This class instills the most critical skills for both you and your dog. A dog who respects (not fears) it's handler will automatically behave in a more mannerly fashion. So, we teach you simple exercises that will convey to your dog that you are their benevolent leader. These exercises are done as part of your dog's daily life, so are not only easy to fit in, but will naturally reinforce your leadership role in a way your dog already is hard-wired to understand.

Skills your dog will learn start with giving their attention when asked. This is the most basic skill of all. If you don't have your student's attention, it will be difficult at best to teach them anything, and the results will likely be disappointing. Then we teach Sit, Down, Wait, and introduce Come Here skills. From there we will teach your dog to settle down when excited, and begin work on not pulling on leash. Management tools will be used to prevent your dog from continuing to pull on walks, etc. until they have more experience with this skill in Foundation Skills 2. A natural part of this class is problem solving your most urgent issues, such as jumping up (no, you're not alone!).

When you have completed this level, your dog will be able to:

• Give you their attention & focus, even when distracted by food, toys, dogs or people (4 out of 5 times);
• Sit or Down when asked once, and remain in place for 1 minute, with mild distractions (4 out of 5 times);
• Sit & Wait for permission before eating their meals (4 out of 5 times);
• Come when called from a distance of 30-40 feet, away from a distraction (4 out of 5 times);
• Wait before going through doors, in or out (4 out of 5 times);
• Maintain a loose leash while stationary, even with moderate distractions (4 out of 5 times);
• Walk approximately 100' maintaining a loose leash with mild distractions (4 out of 5 times);
  
• Be able to Settle Down easily after being excited (4 out of 5 times);
• Perform a simple trick (who doesn't like a dog doing a trick?!). 

 Oh yes, you can! It IS easier than you think, and does not require that you set aside huge blocks of time for "training". How nice would it be to have a dog that fulfilled the above? Every dog has in their lives things they love. We will show you  how to use those things to reward your dog for doing what you ask and behaving a certain way. Then over time, those behaviors become habit (dogs are creatures of habit), and before you know it, you have the dog you always dreamed yours could be. Come join us for the adventure of communicating with your dog!

First class of the month, $75 covers the whole month;

Drop-in, $20 per class