Basic Obedience Classes

Puppy classes will help, but

this is the place to start your dog's journey to a well-mannered adult companion.

WHAT IS REQUIRED TO ATTEND?

Dogs must be at least 5 months old.

Dogs must have 2 sets of the DHLPP vaccine ("puppy vaccine") prior to starting class. 

Rabies vaccination is required.  A titer is sufficient for vaccination status.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?



1. Lots of small, soft food treats as rewards.
2. Collar - please no prong, choke, or shock collars.
3. Leash - 4 foot nylon or leather. Please NO retractable (Flexi) leashes.
4. All vaccination records (listed above). Without these, you will not be allowed in the class.
5. Completed registration form or member registration form along with the class fee - we accept CASH, CHECKS or CREDIT (small fee).
6. It helps to have pants with pockets or bring something that attaches to your waist to hold your dog’s treats. 
7. YOU MUST have closed-toe comfortable shoes.

Basic 1

For the new dog and/or the new owner teaching the basics of well-mannered dogs. This class is a hands-on training session with your dog. The class uses positive lure/reward training, as do all our classes. Not all dogs are ready to graduate after just 7 weeks. Most dogs should take this course 2 times. Each dog is an individual and learns at their own rate.

The class will provide the owners with the skills needed to train their dog to:

• Walk on loose lead
• Sit, Down, and Stand when cued
• Stay in place when given a Sit, Down or Stand
• Meet strangers and be petted
• Move away from an object when given a “leave it” command.

There will be homework assignments for the handler and dog to help develop their training skills. When you finish this course the handler/dog team should be able to perform the following tasks.

Handouts:  Come-Sit-Down-Stay   Walking on Leash

Basic 2

Basic 2 will cover all the skills your dog needs to be an AKC Canine Good Citizen and a well-behaved companion. This course is for dogs and handlers that have successfully completed Basic 1.   Dogs in this class may be required to be crated for a brief period while other dogs are training.

The goals of this class are such that:

• The dog should be able to walk on a loose lead for 30 feet without pulling.
• A stranger should be able to come up to the owner without the dog jumping on the stranger.
• The dog can move about politely in pedestrian traffic and is under control when on leash in public.
• The dog should be able to respond to the handler’s cues to sit and down.
• The handler/dog should be able to perform a 1-minute sit stay using a 6-foot lead.
• The dog should be able to stay in place as the handler moves 20 feet away.
• The dog should be able to come on command from a stay 10 feet away.
• The dog and handler should be able to pass all the requirements necessary to earn the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) title.
• CGC testing will be available during class on the last week of the session.  
  

Not all dogs are ready to graduate after just 7 weeks. Most dogs should take this course 2 times. Each dog is an individual and learns at their own rate.

Basic Mutt Manners

This class is designed for dogs over 1 year old whose backgrounds may not be fully known and who may need some extra help. The class syllabus changes with each group of dogs; often with individual dogs working on different things in the same class. While a little less structured than the Basic 1 & 2 classes, this class will also focus on sit, down, walk on a loose leash, leave it and "place" (kennel, crate, mat).