Artwork copyright Kim Parkhurst.
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This is a summary. Please click on the link for the class that interests you.
My Approach
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 believe that reliable behavior is a function of a well-founded relationship with our dogs. 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.
My classes are small and personal. Maximum class size is six dogs. This allows me to better personalize my classes to the mix of dogs or puppies in the class.
Class Descriptions
Beginning Manners courses focus on household etiquette and problem solving/problem prevention. It is for puppies 10 weeks of age or older.
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 a foundation 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. My classes do include weekly homework assignments. Handouts and homework assignments for each lesson are provided on a CD.
While your dog will not be trained to a high level of reliability in eight weeks, you should take with you the skills and knowledge to accomplish that long-term goal. If you have simple training problems like pulling, jumping up, stealing food from counters, or demanding attention, you’ll learn why these behaviors and others develop. Your handouts will provide information and strategies for dealing with a variety of issues. I’ll try to help you develop skills and techniques to assist you in overcoming them with time and practice.
For dogs about six months or over who have completed Beginning Manners
Family Dog. Family Dog is a continuation of the Beginning Manners program. The focus of the Family Dog program is on increasing reliability, furthering the human-canine bond, and on improving self control, and frustration tolerance.
My Family Dog sessions have a uniques structure. Each session is self-contained so you don't have to do them in order. Vacation schedules, out of town guests, and other conflicts become irrelevant.
Once certain skill levels are met, you can move into a higher level (Club Canine). And once you've finished Beginning Manners you don't have to wait for a new class to start, you just join Family Dog and start as soon as you like
Special Needs Classes
Greyhounds Only is a Beginning Manners class specifically designed to suit the needs of retired racing Greyhounds. It is adapted to help your retired racer feel more at ease in the learning environment. In addition to the foundation behaviors, this class will focus on the special socialization and confidence building needs of retired racers or other adopted adult sighthounds with similar special needs. To download the Greyhound Only class information, follow these links. GH Description, GH FAQ, GH Application.
Toy Breeds Only is a Beginning Manners class for dog breeds whose adult weight will be under about 20 lbs. Many of these small dogs can feel overwhelmed in a class of large breed dogs. When I have sufficient interest I will create a separate session for small/toy dogs.
Other special needs classes include:
Baby Makes Three is a workshop designed specifically for families that are adding a child or baby. We will focus specifically on the skills and issues that will help keep your dog and baby safe and happy.
Best Friends is a special class designed for young handlers ages eight through twelve.
These special needsclasses are offered based on interest/demand and require special applications. Please contact me for additional information.
Additional Learning Opportunities
Club Canine. I believe strongly in continuing education for myself and for my students and their dogs. Therefore, I offer weekly training sessions for dogs who can demonstrate the appropriate skill level. Only dogs who have had previous classes or private lessons with me qualify for Club Canine. These (more or less) weekly sessions include an opportunity to practice with other dogs and people and prepare for the CGC/TDI tests, learn tricks, have fun, or just keep your training skills sharpened and your dog active. Contact me for an application. There is a yearly fee and a fee per session. Current Club Canine Members may download a 2008 renewal application or the *Fall 2007 schedule through these links.
Audit. If you are a client and your dog is unable to come to class because of behavioral issues, you may audit the Beginning Manners classes without your dog.
Private Sessions are available to current students at a discounted rate. See the complete FAQ for additional information.
Before completing an application, please download and read the FAQ/Guidelines and the Class Descriptions handout for additional details, conditions, and class fees.
Last updated 8/1/07