lee@clevercompanions.com
My Approach
I believe that reliable behavior is a function of a well-founded relationship with our dogs. Training is not simply about teaching sit, down, come, or stay. Training is an important way to improve the bond we have with our dogs. It is an essential component of effectively communicating with our dogs.
My teaching/training style relies heavily on proven positive methods rather than physical corrections or punishments. There are many styles of training and it's important that you choose a style and an instructor suited to your philosophies and needs.
I do not use choke, shock, or prong collars or other harsh physical punishments. I do use rewards including food. If you are not comfortable with this approach, please ask your veterinarian or other animal professional to refer you to a different instructor whose philosophies are more in line with your own. If you have questions about my classes or my techniques, you may observe any Puppy Preschool or Beginning Manners session that includes dogs. Please call to schedule.
My Classes
Puppy Preschool
Is a program limited to puppies under sixteen weeks. It is a four week program of basic learning skills and socialization exercises. Puppies must have at least their first series of vaccines and your veterinarian's permission to attend. Maximum class size is four dogs.
Beginning Manners courses focus on introducing household etiquette and problem solving/problem prevention. It is for puppies 9 weeks of age or older (at the first class with the dogs). I prefer that younger puppies (under 16 weeks) begin with the Puppy Preschool session if I have one scheduled. I divide any play time activities by age and size if a puppy class is not available.
My classes are small and personal. Maximum class size is four dogs. This allows me to better personalize my classes to the mix of dogs or puppies in the class. There are seven sessions. Six are group sessions and one is a private session with you and your dog.
A beginners course is just that—a beginning. No dog, not even Lassie, is going to be trained in a few short weeks. Training is a lifelong process for you and your dog. This is an introductory course in training, behavior, and responsible ownership. How quickly your dog will be “trained” depends on several factors, including your dog’s level of maturity, his previous training experiences, his personality, and, primarily, and, most importantly, the commitment you make and the time you have available to work with your dog. If you expect me to train your dog for you with no effort on your part, please do not apply.
In Beginning Manners I introduce basic concepts of sit, down, come, stay, and polite behavior such as sit to be greeted, leave it, and walk nicely on leash.
There are no specific “graduation” requirements since this is an introductory/foundation course.
See the FAQ Summary for additional information.
Special Needs Classes are offered as time and interest permit. Contact me for additional information.
Greyhounds Only Beginning Manners.
Retired racing Greyhounds generally lack experience with other dog breeds. Being in an all breed class with boisterous, pushy, or noisy dogs can lead to fear of— or worse, fear-based aggression toward— other breeds. Furthermore, many trainers do not have sufficient experience with retired racing Greyhounds to understand their unique training needs and are frequently unwilling to modify their teaching style to meet a Greyhound's needs.
Toy Breeds Only Beginning Manners
This class is aimed at creating a less stressful atmosphere for toy breed dogs. Many small dogs are overwhelmed and overly stressed when in a all breed class with many larger dogs. This class is open only to dogs whose adult weight will be 20 lbs or under.
Baby Makes Three
This is a preparatory class for families who will be adding an infant or child to the family. The focus is on skills that any dog living with a child should have and helps the family provide a safe environment for both the child and the dog.
Difficult Dog
This is a combination of private and group lessons aimed at dogs who are reactive to other dogs only when on leash. The program combines privates sessions to teach foundation skills and small, group sessions with controlled interactions between dogs.
Additional Learning Opportunities
These are non-traditional classes. There is a small annual membership fee and a small fee for each class you attend. Contact me for an information packet. There are prerequisites for acceptance into these classes.
Manners II is a continuation of the skills introduced in Beginning Manners. Unlike Beginning Manners, Manners II has skill sets that must be met before you can move on to Family Dog.
Family Dog. Family Dog is an intermediate level program open to dogs who have attended Manners II or completed appropriate private lessons with me. Dogs in this class must be at least one year old. The focus of the Family Dog program is on increasing reliability, furthering the human-canine bond, and on improving self control, and frustration tolerance. It includes preparation for Canine Good Citizen® evaluation and/or therapy dog evaluation/registration.
Companion Dog (Beginning January 2010). Companion Dog is an advanced intermediate program for dogs who have successfully completed CGC, therapy dog evaluations or are otherwise suited to this level of training.
Club Canine. Club Canine is an advanced class. It is open to dogs who have completed previous classes or private sessions with me and are capable of working off leash in a secure environment in the presence of other dogs and people.