Group Classes
Now offering classes in three locations: Pet Spas, 1 Cerone Commercial Drive in Colonie NY, Aqueduct Animal Hospital, 896 Riverview Road in Rexford NY, and Milton Manor, 612 Route 29 in Middle Grove NY. Each class will have a maximum of five dogs, and new classes begin soon.
Group classes are appropriate for dogs who are comfortable around other dogs and people. Any dog who displays fearful or reactive behavior (for example lunging, growling, or excessive barking) towards other dogs or people would be better suited to private training sessions. If you’re not sure if group classes are a good fit for your dog, contact me and I’d be happy to discuss it with you.
-descriptions-
GROUP CLASSES
Proof of distemper/parvo, and bordetella (kennel cough) vaccines are required for all classes. Proof of rabies vaccine is required for all classes except Puppy Preschool.
Have questions about puppy classes and vaccines? Click Here
BEGINNERS
These classes use an open enrollment format, which means there is not a set start date for the class. You are able to start any week that there is space available, and then attend for four or six consecutive weeks. This eliminates lengthy waits for a new class to start. Enrollment includes access to video demonstrations for you to use outside of class.
10% discount for rescue dogs on their first beginner class.
Puppy Preschool
Four consecutive weeks, $100.
For puppies 20 weeks old or younger at their first class. We will set your puppy up to become a friendly, confident, well behaved dog. This class focuses on socialization (exposing puppies to new things and experiences), handling for vet visits and grooming, and an introduction to basic obedience skills. Additional topics covered include housebreaking, crate training, nipping, and chewing.
Basic Manners
This the next step after Puppy Preschool, or the first step for dogs who are 20 weeks or older when they begin training. We will focus on the basic obedience skills your dog needs to be a well behaved family member. Topics covered include sit stay, down stay, recall, leave it, loose leash walking, settle on mat, jumping, and counter surfing.
INTERMEDIATE
These three week classes have set start and end dates, and can be taken in any order.
CLASSES ARE THREE WEEKS LONG, $75.
Impulse Control
Does your dog jump, lunge, and bark to get the things that they want? Do you wish they would learn to wait calmly instead of being so demanding? This class will help teach your dog the value of waiting patiently. We will show them that jumping, lunging, and barking do not work to get things in life, and instead calm behavior is the way to get what they want.
Recalls
Does your dog have selective hearing when you call them to you? Do they think the word “come” is optional? A reliable recall is one of the most important skills for any dog to have, as it could save their life someday. This class will work on improving your dog’s recall to help keep them safe and help make your life easier.
Loose Leash Walking
Do you walk your dog, or does your dog walk you? Or perhaps your dog does not want to walk at all? This class will build your and your dog’s leash walking skills, to make walks more enjoyable for both of you. We will teach your dog that walking by your side is the best place to be, and we will work towards eliminating pulling, lunging, cutting you off, and other problematic behaviors.
Tricks and Games
A great way to have fun with your dog while reinforcing basic obedience training. This class will start with common tricks like shake and roll over, and will work up to more difficult tasks such as dogs weaving through their handler’s legs. Tricks can be a healthy outlet for energetic dogs who need lots of activity to stay out of trouble.
Picture Perfect
This is a fun class to help you take better pictures of your dog. The first two weeks we will work on stays, a few tricks, and talk about using props. The last week we will put it all together and take photos of your dog, with various backdrops and props available.
ADVANCED
A six week class that puts everything together to showcase the skills you and your dog have worked on..
CLASS IS SIX WEEKS LONG, $135.
Canine Good Citizen
This class will prepare you and your dog for the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen test. This is a 10 item, non-competitive test to demonstrate that your dog is a well behaved member of the community. The first five weeks will be spent practicing the test items, and the test will be given the last week. During the test no food/treats may be used, and dogs may not wear corrective harnesses/collars or head halters.
-schedule-
CURRENT CLASSES
Puppy Preschool
Sundays 11am – Pet Spas Open Enrollment
Tuesdays 7:30pm – Milton Manor Open Enrollment
Thursdays 5pm – Aqueduct Animal Hospital Open Enrollment
Basic Manners
Sundays 10am – Pet Spas Open Enrollment
Tuesdays 6:30pm – Milton Manor Open Enrollment
Thursdays 6pm – Aqueduct Animal Hospital Open Enrollment
Impulse Control
Wednesdays 6:30pm – Milton Manor starting April 19
Sundays – Pet Spas Contact Shannon
Recalls
Wednesdays 6:30pm – Milton Manor starting May 31
Loose Leash Walking
Wednesdays 6:30pm – Milton Manor starting May 10
Tricks and Games
Tuesdays 6:30pm – Milton Manor starting January 31
Picture Perfect
Contact Shannon for scheduling information.
Canine Good Citizen
Tuesdays 7:30pm – Milton Manor starting November 29
Loving your dog is easy. Training your dog requires a certain Frame of Mind.