Group classes are a great way to help your dog become socialized to other dogs and people. They also learn how to do various behaviors in a distracting environment. There are some tips though that everyone should follow to make group classes a safe place for everyone.

• Make sure you dog’s collar or harness is properly sized. Dogs can get out of loosely fitted equipment. A good rule to follow is that there should be enough room to slip two fingers under the straps and no more.  Two points of contact is recommended.  You can use a back up safety clip/tab or a carabiner. 
• Dogs should have proper ID on their collars. While many owners are now microchipping their dogs, which we strongly encourage, having additional backup that can be easily seen if your dog gets lose can help get them get home quicker.
• Always keep your dog on a 4 to 6 foot nylon, cloth or leather leash. No retractable leashes, which give you much less control over the dog and can be clumsy to handle. Avoid using chain leashes, which can be heavy and distracting to the dog.
• Maintain a distance of at least 4 to 6 feet between your dog and other dogs in the class. While other dogs may seem friendly, you don’t know how they will do with your particular dog, and their owners will appreciate you giving them space until everyone is comfortable with each other.
• Always watch your dog’s body language for signs of stress or agitation. A dog who’s tail is tucked, body is low to the ground, with sweaty paws, etc. is a dog that is fearful and needs more space, or to leave class entirely. Likewise, a dog that is staring, with body taut and hackles raised, is a dog that is not comfortable with the other dogs and might become aggressive. If your dog’s body language matches this description, move your dog away from the other dogs and consult the instructor. If you see other dogs with this body language, move away from them and give them space.
• If you have children that you want to involve in the process, discuss with your instructor first as each location has different policies in regards to children in class. If they do allow you to have your children attend, always be in control of the dog’s leash. Younger children may not have the strength to hold the dog, and also can be easily distracted. Likewise, supervise your children and ask other adults if they may meet their dogs first and instruct your children to respect their wishes regarding interaction with their dogs.
• Many dogs, particularly in the first day/night of class, can be very hyper and overly energetic because of the excitement of all the new dogs and people. Remember to stay calm and relaxed and do not get excited. Your dog will react to your body language and demeanor.
• If your dog is showing signs of illness, do not bring him to class, as he or she may pass it on to other dogs. This doesn’t mean you can’t show up though to observe what everyone else is learning!
• Always remember, it is your responsibility to protect your dog and watch out for him in a class situation. Always be aware of your dog’s actions, behavior and the environment around the both of you. Unless otherwise instructed by the course instructor, always keep hold of your leash.
• And most of all, remember to have fun learning with your dog!

Basic Dog Obedience Training - $140

The class will focus on:

No pulling on leash
House-training
Puppy mouthing and nipping
Excessive and/or inappropriate barking
Not coming when called
Jumping up on people
Basic manners and obedience
Advanced manners and obedience
Destructive chewing
Child/Dog relations
Separation issues and anxiety
Fear based behaviors
Aggressive behaviors

Puppy 1 Class

12 to 18 weeks

We will teach you how to safely socialize your puppy and acclimate them to places such as the vet and groomer. Puppies will learn the building blocks of important skills including come, sit, settle down, leave it and more. You’ll learn how to address and prevent common puppy behavior and temperament problems such as puppy biting, jumping up, and pulling on leash.

Age: On the start date of class, pups must be between 12-18 weeks old.

There is no prerequisite for this class, This class is $130  for five consecutive weekly sessions, unless a break is mentioned. Each session is approximately 50 minutes and will meet on the same day and time each week.  Puppies who do not have all their shots must be carried into the classroom.  The floor will have been cleaned with a bleach solution prior to class.

Based on Dr. Dunbar's methods

Puppy 2 Class

18 to 24 weeks

We will continue to concentrate on housetraining (Potty Training, Chew Toy Training  Crate Training) so your pup learns how to behave at home when left unsupervised and settle down quietly when you want them to.  

We continue to work on confidence building (Socialization, Desensitization, Handling, Resolving Phobias) So your pup learns to enjoy being held and handled and does not become fearful, reactive, or aggressive towards any people, animals, or other stimuli.  Review of Lure Reward Training (Sit, Down, Stand, Come, Follow, Go To Your Bed, Settle Down, Off, Take It, Fetch, Tug and More…) So your pup learns to perform useful behaviors on cue, reliably, and promptly so you can have fun together and redirect your pup away from unwanted behaviors.  All of our training is reward-based and designed to build and strengthen a relationship between you and your pup that is based on trust and communication.  Initially, we will use food in your pup’s training, but we will also show you how to phase out the need for food lures so you do not become dependent on food for your pup's training.

Based on Dr. Dunbar's methods

Advanced Dog Obedience Training - $140

Your dog must know some basic obedience to be eligible for this class. They should know heel/sit/down and stay. If you have had a beginner class with Kari in Stockton, Manteca or Lathrop you should have the skills you need to take this class. If you would like us to evaluate your dog to find out if they are ready to move into an advanced class just let us know and we can schedule that. 

This class will focus on:

Solid basic commands

Establish a solid Heelside position

Sit and down-in-motion

More challenging recalls

Sit-stay and down-stay out of sight

Increased distractions

Finish command

Off leash heeling

Down or sit on recall: 

Rally Obedience Class - $140

Your dog must know some basic obedience to be eligible for this class. They should know heel/sit/down and stay. If you have had a beginner class with Kari in Stockton, Manteca or Lathrop you should have the skills you need to take this class. If you would like us to evaluate your dog to find out if they are ready to move into an advanced class just let us know and we can schedule that.

Rally is a dog sport that is taking the nation by storm, a successful stepping stone from the beginner dog class to the world of Novice Obedience or Agility. Rally offers both the dogs and handlers an experience that is fun and energizing. The canine team moves at their own pace, following direct signs (stations) while moving thru the training area. Rally was designed for the traditional pet owner, but it can still be very challenging.

Unlimited communication from the handler to the dog is to be encouraged and not penalized. Handlers are permitted to talk, praise, encourage, clap their hands, pat their legs, or use any verbal means of encouragement. Multiple commands and signals are allowed.

This class will focus on:

Solid basic commands
Establish a solid Heelside position
Sit and down-in-motion
More challenging recalls
Increased distractions
Finish command
Down or sit on recall

 Canine Good Citizen Class - $140

The Canine Good Citizen Program teaches good manners to dogs and responsible dog ownership to their owners. The 10-step CGC class is for all dogs, including purebreds and mixed breeds. It is a prerequisite for many therapy dog groups and some homeowner’s insurance companies encourage CGC class andtesting. There are also an increasing number of apartments and condos that require resident dogs to pass the CGC test.  

The class will focus on:

Accepting a friendly stranger
Sitting politely for petting

Appearance and grooming
Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead)
Walking through a crowd
Sit and down on command and Staying in place
Coming when called
Reaction to another dog
Reaction to distraction
Supervised separation