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Practical Tricks

A fun and engaging class designed to teach dogs practical household skills while building confidence, focus, and teamwork with their owners.

This class introduces useful everyday behaviors and entertaining tricks that can enhance both your dog’s quality of life and the harmony of your household. Dogs will learn practical tasks such as opening doors, bringing in the mail, picking up dishes after feeding time, retrieving items, and other helpful household behaviors.

The class focuses on easy-to-teach skills that require minimal equipment and can be practiced in everyday life. Along the way, dogs will develop problem-solving abilities, confidence, impulse control, and stronger communication with their handlers.

Whether your goal is to have a more helpful companion, strengthen your bond with your dog, or simply enjoy learning together, this class provides a positive and rewarding experience for both dogs and their people.

Tricks For Fun

This class will focus on teaching your dog tricks (based on AKC trick guidelines) that are simply fun, useful in general life, or your path to a Trick Title. Trick training is a fantastic way to bond with your dog and teach your dog how to focus on you. Dogs that can do tricks are great for entertaining and engaging with family members and even people you meet in everyday life. This is also a wonderful opportunity to hone your training skills before advancing to the next level of classes.

Prerequisites:

DOGS: The dog must have a good recall and basic obedience skills (sit, stay, down, etc). Completion of a Basic Obedience class is a plus. Unruly dogs can disrupt other students, so your dog should be comfortable and controllable in a multi-dog class environment. Dogs will not be crated for class, but will always be on a lead near the handler. Dogs will be separated as much as space allows. All teams will work on various tricks as a group. Any dog considered aggressive towards people or other dogs will be excused.

HANDLERS: Must have an open mind and be willing to try different positive reinforcement training tools and methods. Clickers and/or verbal markers may be used to train the skills. It is the Handler's choice to decide what works best for their team after learning and practicing different methods. Effective training involves a lot of repetition, and practicing with your dog outside of class will be important to progress through the classes.

WHAT IS REQUIRED TO ATTEND?

2 sets of the DHLPP vaccine ("puppy vaccine") prior to starting class. Rabies vaccination is required at 6 months. A titer is sufficient for vaccination status.

**Prerequisite: Completion of the STAR Puppy or Basic Obedience class is suggested. Taking the prerequisite class does not necessarily mean your dog is ready to automatically advance to the next level of training.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

1. A clicker and small, soft food treats as rewards.
2. All vaccination records (Proof of 2 sets of the DHLPP vaccine) Without these, you will not be allowed in the class.
3. Collar - please no prong, choke, or shock collars.
4. Leash - 4 foot nylon or leather. Please NO retractable (Flexi) leashes.
5. Completed registration form along with the class fee - we accept CASH, CHECKS, and CREDIT CARDS (additional $5 service charge when using credit cards.)
6. On the first night of class, please plan to arrive 10 minutes early for registration.
7. It helps to have pants with pockets or bring something that attaches to your waist to hold your dog’s treats.
8. YOU MUST have closed-toe comfortable shoes.

Competitive Obedience

Current Class Schedule