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PUPPY
Designed for young dogs up to 5 ½ months of age (except small dogs who can be slightly older). Dogs must have received at least two DHPP immunizations by the start of class. The course includes:

• How Dogs Learn and How to be a Good Communicator
• Using the Right Tools – training equipment, timing of reward, marker sound, release word
• Introduction of Basic skills:  Sit, Down, Come when Called, Watch Me, Walking on Leash, and Leave It / Take It
• Socialization with People, other Pups and Objects
• Bonding and Confidence Building
• Supervised Puppy Playtime and insights into Good Play
• Problem Solving, House training and Self-Calming skills

ADOLESCENT
Designed for dogs from 6 – 12 months of age. This class focuses on young dogs who are new to a training class environment, or young dogs who have participated in Puppy class and want more practice with basic skills and socialization activities. The course includes:

• How Dogs Learn and How to be a Good Communicator
• Using the Right Tools – training equipment, timing of reward, marker sound, release word
• More Skills:  introduction to Sit-Stay and Down-Stay, Recalls, continued Leash Work, Touch Hand, and Leave It / Take it / Give It
• Continued work on Self-Calming skills plus Redirection techniques
• Greeting people and other dogs without lunging or jumping
• Confidence Building and continued Socialization
• Proofing and Problem Solving

GOODMANNERS
Designed for dogs 1 year of age and older.  This class is for dogs who are new to a training class environment or young dogs who have participated in Puppy class and want more practice with skills without socialization activities.  The course includes:

• Using the Right Tools – training equipment, timing of reward, marker sound, release word
• More Skills:  introduction to Sit-Stay, Down-Stay, Recalls (distance), continued Leash Work with additional leash control, Touch Hand, Stand for grooming or examination, and Leave It / Take it / Give It
• Working on skills with distractions
• Greeting people and other dogs without lunging or jumping
• Continued work on Self-Calming skills plus Redirection techniques
• Proofing and Problem Solving

GOOD MANNERS 2 (BEYOND BASICS):
A continuation of Adolescent Dog &/or Good Manners classes.  This class is designed for dogs and owners who have been successful in the introductory level classes and owners who wish to further solidify their dog’s training.

Pre-requisites:  Dog should be solid on Sit, Down, Stand, Recall, Leave It, Watch Me / Attention to Handler, Touch Hand, Walk Nicely on Leash, and Stay (for a minimum of 10 seconds).

Course includes:

• Building more consistent obedience skills and behaviors
• Improving the owner’s handling skills, including introduction to Hand Signals
• Attention and control exercises
• Learning the Heel Position and Heeling Patterns
• Finishes, right and left
• Recalls and Come Fore (front) with distractions
• Longer duration of Sit-Stay, Down-Stay and Stand-Stay
• Walking by / alongside other dogs, people and/or distractions
• Beginning off-leash work

The American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen Program

The Canine Good Citizen Program (CGC) is designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community.  This is a two-part program that stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs.  The program is open to all dogs, pedigree and mixed breed.  The CGC test is not a competition.  It does not require the dog to perform with precision rather to a high standard.  The AKC now recognizes the successful completion of the CGC test as an official title and owners can apply for that recognition.

Our CGC Class is created to help owners and their dogs strengthen their bond, polish skills learned in previous training classes and prepare for the CGC test.  During the multi-week class all aspects of the program will be covered and each exercise will be reviewed and practiced.  The CGC Test will be offered the last week of classes by registered AKC Evaluators.

10 Required Exercises:

• Accepting a Friendly Stranger
• Sitting Politely for Petting
• Acceptance and Grooming
• Out for a Walk
• Walking Through a Crowd
• Sit and Down on Command / Staying in Place
• Coming When Called
• Reaction to Another Dog
• Reaction to Distractions
• Supervised Separation

To learn more about the Canine Good Citizen Program: 
www.akc.org/dog-owners/training/canine-good-citizen/about