This is where most dogs start. Suitable for puppies, rescues or anyone looking for a refresher course. Starting from scratch, you will learn how to establish a common language using verbal markers and rewards. In five weeks we expect to cover: name recognition, sit, down, come, follow and stay. There will be an emphasis on establishing clear consistent communication and feedback between handler and dog. At the 6th class, we demonstrate our skills by walking a short obedience course.
6 x 30 min weekly classes. Max 4 students. $300 + hst.
We’ve now established a good training foundation with our dogs and are ready to add layers of complexity – like distance and duration- to the skills learned in Basic Obedience. In this series, we will teach our dogs the difference between Stay & Wait (and why that’s important), and how to Stand (helpful for grooming and vet visits). We build more structure in our walking skills, and finally we teach our dogs to leave it, be it discarded food or passing distractions. This course is good preparation for the Rally-Obedience course.
6 x 30 min weekly classes. Max 4 students. $300 + hst.
PRE-REQ: Basic Obedience or Instructor approval
This course is suitable for dogs demonstrating proficiency at our Basic & Intermediate Training exercises. Structured walking now becomes Heeling. Your dog learns to change positions with verbal and/or visual cues, without consant treats, and at a distance. A reliable PLACE command is taught, and we learn the OUT command which is useful for playing tug or fetch. As you progress emphasis will be put on learning to gradually increase the criteria for trained behaviours.
6 x 30 min weekly classes. Max 4 students. $300 + hst.
PRE-REQ: Intermediate Obedience or Instructor approval
The basis of a great relationship starts with focus and engagement and our Engagement Games class will start you off on the right track. This class is all about play! Play increases the communication between you and your dog - it builds a stronger team and a more engaged relationship. Noise Tower (seen in the picture) is just one of the games we play that builds confidence and can make dogs less noise sensitive. Dogs that understand engagement are easier to train, have better focus in the presence of distractions, and have a better bond with their handler.
Instructor: Mary Young
6 x 30 min weekly classes. Max 4 students. $324 + hst.
Teaching your dog tricks is a fun enrichment activity and a great way to bond with your dog. This class will be based on the Do More With Your Dog organization where you can earn a Trick Dog title.
Instructor: Mary Young
PRE-REQ: Basic Obedience or Instructor approval
6 x 30 min weekly classes. Max 6 students. $324 + hst.
One of our most popular courses. You will learn the most common reasons dogs don't come when called, and how to deal with those situations. Starting with recall from just a few feet away you'll quickly progress by adding distance and distractions in the forms of food, toys and other dogs. Since "come" is often used for safety reasons, this course emphasizes prevention of failed recalls and sets you up for success.
6 x 30 min weekly classes. Max 4 students. $324 + hst.
When walking your dog feels like tug of war, it's time to take this course. Suitable for most dogs with Basic Training skills - particularly name recognition. In a series of structured exercises we will deconstruct your walk and teach all the elements individually. Then we start putting the pieces together by practicing short walks where we go through doors, stop at sidewalks, and stop for a quick hello with a passer-by. Emphasis will be put on establishing and maintaining new walking criteria.
6 x 30 min weekly classes. Max 4 students. $324 + hst.
Our Agility program offers a great opportunity to build on your relationship with your dog through structured fun. We emphasize fun and exercise - not competition. Our Intro Agility course teaches you to start shaping new behaviours and then lets you practice by introducing jumps, tunnels, weave poles and more.
Intro Agility: 4 x 30 min weekly classes. Max 3 students. $215 + hst.
Agility Level 2 puts more emphasis on handling through courses and introduces a teeter and A-frame. Proficient teams can then join our Agility Club where the fun goes to a new level with a new course each week and lots of runtime.
Agility 2: 4 x 30 min weekly classes. Max 3 students. $215 hst.. PRE-REQ: Intro Agility
Combining the sports of Obedience and Agility, Rally-O uses directional signs to run through a numbered course within an allotted time. The handlers are allowed to talk, praise, encourage, clap their hands, pat their leg or any verbal means of encouragement but are not allowed to touch their dog or make physical corrections. Attitude & Teamwork are the most important elements for this sport.
Instructor: Miriam Bernath
6 x 30 min. weekly classes. Max 4 students. Fee is $325 + hst. Includes index cards of signs & description.
The Canine Good Neighbour, CGN, is a designation tested & recognized by the CKC (Canadian Kennel Club).
The 12-step test is non-competitive. It is used to assess the relationship between the handler and the dog, together with the handler's ability to control the dog. Dogs are evaluated on their ability to perform basic exercises and their ability to demonstrate good manners in everyday situations. A CGN is a good 1st step toward having your dog evaluated to be a therapy dog.
Instructor: Miriam Bernath
6 x 30 min. weekly classes. Max 6 students. Fee is $300 + hst. Includes handout material.
It's the new dog sport, and every dog is qualified!! Humans can distinguish articles between colours, shapes, sex, etc. Dogs distinguish articles by scents. Learn how to train a focused response and how to properly time the reward. You will engage your dog's body & mind and will enhance his/her relationship with you. And it's FUN!!
6 x 30 min weekly classes. Max 4 students. $324 + hst.
Our classes are 30 minutes long, scheduled weekly, and limited to 4 dog/handler teams.
Small classes ensure that everyone gets lots of instruction & attention. Short classes ensure that both the dog and the handler stay focused and engaged.
Support between classes by email or phone will be offered at no charge.
Covid-19 Protocols in effect.