Prerequisite: Basic knowledge of the commands heel, sit and come.

Heeling is the foundation exercise in all of the competitive obedience and rally classes. Excellent heeling requires excellent attention on the part of the dog. This class focuses on improving the dog’s overall attention; using this improved attention to fine tune heeling skills. The class also works to build reliability on the sit and down stay exercises.

AKC OPT Beginning Novice Introduction

4 Week Class for $50

Prerequisite: Basic knowledge of the commands heel, sit and come.

Introduction. This is an introduction to the AKC Optional Titling Class – Beginner Novice. The class will familiarize the student with what is allowed on the various exercises, specifically how they differ from the standard AKC Novice class. Exercises include: Heel on Leash (with rally signs), Figure 8, Sit for Exam, Sit Stay and the Recall.

AKC OPT Graduate Novice Introduction

4 Week Class for $50

Prerequisite: Basic knowledge of the commands heel, sit, down and come.

This is an introduction to the AKC Optional Titling Class – Graduate Novice. The class will familiarize the student with the exercises and requirements for showing for this title. Jumps and the dumbbell hold will be worked on in class but the dog should already be familiar with the basic concepts. Exercises include: Heel on lead, Off Lead Figure 8 , Drop On Recall, Dumbbell Recall, Recall Over the High Jump, Recall Over the Broad Jump and the 3 minute out of sight Long Down.

AKC OPT Graduate Open Introduction

4 Week Class for $50

Prerequisite:Basic knowledge of the Novice and Open exercises as defined by AKC. Scent discrimination will be worked on in class but the dog should already be familiar with the basic concept.

This is an introduction to the AKC Optional Titling Class – Graduate Open. The class will familiarize the student with the exercises and requirements for showing in this class. Scent discrimination will be worked on in class but the dog should already be familiar with the basic concept. Handlers need to bring three white work gloves (cotton preferred) to class along with scent articles that meet AKC requirements. Contact the instructor prior to the first night if you have questions regarding this.

Open/Utility Proofing

4 Week Class for $50

Prerequisite: Dogs need to be solid on basic Novice exercises. Handlers and dogs should already be familiar with Open or Utility level exercises.

This is a skills practice class. Group stays will be performed during the class. The instructor will provide feedback for polishing and problem solving on exercises as needed. It is the student’s choice as to what exercises they want to work on. The distractions of other dogs working a variety of exercises at the same time mimics some of the situations found when showing your dog. Stations will be set up for individual practice.

Introduction To Utility

4 Week Class for $50

Prerequisite: Dogs need to be solid on basic Novice exercises. Dogs need to have a solid open retrieve and have been introduced to the Open level jumps. Dogs do not need to have a CD or CDX.

This class will give you a taste of Utility. The first steps for each Utility exercise will be taught. Handlers need to bring scent articles with them for the first class. The instructor may be contacted ahead of time if you need information on where to get them or what size to have. Because this class is only four weeks it is important that the scent articles be available the first night. Handlers also need to bring three white work gloves (cotton preferred), size appropriate to their dog.

Rally 1

8 Week Class for $90

Prerequisite: Intermediate or equivalent.

This class introduces all of the novice rally signs giving information on techniques for executing each exercise, how to run a course and basic training tips as needed. The instructor will cover rules and regulations that apply to rally competition. Novice rally courses will be set up for practice.

Rally 2

8 Week Class for $90

Prerequisite: Rally I or equivalent.

Advanced and Excellent level rally signs will be introduced and practiced. This class is excellent for those still working at the novice level so that they will be able to transition to the advanced level smoothly. It is also aimed at those exhibitors that are currently working at the Advanced and Excellent levels but need more practice. There will be input on how specific signs should be executed as well as training tips as each team works the course.

Rally Drop-In

Drop-in classes do not require pre-registration. Non-members: $10; Members $8

Prerequisite: Rally I or equivalent.

The drop-in fee allows you three course run–throughs . Course stations are varied from week to week. The duration of this drop–in session varies depending on the number of participants on any given night.

Obedience Show Prep Drop-In

Drop-in classes do not require pre-registration but you may pre-register to guarantee your time slot. Pre-registration contact info is included on the schedule calendar. Non-members: $10; Members $8

Each individual receives 15 minutes of focused (one–on–one) attention from the instructor to learn, correct, or improve obedience exercises. Ring experience is provided at all levels. Your time may be used to: introduce Novice, Open or Utility exercises as needed, problem solve or maintain existing exercises. This class consists of individual “run–throughs” conducted at the individual’s level of training. There is also a warm–up area where students can work on specific areas of need. This is a 15–minute class (per individual).

Agility 1

4 Week Class for $50

6 Week Class for $70

Prerequisite: Handler must have basic off leash control of their dog. Dogs must have a solid “come” command. Dogs need to be able to focus with other dogs present.

This class is a fun activity for both dogs and handlers and a great confidence builder for the dog. This class involves learning fundamental skills for training agility and an introduction to agility equipment. Dogs should have buckle collars and a 5—6 foot leash. Owners need to bring lots of small soft treats. Please be prepared to help set up and put away the agility equipment.

Agility 2

4 Week Class for $50

6 Week Class for $70

Prerequisite: Agility 1 or equivalent skills.

This class builds on the foundation learned in the Agility 1 class. It includes sequencing obstacles, learning to “walk the course” and basic handling techniques. Please be prepared to help set up and put away agility equipment.

Agility Drop-In

Drop-in classes do not require pre-registration. Non-members: $10; Members $8

Prerequisite: Agility I or equivalent.

Beginners enrolled in the Agility Class I are encouraged to come for practice. Advanced participants should be considerate of the beginners. An instructor will be present to assist. All participants are required to help set up and put away equipment.

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887 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa CA 95407 — 707-544-7479