Training Classes

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Our ideology is one which balances traditional obedience training with newer methods consisting of more humane, motivational techniques. We believe that motivating dogs to want to learn through a reward-based system rather than through force or coercion is not only more humane but also more effective.

We hope that you find the following class descriptions helpful in determining which is the best course for you and your dog. Our classes are fun and user friendly. Feel free to call us at 434-972-7297 for further information or to sign up for one of our classes.

Puppy 101: The first stage of learning how to be a good canine citizen starts with a good puppy class. Our class will help you to learn how you puppy learns! He/She will learn how to sit, look at you when asked, proper greeting of humans and other puppies, lie down, wait politely for goodies and games, come when called ( and not just for dinner) shorts stays and how to be play nicely with their new friends. We provide lots of playtime and socialization with the puppies other humans in the class. Puppy class is for puppies four months and younger. Miniature breeds will be accepted up to six months.

Basic Obedience: Yes, all dogs can learn how to be polite when you speak their language. Most often undesirable behaviors are the result of a lack of communication between two different species. We will show you how to “talk dog”. It is effective and fun and makes perfect sense to your dog. Prepare to learn how to: get your dog to sit the first time that you ask, lie down and settle during distractions. Look at you when asked. Greet humans politely without jumping, showing fear or aggression. Learn to ignore other dogs unless given permission to greet. Come when called (not deer proof for many years), wait and stay. Short and sweet and worth every penny, no dog should miss taking this class.

Adolescent: What happened to my cute little puppy? They are a teenager and like all teenagers you are no longer cool! This stage is the most important if you are to become the leader for your dog. In this class we will take the basic commands and help your dog through the “I don’t have to stage”. Our goal in this class is get your dog motivated again. This means challenging them to work harder while having fun. We will begin to proof behaviors such as the stay with distractions, recall with distractions, split second sits while relay racing, greet a stranger with a dog while your dog holds a sit stay and the list goes on. We begin leash work without using a leash! Are you ready to take this fun and challenging class? Your young dog is!

Intermediate Level: Same as above but for more sophisticated dogs. This class will focus on more leash work and longer stays. This class is typically for dogs that are two years old or more. Once your dog knows the basic commands they need to stay challenged. Even the best of dogs get bored sitting. Can they hold a stay with a knock at the door? Let’s see in the Intermediate level. Can your dog hold a stay while another dog runs by? They will by the end of this fun filled four weeks. Can your dog walk in and around cones without a leash? You will say “yes” as you and your dog graduate from this class.

Advanced/CGC preperation: This class will prepare you and your dog to take the Canine Good Citizen Test. If you are interested in therapy dog work you must first obtain a CGC Certificate. In this class you and your dog will prepare for: greeting a stranger politely, walking nicely at your side through a crowd of people. Coming when called at the end of a twenty foot lead. Wait nicely with a stranger while you leave the room for three or more minutes. Allow a stranger to brush him/her. Ignore another strange dog while you speak with their human. All of these steps lead up to your dog being a Canine Good Citizen. You will leave this class prepared to take the test. We will help you to find an evaluator and test times.

Rally-O: Ever thought competing might be fun? Well it can be in this fun and dog friendly competition. And you can enter your beautiful mixed breed as well as a pure bred. Rally-O is course work. Each station has a sign with a specific command that you and your dog must perform. One sign might say: Call front and finish left. Your dog would come to you, sit and swing around to your left and sit. You might see: Halt (stop and sit), down(lie down) and stay (walk around your dog). Or you might be asked for a fast pace as you and your dog trot to the next station. Too much fun and you can treat at the competition if you choose to compete. Many humans enjoy the class just for the fun of it. Don’t be afraid, join today your dog hopes that you will!

Beginner Agility: Held in Howardsville near Scottsville. This is the perfect way for you and your dog to spend a morning together. Our field boasts five fenced acres and a pond for warm days. Bring your coffee and enjoy the country while your dog learns how to: weave through poles, run through tunnels, jump over obstacles and climb the ramp. Your dog will learn about balance, attention, and confidence. Agility is a must for any dog that has energy and needs a challenge while gaining advanced training skills.