We strongly recommend you look at our Puppy Beginnings package for your brand new puppy to get the best start.
Group classes are a great way to start your puppy’s socializing on the right foot. Puppies are learning sponges and we feel they do great going into the Basic Manners class. Over the years we have found that allowing puppies to play in a class situation is not always in the best interest of the puppy. You want your puppy’s first experience with other dogs to be with a puppy with similar temperament or an adult dog that will behave appropriately. In classes we end up with a wide variety of puppies that can’t always play well together.
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Group classes are a wonderful way to learn while working in a high-distraction setting. Working with other dogs and people in a controlled environment, we will teach you how to teach your dog to focus on you. Using force free methods you and your dog will learn to communicate with each other. At the beginning of each class we review and discuss any concerns.
Curriculum
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The CGN test is an evaluation that is designed to reward responsible dog owners with well-mannered dogs with a title and certificate from the Canadian Kennel Club. This course will work the dog through the exercises that are required to pass the test. The exercises are the same ones you require to have a well behaved dog. The test will be administered to all dogs on the last day of class.
Prerequisite: Basic Manners
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Get ready for the most popular dog sport! This course will teach you the skills needed to play agility. Emphasis on motivation and targeting. Basic pieces of agility equipment will also be taught (kept at a lower height). We will cover Targeting - 1-2-3 game - Tunnels - jumps - plank walking - barrel.
In agility class your dog will eventually be off leash but not until you are both ready. We will first work on a lot of games that build the value for being with you. Most of our students start agility to have fun, some do get bitten by the bug and go on to compete.
Prerequisite: Basic Manners
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Beyond beginners will continue to build on the foundation started in the first level. The rest of the equipment will be introduced and we will continue to build value for the skills you already have. At this level all dogs will be in crates other than when working, Susan Garrett’s crate games is part of the curriculum.<
Prerequisite – Agility - Beginners
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In this class your dog will perfect his understanding of obstacle performance. The classes will rotate through sequencing, drills, jump grids, and flatwork all done at the skill level of the dog and handler. All dogs will be in crates when not working.
Prerequisite – Agility – Beyond Beginners
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Tricks are a great way to improve your relationship with your dog and a fun way to amaze your friends! By teaching your dog a few tricks you are building your relationship, growing your value, increasing his vocabulary and having fun.
Prerequisite – Basic Manners
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Tired of being dragged down the street by your dog? This is the class for you. In this class we will teach you how to teach your dog that the best place to be is walking beside you. We will cover impulse control so that your dog can maintain great position even with distractions. We will also discuss anti pulling devices available and how to use them.
Prerequisite – none
Note: Class is 4 weeks long.
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The Recall is one of the most important behaviors, yet unfortunately it is often the most unreliable. In this course we cover a number of games that will teach your dog how to come when called regardless of the distraction. We will also cover what you may currently be doing to decrease the likelihood of your dog coming reliably.
Prerequisite – none
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This is for owners; whose schedules don't fit group class schedules, dogs with specific behavioral issues (fear, aggression, etc.), or owners who want very hands-on training. Private Training lessons are tailored programs based on your needs and your dog's learning style. You choose what you want to learn and we'll work with you and your goals.
Examples of "issues" that can be addressed
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Our puppy training program consists of 5 hours of private training. Usually this consists of two 1.5 hour and one 1 hour sessions in your home and a 1 hour session out in public. A 30 minute phone consolation is offered for those who contact us before the puppy arrives at their home.
Getting a puppy or any new dog is very exciting. Your dog starts learning the minute he enters your home, we tend to forget this. Learn how to handle those crucial first days of puppy-hood appropriately. We cover anything and everything you will need to start off on the right foot.
All lessons begin with addressing any concerns. We create a plan to get you on the right path. Some areas that will be covered
This course is all about getting your dog to make the correct choices. The choices that you would like to see. Most of us take choice out of our dogs hand, we stop him/her from behaving inappropriately. The problem with this is the dog is not learning what the appropriate choice is. The first step is to create value for what you would like to see happen. Again this is challenging we usually know what we don’t want to happen but it is much harder to decide what we would like our dog to do. For example you walk by a tree with a squirrel. You know you don’t want your dog to lunge, bark, scream, etc. This course will help you learn what you do want and then how to build value for the appropriate behaviour and then test the value.
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The Canadian Kennel Club, Canine Good Neighbour program identifies and rewards responsible and caring owners and their canine partners.
The purpose of the Canine Good Neighbour Program test is to ensure that one of our most favoured companions, the dog, is accepted as a valued member of the community. Canine Good Neighbours can be counted on to present good manners at home, in public places and In the presence of other dogs. The program embraces both purebred and mixed-breed dogs and has been created to assist canine owner’s combat anti-dog sentiments which often target dogs as a whole. Additionally, the program enhances community awareness of responsible dog ownership and the benefits associated with dog ownership.
Canine Good Neighbour training is fun, rewarding, and useful. It can enable owners to achieve a better relationship with their dogs.
The test is not a competition calling for precision performance by the handler and dog. Rather, it assesses the handler and dog's relationship together with the handler's ability to control the dog.
Dogs are evaluated on their ability to perform basic exercises as well as their ability to demonstrate good manners in everyday situations.
The Canadian Kennel Club encourages all dog owners to participate in this program, thereby ensuring that our beloved canines are welcomed and respected members of our communities.
Please consult the schedule to find out when the next Canine Good Neighbour Test is being held.
The handler is required to bring the following equipment to the test
Demonstrating confidence and control, you and your dog must complete theses 12 steps.
TEST I - Accepting A Friendly Stranger
This test demonstrates the dog's ability to allow a friendly stranger to approach and speak to the handler in a natural, everyday manner.
The evaluator will walk toward the handler and dog and greet the handler by shaking hands and briefly chatting. The dog should remain under control with only gentle verbal or leash assistance, if necessary. The dog should not go to nor jump on the evaluator. It must not exhibit any signs of shyness by hiding behind the handler or by attempting to avoid the evaluator, and must not exhibit any signs of resentment.
TEST 2 - Politely Accepts Petting
This test demonstrates the dog's ability to allow a friendly stranger to pet it while out with its handler. The evaluator will pet the dog on the head and shoulders. The dog may sit or stand quietly beside the handler and may change position, but must not exhibit any signs of resentment or shyness.
TEST 3 - Appearance and Grooming
This practical test demonstrates that the dog will accept being groomed and examined and will permit a stranger to do so. The evaluator inspects the dog, brushes the dog briefly on the back and sides, and lightly examines its ears and front feet. The evaluator then quietly walks behind the handler and dog, returning to face the dog. The dog does not have to hold position, but should not have to be restrained: minor movement is allowed. The handler may assist the evaluator and talk quietly to the dog.
TEST 4-Out For A Walk
This test demonstrates the ability of the dog to walk politely on a loose leash as well as the handler's ability to control the dog. The evaluator will have the handler and dog walk a course, which will include at least one right and left turn and a 180º-degree turn. It is not necessary for the dog to be exactly aligned with the handler or sit when the handler stops. The handler may talk to the dog.
TEST 5 - Walking Through a Crowd
This test demonstrates the dog's ability to walk politely beside the handler in pedestrian traffic while remaining under control at all times. The dog and handler walk through and close to several [at least five] people. Throughout this test the handler may talk to the dog, giving praise and encouragement. The dog must maintain a position close to the handler without becoming unduly stressed or unruly. The dog may show some interest in the strangers but should not go to them.
TEST 6 - Sit/Down On Command and Stay In Place (Long Line)
This test demonstrates the dog's ability to respond to the handler's commands. The handler may take a reasonable amount of time and use more than one command to sit and down the dog. If required, the handler may touch the dog gently to assist it.
Once the dog has responded to both a sit and down command, the handler will decide in which position the dog is going to be left. The handler will then tell the dog to stay, and walk forward & meters (20 ft), before turning around to face the dog, then will return to the dog.
TEST 7 - Come When Called (Long Line)
This test demonstrates the dog's ability to come when called by the handler. The evaluator will stand near the dog, and instruct the handler to position the dog in either a sit, down or stand position. The handler will then leave the dog and go to a distance of 3 meters (8 - 10 ft) before turning and calling the dog. The dog may change position, but must remain in place. The dog should come readily to the handler; the handler may encourage the dog.
TEST 8 - Praise/Interaction
This test demonstrates that the dog can be easily calmed following a play session or praise. After playing with the dog for approximately 10 seconds, the handler then calms the dog. More than one command may be used, but the dog must display controlled behaviour when told to settle by the handler. The evaluator is looking for evidence of a good relationship between the dog and handler.
TEST 9 — Reaction to Passing Dog
This test demonstrates the dog's polite behaviour while in the presence of other dogs and handlers. Two handlers, with their dogs, approach one another from approximately 6 meters (20 ft). They stop, shake hands, briefly chat, and then continue walking for approximately 2 meters (6 ft). The dog should exhibit no more than mild interest in the other dog, and should not cross over to it.
TEST 10 - Reaction To Distractions
This test demonstrates that the dog is confident at all times when faced with common visual and auditory distractions such as the sudden opening or closing of a door, crutches, wheelchairs, baby strollers, joggers, etc. The dog may express natural interest and curiosity at the distraction, or may startle temporarily, but should not panic or show aggression or fear. One or two barks are permitted but the dog must not continue to bark at the distraction. The handler may encourage and talk to the dog throughout this test.
TEST 11 - Supervised Isolation
This test demonstrates the dog's ability to be left alone with a trusted person other than its handler, while maintaining a calm acceptance of the situation. The handler asks another person to hold the dog, and tells the dog to stay or wait. The handler will leave the area and go to a pro-designated location, out of sight of the dog. The handler will wait 3 minutes until called to return by the assistant evaluator. The dog is not required to stay in a particular position, but should not show excessive stress or nervousness by pulling on the lead or trying to get away. Excessive panting, barking, whining, or seeking attention from the evaluator is not acceptable.
TEST 12 - Walking Through A Door/Gate
This test demonstrates the dog's response to the handler's commands as well as the handler's ability to control the dog in a restricted area while moving ahead of the dog and through a door/gate. The handler may speak quietly to the dog as they approach the door/gate. The handler commands the dog to sit/wait and walks through the door/gate, while instructing the dog to follow calmly and join him. Alternatively, the dog and handler may proceed through the door/gate together, with the dog accompanying the handler on a loose leash. The dog must not go through the door/gate before the handler instructs him to do so.
