Group Training Classes
Behavior Training Classes
STAR Behavior Training is a combined course in obedience training and behavioral management. I specifically developed the STAR Behavior Training course for dogs and puppies with the needs of pet owners in mind. It is based upon current knowledge of dog behavior, learning and motivation.
In the STAR behavior training course, you will learn how to properly train your dog or puppy to obey basic commands, like heel, sit, down, come, and stay. Additionally, you will learn how to use these commands in daily situations so that you have better control over your dog. You’ll learn to teach your dog to be calmer and more manageable and to solve problems, like jumping up, running off, destroying property and pulling.
The methods taught in the STAR behavior training course are designed to modify your dog's behavior through the use of positive reinforcement. You will learn how to effectively communicate with your dog and how to motivate him to please you by tapping into his natural desires to play and obtain affection, praise and rewards. Above all, these training methods are FUN for you as well as your dog and more effective than those relying on correction or intimidation.
You will receive an extensive manual to assist you in the course. The manual consists of three parts. The first part explains my philosophy and understanding of training dogs. The second section outlines how to teach the exercises along with photos. The third portion is dedicated to providing solutions to various behavior problems.
STAR Behavior Training classes are only available at the Galena locations only.
The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy is an exciting program designed to get dog owners and their puppies off to a solid start. At the end of the course you and your puppy will be eligible for the S.T.A.R. certificate offered by the AKC. All basic commands will be taught with the needs and abilities of puppies in mind. Your puppies will have the opportunity to socialize with other dogs, learn commands with distractions and build confidence. Puppies must be at least 12 weeks of age and have had 3 sets of vaccines prior to attending.
Adult dogs (over 1 year) should sign up for the S.T.A.R. Dog classes. In addition to learning how to train your adult dog to obey commands, you will learn how dogs grow and develop, physically, behaviorally, and emotionally. Your dog will learn how to behave around other dogs. The course is designed to assist you to prepare your dog to be a Canine Good Citizen.
All classes are behaviorally based and taught using positive methods!
The S.T.A.R. Puppy, Program is available at Shagbark Dog Training on Wednesday Evenings in Marysville.
The Canine Good Citizen Program, offered for adult dogs who have had prior training. It represents the gold standard of behavior and training. The goal of any good dog training class is to have owners learn basic skills with their dogs that will assure that their dog would be a good citizen in the community. Behaviors include basic exercises, like sit, down, come and stay. These exercises will be extended to off leash control. In addition, dogs will learn to behave as they walk past other dogs, when there are distractions, in a crowd or when left with a friendly stranger.
The specific test items are as follows:
• Accepting a Friendly Stranger
• Sitting Politely for Petting
• Appearance and Grooming
• Out for a Walk (Walking on a Loose Leash)
• Walking Through a Crowd
• Sit and Down on Command/ Staying in Place
• Coming When Called
• Reaction to Another Dog
• Reaction to Distractions
• Supervised Separation
CGC and CCA classes are offered on Tuesday nights at the Galena location.
Urban Canine Training and therapy dog training offered based upon interest.
The AKC Community Canine Classes are for those dogs who have previously attained the Canine Good Citizen Test.
The test items for the CCGA are:
1. Dog stands, sits or lies down and waits under control while the owner sits at the registration table and fills out paperwork, or, while the owner sits and has a snack or visits with someone (e.g., at a park).
2. Walks on a loose leash in a natural situation (not in a ring)-does not pull. left and right turn stop fast and slow pace
3. Walks on a loose leash through a crowd. This item is tested in a real crowd, not in a ring.
4. Dog walks past distraction dogs present; does not pull.
5. Sit-stay in small group (3 other people with dogs). Owners and dogs are in an informal group while owners have a conversation.
6. Dog allows person who is carrying something (e.g., purse, computer case, backpack) to approach and pet it. “May I pet your dog?” (Item is put on floor/ground before person pets dog)
7. “Leave it.” Dog walks by food and follows owner instructions, “Leave it.”
8. Down or sit stay (owner’s choice) at a distance.
9. Recall with distractions present (coming when called). Handler goes out 20-ft. (off center) and calls dog. Dog comes past a distractor to return to handler.
10. Dog enters/exits a doorway or narrow passageway (on leash, with owner) in a controlled manner.
AKC Urban CGC is a title in the Canine Good Citizen family of awards and titles that also include AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, Canine Good Citizen and AKC Community Canine.
AKC Urban CGC requires that the dog demonstrate CGC skills and beyond in a setting that includes traffic, crowds, noises, smells and other distractions that are present in a city or town. As with Canine Good Citizen, AKC Urban CGC is a 10-step test of skills that dogs must pass to earn the official AKC Urban CGC title. This is a title that appears on the dog’s title record at AKC.
AKC Urban CGC is a public access test that demonstrates dogs are well-behaved and well-trained when in public settings. The Urban CGC test can be used by dog- friendly business (e.g., lodging, retail, transportation, public facilities) to recognize and accept dogs with good manners.
The Setting
All skills are tested on leash. AKC Urban CGC should be administered in a place where there are cars, streets to be crossed, noises, and distractions. This test is administered in the real world; it should not be simulated in a ring at a dog show.
When test items (such as riding on an elevator) are administered in public buildings, the buildings must be dog friendly or evaluators must have permission in advance from the business owners, managers, etc.
Requirements
To earn the AKC Urban CGC (CGCU) title, dogs must meet the following two requirements:
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1. Must already have a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certificate or title on record at AKC. If the CGC and CGCU are tested on the same day, both forms should be sent in the same envelope to AKC so that the CGC can be applied to the dog’s record first.
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2. Must have an AKC number of one of 3 types (AKC registration number, Purebred Alternative Listing (PAL) number, or AKC Canine Partners number). All dogs, including mixed breeds, can get an AKC number. The reason for the AKC number requirement is that this is how we create titles at AKC; we attach the titles to the dog’s number. Read more information on getting an AKC number.
Passing the Urban CGC test or Canine Good Citizen test does not make a dog a service dog or emotional support dog. A key distinction of service or emotional support dogs is that the owner/handler has a disability. It is unethical to misrepresent a pet dog as a service or emotional support animal.
Conformation Training
Good handlers always look like they're doing nothing at all because they have trained dogs. The handler is then able to step back and let the judge see the dog on display.
Often new handlers struggling to get dogs to stand still or show their bites! The best dogs look like they know what they're doing and that is comes naturally.
In Conformation classes you learn the skills to show your dogs to their best advantage. You will understand how to teach your dogs the skills they need to show themselves.
You will learn how to properly hand stack, free bait, get your dogs' attention and expression, gait, bait, and be comfortable with being examined.
The training you'll receive is for YOU and YOUR dog. You'll learn how to engage your dog in the ring, learn what to expect and how to accept a stranger going over and staring at them.
This classes are designed to help you to become a more competent owner-handler and your dog to be a competitive show dog! These are the skills that divide winners from losers in the show ring.
Conformation training is provided in private, semi- private and small group lessons.