LITTLE DOGS ROCK! “Basic Obedience for the Small Dog”

This very basic class is for dogs less than 25 pounds. The Third Way foundation games and basic commands are taught to help people better communicate with their dogs. Special challenges of small dog guardians will be discussed.

The Name Game, Targeting, Eye Contact, Sit Maintain, Down Maintain, Leave It, polite leash walking, recalls, polite handling, and confidence building will all be introduced. The goals of the class are to teach the dog to look to their handler for guidance, calm themselves down, and develop self-control, while teaching the handler basic dog training formulas, management techniques, and problem solving. Learn how to incorporate games and exercises into daily life to create a happy and cooperative friendship between you and your dog.

Depending on the group goals and abilities of the dogs, there may be time set aside for dog-to-dog socialization.

Please note: The first class is usually humans only. This class is lecture and discussion of basic learning theory and common behavior problems. However, you will be sent home with a few training games that you can begin teaching your dog right away. Please leave your dog home for this first class meeting.

(Minimum 4 dogs, Maximum 6 dogs) 6 weeks – $120.00

 

 

BEGINNER DOG TRAINING FOR ALL DOGS    “Building a Foundation for a Lifelong Connection”

 

This very basic class is for dogs of any age.  The Third Way Foundation Games & basic commands are taught to help people better communicate with their dogs. Eye Contact, Sit, Down, Leave It, Come, Stay, Targeting, and Walking Politely on Leash are introduced.  The goals of the class are to teach the dog to look to their handler for guidance, calm themselves, and develop self-control, while teaching the handler basic dog training formulas, management techniques, and problem solving principles. Learn how to incorporate games and exercises into daily life to create a happy and cooperative friendship between you and your dog.

Please note: First class is humans only. We will discuss canine learning theory, my philosophy, and problem solving for many typical young dog behaviors. We will practice several training games so you can start working with your own dogs right away.

(Minimum 4 dogs/maximum 5 dogs) 6 weeks - $120.00

PUPPY KINDERGARTEN “Raising the Perfect Puppy”

This class is designed for puppies 8 to 16 weeks old at the start of class – the best time to start your training. Young puppies learn so quickly and why not teach them good manners before they can develop bad habits. We will focus on puppy issues, such as housebreaking, mouthing, chewing, meeting and playing with other dogs, and getting to know strangers. We will also introduce basic obedience tricks such as sit, stay, eye contact, recalls, and walking politely on leash. The goal of this class will be to develop a confident, relaxed, polite puppy while teaching handlers how to prevent future problems and get the most cooperation from their new family member.

(Minimum – 4/maximum – 6 pups) 4 weeks - $75.00

 

 

INTERMEDIATE DOG TRAINING FOR ALL DOGS    “Strengthening the Relationship!”

This class picks up where the beginner class left off. Practicing previously learned exercises with more distance & distractions helps to solidify great habits. We will practice the requirements for passing the AKC Canine Good Citizen test, learn a few Tellington Touch techniques, teach our dogs cute and fun tricks, begin off-leash work, and if time permits, introduce you to the sport of Rally Obedience. The goals of this class are to perfect our basic obedience skills and enhance our relationship with our dogs. Your dog will be ready for any continuing education, such as agility, rally-o, competitive obedience, search and rescue, therapy work, or whatever way you choose to enjoy your dog!

(Minimum 4 dogs/maximum 6 dogs) 6 weeks - $120.00

 

 

AKC CANINE GOOD CITIZEN

 

This class will focus on the 10 requirements for passing the AKC Canine Good Citizen test (CGC). The test will be administered during the last class.

The CGC test was designed to help pet owners feel confident that their dog is trained well enough to enjoy accompanying them out in public. The CGC has also become a standard first step for handlers wishing to train their dogs for therapy work. A CGC dog is more likely to be welcomed into rental properties, places of employment, and other dog friendly businesses. CGC teams are ambassadors for the canine community assuring that our beloved pets will continue to be allowed to accompany us throughout our communities.

Test 1: Accepting a friendly stranger

Test 2: Sitting politely for petting

Test 3: Appearance and grooming

Test 4: Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead)

Test 5: Walking through a crowd

Test 6: Sit and Down on command and Staying in place

Test 7: Coming when called

Test 8: Reaction to another dog

Test 9: Reaction to distraction

Test 10: Supervised Separation

 

(Minimum 4 dogs, Maximum 8 dogs) 6 weeks – $120.00

 

 

OFF-LEASH OBEDIENCE

Is your leash a crutch? Are you afraid to practice working with your dog off-leash because you may never see him again? Are you interested in agility or rally obedience but you are afraid you will lose control of your dog as soon as you take off the leash? Then this is the class for you!

Join me for six weeks of practicing polite manners off-leash in a safe indoor setting. You will learn how to get your dog’s attention, help him to learn self-control, and teach your dog how to heel at attention without a leash. You will get lots of recall practice and build a stronger relationship between you and your dog. Ironically, off-leash training can also help your dog to walk more politely on-leash.

 

Participating dogs should have some basic training in polite manners and must not be aggressive to other dogs or people. Please contact the instructor if you have questions as to whether or not your dog is ready for this class.

6 weeks - $120.00

 

RALLY-O

Rally-O is a great option for the handler who wants to continue to work with their dog and improve their obedience skills and relationship with their dog.

APDT Rally Obedience is one of the newest team sports for dogs and their handlers. It is distinctly different from traditional competitive obedience. The dog & handler team move through a course of 20-22 numbered signs that indicate which exercise they are to perform. The course is never the same and the dog never knows what to expect. In addition, handlers are encouraged to talk to and praise their dog as they navigate the course. A brisk pace, positive attitude, and happy demeanor are required of the team. The sport is intended to promote positive relationships between dogs and their owners. APDT Rally-O is open to all dogs, including mixed breeds. For more information on this fun new sport, visit www.apdt.com/rally

Introduction to ADPT Rally

This course is designed to familiarize teams to the Level 1 Rally-O exercises, improve handling skills and help the dogs develop focus. Dogs entering this class should know basic commands, such as sit, down, stand, & wait, as well as walk politely on a loose leash.

Level 1

Level 1 is performed on-leash. This class is for teams familiar with the Level 1 stations, but need to practice running a full course. Teams will begin to refine their basic skills, gain confidence & flow. Many teams are trial ready after this class.

Level 2

Level 2 is performed off-leash and asks more difficult questions of the dog and handler team, including stays, recalls, jumps, and distractions. This is where Rally starts to become fun and addictive.

Level 3

Level 3 is also performed off-leash and the exercises increase in difficulty. Dogs are challenged to perform more difficult recalls and sends to jumps as well as obedience at a distance.

 6 weeks:  $95.00-$120.00

APDT Rally-O   Check it Out!

This 3 week class is designed to introduce the AKC Rally competitor to the APDT courses. APDT trials are unique in that you may compete in all three levels at the same trial. Training at all three levels keeps your training fresh and helps build your dog's confidence. The first week we will practice on Level 1 courses. Week two will introduce the Level 2 stations and week three will challenge you with Level 3 courses.

3 weeks - $60.00

 

 

INTERMEDIATE REFRESHER “Out in the Real World!”

This course is designed for dogs & handlers that have completed the Intermediate Obedience Course, but want to test their skills in the real world. Working under distractions, we will be practicing keeping the dog’s focus and maintaining polite behaviors in public.

Each week, we will meet in a different location and class will be postponed if the weather forecast predicts heavy rain or thunderstorms. Depending on the needs and requests of the individuals in the class, we will plan to meet at a park, a beach, and a commercial downtown area.

The goal of this class will be to help humans learn fun ways to build on their training program and strengthen their relationship with their dog.

First class will plan to meet at Deering Oaks Park in Portland, near the Forest Avenue entrance. There is a parking lot where the Barking Squirrel Restaurant used to be. The group will decide upon meeting places for the next two weeks.

Other possible meeting places:
East End Beach and/or Commercial St Portland, Out around the Old Port, Congress St Portland, Downtown Westbrook, Pine Point Beach Scarborough.

(Minimum 4 dogs/maximum 6 dogs) 3 weeks - $60.00

TEACUP AGILITY “For Dogs 17 inches and under”

Teacup Agility is similar to regular agility, but the equipment is scaled down and the distances between obstacles is shorter to create challenges for the small dog that are similar to those faced by larger dogs on larger courses. Handlers are challenged to think fast on their feet to keep their dogs on the right path.

TDAA (Teacup Dog Agility Association) is unique in that many different games are introduced in tournaments. Some of these games are straight-forward skills tests, while others require clever strategy from the handler.

The goal of these classes is to introduce basic agility concepts, teach important handler movements, increase dog’s body awareness, and build confidence in both the dog and handler.

The Foundations Skills course will start with foundation skills for agility and introduce each dog and handler team to the TDAA equipment. Prior training in basic obedience is recommended.

The “Advanced Beginner” course is for teams who have been introduced to the equipment and are beginning to work sequences and hone their basic skills. The first TDAA trial was held in 2002 and the program continues to grow rapidly, especially in the Northeast. For more information on the Teacup Dog Agility Association visit www.k9tdaa.com

6 weeks - $110.00

 

JUST FOR FUN AGILITY

Agility can be for any dog – even if you have no interest in ever entering a trial. Not only is agility about speed and accuracy, but it also gives dogs and handlers a clearer communication system as well as building a stronger bond while having fun together.

This class is designed for people who want to share the fun of agility with their dog, but know they will never enter a trial. It is for older or less agile dogs. Even dogs with mild arthritis can participate as the obstacles will be adjusted to lower heights and slower speeds will be expected.

• Foundations skills & games that strengthen the relationship
• Stretching, strengthening & balance exercises – including tricks
• TTouch & body awareness exercises
• Introduce dogs to a variety of agility equipment – modified for safety

We will work to build a team that can actually run a modified agility course together – having fun, but keeping safe. Participating dogs should have some basic training in polite manners and must not be aggressive to other dogs or people. Please contact the instructor if you have questions as to whether or not your dog is ready for this class. A vet-check prior to the start of class is also recommended.

6 weeks: $95.00 - $120.00

 

The Basics of TTouch Bodywork Workshop
“A Gentle Approach to Influence Behavior, Health, & Performance”

The Tellington Touch method is a great compliment to training. Anyone can learn to do the TTouches and your dog will love you for it. The goal of the TTouch bodywork is to stimulate the function and vitality of the cells and to activate unused neural pathways to the brain. Stress-reducing hormones are released, and your dog learns to gain trust in you as well as awareness and confidence in himself. TTouch has been successfully used to solve typical behavior problems such as excessive barking, anxiety, carsickness, shyness, aggressiveness, grooming issues, as well as aiding in the healing of injuries and disease. Learning the TTouch method is sure to improve your relationship with your pet as well as enhance your dog’s willingness and ability to learn. For more information, visit www.ttouch.com or contact the instructor, Carolyn Ross.

(Minimum – 4/maximum – 12 dogs)

Half Day Workshop - $60.00

Full Day Workshop - $95.00

Walk in Harmony “Learn to Help your Dog Walk Politely on Leash”

Unfortunately dogs these days spend a lot of time on leash. Why do so many dogs pull their owners around the neighborhood? Using a combination of The Third Way and Tellington Touch training methods, this class will explore different techniques to help dogs and handlers enjoy their leash walks. We will practice both casual long leash walking and attention heeling. We will discuss the physics of leash walking, the Balance Leash, and leash walking using two points of contact. If you would like to use a head collar, you will learn how to gently introduce it to your dog and how to use it most effectively. Other various management devices will also be discussed to help find the right solution for each dog and handler team. We will explore using TTouch body wraps, practice meeting other dog & handler teams, as well as have fun with the “Playground of Higher Learning.” This class is suitable for dogs that pull on the leash, dogs that don’t want to move forward, teams competing in Rally-O who want to perfect their attention heeling skills, or for puppies just learning what the leash is all about.

(Minimum – 4/maximum – 6 dogs) 3 weeks - $60.00