This is a 6 week class, designed for puppies 16 weeks or older,  that allows you to have fun while teaching your dog to listen and be proud of their behavior.  

Core Behaviors Upon Graduation:

• Sit

• Down

• Come

• Stay

• Walk politely on a leash

• Leave it

Your dog will learn how to handle the distraction of other people and animals.  I believe in a positive, reward style technique that will be the foundation that your relationship with your fur baby will be built upon.

Class Requirements:

• Dogs must pass a brief readiness evaluation

• Must be current on all vaccinations

• Keep your dog on a short leash and 6’ of space from other dogs

• Collar or harness (if your dog pulls, I recommend a front attach harness), 4’-6’ nylon, rope, or leather leash.  No retractable leashes please.

• Treat pouch (preferably on a belt) and 100+ tiny pieces of treats.  

• Tennis shoes (for the human, not puppy)  

This 6 week class picks up where Mind Your Manners left off.  All the behaviors are trained at a higher level of proficiency and will increase the calm in exciting situations.  Upon completion of this level your dog will graduate with the ability to :

• Greet people politely

• Recall to you even when distracted

• Focused walking technique

• Be more focus on you, even in new settings with strangers

• Reducing the amount of treat rewards to produce a desired outcome.

We recommend this class as soon as you both graduate from Mind Your Manners.   Requirements for this class are the same as our Mind Your Manners class.  A readiness evaluation is only required if there was a long gap between classes.

This 6 week class is the last stepping stone to paving your way to the Canine Good Citizens training and testing.  In this class you will be taking your skills as a trainer and pet partner to a whole new level! You will be eliminating the use of treats and introducing the clicker to teach the skills in this training class.

In this class you will be taking your learned behaviors to a whole new level by adding in challenging new environments. We will be doing a lot of work outside the “classroom” and will be meeting at new locations weekly.  Attendance is crucial to the successful completion of this class.

Upon graduation you will feel confident in your dogs reliability to behave in exciting, distractive, and challenging situations and environments.  

Class Requirements:

• Successful graduation of Good Manners (if there is a gap between classes a readiness assessment will be required)

• 4’-6’ leash, collar, or harness

• Clicker tool

• Tennis shoes

• Current on all vaccinations

This class is open to both pure breed and mixed breed dogs at are at least 1 years old.  This program was designed to recognize dogs that have good manners at home and in the community.  All dogs that pass the CGC test will receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club.  Upon successful completion of the CGC test, the evaluator will give you the paperwork to send in to AKC to request the certificate.   The Good Citizen class is a two-part class.  The first portion of this class will be to ensure that all behaviors that are tested to qualify are refined and the second portion of this session will be the actual CGC test.  ***Some therapy dog groups require passing the CGC test as a prerequisite and an increasing number of apartments and condos are requiring CGC training for resident dogs.***

Class Requirements:

• Successful completion of the Good Manners Class, Intermediate Obedience, or a Private Lesson Package (if training was completed by another entity or there is a gap between classes, a readiness assessment will be required).

• Proof of Rabies, DHLLPP/DA2P, and Bordetella from a veterinary office.

• Classes are of limited size to ensure personalized attention to each team.

• 4’-6’ Leash (non-retractable only)

• Buckle collar or slip collar

Equipment needs for CGC Testing:

• Dog’s comb or brush

• 4’-6’ Leash (non-retractable only)

• Buckle collar or slip collar

CGC Behaviors that will be taught during the training course and tested on for the CGC certificate:

1. Accepting a friendly stranger - allow stranger to approach and speak to the handler in a natural situation.

2. Sitting politely for petting - allow a stranger to pet the dog when it is out with it’s handler.

3. Appearance and grooming - welcome being groomed and examined by the handler and a stranger, such a veterinarian or friend of the handler.

4. Walking on a loose lead - handler and dog will take a short walk to exhibit that the dog handler is in control while walking on a leash.

5. Walking through a crowd - walk around a pass (closely) at least 3 people to demonstrate that the dog can maneuver politely in pedestrian traffic and that the handler is in control in public places.

6. Sit and down on command & staying in place

   Dog must respond to:

   • Sit command

   • Down command

   • Remain in the place commanded by the handler.

7. Coming when called - handler will walk 10 feet a way, turn to face the dog, and call the dog.

8. Reaction to another dog - demonstrate the dog can behave politely around other dogs.

9. Reaction to distraction - demonstrate that the dog is confident when faced with common distracting situations.

10. Supervised separation - demonstrate that the dog can be left with a trusted person and will maintain training and good manners.

***Test dates will be given at the start of the session.***

What exactly is a Therapy Dog team?

They are a team that are able to volunteer at facilities such as schools, hospitals, and nursing homes. They work together to improve the lives of other people. They are NOT service dogs. Service dogs are specially trained to perform specific tasks to help a person with a disability.

This 3 part training course will include:

Part 1:

• Advanced socialization, obedience, and an understanding of how to interact with people of all ages.

• Gain an understanding of proper etiquette so they can interact with people in a calm, safe manner.

• Ensure that the Therapy Team is comfortable and therapy sessions go smoothly.

Part 2:

• A test conducted to assess your dog’s basic good manners, demeanor, and handling skills.

Part 3:

• Supervised by tester/observer during three visits with residents of a medical facility.  ***Upon successful completion of these visits and submission of your application paperwork, you and your dog may become a Therapy Team!!***

Class Requirements:

• Successful completion of the Canine Good Citizens Class.

• Proof of Rabies, DHLLPP/DA2P, and Bordetella from a veterinary office.

• Classes are of limited size to ensure personalized attention to each team.

• 4’-6’ Leash (non-retractable only)

• Buckle collar or slip collar