Class Descriptions

    Following is a more detailed description of classes offered by Elaine.  Keep in mind that training your dog takes time.  It's important to work with your dog daily, if possible and working with your dog doesn't stop the day the class ends.  Except where noted, all classes meet once a week.

AKC Canine Good Citizen Program

Elaine is an AKC certified CGC evaluator. The goal of this two week program is to teach responsible dog ownership to owners and provide basic training and good manners to dogs. The first week's class will work on the 10 areas a dog must pass to receive a CGC certificate from the AKC. These areas are: Accept a friendly stranger; Sit politely for petting; Appearance and grooming; Out for a walk(Walking on a loose leash); Walk through a crowd; Sit and down on command/Staying in place; Come when called; Reaction to another dog; Reactions to distractions; Supervised separation. The second week will be the administration of the test. It would be helpful if your dog has some previous obedience training, though not a requirement. The class is fun and helps build a stronger bond between owner and dog. Contact Elaine via e-mail or phone to enroll in this class.

$35 for two week class including CGC certificate from the AKC.

pet dog manners

     This is a three week class that will help you understand how dogs learn and will help you to become a better teacher.  This session is meant to be an introduction to teaching your dog better manners and to help you change your dogs bad behavior.  It can also be a useful refresher course for the obedience class you took your dog to but never reinforced what was learned.  WEEK ONE is WITHOUT dogs.  Behavior issues like jumping, barking, "counter surfing", etc. will be discussed.  How dogs learn and how to use your voice to give commands and praise will be explained.  In WEEK TWO basic commands are taught. Areas to be covered are:  politely walking on a leash, sit, sit and wait at the door and come when called.  WEEK THREE is a review of commands and a question/answer period.
$50 for three week class.

Puppy

     Puppies between the age of 3 to 6 months should enroll in this class.  A lot of bad habits can develop before the age of 6 months.  It's easier to prevent bad behavior than to correct it.  Puppies will have a chance to interact with other puppies as well as people.  Behavior problems like house soiling, chewing, barking, biting and jumping are just some of this issues covered.  Basic obedience commands that are covered are: attention to handler, walking nicely on leash, sit, down, stand, come, stay, give and wait at the door.  A small obstacle course is set up to teach puppies self-confidence and other games are also played.  Being prepared for emergencies and grooming tips are also discussed. THE FIRST CLASS WILL BE WITHOUT DOGS.
$130 for seven week class.

beginner

     Dogs of any age that have not tended a formal obedience class should enroll in this class.  This class is same as puppy class but without the socialization.  Older dogs don't always interact safely with other dogs.  Until each dog's socialization skills are determined, each dog should be kept close to its handler.  Elaine will pay particular attention to any dog that needs work on interacting with other dogs. THE FIRST CLASS WILL BE WITHOUT DOGS.
$130 for seven week class.

advanced beginner

     In this class closer attention is given to "heel" position with an automatic sit when coming to a halt.  Heeling with a circle left, circle right, about turn, left U-turn and change of pace.  Formal "front and finish" is added.  The stay command is extended in both time and distance.  Stand for examination is also worked on.  At this level less treats as rewards are used. THE FIRST CLASS WILL BE WITHOUT DOGS.
$130 for seven week class.

intermediate

     Dogs should have completed an advanced beginner level class.  Fine-tuning of commands learned in previous classes is worked on.  Figure 8 is taught and hand signals are introduced.  Some distractions are used during heeling and stays.
$130 for seven week class.

advanced

     This level continues to fine tune.  More distractions are used and longer time periods and distances are used for stays.  Some dogs may be ready to start off-leash work.  This level is less formal and the direction of the class often reflects the ability of the dogs in the class.  Some dogs in the class are getting ready to go on obedience competition.  This class can include taking a dumb bell, drop on recall and broad jump.  Sometimes dogs and handlers need a break from formal classes.  Games are played to help teach that commands must be obeyed in different situations.  Obedience relay race, tick-tack-toe and dog bowling are among some of the games played.
$130 for seven week class.

novice

     This class is geared toward obedience competition.  However, you don't have to compete to attend class.  Some people come to this class because they just enjoy spending the time with their dog and being around other dog lovers.  This is the only drop-in class (class is on-going with no preset length).
$15 for each class attended.

Private lessons

     This is one on one training with Elaine and the dog/handler.  Location, duration and cost of class is determined on a case by case basis.