Good training is good science. Our marker-based training program is based firmly on scientific learning principles. The evidence clearly shows that positive reinforcement is not only best for the animal, but is also highly effective. Your instructors will teach you how to use the most up-to-date positive training techniques. You will be learning along with your dog! Your dog will be learning to reliably perform behaviors on cue, and you will be learning to better understand and train your dog.
Good-Dog Manners Class Overview
Level 1 Skills
Allow you to stroke her back without mouthing, jumping up or avoiding you.
Accept handling all over her body (ears, mouth, tail, paws, etc).
Turn to you immediately when you call her name once.
Maintain eye contact for 5 seconds.
Walk on a loose leash for 10 steps with a food lure.
Sit and Down on single cue.
Recall to a Sit from 15 feet.
Nose target to your hand, with enthusiasm.
Go to her mat regularly, on cue.
Romp with other puppies during playtime, if appropriate.
…and more!
Level 2 Skills
Walk on a loose leash around the room, occasional or no food lure.
Leave-it with treats in open palm, 1 foot from his nose.
Sit for petting by a friendly stranger.
Engage with you when asked, and stay engaged with distractions.
Walk past a neutral dog, toy, or food bowl on a loose leash.
Hold a Stay (Sit or Down) while you walk 15 ft away.
Wait quietly while you open a door (i.e. crate, car, house door).
Go 3 feet to nose-touch a target plate, on cue.
Go to his mat on cue, stay for 30 seconds.
Pass the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test (within 6 months of class, free!)
…and more!
Class Information
General info and enrollment:
Classes are held on Tuesdays at Grace Park Animal Hospital. You can enroll in our classes by visiting Grace Park, or by phoning the clinic with your credit card information. Be sure to provide your cell number (for last-minute class info) and an email address.Puppy Class: 6:30pm-7:25pm for 6 weeks—this is a “rolling class”, enabling puppies to join the class any time there is an open slot. Puppies must be 8-15 weeks old and have their first set of vaccinations (DHPP).
Family Pet Class: 7:30pm-8:30pm, starting on the first Tuesday of even-numbered months (February, April, June, August, October, and December). The course focuses on “trainer skills” for the human end of the leash, and skills for the dog that are needed to pass the Canine Good Citizen text—and to be a great family pet!
Our instructor: Sue Kocher has over 20 years of experience as a professional trainer of dogs and their humans. She competes in dog sports and takes part in continuing education to keep up with the latest behavioral science. She is also an official AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator. Sue’s approach is positive reinforcement, using food rewards to train and reinforce useful behaviors and tricks. Her focus in classroom training is on training the trainer (you!) by giving you skills you need to engage your dog, address impulsive or fearful behavior, and help your dog become the best pet ever!
Sue can also provide in-home training to resolve behavioral issues such as leash pulling, resource guarding, and play-nipping. Contact Sue at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Requirements
For the safety of the staff and all pets in our facility, we require that all pets staying in the hospital or taking classes must be current on all vaccines (rabies, distemper, and bordetella) and free from external and internal parasites (annual fecal examination required).
