Introduction to Utility

Weeks: 6Length: 55 minutes per sessionPrerequisites:  FCOOL, Maneuvers+/FCOOL 7-12, and Intro to Open (or equivalent skills - dumbbell retrieve, intro to jumping, beginning Command Discrimination, beginning Drop on Recall). Dog should be able to retrieve a placed article, both leather and metal.

Teach Janice DeMello Around the Clock method of scent work. Introduce all Utility exercises. Students need scent articles and a can of Easy Cheese (or the like) for the first night of class. Also need a set of 3 white work gloves.

Weeks: 6

Length: 60 minutes each week

Prerequisites: Puppies must be between 10 weeks and 4 months when class starts. Please check with your veterinarian about the best age for you to start class, as it will depend on how many vaccinations your puppy has had before leaving his breeder and other factors.

Class content: This class is a fun introduction to training with your new puppy. Learn how to build a solid relationship with your new puppy and a good foundation for future dog sports. We focus on basic obedience skills (attention, come, sit, down, stay, and loose-leash walking). We introduce the puppies to a variety of obstacles, including several from agility, with the goal of building your puppy's confidence with new experiences. We do some playtime most weeks, where the puppies get to interact in a small area off leash for socialization with other people and puppies.

The course includes several on-line videos for you to watch before coming to class each week, so you can start to work on skills at home and then come to class for practice. There are also weekly handouts for you to download and read.

Equipment:

• Lots of small, easy-to-chew, high-value treats (this is from the dog’s perspective; they should love what they are getting).
• A mat or rug (think bath mat) or dog bed
• Collar and 4-6 foot leash
• If your puppy is active and likes to bark, bring something to occupy them during down time.

REGISTRATION IS BY DOG. DO NOT REGISTER A SECOND PERSON - YOU WILL END UP BEING CHARGED TWICE. 

Class dates: 

Sept 9 - Oct 14

Rally 2 - Intermediate/Advanced Weeks: 6Length: 60 minutes per sessionPrerequisites:   Rally 1 class, or equivalent skills. Knowledge of all of the AKC Rally Novice signs.Rally 2 – learn about all of the AKC Intermediate/Advanced Rally signs and how to perform each with your dog, applying skills learned in the prerequisite classes. There will be course work each week with coaching from the instructor. Equipment – you will need to bring along a crate for your dog to be in while you walk the course each week, or someone who is able to hold your dog for you. I recommend a 2.5 – 4 foot leash – a 6 foot leash can get really cumbersome. Use whatever collar you are currently training with that keeps your dog under control. Treats and toys are encouraged.

Rally 3 - Excellent

Weeks: 6

Length: 60 minutes per session

Prerequisites:  Knowledge of all of the AKC Rally Novice and Intermediate/Advanced signs.

Rally 3 – Excellent – learn about all of the AKC Excellent Rally signs and how to perform each with your dog, applying skills learned in the prerequisite classes. There will be course work each week with coaching from the instructor. 

Equipment – you will need to bring along a crate for your dog to be in while you walk the course each week, or someone who is able to hold your dog for you. I recommend a 3 – 4 foot leash, as a 6 foot leash can get really cumbersome. Use whatever collar you are currently training with that keeps your dog under control. Treats and toys are encouraged.

Weeks: 6

Length: 60 minutes per week

Prerequisites: basic obedience course, interest in retrieving 

Intro to Antler Shed Hunting

Antler shed hunting is a great sport that appeals to a variety of dogs. There is no shed hunting experience necessary to participate, however your dog should be interested in retrieving and able to work outside with reasonable focus and a somewhat reliable recall.  If the recall is an emerging skill then we will utilize long lines to help facilitate learning.  

We will build solid retrieves, learn how to work outdoors, manage distractions, perform visual and scent searches, along with learning air movement and the best point to start a search. 

NOTE: No dogs the first week of class.

Equipment

We provide a kit that includes one antler and rack wax

You will need to purchase (you will get links to where to source these items in the syllabus that you'll get the first week):

• plastic antler(s) for practice
• canvas retrieving dummy,
• long line (15-25 feet) or flexi-leash
• whistle
• treats
• “no scent” spray 

Class size limited to six students.  

Please email Kim Poisson with questions.

SCENTWORK FOR PUPPIES

Weeks: 6

Length: 60 minutes per week

Class size: minimum of 3, maximum of 6

Prerequisites: Age appropriate vaccinations. This class is designed for puppies 12 weeks to 8 months that have no experience in nosework.

PREVIOUS PUPPY CLASS, BASIC OBEDIENCE AND FOCUS SKILLS NOT REQUIRED.

SCENTWORK FOR PUPPIES - This class is designed to tap into your dog’s natural instinct to smell the world around them. We will start by pairing the target odor of birch with rewards and build their skills playing games and having fun.

The course will cover reading your dog’s body language, using play as a reward, creating handler focus, creating interest in the target odor and designing simple searches. This class will prepare your puppy for moving into Intro to Scent. Can be taken at the same time as an age appropriate puppy class to round out your dogs' learning. Scent kit provided with cost of class.

The course includes on-line videos that will help support learning outside of class, a course syllabus that will be emailed before the first session, and a scent kit that will be distributed at the first class and is included in the class price.

Equipment:

• Lots of small, easy-to-chew, high-value treats (this is from the dog’s perspective; they should love what they are getting) and a favorite non-squeaker tug toy
• Collar or harness and 6 foot leash
• If your dog is active and likes to bark, bring something to occupy them during down time as well as mat or bed to relax on

REGISTRATION IS BY DOG. DO NOT REGISTER A SECOND PERSON - YOU WILL END UP BEING CHARGED TWICE.

Class dates:

SEPTEMBER 16 - OCTOBER 21 6:15- 7:15

INTRO TO SCENT

Weeks: 6

Length: 60 minutes per week

Class size: minimum of 3, maximum of 6 Suitable for dogs 6 months and up

Prerequisites: Basic obedience skills

INTRO TO SCENT - Designed for scent teams that have little to no experience in nosework. In this course we will use our target odor (birch) to teach the basics of nosework. We will also cover air movement, working as a team, creating dedication to odor, reading your dog’s body language, and designing simple searches.

Scent kit provided with cost of class.

The course includes on-line videos that will help support learning outside of class, a course syllabus that will be emailed before the first session, and a scent kit that will be distributed at the first class and is included in the class price.

THERE ARE NO DOGS THE FIRST CLASS, ONLY PEOPLE

Equipment:

• Lots of small, easy-to-chew, high-value treats (this is from the dog’s perspective; they should love what they are getting) and a favorite non-squeaker tug toy
• Collar or harness and 6 foot leash
• If your dog is active and likes to bark, bring something to occupy them during down time as well as a mat or bed

REGISTRATION IS BY DOG. DO NOT REGISTER A SECOND PERSON - YOU WILL END UP BEING CHARGED TWICE.

Class dates:

SEPTEMBER 18 - OCTOBER 23 5:00- 6:00 CLASS FEE: $175.00