Classes >> Family Dog Program

Our family dog program provides a variety of classes all designed to bring out the very best in your family pet. These classes also are the foundation for our competition programs and for other activities you may want to pursue with your dog. Our classes are taught using the most up to date in positive reinforcement techniques. Scroll down for our entire listing and class schedules.

• Family Dog I
• Puppy Kindergarten
• Family Dog II
• Family Dog Fun
• Agility Ability
• CGC Prep Class

Family Dog I

Family Dog I is an introductory class for dogs of all ages that are just beginning training. You will learn to teach your dog to pay attention when asked, greet politely, come when called, walk on a loose leash and lie down and stay. Management skills, socialization and problem solving will also be stressed. Classes are small in size, fun for you and your dog and very effective.

Attendance is required at the first class. It is an informative seminar and dogs DO NOT attend. You will receive all handouts and reading material at this class. You will also have several easy, but important, homework assignments.

Fee: $175.00 for 8 one hour classes.  Classes meet once a week.

In addition to our regular Family Dog I classes we also offer Family Dog I classes geared specifically towards small dogs 25 lbs and under! Please call the office for information on the small dog classes.

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Puppy Kindergarten

Puppy Kindergarten is an introductory class for puppies under 16 weeks at the start of class. This class teaches many of the same skills that are taught in Family Dog I with more emphasis placed on puppy behaviors like inappropriate mouthing and biting as well as house training advice. Classes are small in size, fun for you and your puppy and very effective.

Attendance is required at the first class. It is an informative seminar and puppies DO NOT attend. You will receive all handouts and reading material at this class. You will also have several important homework assignments.

Fee: $175.00 for 8 one hour classes.  Classes meet once a week.

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Family Dog II

Family Dog II builds on what you and your dog already have learned. This class is the next step for those who have successfully completed either a Family Dog I or Puppy Kindergarten class with us. It would also be appropriate for clients from other programs with a firm understanding of positive reinforcement training techniques. Placement of students from other programs will be contingent on evaluation by the instructor.

In this class your dog will learn to respond reliably during exposure to increasing distractions. You will take the next step in teaching the Really Reliable Recall and you will prepare your dog to earn the title of Canine Good Citizen. You will learn to teach your dog to respond to signals at a distance, you’ll be introduced to the sports of agility and rally and you will teach tricks and play games.

After successfully completing Family Dog II, you and your dog have the skills necessary to participate in any of the programs offered at Tails. This includes agility, competition obedience, rally obedience, therapy dog training, freestyle dance and flyball. You can also continue on in the Family Dog Program. We offer several different class selections over the course of a year.

This is an 8 week class and dogs do not attend the first week.

Fee: $175.00 for 8 one hour classes.  Classes meet once a week.

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Family Dog Fun

An action packed hour of skill building and fun for Family Dog II graduates and beyond. Family Dog Fun participants strengthen skills and help their dogs develop self control, increased attention and mental stamina. Games, sports and challenges are part of the fun!

Fee: $125.00 for 6 weeks - class is ongoing, you may start at any time

Start Date: Friday  TBA   March 2010

Time:

Instructor: Nancy Allen

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Agility Ability

An introduction to the ever popular sport of Canine Agility. Learn the obstacles, build team work and run short sequences. Great fun for all!

Pre-requisite is Family Dog II or the equivalent

Fee: $125.00 for 6 weeks

Start Date: Friday, 4/9/10

Time: 6:30 PM

Instructor: Cindy LaPorte

Canine Good Citizen Prep Class

Periodically a Canine Good Citizen Prep Class will be offered for students preparing to take the CGC test. You will become familiarized with the test items and criteria for passing the test. This class is usually scheduled a couple of weeks prior to a scheduled test date. Students may sign up for one or both of the 2 sessions.

Fee: $15.00

Instructor: Bonnie Henderson

Prep Class: Wednesdays April 7th, 14th 2010

Time: 7:30pm

CGC TEST:

Date: Wednesday April, 21st 2010
Time: 7:30pm

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