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PUPPY THRU ADOLESCENCE: Development and Obedience
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PUPPY SOCIALS
Puppy Socials are a safe and supervised environment to help further your puppy's social skills and bite inhibition during that critical up-to-18 week socialization window.
Course prerequisites:
- Puppies must be under 18 weeks of age when attending their first social
- Puppies must have proof of being 10 days past their initial vaccination for DHPP at their first attendance. Bordatella also recommended but not required
- Guardian over 18 years of age must accompany puppy
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| $10 - per session drop-in charge. Payment goes to instructor. NO NEED TO REGISTER.
- On-time arrival is required to avoid disruptions. Space may be limited. Socials will be closed to latecomers and will be closed when room is full.
- Bring a few yummy treats for your pup and a non-spill water bottle. For safety of all dogs, please bring pup on flat collar (no metal or slip collars; harnesses must be removed during play).
- The puppy socials are intended as a safe place for friendly pups to socialize. Please note that this is not an environment to work on behavior issues. Socials are not necessarily appropriate for every dog and the trainers on duty are qualified to make that assessment if necessary. Trainers reserve the right to excuse any pup from social for any reason.
In PALO ALTO, ongoing every Saturday, at 9 AM with Donna Medeiros instructing.
In SUNNYVALE, ongoing every Sunday, at 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM with Nancy Weller instructing.
Pups attending for the first time should attend the 10:30 session. Timid, shy or very small puppies should attend the 10:30 session, where we have a special section to help them overcome their shyness and where smaller pups may play safely with others of similar size.
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PUPPY 1
The experiences your pup has during the first 18 weeks of life, known as the “Socialization” period, will lay the foundation for future behavior. Young puppies that are exposed in a positive manner to numerous people, sounds, and to the world in general, will result in a well-socialized, less fearful adult dog. Classes with other pups in their same developmental period gives them a chance to develop good dog-to-dog social skills and to learn good bite inhibition (ability to control the force of their bite). Puppy 1 includes sit, down, stay, settle, come, leave it, and leash manners. Additional topics include: housetraining, alone training, chewing, biting, and body handling so they are comfortable at the vets and groomers. |
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Puppy 1 is a five-week course, 50 minutes each week and pups attend every session with you and/or your entire family. Enrollment includes a free copy of Teoti Anderson’s book, “Your Outta Control Puppy.”
Course prerequisites:
- Puppy must be be 18 weeks of age or younger by the start date of class
- Puppy must be 10 days past their initial vaccination for DHPP. Bordatella vaccination is recommended but not required
- Proof of first vaccinations
$165 - ($140 for A DOG'S LIFE members)
See Class Schedule | July| August| September
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PUPPY 2
Puppy 2 is designed for the quickly emerging adolescent. The behaviors covered in Puppy 1 will be refined and improved in Puppy 2. Special emphasis will be placed on motivating your dog so you get quicker responses to your commands, better recalls, stays with distractions and walking nicely on a leash. New skills (“go to your mat," Emergency Recall, variations on heeling, distance commands, etc.) will be taught. This is the “juvenile” stage in your dog's life when their reliability tends to wane. This class will help keep both you and your dog on track as you navigate this frequently-challenging time. |
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Puppy 2 is a five-week class and your pups should attend all classes with you.
Course prerequisites:
- Completion of Puppy 1 at A DOG'S LIFE or proof of another off-leash puppy class and approval by the class trainer
- All puppies must be under 12 months of age and have remained socialized to dogs and people
- Proof of current, age appropriate vaccinations
$165 - ($140 for A DOG'S LIFE members)
See Class Schedule | July| August| September
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PUPPY 2.5
This is a class for pups who’ve graduated from Puppy 2 but would like a to go on a bit further. It’s also a place to sharpen up those skills if you’ve taken a break from training since Puppy 2. This is a four-week course. |
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Course prerequisites:
- Satisfactory completion of Puppy 2 and approval of the class trainer
- Dogs must have remained dog and people friendly
- Proof of current vaccinations
$100 – four-week course ($80 for A DOG'S LIFE members)
CALL FOR INFORMATION.
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OLDER PUPPY
A basic class for puppies between approximately 5 to 10-12 months who missed Puppy 1. Your puppy will learn basic obedience skills and we will address pertinent puppy issues you may still be having. This course includes sit, down, stay, settle, come, leave it, and leash manners. Additional topics include: housetraining, alone training, chewing, biting, and body handling so they are comfortable at the vets and groomers. |
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Course prerequisites:
- Puppies must be 5 months to 1 year of age
- Proof of current vaccinations
$165 – five-week course ($140 for A DOG'S LIFE members)
CALL FOR INFORMATION.
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*** All dogs that come to A DOG'S LIFE for daycare, boarding or training that are recovering from and/or taking antibiotics for an illness or infection must also have written clearance from their vet stating that the dog is safe to be around other dogs (i.e. is not contagious).***
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ADULT DOG EDUCATION AND OBEDIENCE
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CANINE MIDDLE SCHOOL (Basic Obedience)
Canine Middle School is a basic training class designed to teach your dog all the fundamentals of training. Best of all, you'll use positive reinforcement training methods that help strengthen the bond between you and your canine companion. Both you and your dog will graduate with a better understanding of each other! Behaviors your dog will learn include: Sit ~ Down ~ Stand ~ Stay ~ Come when called ~ Watch me ~ Wait ~ Leave it ~ Loose-leash walking ~ Sit for greetings. Owners should attend the first class without their dog and attend classes 2 thru 6 with their dogs. |
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Course prerequisites:
- Dog must be over 5 months old (feel free to enroll your senior dog since you really can teach an old dog new tricks!)
- Dog must have proof of current vaccinations
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INTENSIVE CANINE MIDDLE SCHOOL (Basic Obedience)
Intensive Canine Middle School is a four-week basic training class is designed to teach your dog all the fundamentals of training in an accelerated, semi-private format. You'll use positive reinforcement training methods that help strengthen the bond between you and your canine companion. Both you and your dog will graduate with a better understanding of each other! Behaviors your dog will learn include: Sit ~ Down ~ Stand ~ Stay ~ Come when called ~ Watch me ~ Wait ~ Leave it ~ Loose-leash walking ~ Sit for greetings. Dogs should attend all four sessions of this intensive program.
Course prerequisites:
- Dog must be over 5 months old (feel free to enroll your senior dog since you really can teach an old dog new tricks!)
- Dog must have proof of current vaccinations
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CANINE HIGH SCHOOL (Intermediate Obedience)
Canine High School is designed for graduates of Canine Middle School (or any other basic training class). You'll expand on and refine all those behaviors you learned in Middle School, and then your dog will learn even more! Some of the additional behaviors your dog will learn include: Heel ~ Go to your mat ~ Take it and drop it ~ Speak and shush In addition, your dog will learn "Bang" for "play dead!" |
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Course prerequisites:
- Completion of Canine Middle School or equivalent
- Dog must be over 5 months old (feel free to enroll your senior dog since you really can teach an old dog new tricks!)
- Proof of current vaccinations
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INTENSIVE CANINE HIGH SCHOOL (Intermediate Obedience)
This four-week intensive course is designed for graduates of Canine Middle School (or any other basic training class). In an accelerated and semi-private format, you'll expand on and refine all those behaviors you learned in Middle School, and then your dog will learn even more! Some of the additional behaviors your dog will learn include: Heel ~ Go to your mat ~ Take it and drop it ~ Speak and shush.
Course prerequisites:
- Dog must be over 5 months old (feel free to enroll your senior dog since you really can teach an old dog new tricks!)
- Proof of current vaccinations
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*** All dogs that come to A DOG'S LIFE for daycare, boarding or training that are recovering from and/or taking antibiotics for an illness or infection must also have written clearance from their vet stating that the dog is safe to be around other dogs (i.e. is not contagious).***
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DOG SPORTS AND SPECIALTY CLASSES
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GROWLY DOG PROGRAM
For owners and dogs who are not quite ready for a basic class yet. This program is designed to help owners of reactive dogs who bark, growl, or lunge at other dogs while on leash. We will teach you the most up-to-date methods for managing your reactive dog. We will also help you teach your dog that he does not need to worry when he sees another dog nearby. Whether your goal is to attend advanced training classes or simply to make daily walks more pleasant and less stressful, this class will help you reach those goals. The Growly Dog program is designed for dogs who are reactive on-leash. If your dog also shows signs of aggression off-leash toward other dogs, or is aggressive or reactive toward humans, please call us for private behavior training! |
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The Growly Dog program begins with an evaluation, then progresses to private sessions where you and your dog will learn to work together in the presence of other dogs. Group sessions are also available, for dogs who have completed the evaluation and private sessions and are ready to move into a class environment.
Evaluation: $100 ($50 for rescue dogs)
Private sessions: 4 for $200
Group sessions: 6 for $350
If you are interested in joining our Growly Dog Program, please contact Dana March at dana@dogslife.biz to set up your evaluation.
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OBEDIENCE FOR DOG SPORTS
Designed for the dogs preparing for dog sports, including agility, flyball, canine freestyle, disk dogs and others, this course will emphasize working and remaining focused through high level distractions. Behaviors that will be practiced will include: Appropriate play ~ Stays with distractions ~ Come away from distractions ~ Come past distractions ~ Go away from me ("go on") ~ Left Turn/Right Turn. This is 6-week class and your dog should attend all six classes. |
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Course prerequisites:
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BEGINNING PET DOG AGILITY
Beginning Pet Dog Agility will introduce you and your dog to the fun of agility. Using positive reinforcement methods, your dog will learn how to complete the various agility obstacles, such as jumps, tunnels, weave poles, teeter-totters, and other contact items. We will also begin some sequencing (your dog learning to do multiple obstacles in a given run) and you will learn the fundamentals to build on with future agility classes. In this rewarding dog-person team sport, you, as a handler, learn how to communicate effectively with your dog and give your dog a fun and creative outlet for its energy. Dogs should attend all sessions of this six-week course. |
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Course prerequisites:
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INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED PET DOG AGILITY
Continue building your and your dog's skill set in agility with this fun course! Using the obstacles your dog has already learned, this class will continue to finesse your dog's execution, including working towards competition height teeter totter and continuing to build weave poles. Along with this, we will introduce the final items of agility to your dog in this course, including the dog walk, tire jump, and chute. Your dog will be working more and more off leash in this class, until they are completely off leash, having learned the essentials of the different obstacles. We will also continue to build their ability to sequence more and more obstacles. This active and positive class will continue to strengthen your team work with your dog in a fun, relaxed environment. This is 6-week class and your dog should attend all six classes. |
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Course prerequisites:
- Dog must be over 1 year old (all ages over 1 year are welcome, as are all sizes of dogs)
- Dog has completed a Beginning and an Intermediate training course or equivalent, Beginning Pet Dog Agility or equivalent
- Dog must have proof of vaccinations
$185 - six week course ($160 for A DOG'S LIFE members)
See Class Schedule | July
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BEGINNING HANDLING FOR AGILITY
This six-week course is an introduction to handling skills for agility. Whether you struggle to keep up with your fast dog, or need to motivate your slower dog, this class will give you the skills to better handle your pooch on a course. Very little equipment will be used, and the emphasis will be on maneuvers and agility handling techniques for all skill levels. Behaviors that will be introduced include: Front cross ~ Go on ~ Lead Out Pivot ~ Go out (away) ~ Come in. Dogs are to attend all class sessions. |
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Course prerequisites:
- Dog must be over 1 year old (all ages over 1 year are welcome, as are all sizes of dogs)
- Dog has completed an Intermediate training course or have approval of the instructor
- Dog must have proof of vaccinations
$185 - six week course ($160 for A DOG'S LIFE members)
See Class Schedule | August
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DROP-IN AGILITY
For students who have completed A DOG'S LIFE beginning and intermediate agility classes, drop-in sessions allow you to continue to improve handling and sequencing on the equipment under instructor supervision. |
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Course prerequisites:
- Dog must be over 1 year old (all ages over 1 year are welcome, as are all sizes of dogs)
- Dog has completed a Beginning and an Intermediate training course or equivalent, Beginning Agility for Fun or equivalent
- Dog must have proof of vaccinations
$10 - per session drop-in charge. Payment goes to instructor. NO NEED TO REGISTER.
In PALO ALTO, ongoing every Tuesday, at 7:30 PM with Joyce Hao instructing
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BEGINNING FLYBALL
So, what is Flyball? Two Teams of four dogs compete against each other over an obstacle course of 4 jumps, a springloaded box with a tennis ball and then back over the 4 jumps to their over excited handler. As the first dog is returning the next team dog is released for their turn. The first team to complete the course wins the heat. In our 6 week course we will introduce you and your dog to one of the fastest growing dog sports around. Dogs and handlers will begin to work together in the elements of the flyball course. This will include training of a proper swimmers turn, motivational exercises, handling techniques and beginner's jumping. |
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Course prerequisites:
- Completion of Canine High School or other Intermediate class, or have approval of instructor
- Dog must have reliable off leash recall
- Dog must be well socialized, healthy/athletic and not overweight
- Must enjoy retrieving a tennis ball
- Proof of vaccinations
$185 - six week course ($160 for A DOG'S LIFE members)
See Class Schedule | July
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INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED FLYBALL
In this 6 week course we will expand upon the skills learned in the Beginning Flyball course. Dogs and handlers will continue working together on the elements of the flyball course. Dogs should attend all sessions of this six-week course. |
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Course prerequisites: Dog must
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CANINE FREESTYLE WORKSHOP
Have you considered trying dancing with your dog? This 3-hour workshop will introduce you to this fast-growing sport, including basic maneuvers and choosing appropriate music.
Course prerequisites:
- Dog must have completed intermediate obedience class or equivalent
- Dogs must have proof of vaccinations
$85 ($75 for A DOG'S LIFE members)
CALL FOR INFORMATION.
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BEGINNING CANINE FREESTYLE
Canine Freestyle is a form of training to music, with emphasis on having fun and building the human-canine relationship. Learn the basic maneuvers in a fun, relaxing atmosphere.
Course prerequisites:
- Dog must have completion of a Canine Freestyle Workshop at A DOG'S LIFE or approval of the instructor.
- Dogs must have proof of vaccinations
$185 ($160 for A DOG'S LIFE members)
CALL FOR INFORMATION.
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INTERMEDIATE CANINE FREESTYLE
In this continuation of Beginning Freestyle, build on the techniques learned, and begin choreographing routines with your dog!
Course prerequisites:
- Dog must have completed Beginning Canine Freestyle at A DOG'S LIFE
- Dogs must have proof of vaccinations
$185 ($160 for A DOG'S LIFE members)
CALL FOR INFORMATION.
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DISC DOGS
Disc dogs involves teaching your dog to catch and retrieve Frisbee discs. In the six-week course, you will learn various throwing techniques, how to motivate your dog, and the different games that you and your dog can play. Catching and jumping techniques will also be taught to keep the dogs safe, whether playing at your local park, or moving into competition. |
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Course prerequisites:
- Completion of Canine High School or other Intermediate class, or have approval of instructor
- Dogs must have proof of vaccinations
$185 ($160 for A DOG'S LIFE members)
CALL FOR INFORMATION.
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CANINE GOOD CITIZEN PREP
The American Kennel Club (AKC) created the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification program to reward responsible ownership and canine good manners in the home and in the community. Our six-week class works specifically on teaching you and your canine companion how to have a wonderful relationship and how to present yourselves well in the community. On graduation day, you and your dog will have the opportunity to take the Canine Good Citizen test. All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test qualify to receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club. |
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$185 - six week course ($160 for A DOG'S LIFE members) Price includes the test on the final day of class.
Visit http://www.akc.org/events/cgc/index.cfm to learn more about the CGC Program.
See Class Schedule | August
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CANINE GOOD CITIZEN - TEST ONLY
$15 ($10 for A DOG'S LIFE members)
See Class Schedule | September
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RALLY NOVICE (level 1)
Rally Obedience is an AKC titling event. But, it is so much more than that. It is also a fun and enjoyable way to perfect your dog's responses to you, whether or not you ever compete! By using modern, positive training methods, you'll experience a mutual respect and enhanced level of communication between you and your dog. This makes it possible to tap into your dog's true potential.
You and your dog move as a team continuously through a Rally course of 10-20 signs. At each numbered sign you perform the indicated exercise then move to the next sign. Unlimited communication is encouraged - the handler can talk to the dog and give multiple commands and signals. It is fun and relaxed!
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This class will introduce you to AKC Rally. You and your dog will learn how to complete each of the exercises in Novice. Taking a Rally class is sure to improve your dog's heeling and attention!
Course prerequisites:
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RALLY ADVANCED/EXCELLENT (level 2)
This class will build on the exercises learned in Novice and move you on to learning the Excellent exercises.
Course prerequisites:
- Completion of Rally Novice course
- Dog must not be aggressive towards other dogs on leash
- Proof of vaccinations
$165 - five week course ($140 for A DOG'S LIFE members)
CALL FOR INFORMATION.
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CONFORMATION/SHOW RING
Using a positive, modern approach to training, you will be coached on how to use clicker training to achieve a self-stack, gait on a loose lead, stand for examination, etc. as well as learn some of the basic ins and outs of showing your dog. |
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Course prerequisites:
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DOUBLE TROUBLE
No doubt about it, two dogs can be a handful! This course is designed to help you teach your dogs how to respond to you, both separately & together, and how to better manage your dogs so you will have a more enjoyable, fun and harmonious household! |
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Course prerequisites:
- Dogs and owners must have completed Puppy 1, Canine Middle School or equivalent basic obedience class or have approval of instructor.
- Dogs must not be dog or people aggressive.
- Dogs must have proof of vaccinations
$195 - five week course ($170 for A DOG'S LIFE members)
CALL FOR INFORMATION.
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HOUNDS ON THE TOWN!
This five week course consists of field trips to a different location every week where we will be practicing good dog manners on crowded streets, town squares, visiting stores, vet offices, coffee shops, etc. We will be visiting dog-friendly locations like Stanford Shopping Center, down town Los Gatos and Santana Row. This is the perfect transition from the classroom to the real world, where you will get to work with your dog in real-life situations, but with the support of two instructors! |
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Course prerequisites:
- This class is by INSTRUCTOR INVITATION/APPROVAL ONLY
- Completion of a Beginning and an Intermediate training course or equivalent
- Dog must not be leash aggressive/reactive with people or other animals
$175 - five week course ($150 for A DOG'S LIFE members)
CALL FOR INFORMATION
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TRICKS CLASS!!
Learn more about training while teaching your dog fun and exciting tricks! You and/or your child will learn useful training techniques to sharpen already learned behaviors, and you will learn how to teach your pup to impress your guests with fun tricks like: Shake ~ Rollover ~ Bow ~ Fetch ~ and so much more! Dogs are to attend all sessions of this six-week class. Please bring your dog on a flat buckle collar, head halter, or harness and a six-foot lead (no retractables). Also bring your dog's favorite toy and plenty of your dog's favorite treats.
Course prerequisites:
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SMALL ANIMAL CLICKER CLASS
Is your small animal bored in his cage, while you do all the fun things with your dog? In this 4-week course, you'll learn the basics of clicker training, and start to teach your small pet fun tricks such as "sit up" and "touch" a target! Children are encouraged to take this summer class with parental supervision.
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*** All dogs that come to A DOG'S LIFE for daycare, boarding or training that are recovering from and/or taking antibiotics for an illness or infection must also have written clearance from their vet stating that the dog is safe to be around other dogs (i.e. is not contagious).***
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PRIVATE LESSONS & BEHAVIOR COUNSELING
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PRIVATE LESSONS
Private one-on-one training is available to you, to meet you and your dog's specific needs, schedule and location.
$85 per session
$300 per 4-session package
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BEHAVIOR COUNSELING
Private behavior counseling is also available to address a variety of behavior challenges such as aggression, separation anxiety, and fear issues.
Call for prices
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SEMINARS
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PET FIRST AID & CPR
Could I save my pet's life in an emergency? Is this urgent enough that I should call the vet? At this seminar you can learn the answers to important health questions and have fun at the same time. Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on pets. Learn how to control bleeding and apply bandages, manage shock and seizures, keep yourself safe on the emergency scene, create your own pet first aid kit, and more. You will receive a first aid book and a pet first aid/CPR certificate upon completion. THIS CLASS IS FOR HUMANS ONLY.
$65 ($55 for A DOG'S LIFE members)
Instructor: Diane Troup
(3 hours)
See Class Schedule | August
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RELIABLE RECALL
With the holidays, visitors mean more open doors and opportunities to escape. This seminar will show you how to teach your dog to come when called even in the midst of distractions and temptations. You will also learn how to train an "Emergency Recall" for those times when temptation is too much and they do manage to dash out the door. Bring your hungry, dog-friendly dogs only on a 6 to 8 foot leash (no retractables) and fabulous treats.
$35 ($30 for A DOG'S LIFE members)
(1 hour)
CALL FOR INFORMATION.
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LEAVE IT/DROP IT
The holidays bring many dangerous foods and items into your dog's environment. This seminar will work on two of the most important commands for the holidays, "Leave it" and "Drop it," how to teach them so they are quickly obeyed and when to use each command. Bring your hungry, dog-friendly dogs only on a 6 to 8 foot leash (no retractables) and fabulous treats.
$35 ($30 for A DOG'S LIFE members)
(1 hour)
See Class Schedule | July
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STAY/WAIT/GO TO PLACE
When you have visitors, you may not want your dog underfoot. This seminar will work on the all- important "stay" command, and will also introduce a command to teach your dog to go to a certain place and settle down on command. Bring your hungry, dog-friendly dogs only on a 6 to 8 foot leash (no retractables) and fabulous treats.
$35 ($30 for A DOG'S LIFE members)
(1 hour)
See Class Schedule | July
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LEASH MANNERS
Would you like your dog to walk politely and not pull you down the street? Would you like your dog to greet people and other dogs without jumping on them? This seminar will teach you the tools you need so you can train your dog to have polite leash manners. This class is not for leash-reactive, dog-aggressive or people-aggressive dogs.
$35 ($30 for A DOG'S LIFE members)
(1 hour)
See Class Schedule | August
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DOGS & CATS, LIVING TOGETHER
Do you have cats and dogs at home? Does the dog always chase the cat? Does the cat seem to tease the dog? In this informative seminar, you will learn about dog and cat dynamics, and how to have a harmonious and sane household, living with both together. THIS CLASS IS FOR HUMANS ONLY.
$35 ($30 for A DOG'S LIFE members)
Instructors: Marilyn Krieger and Cecilia Sternzon
(1 hour)
CALL FOR INFORMATION.
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