
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 at least 5 seconds.
Walk on a loose leash for at least 10 steps.
Sit and Down on single command without a food lure.
Recall to a Sit from 15 feet.
Stay for 30 seconds with 1 step of distance.
Hand targeting, with enthusiasm.
Go to the mat regularly, with or without a cue.
Level 2 Skills
Walk on a loose leash around the room.
Leave-it with treats in open palm, 1 foot from dog’s nose.
Sit for petting by a friendly stranger.
Walk past a neutral dog, on a loose leash.
Walk past a toy or other distraction, on a loose leash.
Hold a Stay while you walk 20 ft away.
Recall to a Sit from 30 ft away.
Sit/stay when you open the front door or the crate door.
Go 3 feet to touch a target with his/her nose, on cue. Go to his/her mat on cue, stay for 1 minute. Pass the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test.*
Class Information
Classes are held on Thursdays
Orientation Seminars are held at 7:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of even months** (February, April, June, August, October, and December). Puppy Class attendees — please bring a crate for your puppy to reduce distractions during orientation.
Puppy Class: Thursdays from 6:30pm-7:25pm
Family Pet Class: Thursdays from 7:30pm-8:30pm **(except on the 1st Thursday of even months due to orientation)**
Our trainer has 20 years of experience as a professional dog trainer, attends continual training to keep up with the latest behavioral science, and she is an official AKC CGC Evaluator. Contact our trainer 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 staying in our facility, we require that all pets staying in the hospital must be current on all vaccines (rabies, distemper, and bordetella) and free from internal parasites (annual fecal examination required) and external parasites.