The next step in your progression towards formal agility at PAWS is our Clicker Obedience Class. This class is geared towards the novice trainer and/or beginner dog. It’s even beneficial for a crossover dog (one that was trained using other methods). Our students that have taken obedience classes elsewhere tell us they learned even more than they expected in our classes and were very grateful they were encouraged to take our class. Using positive, motivational, and fun techniques, our instructor will help you better understand dog behavior in general and dog training in particular. This class will provide the groundwork for whatever you want to do with your dog, whether it’s obedience, agility, or just to have a well-behaved pet.
Handler Skills:
- How to use a clicker
- How dogs learn
- How to read your dog’s behavior (body language)
- Timing of rewards
- How and when to add a cue/command
- How to shape behaviors using a clicker
- How to evaluate your dog’s physical condition and weight
Obedience Skills:
- Sit, down, stand, stay
- Loose-leash walking
- Recall games
- Training towards off-leash control
Shaping:
- Name games (attention)
- Hand & target stick touch
- “Leave it” and “get it”
- “What is that?” game (introduction to new obstacles, such as agility equipment)
- Tricks (spin, shake, play dead, bow, crawl, back)
Behavior:
- Is your dog ready to go?
- Self-control
- Dog body language
- Collar handling
- Teaching distance, duration, different, and distraction
- Crate training
- Building confidence
- Stretching exercises
- Grooming
- How to decipher dog food labels
- Weight management
- Food/toy possession
While there is some overlap with what’s learned in Puppy Agility/Socialization Class, our Clicker Obedience Class takes those skills to a new level. Think about Puppy Agility/Socialization Class as kindergarten and Clicker Obedience Class as elementary school for your dog. More training means a better relationship with your dog and a more delightful pet.
Clicker Obedience Class meets for approximately one hour a week. Dogs must be at least 8 weeks old.
Class Fees:
- $135 for a 5-week session.
- Class fees and a completed Registration Form (including proof of rabies certificate) are required to reserve a spot.
- Class schedule is subject to change due to agility trials, inclement weather, etc.
- Private lessons are available by appointment only. The cost is $50 per hour.
Current Class Schedule:
Evening classes are formed when there are enough registrations to fill a class. For more information on obedience classes, contact Nancy Strack.
