Intro to Manners
This small group class is an entry level class for dogs who are friendly toward people and other dogs but need some basic training. We will introduce skills such as sit, down, drop it, leave it, leash walking, wait at the door, come when called, polite greetings and more!
Each weekly class is one hour long. 6 classes total.
Manners Boot Camp
Boot Camp is for dogs who have taken the AKC STAR Puppy Class or the Intro to Manners Class and need to work on refining the skills introduced in those classes. Boot Camp sessions are semi-private (1-3 dogs) and allow you and your dog to work on a checklist of skills introduced in the previous class. You and your dog will work with the instructor on whichever skills your dog still needs to practice untill they have completed their checklist and are therefore ready to move on to upper level classes. Each Boot Camp session is an hour long. The cost includes 2 sessions, 1 week apart. You can attend Boot Camp as many times as needed to complete your dog’s checklist. This is a great way to prepare for moving on the the Canine Good Citizen Class. *Please note, if your dog only needs to refine one skill you will be better served by scheduling a private lesson.
Learning to Love Loose Leash Walking
This entry level class focuses on building a solid foundation for loose leash walking. The class will cover equipment and leash handling mechanics, pre-walk routines, games for shaping and maintaing attention, ways to prevent leash pressure, long line skills, managing distractions and more! The first class will be for owners only (no dogs) because, yes, there is that much you need to know in order to really set your dog up to succeed with this essential life skill. *This class runs seasonally
Manners 2: Distraction Training - Coming Spring 2025!
Pre-requisite: Intro to Manners Class or completed checklist
Required Materials: mat and 20’-30’ long line (can be purchased at first lesson)
This is a second level class for dogs who have completed our Manners Checklist and are ready for the next challenge. This class focuses on proofing the Core 4 skills (loose leash walking, recalls, polite greetings and settle on a mat) in a vriety of distracting contexts (people, dogs, critters, wheeled objects, food, smells). Calm brushing and nail trimming will also be introduced. This 6 week class will be held mostly outside and thus will be weather dependent.
If you would like to have your dog evaluated for the pre-req skills checklist, please text us at 269-262-1952.
AKC NOVICE TRICK DOG
This class is for any dog over 6 months old who wants to have fun learning something new. The 4 week class covers 10 of the skills from the AKC Novice Trick Dog Title checklist. We chose skills that are both fun and practical. Check out the AKC website to learn more about AKC Trick Dog.
AKC Intermediate TRICK DOG
This class is open to dogs who have earned their Novice Trick Dog Title and are ready for a new challenge. The 5 week class covers 10 of the skills from the AKC Intermediate Trick Dog Title checklist. Check out the AKC website to learn more about AKC Intermediate Trick Dog.
Games Class
Do you feel like your dog knows their basics like sit, down, come, stay, etc., but you’re having a hard time motivating them? Do you feel like your dog’s focus and engagement is fleeting? Do you feel like you’re low on ways to keep your dog entertained during the winter months, and you want some fun things to do to keep their brain busy? Or maybe you are seeking to inject some life into your training relationship with your dog. Well…we have the class for you!
This class meets for 1 hour and 15 minutes each week for 5 weeks and favors developing the softer, often neglected skills like focus and engagement, mental flexibility, and our ability to let ourselves have fun! We take you through games designed to help strengthen important life skills, improve your dog’s focus and engagement, and work their brain in a low stress, lighthearted, and incredibly enjoyable way! Come join us for 5 weeks of fun, silliness, and learning!
Canine Good Citizen Class
Interested in training your dog to pass the AKC Canine Good Citizen Test? We offer two ways of achieving your goal. You can join one of our group classes and take the test during the last class or schedule Canine Good Citizen Test Prep Lessons to learn the skills in a 1 on 1 setting. For the skills that require additional dogs or people, we will make arrangements to have those resources available. When you and your dog feel that you are ready, we can administer the test.
AKC Urban CGC and AKC Community Canine (CGC Advanced)
For dogs who have already earned their AKC Canine Good Citizen title, this class offers an opportunity to earn both the Urban CGC and Advanced CGC (Community Canine) titles. This 6 week course will be held at a different public location in the Michiana community each week. Dogs will learn skills to navigate urban environments and dog friendly buildings and how to handle real life distractions. A mat and 20 foot long line will be needed for the class. You can bring your own or purchase them the first night of class. *This class runs seasonally.
