Class Descriptions Take the time now. Your new companion will only be a puppy once. You will quickly see that your time has been well spent.
All classes are taught with a positive reward based approach. One of our goals is helping to build your and your dog's confidence through education and training along with having a great relationship. Recommended reading and products list

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Puppy Kindergarten I
Puppies as young as 8 weeks
6 weeks/1 hour, first class no puppies

This is a class for owners to get lessons in "DOGOLOGY" (my own term) and for puppies to continue their socialization. Off leash play time is done in each class. During play time, discussions are about the dogs signals, body and sound, and how some of the canine signals are "calming signals". These signals are used to maintain a healthy social hierarchy.

The first class is for owners only to outline the next 5 weeks of classes and to explain how to use a clicker and our 7 Tools for Success (leashes, training collars, rewards, tethers, clickers, kongs and housetraining bells). Training manuals, clickers and treat pouches are given to every owner as part of your class fee.

The next 5 weeks we will explain/demonstrate/instruct attention/name game exercises, bite inhibition and settle exercises as well as teach some basic obedience commands such as sit, down, stay, stand, and loose-leash walking.

An explanation of "manage and/or train" methods of dealing with your puppy's first 18 months will help to solve such behaviors as jumping, chewing, barking, housesoiling, etc.

NOTE: If you would like more information, such as websites and/or reading materials, click here.

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Puppy Kindergarten II
5 weeks / 1 hour

This is a class geared to build on what you have started in Puppy Kindergarten I. We will continue with reinforcing attention/look exercises and introduce the 3 Ds (duration, distance, distraction) as it relates to obedience commands. Instructing owners to use targeting, body blocking and toss and run games which will build the basis for teaching heel and recall with the use of a long line. Door work and greeting behaviors will also be introduced during the 5 weeks.

If you have not completed Puppy Kindergarten I with us, you are required to attend the first class of a Puppy Kindergarten I before starting Puppy Kindergarten II. There is a fee of $15 for the extra class at which time you will receive a Training Manual, clicker and treat pouch.

NOTE: If you would like more information, such as websites and/or reading materials, click here.

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Good Manners I
8 weeks — an hour each week
First class no dogs.

The first class is for us to get you "clicker" savvy and discuss our 7 Tools for Success. Each owner will be given a Training Manual, a clicker and treat pouch.

We will demonstrate the types of training aids we recommend you use which are the Comfort Trainer head halter by Miriam Fields Babineau and the Sense-ible (front connect) harness by Softtouch Concepts. They can be purchased from your instructor. Sizing and instruction can be done at week 2, so let your instructor know after class week one if you wish to have your dog sized for a particular training aid.

Attention/look exercises will be explained and demonstrated as you will be working on these core exercises at home before you come into class week 2.

The next several classes will include instruction on body blocking, targeting, teaching incompatible behaviors as well as discussion on the 3 Ds (duration, distance, duration). Stay, recall/come and heel and/or loose-leash walking will be explained, demonstrated and we will assist each owner with these behaviors.

NOTE: If you would like more information, such as websites and/or reading materials, click here.

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Good Manners II

This class is for owners and their dogs that have completed Good Manners I or Puppy KII.

We will take what you have learned in previous classes and add higher levels of difficulty to the 3 D's (duration, distance, distraction) to such exercises as heel, greeting other dog owners, out of sight down/stay, recall/come, etc.

The class will also bring in some agility obstacles and jumps to incorporate with obedience. The added challenge and fun for dogs (and owners) will bring a whole new level of excitement to the basic obedience they have already learned.

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Canine Good Citizen
Preparation Class

This class is for those who have completed an obedience class and/or have dogs that are consistent with basic obedience commands.

We will work on preparing you and your dog to take the AKC Canine Good Citizen test (CGC), which will be given in week 5.

The CGC Award is recognition that your dog has training and behaviors to make him a "good citizen" at home and in the community.

If interested in learning more or to sign up for the next session, please call

Kara Firnrohr at 781-293-7567

Kara will comprise a list of people; we will schedule a class when we have enough participants to hold a class.

Kara will instruct the class weeks 1 through 4. Karen Lanoue-Lambrecht will be the CGC evaluator in test week 5 of the C.G.C. prep class.

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Introduction to Agility Training

The following Agility Obstacles will be introduced to you and your dog.

Basic sit - stay is required and the ability to work your dog on a head halter or martingale collar. No dog or people reactive dogs allowed.

NO pinch (prong) or choke chains allowed during class. Please call 781-837-1510 if you have questions or wish to enroll. Pre-registration/ payment is required of all classes. No refunds after the first class has begun.

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Reactive Rover
8 weeks / 1 hour each week

This is for dogs that are dog reactive only. Instructor evaluation required.

(Dog to human aggression behavior need private in-home sessions.)

Clicker training is recommended, but not required. You will receive a clicker and handouts to get you started and clicker savy week one.

Requirements:

1. If dog unknown to one of the instructors and/or does not already wear a head halter, an evaluation and or fitting of head halter is required. Please contact us to schedule the evaluation prior to the start of class. Price of head halter not included in class price.
2. All handlers must be 18 yrs or older. Two handlers per dog recommended.
3. Head Halter such as Comfort trainer or Gentle Leader required.
4. 4 or 6 foot leash required.
   (dogs to be kept 7-12 feet apart during class).
5. Bait bags required. Purchase at your local pet store or use a carpenter's apron.
6. TONS of SOFT, TEENEY TINY FOOD REWARDS.

If you would like to read more about working with your reactive dog we recommend "CLICK to CALM" by Emma Parsons and "FEISTY FIDO" by Patricia McConnell.

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Out and About (seasonal and weather permitting )
4 weeks / 1 hour each week

We will tell you at the end of each class where we will meet the next week. A message will be left on the 781-837-1510 number if class is postponed due to inclement weather.

Required: Proof of distemper and rabies vaccines, 6 foot leash and a long cotton web lead anywhere from 20 to 40 feet in length. (NO RETRACTABLES)

Take your training to the next level. This class meets at a different, pre-determined location each week. Working on attention, walking on a loose leash/heel, come, leave it, stays with lots of distraction, dog greetings, etc. It's great for dogs who need to learn to build focus and/or confidence. All students must be dog-friendly.

Your dog should have basic knowledge of basic commands, sit, down, come, and heel. This does not mean they are good at it, but at least have an idea of what the commands are. This class is all on leash. Bring bite size soft food rewards that your dog goes crazy for. Remember, increased distraction level mean increase food of value!!!!!. Wear comfy shoes, but NO FLIP FLOPS. We will be moving about possibly on uneven ground so safety is a must. We recommend bug spray for the humans and some type of flea and tick prevention for your dogs. Also, don't forget waste clean up bags, water for you, and water for your dog.

Prerequisites: Puppy Kindergarten II or Beginning Good Manners.

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Introduction to Rally
5 weeks / 1 hour each week

AKC Rally is the new dog sport that is taking the nation by storm, a successful stepping stone from the AKC Canine Good Citizen® program to the world of obedience or agility. Rally offers both the dogs and handlers an experience that is fun and energizing. The canine team moves at their own pace, very similar to rally-style auto racing. Rally was designed with the traditional pet owner in mind, but it can still be very challenging for those who enjoy higher levels of competition.

There are three levels of competition in Rally: Novice, Advanced and Excellent.

This class is designed as an Introduction to the sport of Rally at the Novice Level.

Novice - this is the first level for those just getting started in competition.

• All exercises are performed with the dog on leash.
• There is a requirement of 10-15 stations to complete with no more than five stationary exercises.
• The exercises performed vary from turning 360 degrees to changing paces during the course.
• Exhibitors at this level may clap their hands and pat their legs through the course.

Dogs must have basic heel / on leash control for acceptance into this class. No dog aggressive or people aggressive dogs allowed.

Class size minimum is 4; maximum is 7.

Pre-registration and a deposit of $20 is needed to hold your spot.

Call 781-837-1510 or print a registration form.

Instructors, Karen Lanoue-Lambrecht and Kara Firnrohr both have Rally Novice titles on their dogs.

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Puppy Gymboree
3 weeks - one hour each week

Pre-requisite is that your pup is dog and people friendly and has basic sit cue, either verbal or hand signal. This class is held 3 weeks, one hour each week. Your pup must have it's first Distemper vaccine before starting class. As young as 10 weeks - up to 8 months of age for large breeds; smaller breeds can be older but at instructor’s discretion.

This class will introduce your pup to some basic agility obstacles building confidence and teaching your pup to pay attention to you. We will have short tunnel, low to the ground dog walk, tire/hula hoop walk thru's, etc., to build confidence and introduce these objects at a young age. You can build your own small course at home with inexpensive everyday items to work your pup’s energy with a constructive fun activity.

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More Rally -Run thru’s
4 weeks - one hour each week

This class is for those that have taken our Intro Rally course or have the basic understanding of the Rally signs and just need practice thru a course. The run thru's will sometimes be outside weather permitting or indoors at the barn.

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