Basic Obedience Instruction

Group Class Fee:  $75 for six weeks, $65 for rescue or shelter dogs adopted within the last twelve months (copy of adoption contract or other verification required)

Private In Home Fee:  $125 for six weeks, $115 for rescue or shelter dogs adopted within the last twelve months (copy of adoption contract or other verification required)

Basic Obedience instruction meets once a week for six weeks and is taught from an AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) platform designed to train the foundational skills necessary to pass the AKC CGC Test, should you desire to advance to that level.  Classes are open to puppies and dogs over 8 weeks of age with proof of current vaccinations.  During the six week class we’ll discuss pack dynamics (the real story!), leadership, canine psychology and learning theory, health and safety, nutrition, exercise, enrichment and much more – all in clear, concise easy to understand terms.  You’ll learn and practice all the basic obedience cues, hand signals and other skills that will result in a well mannered companion, including the secrets to good on leash behavior and pleasant walks, reliable recall, crate training, and toileting.  We’ll also work on correcting some basic problem behaviors such as jumping up, mouthing, house soiling, pulling on lead, and inappropriate chewing. 

There are advantages to both group and private in home instruction.  Group classes offer a great socialization opportunity for your dog and the chance to practice his new skills under mild distraction, and private instruction allows scheduling flexibility and more one on one, personalized attention.  Group class offerings have limited availability on location availability and participant interest, and class size is limited to ten dogs.  Private instruction is available at any time, and may include outings or visits from guest dogs and humans to accomplish socialization.  All family members are welcome and encouraged to attend all sessions.  Children under 13 years of age must be accompanied by an adult, and children under 18 years of age must have a signed consent/liability release from their parent or legal guardian. 

All Basic Obedience instruction includes an overview and introduction to clicker training, one of the hottest, most effective methods in the training world today.

To enroll in basic obedience, you’ll be asked to complete a brief questionnaire and return it along with a $25 non-refundable deposit, which will be deducted from your total fee due at the time of the first lesson.  On the day of the first lesson, you’ll be asked to sign a services contract/release of liability and show proof of vaccination. 

On rare occasions, it may be determined that a dog is not suitable for a group environment.  The trainer reserves the right to remove any dog they believe poses a risk to other dogs or humans at any time.  Should this happen, a full or prorated refund will be offered, or the balance may be applied to private in home instruction for behavioral modification.  Behavioral modification has a slightly different fee structure.