General Group Session Information:
Class size is limited to 10 (ten) dogs to maintain individual attention, with the exception of Agility, and Animal Assisted Activities/Therapy - those classes have a smaller class size.
Classes meet 1 time per week, on the same day each week. Class duration varies depending upon the class. Please note that with few exceptions, the last session includes a patterned test where you and your dog will “test out” of the class with a score.
All household members are welcome to attend each session. Training success is greatly increased when all household members are “on the same page,” are consistent with regard to commands and expectations and work together while training. Children are welcome and must remain with their family during the entire session.
All dogs are required to be current on DA2PPv. Dogs must be examined an provide proof of a negative fecal within the last 30 days. Flea & Tick protection is highly recommended. Females in heat may attend class unless they are in standing heat (it is our expectation that you know what standing heat is if you have an intact female), females in heat WILL be marked with chalk at the beginning of class so other participants can easily identify. Proof of vaccinations and negative fecal results must be received 1 week prior to the beginning of the class schedule.
G.R.E.A.T. S.T.A.R.T.: Offered as a SEMINAR or meeting for 4 weeks. Classes specifically designed for children to increase their handling skills with the dogs they live with. This class is HIGHLY recommended for any child that has friends over to play while their dog is loose in the house and for children that take their dog places with them.
AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program: 6 week course - no pups week 1. Designed to get owners and their puppies off to a great start. Owners are required to attend a basic training course with their puppy, you and your puppy will be evaluated throughout the training class to achieve the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Award. This class is open to ALL puppies (purebred & mix) under the age of 1 year. S.T.A.R. is an acronym for Socialization, Training, Activity, and Responsible owner.
“We just completed the basic obedience 1 class and I am very happy with the techniques used and the experience as a whole. My dog and I have learned a lot together while in this class. We have become more than companions we are now a team! I never imagined that we would be so in tune with each other after this one training program. We actually understand each other now. I truly feel confident and comfortable taking my dog out in public. We will be participating in the basic obedience 2 class in the spring.”
- The Black’s, Fennville, MI
AKC Canine Good Citizen Training & Evaluations: 6 week course. In 1989 the American Kennel Club started the CGC as a means of rewarding dogs who were well-behaved companions at home and in the community. The key component of the CGC Program is a 10-step evaluation. We offer the evaluation as well as the class to prepare your dog for the CGC evaluation.
Basic-O 1, 2, & OTT: 7 week course with the last class being 1 1/2 hours to afford testing. The basis of Formal Obedience includes: heel, sit, stay, down, come, sit-stay, down-stay and properly finishing your dog. As your team progresses, distractions will be utilized to solidify the commands. Without obedience work, dogs are lost, or even worse, unreliable when directions are given. Trust is the basis of a great relationship, without trust, nothing further can be accomplished. In this class you will learn formal obedience commands and techniques as well as learn to trust your dog.
Advanced-O: 6 week course meeting for 1 1/2 hours per week. This class is available once you have finished Basic-O and are ready to further your handling skills and increase your dogs training. Here you learn heel off leash, moving sit, moving down, retrieve on flat ground, go out, down under distractions and interactive games. Who needs advanced obedience? Anyone who: takes their dogs to family and/or public events; wants to step out of the 90% category; needs a reliable companion under all circumstances. Advanced-O is necessary for sport and show dogs, therapy and service work, protection and other dog competitors. Certification in advanced obedience training transfers to strong levels of reliability in dogs’ behavior in new or unusual situations.
Tricks-N-More: 5 week course. This is a great course for “kids” of all ages (yes we include adults). You and your dog will learn a variety of unique tricks and games. Our instructors goal is to efficiently, effectively teach you how to work with your best friend quickly and accurately. This is a fun way to bond with your companion and reduce his/her boredom. It is also a great way for kids to become involved in training, outstanding for dogs working toward or certified in therapy work.
Alert Dog Training: This class is to train you and your dog how to work together and fend off a threat upon the handler. Alert Dog provides a sense of security to families, singles and parents especially during these uncertain times. Only available to “CLUB” members.
Beginning Tracking: This class is intended to “start” your dog on ground tracking. You will learn to start a track, how to work your dog on a track and experience the excitement of locating what you are looking for! This class is open to ALL dogs who have passed the tracking instinct test, have mastered Basic-O, and is an outstanding starting point for SAR, Gaming, or Schutzhund prospects.
Agility: This class is available to those seeking a “good time”. Dogs/handler teams must show that they are “under control”, dogs must have a solid recall and a “good attitude”. This class is not intended to prepare you for competition agility, it is intended to give you and your dog further training AND something fun, exciting and an outlet for the energy they need to spend. This class meets once a week for 2 hours for 5 weeks.
Intro to Animal Assisted Activities/Therapy: This class is designed to prepare the human/dog team for certification with Delta/TDI. You and your dog will learn how to work with wheelchairs, walkers and prepare for other situations that often occur when taking an animal into nursing homes, hospitals and other unique environments. This class meets once a week for 1 hour for 6 weeks.
AKC is now offering the Therapy Dog Title and we will be gearing up to begin training for this in Winter 2011. Email us to receive notifications for this and other classes being offered.
Advanced Tracking: This class is intended for those determined folks who are looking to title their dogs in tracking. This is a MAJOR time commitment and you will need to track at least 5 days of the week outside of class. If you are planning to take this class and continue training in SAR work, there are many other requirements you must meet, we will provide you with this information during the class. Advanced Tracking meets once a week for 2 hours for 5 weeks
Private Training
12 Session Package: $350.00 - included: Evaluation, 12 sessions of private training - then all additional classes at $5.00/hour for 3 years AND Club Membership. Does not apply to aggressive dogs, service dog training or major behavior modification.
Basic-O: $150.00 - available on an individual basis. Please note that the object of both of these “private training’s” is to work with you and your dog and achieve a level that will prepare you to join in our group class OR complete in home training. Private training REQUIRES an evaluation. Private training is available on a per session basis OR as a “part” of a training plan.
Behavior Modification: this highly specialized training is available following an evaluation. We will work with you and your dog through issues ranging from anxiety and obsessions to aggression and destruction. If your dog has shown aggression with or bitten ANY person or animal, you need to seek professional intervention immediately.
Service Dog Training: specialized training for service dogs (dogs who assist the hearing impaired, blind, & physical assistance dogs). We evaluate and train “green” dogs are well as provide refresher or continuing education for dogs already in working homes. Typically speaking, we do not engage in “clicker training” with service dogs, as the clicker does not provide for a highly reliable dog. If your dog has been trained in clicker, we can and will work in that format, it is simply NOT our preference.
In home private training is also available - please contact us for an evaluation & a custom built training plan.
