Why is training so important?

Our dog trainers understand how difficult it can be to manage a misbehaving dog. Whether you have a well behaved dog that needs to learn a few more manners or a tough dog that likes to get into trouble your dog can always benefit from dog training.

A closer bond with your dog

Statistics show that owners with well behaved pets have a stronger bond with them. In our classes we don't just tell you how to train a dog, we teach how a dog's brain works and how you can motivate your dog by using science based dog training techniques through positive reinforcement and relationship building skills.  Our techniques will lead to a life with a furry companion that is obedient, happy and more relaxed at the end of the day.

Easy management

Our classes teach all of the basic commands (e.g. sit, drop, stay) and enable you to manage your dog more easily. Better management means they can become a part of the family and be by your side at events and outings instead of having to be left at home due to behavior issues. Behavior skills such as polite greetings, good recall, and loose leash walking skills are also all covered in our classes.

Social, friendly dogs

Socialization is a very important aspect of a dog’s life. Learning appropriate play around other dogs is an essential part of ensuring that your dog can coexist with others. If your dog is an "only pet" this is a great opportunity for them to learn these skills in a supervised environment. Your dog will encounter other dogs on everyday occasions such as walks, appointments at the veterinary clinic and if they go into a kennel or boarding.

Fun and knowledge

Obedience classes are fun for both you and your dog! Whether you have had your dog for years or you are new to being a "puppy parent" there is always room for new skills and training opportunities. "Puppy school" is a great opportunity to meet other dog owners who understand what you are going through and may have excellent tips and suggestions.

Safety

A well-trained dog is at a lower risk of injury to themselves or others than an uncontrollable dog. At the end of the day dogs are still animals and they can sometimes be unpredictable. An obedient dog is safer at home, in public, with people, and with other dogs.

(Source:  VetWest Animal Hospitals)

Dog Training Classes offered at Dakotah's

Obedience & Socialization

Obedience and Socialization Level One

An entry level course in the fundamentals of canine learning theory and psychology. The course sets the dog up on a track to receive either the S.T.A.R. Puppy recognition or the Canine Good Citizen recognition, recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), and it sets you up with all the fundamentals for a well behaved dog. All dogs can take the class, which will build basic skills. This class is six sessions long.

Obedience and Socialization Level Two

In level one we learn all the basic cues and foundational skills for a well behaved dog. In level two, we learn how to apply those skills to everyday life. In this class your puppy will learn how to walk nicely on a leash, how to keep four paws on the floor at all times, and how to accept a friendly stranger, stay until called, and politely greet another dog. Dogs of all ages can take the class. This class is six sessions long.
PREREQUISITE: Obedience and Socialization Level One

Canine Good Citizen Certification

The CGC Test costs can be taken on request and will be offered at the end of level two obedience. It does not cost anything to take the test. The test can be repeated every 30 days. Once you pass the exam, there is a $25 registration fee with the AKC.

Tricks For Treats

Tricks for Treats (Novice)

In the novice class we learn a series of fun tricks that work toward becoming a novice AKC Trick dog. You and our dog will master fun tricks such as crawl, get in a box, high five, jump through a hoop, shake and more.

Tricks for Treats (Intermediate)

Building off of the skills from the novice class this you and your dog add even more to their ever expanding knowledge by learning  to waive hello and goodbye, weave through poles, jump through your arms, sit pretty, rollover and much more.

Tricks for Treats (Advanced)

After receiving this Advanced AKC Tricks certificate this your four legged family friend will be able to back up, pick a pocket, retreat, say a prayer, bring you a tissue, sneeze on cue, play dead (bang!), cover their eyes, and more.
PREREQUISITE: Tricks for Treats (Intermediate)

Tricks for Treats (Performer)

This class is for the show offs! In this class we perfect 10 tricks learned in the previous classes and add an additional three tricks to receive the performance AKC Title. This class lasts for 4 weeks.
PREREQUISITE: Tricks for Treats (Advanced)

Tricks for Treats (Elite Performer) - 3 weeks of training. Testing happens the last week.

To receive an AKC Elite Performer Trick Dog title, A TOTAL OF 10 TRICKS from the Advanced or Performer levels ARE REQUIRED.
• The dog/handler must perform 10 Tricks that include at least 5 tricks from Performer.
• At least 5 tricks must have props.
• No agility or obedience equipment may be used. May include handler-designed props including jumps, etc.
No lures in Elite Performer.

Agility

Agility Level 1

This course is an entry level agility event designed to introduce and welcome beginning dogs and their handlers to the AKC sport of agility. Six sessions.

Agility Level 2

This course continues building on the agility skills learned in Level 1. The courses follow AKC Agility criteria. Six sessions.

Electives

Canine Neurobics (Brain Games)

Canine problem behavior can stem from issues related to anxiety, impulse control, and boredom. Applied animal behaviorists often prescribe mental stimulation exercises for dogs to treat some of these problems. Canine Neurobics are mental exercises designed to create new neural pathways in the brain by using the senses in unconventional ways. Aerobic exercises emphasized different muscle groups, while neurobics increased “range of motion” in the brain. In humans, routine actions are hard-wired in the brain, but changing these patterns can increase cognitive function.

For 6 weeks your pup will be engaging with a series of games to stimulate learning in different parts of the brain - tactile, visual, olafactory, auditory, gustatory, and cognitive - and closes with a series of exercises to help your dog learn to focus on you and learn to relax.

Loose Leash Walking

This 5 week course will teach you and your dog to enjoy walking together without pulling, jumping or dragging you down the street. In this class we learn to walk politely past distractions, such as another dog, a cat, and even a pile of treats on the ground. This class lasts five sessions.

Reactive Dog Rehab

This training is specially designed for dogs that are reactive or aggressive toward other dogs. These are the dogs don't do well in daycare or social settings.  Dogs can become reactive for a variety of reasons, from poor socialization or trauma to genetic and mental health issues. This class teaches owners how to interpret their dog's body language and intervene before a confrontations with another dog arises. We learn focus exercises and work on systematic desensitization using decoy dogs to overcome overstimulated reactions so your dog can learn to coexist with others instead of spending life in isolation.

 

 

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