Family Dog Manners I
Cost: $120
6 one-hour class sessions PREREQUISITE: PREP Class Go to list of all courses to learn more about prerequisite class(es)
Do you want a dog who fits comfortably into family life? The basic behaviors a family dog needs are coming when called and polite greetings (no jumping up), as well as focus/look at me, sit, down, leave it, kennel (or bed), and calm loose leash walking. We will work on remembering our manners when the doorbell rings or another dog approaches on a walk! Our beloved dogs need to behave politely in the kitchen, training class, and in “real life” situations. In Family Dog Manners I, you will learn how to train these 8 useful behaviors and begin practicing them with distractions inside our comfortable facilities. This fun, active class uses positive reinforcement methods to build trust and respect, so you and your dog become a true team.
Special Notes: We can not accept dog aggressive or human aggressive dogs in Family Dog Manners classes. Please contact us for more information if you are dealing with these situations.
This class is best suited for: Any dog who needs to learn some useful manners to make life in the human world more pleasant for everyone. Whether your dog lives in a family of 1 or a family of 10, good basic skills are a must for any dog to be free to go out and about with their family and be welcomed. Family Dog Manners I can help.
Min/Max Enrollment: 4/8
Bring the Following to Class
- Flat buckle collar or harness or head halter
- 4-6 foot leash
- Water and water dish
- Comfortable mat or dog bed or dog’s kennel
- MANY small tasty treats like tiny pieces of hotdogs, cheese, a tasty breakfast cereal, etc.
- Pouch or deep pockets for easy access to treats (fast, easy access is important)
- Clicker
You will learn:
- to build attention/value for yourself. All learning starts with attention – when your dog is paying attention to you, you can train her/him. Without attention, you can’t.
- to structure a learning situation to maximize success with positive reinforcement.
- to mark the behaviors you want your dog to repeat, and reinforce on time
- to teach the important basic commands of sit, down, and leave it and practice around distractions.
- to build and reinforce the first stages of a happy, reliable recall (come when called).
- to use multiple methods of getting your dog to use polite, safe greetings with humans.
- to teach and reinforce calm, loose leash walking.
Your Dog will learn:
- to pay close attention to you
- to sit, down, and leave it in the presence of mild distractions
- to go happily to her/his kennel or bed and remain there
- the first stages of a truly reliable recall
- to greet humans with all four paws on the floor
- the first level of calm walking on a loose leash