Training
The Good Dog Center has been offering dog training classes in Decorah since May 2000. We offer a wide variety of classes using reward-based training and teach students how to communicate effectively with their dogs, creating a strong and respectful relationship. Spring 2013 Training Class Schedule
MONDAY
Puppy Kindergarten AKC Puppy Star Program 6:00pm (starting May 20)
Basic Obedience 7:00pm (starting May 20)
Basic Obedience 8:00pm (starting May 20)
TUESDAY
Competition Obedience Run Throughs 1:00pm
Competition Agility 7:00pm
Reactive Dog Short Course 6:00pm (starting May 14)
Decorah Park and Rec Kids Dog Training class 6:45pm (starts June 11) **Must contact the Decorah Park and Rec office to sign up!
WEDNESDAY
Reliable Off Leash 6:00pm (starting June 12)
Retrieving Short Course 7:00pm (starting June 26)
THURSDAY
Agility Foundations 6:00pm (starting June 13)
Canine Good Citizen 6:00pm (starting August 29)
Competition Obedience 7:15pm
All of our regular classes run for 8 week sessions and cost $85.00 (with the exception of Puppy Kindergarten which runs for 7 weeks with a cost of $75.00). All of our short courses are 4 week sessions and cost $45.00. Payment is due the first night of class. You can expect most classes to run for about an hour. If you have to miss a class we offer a free make up session. If we have to cancel class because of bad weather we will add another week onto the end, so no matter what you will receive the number of training classes that you paid for. If group classes do not work for you we also offer Private Training lessons one on one with a trainer. The cost is $40/hour.
We offer the following classes at our training center:
Puppy Kindergarten
Puppy class is for dogs ages 3-5 months old. We teach puppies many basic cues, such as sit, stay, lie down, come, leave it, plus walking nicely on leash and basic manners. We also introduce puppies to puppy-sized agility obstacles for socialization and confidence-building. We allow puppies to have carefully supervised play breaks to give them opportunities to socialize with other puppies.
Basic Training
Basic training is for dogs over 5 months old. In this class we introduce all the basic cues such as stay, lie down, come, leave it, plus walking nicely on leash and basic manners such as no jumping and waiting at doorways. Just like in puppy class we introduce dogs to small agility obstacles for confidence-building.
Bully Breed Training
This is a 4 week class ($45) that is specifically geared toward the needs of bully breeds (pit bulls, boxers, bulldogs). In addition to working on control and calming exercises like stay and watch, we also discuss the best ways to channel your bully's energy into a productive outlet. This class is a must if you have a high energy bully breed!
Reactive Dog Short Course
This is a 4 week class designed specifically for those dogs who bark and lunge at other dogs or people while on a leash. We limit this class to 4 participants and spend the 4 weeks teaching your dog appropriate ways to respond when confronted with a distraction on leash walks.
Reliable Off Leash
This entire 8 week course is devoted to teaching your dog to be reliable off the leash. Most of this class is taught outdoors and is offered spring, summer and fall. The prerequisite to this class is puppy or basic training. This is a hugely popular and successful class and will strengthen the relationship you have with your dog tremendously!
Intro to Rally/Intermediate Manners
This class is for dogs/handlers who have completed the basic training class and want to continue to advance their training skills. We will continue to build on the basic skills with goals toward reliable stays, heeling and training with distractions, as well as introducing Rally obedience skills. Rally obedience is a fun and relaxed dog sport that turns basic and advanced training into a great game to play with your dog.
Canine Good Citizen/Therapy Dog
This class prepares handlers and dogs to take the AKC's Canine Good Citizen test and also prepares them for therapy dog testing. We offer a CGC test on the last night of class. For a complete list of the 10 required CGC exercises please visit the AKC website at www.akc.org/events/cgc/
Retrieving Short Course
This is a 4 week class ($45) that is devoted to teaching a retrieve. Would you love for your dog to be able to pick things up for you or play fetch? This is the class for you! This is a clicker based class and if you don't have a clicker we will help you get one.
Versatility Fun Short Course
Want to do something fun with your dog but not exactly sure what to try? This FUN 4 week class will introduce you and your dog to 4 dog sports: Rally obedience, Agility, Tracking, and Weight Pull. By the end of the 4 weeks you'll have a good idea about what training is involved for each sport and which of those sports you and your dog may enjoy doing together.
Competition Obedience
For dogs and handlers preparing for Beginner Novice, Novice or Rally competition. We also introduce Open and Utility exercises in this class. This class focuses heavily on drive and motivation, while teaching the skills for all levels of obedience.
Competition Obedience Run Throughs
This class is for people who prefer a "run through" style of class. In this class we will practice all the exercises in Novice, Open or Utility.
Agility Foundations (Intro to Agility)
This class is taught indoors and introduces handlers and dogs to small obstacles and handling maneuvers. This class works extensively on handler body language and cues, as well as finding the right motivaters for your dog.
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced and Competition Agility
These classes are all taught outdoors during spring, summer and fall. Each level runs for 8 weeks and competion level is ongoing. Dogs and handlers are introduced to full size equipment and learn advanced handling techniques, with the upper levels focusing on preparing handlers and dogs for competition.
Tracking
Tracking class teaches dogs to follow a trail of human scent. During this 8 week session dogs are gradually introduced to turns, cover changes and article indication. This class prepares students for the AKC Tracking Dog test.
Tracking/Outdoor Obedience
This class is split between teaching tracking (see above) and working on basic obedience skills in an outdoor and distracting setting. More for your money!
Scent Work
Scent Work class is a really fun class in which the handler teaches the dog to search and locate two objects of their choice on command. Examples from past students are things like car keys, remote controls, or deer antler sheds. We work both indoors and outdoors for this class with most of the work being indoors.
Tricks Short Course
This is a 4 week class all about having fun with your dog. We spend 4 weeks teaching a variety of cute tricks that you can show off to family and friends. This is also a great option for people who are interested in doing therapy work, demontrations, or who take their dog to any type of public facility such as schools or daycares.
Weight Pull
Weight Pull is a really fun sport to do with your dog! It's not just for the large or working breeds, any dog can do it! It's a great activity for burning energy, developing a stronger relationship, and a nice alternative for people who want to spend time with their dog but aren't interested in advanced obedience or agility training. Best of all, our weight pull practices are FREE! We welcome anyone to come and watch one of our practices, just please call ahead to make sure practice hasn't been cancelled for that day.
