Basic Obedience Class for Junior Puppies (dogs 5 mos. or under) or Dogs (dogs over 5 mos. with no training)
(Puppies must have their second set of shots before they come to class, which is Week 2.)
Both classes cover exactly the same information. Junior puppies only (5 mos. and under) have a 15 minute socialization at the end of class, depending on the make-up of the puppies in attendance.
Both classes cover exactly the same information. Junior puppies only (5 mos. and under) have a 15 minute socialization at the end of class, depending on the make-up of the puppies in attendance.
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Class offers lots of fun & socialization for puppies & dogs alike. Puppies/dogs get a GREAT foundation for the rest of their lives! Puppies/dogs get used to the basics of being handled, learning how to focus, and learning how to learn! Basic commands covered are: Sit, Down, Recall, Down Stay, and Loose-Lead Walking. In addition, owners learn how to promote good household manners, and how to deal with common puppy/dog problems, such as jumping, mouthing & biting and pulling on lead. Puppies only also enjoy a socialization play group, which teaches them how to relate to and interact appropriately with other puppies and also how to respond to their owners while playing.
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Class is 8 weeks (8 hrs.), one and a quarter hours/week for Junior Puppies and (8 hrs.) one hour/week for Dogs over 5 months, with Week One being an orientation for owners only (no dogs). Two instructors/class if class has the maximum of 10 dogs. Class size is limited to 10 dogs. Everyone in the family is encouraged to come to class! Make-up classes (max. 3/class) are available. Rate is $345.00
"Shaping Up" Training Skills Class
Class is geared for puppies and dogs graduating from the Basic Obedience Class. It takes the commands learned in that class and "shapes up" both the owner's and the dog's skills with these commands in a fun and exciting environment. Each week, owners learn techniques to help them build their training skills. Also each week, the level of difficulty of various behaviors increases as the dogs are asked to generalize the commands and to respond to commands more quickly, at a greater distance or around more distractions.
Class is 7 weeks (7 hrs.), one hour/week. Two instructors/class if class has the maximum of 8 dogs. Class size is limited to 8 dogs. Rate is $295.00
Class is 7 weeks (7 hrs.), one hour/week. Two instructors/class if class has the maximum of 8 dogs. Class size is limited to 8 dogs. Rate is $295.00
Advanced Manners Class (Intermediate Level)
For dogs at least one year of age that have had previous obedience training using positive, motivational methods. Emphasis is on reliability, confidence and rapid responses to commands. Dogs and owners start off-lead work. Dogs learn to be more reliable when faced with distractions; at a greater distance from the owner; and for longer periods of time. This class has little lecture, but rather much of this class is having the owners work with their dogs in more demanding situations.
Class is 5 weeks (7.5 hrs.), one and 1/2 hours/week. Class size is limited to 8 dogs. Rate is $325.00
Class is 5 weeks (7.5 hrs.), one and 1/2 hours/week. Class size is limited to 8 dogs. Rate is $325.00
Introduction to Rally O
(Prerequisite: Completion of “Shaping Up” Training Skills Class or with instructor’s permission.)
Rally (or Rally Obedience) combines the “functional” with the “fun”! This dog sport draws on behaviors that are useful in “real life” situations with your dogs. In Rally O, a dog and handler move briskly from station to station on a course. Each station along the route holds a sign indicating what behavior(s) to perform (e.g., sit-down-sit) before the team can move on. No course is the same, so Rally O is exciting and new every time you do it. Teamwork and fun will be emphasized in this class! And, yes, you can talk to your dog! Rally O supports the growing trends to involve all family members, including children, in raising terrific pets. Any dog or person can do Rally O, regardless of age or physical limitations. The Level-1 exercises introduced in this class will give dog owners the opportunity to work on attention and focus while building a great working relationship with their canine partners. We will practice Rally O exercises individually as well as run short courses in class. Each dog-handler team will receive a copy of the Level-1 exercises to work on at home as well as a variety of handouts to help advance basic obedience skills, including heeling. If a Rally title should become your goal, Introduction to Rally O will give you a good start at learning the skills and guidelines needed to begin competing.
Class is 6 weeks (7.5 hrs.), one and a quarter hours/week. Class size is limited to 8 dogs. Rate is $325.00
Rally (or Rally Obedience) combines the “functional” with the “fun”! This dog sport draws on behaviors that are useful in “real life” situations with your dogs. In Rally O, a dog and handler move briskly from station to station on a course. Each station along the route holds a sign indicating what behavior(s) to perform (e.g., sit-down-sit) before the team can move on. No course is the same, so Rally O is exciting and new every time you do it. Teamwork and fun will be emphasized in this class! And, yes, you can talk to your dog! Rally O supports the growing trends to involve all family members, including children, in raising terrific pets. Any dog or person can do Rally O, regardless of age or physical limitations. The Level-1 exercises introduced in this class will give dog owners the opportunity to work on attention and focus while building a great working relationship with their canine partners. We will practice Rally O exercises individually as well as run short courses in class. Each dog-handler team will receive a copy of the Level-1 exercises to work on at home as well as a variety of handouts to help advance basic obedience skills, including heeling. If a Rally title should become your goal, Introduction to Rally O will give you a good start at learning the skills and guidelines needed to begin competing.
Class is 6 weeks (7.5 hrs.), one and a quarter hours/week. Class size is limited to 8 dogs. Rate is $325.00
Introduction to K9 Nose Work®
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The K9 Nose Work® class concept and sport was created to provide an opportunity for companion and sport dogs to have an outlet for their natural hunting and scenting abilities and was inspired by the model of working detection dogs. The terms nose work, fun nose work, scent work, and search work are all commonly used references to describe any activity where the dog is using its nose to locate a target scent or odor. Tracking, one of the most widely known scenting disciplines is another great outlet for nose work, but often people are limited by access to tracking areas. K9 Nose Work can be done anywhere, anytime; thus a new sport for dogs living in any setting became available. |
K9 Nose Work classes use many of the foundational techniques of detection but they were not developed or intended as a foundation program for any kind of professional detection work. The purpose of a K9 Nose Work class is to engage the dog in the game of nose work and to teach handlers how to read their dogs and build a team relationship, all while having fun. Nose Work is a great skill to build the dog’s confidence, reduce environmental sensitivity and provide mental and physical exercise through teamwork with the handler. Ultimately, what we are building in the dog is:
• A desire to search for something we want them to find
• A willingness to search for it when we want them to
• An ability to communicate to us that they have found it, knowing that there is a great reward at the end of that search
The focus of the classes should always be, first and foremost, fun for the dog and fun for the handler. K9 Nose Work classes have been constructed in a way that opens the activity to all dogs and handlers at all levels, from top-level sport competitor to recent shelter rescue. For those who want to pursue a more intensive side of Nose Work, the NACSW offers titling trials in competitive K9 Nose Work.
This Intro class presents the concept of the game, builds handler observation skills and timing, and gets the dogs focused. Week One is primarily an evaluation class and teaches the overall game. The remaining weeks concentrate on building foundation skills to help the handler read the dog and build the dog's intensity for the hunting game.
Only instructors designated as Certified or Associate Nose Work Instructors (CNWI or ANWI) are recognized and supported by the NACSW, the sanctioning body for the support of K9 Nose Work.
There is NO prerequisite for your dog for this class, other than that your dog must be able to be confined when not working in class (such as being in a crate or in your car). For the Handler: prior to class, in addition to filling out the Registration form (see Registration button above) you must read, fill out and return the Pre-Class Questionnaire (click here to complete questionnaire). You must also read the Class Tools (click here to read) to know what to bring to the first week of class and read the Class Structure and Rules (click here to read) prior to class.
Class is 5 weeks (6.25 hrs.), one and 1/4 hours/week. Class size is limited to 8 dogs. Rate is $240.00
• A desire to search for something we want them to find
• A willingness to search for it when we want them to
• An ability to communicate to us that they have found it, knowing that there is a great reward at the end of that search
The focus of the classes should always be, first and foremost, fun for the dog and fun for the handler. K9 Nose Work classes have been constructed in a way that opens the activity to all dogs and handlers at all levels, from top-level sport competitor to recent shelter rescue. For those who want to pursue a more intensive side of Nose Work, the NACSW offers titling trials in competitive K9 Nose Work.
This Intro class presents the concept of the game, builds handler observation skills and timing, and gets the dogs focused. Week One is primarily an evaluation class and teaches the overall game. The remaining weeks concentrate on building foundation skills to help the handler read the dog and build the dog's intensity for the hunting game.
Only instructors designated as Certified or Associate Nose Work Instructors (CNWI or ANWI) are recognized and supported by the NACSW, the sanctioning body for the support of K9 Nose Work.
There is NO prerequisite for your dog for this class, other than that your dog must be able to be confined when not working in class (such as being in a crate or in your car). For the Handler: prior to class, in addition to filling out the Registration form (see Registration button above) you must read, fill out and return the Pre-Class Questionnaire (click here to complete questionnaire). You must also read the Class Tools (click here to read) to know what to bring to the first week of class and read the Class Structure and Rules (click here to read) prior to class.
Class is 5 weeks (6.25 hrs.), one and 1/4 hours/week. Class size is limited to 8 dogs. Rate is $240.00
Introduction to Odor for K9 Nose Work®
The continuation of the K9 Nose Work® class will work on the elements of box drills, interior pattern searches, exterior searches and the introduction of searching for the target odor of Birch. Odor will be introduced in the second half of this class. In this second phase, the dog is taught to search for a unique odor, rather than food. There is a natural tendency to want to get to this step, but this should not be rushed. The dog should learn to search in all kinds of environments for his primary reward, building strength in the search and having fun all the while. This was the goal of the Introduction class. When the odor is finally introduced, the dog should have the confidence to search and the endurance and desire to problem-solve using the hunting skill will have been previously built. By building the search on primary rewards, the dog does not look to the handler for cues or help in finding the odor and does not try to please the handler. We want the dog to trust his nose and be a believer that his reward will come from the source of odor. The dog is then highly motivated to pursue the odor. The prerequisite for this class is the Introduction to K9 Nose Work® class.
Class is 6 weeks (7.5 hrs.), one and 1/4 hours/week. Class size is limited to 8 dogs. Rate is $295.00
Class is 6 weeks (7.5 hrs.), one and 1/4 hours/week. Class size is limited to 8 dogs. Rate is $295.00
Continuing K9 Nose Work® (Introduction to Vehicle Searching )
Once the dog has been introduced to odor, the other elements of the sport are introduced and continually explored, along with other skill sets. The third class series of K9 Nose Work® works on the specific element of searching vehicles in addition to searching the other elements. Vehicles are likely to be one of the most exciting elements for the students to learn. Dogs have that "professional" look when searching a car, which can be pretty exciting for the handlers. Vehicles are, however, one of the trickiest elements and present many challenges. This class will focus on teaching the dog to search one vehicle (a car), but later the dog will need to search multiple vehicles, including types other than cars. The prerequisite for this class is the Introduction to K9 Nose Work® class.
Class is 6 weeks (7.5 hrs.), one and 1/4 hours/week. Class size is limited to 8 dogs. Rate is $295.00
Class is 6 weeks (7.5 hrs.), one and 1/4 hours/week. Class size is limited to 8 dogs. Rate is $295.00
Outdoor Adventures: Leaving Tracks All Over Town Class
This class is the first of its kind in the DC Metro area! It takes the dog/handler team out of the classroom. Besides giving your dogs additional socialization by getting them comfortable around a variety of sights and sounds, this class teaches reliability in real life situations by using previously learned skills. It gives classroom exercises a practical application by training around a variety of distractions.
We all want to take our dogs with us, but can we trust them to behave? Our dogs are often well-behaved at home and in the classroom, but in real life our dogs and we often forget our training.
A major focus of this class is to train using Positive Training Methods in all situations while conditioning our dogs to use good manners, such as: walking nicely down a crowded street; greeting new people of all ages and appearances nicely; riding comfortably in a crowded elevator; sitting and staying in a variety of settings, such as when a jogger, bicyclist or another dog passes. If you want to have fun and strengthen your relationship with your dog, this is the class for you.
Field trips include places such as shopping areas; office buildings; and local parks and trails. (Directions for each location will be given out the week before each class.)
Prerequisite: Completion of "Shaping Up" Training Skills Class.
Class is 5 weeks (7.5 hrs.), one and 1/2 hours/week. Class size is limited to 6 dogs. Rate is $325.00
We all want to take our dogs with us, but can we trust them to behave? Our dogs are often well-behaved at home and in the classroom, but in real life our dogs and we often forget our training.
A major focus of this class is to train using Positive Training Methods in all situations while conditioning our dogs to use good manners, such as: walking nicely down a crowded street; greeting new people of all ages and appearances nicely; riding comfortably in a crowded elevator; sitting and staying in a variety of settings, such as when a jogger, bicyclist or another dog passes. If you want to have fun and strengthen your relationship with your dog, this is the class for you.
Field trips include places such as shopping areas; office buildings; and local parks and trails. (Directions for each location will be given out the week before each class.)
Prerequisite: Completion of "Shaping Up" Training Skills Class.
Class is 5 weeks (7.5 hrs.), one and 1/2 hours/week. Class size is limited to 6 dogs. Rate is $325.00
"Foundation for Dog Sports" and "Competition Obedience/Rally" Class
The "Foundation" level is for people who enjoy training their dogs and want to know what's next. You and your dog will be introduced to a variety of dog sports, including Rally; Obedience; Freestyle (dancing with your dog); Weight-pulling etc. Classes emphasize a mixture of foundation skills (i.e. attention heeling; recalls; sit/down/stand; and stays) and many new behaviors to play with (such as freestyle spins; attention games; distance work; jumping; pivots; canine body awareness exercises; and some agility skills). Key concepts include developing reliability around distractions; fading/delaying/varying reinforcements; and shaping complex behaviors. The "Competition" level eventually prepares dogs with committed owners to earn all levels of Rally titles, plus Companion Dog and Companion Dog Excellent obedience titles. However, the top priority is making learning fun for the dog and handler, while building the pet/owner relationship. Some students go on to earn titles, while others simply enjoy training new behaviors!
Each class is tailored to the interests, needs, and abilities of the students. These two levels may be combined or divided according to number enrolled and ability level.
Class is 7 weeks (7 hrs.), one hour/week. Class size is limited to 8 dogs. Rate is $325.00
Each class is tailored to the interests, needs, and abilities of the students. These two levels may be combined or divided according to number enrolled and ability level.
Class is 7 weeks (7 hrs.), one hour/week. Class size is limited to 8 dogs. Rate is $325.00
Tricks Class
Want to have some fun with your dog and impress your family and friends? Our brand-new Tricks Class may be just for you. Learn to teach your dog to spin, kiss, or take a bow using techniques such as luring, shaping and targeting. The class will offer a relaxed environment where we will help each other problem-solve and come up with creative ideas about how to teach these tricks and many more. Our goals (in addition to having lots of fun) are to create a stronger bond between you and your dog, improve handling skills and, of course, bring lots of smiles and laughter to friends and family. Your dog can become a ful-fledged entertainer!
Please note: The students and dogs attending this class should know some basic obedience commands in order to get the most benefit out of the class.
Class is 6 weeks (6 hrs.), one hour/week. Class size is limited to 8 dogs. Two instructors/class. Rate is $240.00
Please note: The students and dogs attending this class should know some basic obedience commands in order to get the most benefit out of the class.
Class is 6 weeks (6 hrs.), one hour/week. Class size is limited to 8 dogs. Two instructors/class. Rate is $240.00
Conformation Handling Class
This class is geared for those students working toward a Champion title with their dog or for students who what to learn how to better handle their dog in the show ring. All training is taught using positive motivational techniques. The instructor gears the class to the specific needs of the students, but in general the items covered are attitude, gaiting, stacking, distraction work and competition rules.
Class is 5 weeks (5 hrs.), one hour/week. Class size is limited to 8 dogs. Rate is $220.00
Class is 5 weeks (5 hrs.), one hour/week. Class size is limited to 8 dogs. Rate is $220.00
"Canine Good Citizen (CGC)" Class
This class assumes your dog already has the basic obedience to pass the CGC test. The focus of this class is to help people break down the various components of the CGC test and help students understand what they need to do and work on to pass the test with their dogs. The class was specifically designed to pinpoint areas that need to be focused on by each student.
Class is 5 weeks (7 1/2 hrs.), one and a half hours/week, with the test being given on the 5th week. Class size is limited to 8 dogs. Rate is $325.00
Class is 5 weeks (7 1/2 hrs.), one and a half hours/week, with the test being given on the 5th week. Class size is limited to 8 dogs. Rate is $325.00
Additional custom classes may be available at the discretion of the instructor. Also, unique needs can be addressed. If your needs are not met by any of the classes or consultations listed, please call 703.876.0284 to discuss your specific requirements. Prices effective March 1, 2022, and are subject to change.
