Obedience Classes

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These 8-week introductory classes to basic obedience skills are for dogs who are 18 weeks (4-1/2 months) old or older.  Skills introduced include heeling, recalls, walking on a loose leash, sit, down, and both sit-stays and down-stays.  Each exercise is designed to help pet owners have a well behaved pet and to encourage those owners that might want to move on to more advanced training.  Each lesson features a homework assignment to help owners practice at home.  Dogs that have started the AKC S.T.A.R. Program but were unable to complete the requirements in the Puppy Class may complete them in this class.  Students entering this class also receive a training collar and leash.   [This 8-week class is $100 for non-members and $60 for members.]

• Tuesdays, 10 to 11 a.m., with Instructor Marcia Ferris; Next Session: July 28 to Sept. 15.
• Thursdays, 6 to 7 p.m., with Instructor Barbara Davis and Assistant Michael Piazzola; Next Session: July 30 to Sept. 8.
• Saturdays, 10 to 11 a.m., with Instructor Lydia Mancini; Next Session: Aug. 8 to Sept. 26.

 Once a dog and handler team is proficient at the Beginning Obedience level, they may move into the Intermediate class, also an 8-week class, which includes lecture, Q&A, practice, and homework. This is a good class for those who are interested in taking the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Test or in achieving advanced obedience titles. Dogs entering this class should already be able to walk on a loose leash, stay when told, and come when called. To graduate from this class, the dog must be able to heel with an About Turn, a Fast, and a Slow (without having to reinforce); do a Sit, Stand, and Down Stay off leash; and do a Recall with 2nd Degree Distractions. Lecture portions will concentrate on behavior issues, leadership skills, and signals your dog presents and how to read and react to them.  [Fees are $80 for non-members and $40 for members for this 8-week session.]

• Tuesdays, 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., with Instructor Janet Kaplan; Next Session: Aug. 11 to Sept. 29.

This class will help prepare the already-trained dog for the Beginner Novice or Novice Competition, for those who choose to compete. Classwork will include "Rapid Recalls," "It's Yer Choice," and the use of platforms to aid in the proper positioning of dogs. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Beginning Obedience OR a passing score on the CGC test OR evidence of basic obedience skills (e.g., come when called, sit-stay for at least one minute).

• Fridays, 6 to 7 p.m., with Instructor Denise Michaels; Next Session: Aug. 7 to Sept. 25.

This 8-week class will help prepare the already-trained dog for Open Competition, for those dog and handler teams who may already have achieved (or are really close to achieving) their CD (Novice) titles and would like to continue on to achieve the CDX.  [Fees are $80 for non-members and $40 for members for this 8-week session.]

• Wednesdays, 10 to 11 a.m., with Instructor Gary Roche; Next Session: TBA.