Basic Manners I - 6 weeks

Instructor: Michelle Mange (Right Start MD) or Jeni Grant (Train Your Best Friend)
Fee: $150

Your dog wants to spend time with you. You want a well-mannered pet. In this class, you both win! Over the course of six weeks, you will be building skills, improving overall behavior, and bonding with your pet as a team. You will teach your dog sit, down, loose leash walking (There's a human at the other end of the leash?), stay, wait, come when called, targeting, and, most important, how to pay attention. We will show you what motivates your dog and how to communicate with him. By the last class, you may even be able to speak "Doglish" as a second language.

Puppy Kindergarten - 8 -18 weeks old when starting class

Instructor: Jeni Grant (Train Your Best Friend), Sarah Stoycos (Laughing Dog Academy) or Michelle Mange (Right Start MD)
Fee: $165 (six 75 minute classes)

You and your puppy can start Puppy Kindergarten any week that space is available.
You are registering for six weeks in a row, not including class cancellations.

In Puppy Kindergarten, you will:

• start training your puppy in basic good manners (like sit, come, loose-leash walking, wait, leave it, attention, settle)
• learn how to deal with typical puppy challenges (including mouthing, house training, jumping)
• watch your puppy socialize with other puppies in a controlled environment, as your instructor explains how pups communicate
• practice training exercises, like "drop it" and handling, to help prevent future fear and aggression issues
  
  

If your dog already knows the basics, this class will offer new challenges! We will add distractions; pair cues, like "come when called" with "leave it"; and ask for longer stays. You will learn to keep your dog’s attention, even if tempted by another dog, a person moving, or a favorite toy. Pre-requisite: An introductory class or equivalent skills using positive methods.

Leash Manners

Have you taken a basic training class but your dog still pulls every which way on walks? Maybe some targeted work will help! With lots of practice during the clinic and at home, you will have the skills needed to start enjoying a more pleasant walk wherever you go! You and your dog will work together in class on:

• Exercises to help your dog pay attention to you
• Leash handling
• Appropriate reactions when your dog pulls
• Review of what motivates your dog (food, a squeaky toy, a ball, praise, etc)
• Equipment that can help prevent pulling (a no-pull harness, for example)
• Helping your dog know what a loose-leash feels like
• Targeting, a technique to help your dog focus on you
• Using reinforcement effectively to promote loose-leash walking

This class is not for reactive dogs. Pre-requisite: An introductory class or equivalent skills using positive methods.

Fido Come - 4 weeks

Instructor: Heather Morris (Spot On DC Training)

Fee: $125

A consistent recall is one of the most important skills you can teach your dog. One day, it might even save your dog’s life! Our Fido Come series focuses on: why dogs don‘t come when we call them, establishing a recall cue, games to practice recall skills, what to do if your dog doesn‘t respond, and establishing an emergency recall. The first session will serve as an orientation and will be WITHOUT dogs.

Who‘s Walking Whom? - 4 weeks

Instructor: Heather Morris (Spot On DC Training)

Fee: $125

Having a dog that pulls you down the street and lunges after squirrels (and everything else that moves) can be embarrassing and absolutely exhausting. The Who‘s Walking Whom series will focus on: walking management tools, attention skills (the key to loose-leash walking success), reinforcing polite walking behavior, what to do if your dog forges ahead of you, and teaching a wait cue that is helpful when approaching curbs or stopping to pick up after your dog. The first session is an orientation WITHOUT dogs.

Out & About - 4 sessions

Instructor: Sarah Stoycos (Laughing Dog Academy)

Fee: $115

This class will take what you learned in previous training classes out into the real world. The first class will be a brief review of the skills you'll need outside. In each subsequent class, you will walk your dog in outdoor settings with increasing distractions. You and your dog must already have worked on loose-leash walking, leave it and heel. No choke, prong or electronic collars will be permitted. This class is not for dogs with severe shyness or reactivity issues. If you have questions about whether this class is appropriate for your dog, please contact the instructor before registering. Generally, students from Who's Walking Whom? and Basic Manners I & II will find this to be a natural next step in their dog's (and their own) training. Pre-requisite: Our Puppy K or Basic class or instructor's permission.

Reactive Dog Class - 8 weeks / 90 minute sessions
Instructor: Michelle Mange (Right Start MD)
Fee: $255

The goal of this class is to develop the tools to walk your dog on leash without his barking or lunging at other dogs. You will learn the skills needed to help your dog's comfort level around other dogs and to reduce your own anxiety when out on walks. At the same time, your dog will learn to focus less on other dogs, and more on you. Each handler/dog team has an individual coach during class, but you must do homework with your dog between classes. The Reactive Dog Class is not for dogs that are reactive to people or for dogs with a history of causing serious injury to other dogs.

Confidence Building for Puppies & Dogs - 4 weeks

Instructor: Michelle Mange (Right Start MD)
Fee: $125

Pre-Agility work with tunnels, ladders, flat boards and other Agility equipment will build your dog’s confidence, whether or not you intend to go on to Agility classes. Puppies will do only what's safe for their developing bodies, and small dogs will work on the lower levels of our adjustable equipment. Your dog will learn to trust you as you teach “over”, “under” and “through” strange objects, and he’ll learn that new and unusual situations can be fun. Your dog may even enhance his athletic ability as he gains a greater sense of how his body works. Pre-requisite: Positive Basic or Puppy training or instructor's permission.

Agility Games - 5 weeks
Instructor: Michelle Mange (Right Start MD)
Fee: $140

This class is designed to teach your dog control and balance and to teach you to be exciting and fun. Whether or not you go on to Agility, you and your dog will develop teamwork as you practice running recalls, contact work on flat boards, targeting, ladder exercises, balance exercises, tunnel work, weaves, and low jumps. Pre-requisite: Positive training, either in class or privately, or instructor's permission.  

Control & Focus - 8 weeks

Based on Leslie McDevitt's "Control Unleashed" program
Instructor: Alfhild Winder (Come When Called Dog Training)
Fee: $185

Is your dog a genius in your kitchen but so exuberant in class that you can't hold his focus? Everything and anything draws his attention away from you and prevents him from learning. The goal of this class is to help your dog control his normal doggy impulses and pay more attention to you, even in a stimulating environment. You'll learn to work as a team, so that your training can be more successful and your dog sports, walks and public outings can be more fun. This is a group class, but dogs will work individually and together with another dog or dogs as they progress. Dogs whose arousal level goes over the top may work in crates part of the time to get appropriate behavior started. We'll use only non-aversive, positive training techniques. Pre-requisite: Positive puppy or basic class or equivalent training. PLEASE TALK TO THE INSTRUCTOR BEFORE ENROLLING TO MAKE SURE THE CLASS IS A GOOD FIT FOR YOUR DOG. Call or e-mail Alfhild Winder at 202-383-2374 or alfhild_winder@aviationweek.com.

TTouch Classes for You & Your Dog
Instructor: Pam Wanveer, certified (level 3) TTouch practitioner
Fee: $120 for one 2 hr session

TTouch is a method of bodywork and movement exercises that can influence a dog's behavior by helping him keep a calm and attentive frame of mind. TTouch is used to reduce stress in fearful or anxious dogs, focus highly distractible ones, and alleviate physical discomfort from disease or injury. Come learn and practice TTouch techniques with your dog in class that you can then use at home.

Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Prep - 6 weeks
Instructor: Michelle Mange (Right Start MD) or Jeni Grant (Train Your Best Friend)
Fee: $150

The AKC canine good citizen program was developed to test a dog's disposition as well as a dog's skills. Preparing for the CGC is valuable for many different reasons - manners for dogs that are training to become therapy dogs, control for dogs getting ready to compete in dog sports, a goal for all pet dogs to achieve. Although we will practice the ten exercises required for the test, we will also teach other skills your dog will need to be a canine good citizen. Dogs that enroll should be friendly toward other dogs and people. Pre-requisite: Basic Manners training or equivalent.

CGC Prep will generally be followed by a CGC test, open to students and others, following the end of class. To learn more about the Canine Good Citizen Certificate, please visit the AKC website at http://www.akc.org/events/cgc/program.cfm.

Fearful Dog Class - 6 weeks
Instructor: Jeni Grant (Train Your Best Friend)
Fee: $150
Limit: 6 dogs

This class is appropriate for fearful dogs that are ready to try a class environment, but need a controlled, calm setting. We will include conference calls, outside of class, to discuss your dogs' issues, so that in class you won't be listening to a "strange" person in the middle of the room and you can fully focus on your dog. Before registering, please call the instructor, Jeni Grant, to see if this is the right class for your dog. Jeni's number is 301-349-2449.

Introduction to Trick Training
Instructors: Ann Melchior & Lynne Gots
Fee: $45 for one 2 hr session

Speak… High Five…Sit Pretty…are just a few of the amusing behaviors you can teach your dog once you know the basics of trick training. In this two-hour class we will show you various ways to teach a behavior and how to put that behavior on cue. Everyone will teach the versatile "tap," (a foundation skill underlying shake paw, play piano, ring a bell, etc.), and then pick a trick or two to jump-start in class for perfecting later at home. All training will use positive reinforcement and clickers will be provided (use encouraged, but optional). Inspiration, guidance, and cheers will be generously provided by the instructors. Pre-requisite: Successful graduation from a basic class, or equivalent private instruction. Dogs should already have the basics (Sit, Down, Stay, etc.) and be able to work comfortably around dogs and people in a group class setting.

Playtime! - 4 weeks

Instructor: Heather Morris (Spot On DC Training)

Fee: $125

Playing with your dog can be a wonderful bonding experience and provide needed stimulation. Ofter, however, we don’t know how to play with our dogs and are unsure of our dog‘s play behavior around other dogs. The Let‘s Play series focuses on: dogs‘ play styles and compatibility, what play is appropriate and what‘s not, dog body language, safely breaking up a dog fight, mental stimulation & games, physical exercise options. The first session will be an orientation WITHOUT dogs. Pre-requisite: Social, dog-friendly dogs that enjoy playing with other dogs and the company of humans.

Play & Games for Small Dogs - 6 weeks
Instructor: Jeni Grant (Train Your Best Friend)
Since there will be a lot of movement, dogs in this class must be good with other dogs.
Fee: $145

Here‘s an opportunity for small dogs to play with other small dogs and with their doggie parents. Your pups will be able to run obstacle courses, go through tunnels and hoops, and use other appropriately sized equipment – without the bigger dogs looming over them. Fun games will include Hide & Seek and Go Find.

Weekday Puppy Party- 6 weeks, 45 minute sessions (under 6 months or with instructor's permission)
Instructor: Jeni Grant (Train Your Best Friend)
Fee: $78 for current YDF students; $90 for other students

Since there will be a lot of movement, dogs in this class must be good with other dogs.

Six weeks of play for your puppy with other compatible puppies and with you. While the dogs play, you will learn about play styles, appropriate play, and dog body language. There will also be time for you to learn ways to have fun with your puppy.

Basic Dog Training for Kids (8 - 12 yrs old) - 6 weeks
Instructor: Hedda Garland (School of Dogs)
Fee: $150; $135 for 2nd child with 1 dog

Your child and your dog will develop trust and have fun as they begin to work on basic obedience skills. Your child will also learn about dog body language and safety rules. Our facility has dividers and hooks on the walls for leashes, so your child can safely train your dog with minimal distraction.

Tricks & Games – 6 weeks

Children should be at least 8 yrs old.
Dogs must be friendly around people & other dogs.
Instructors: Hedda Garland (School of Dogs) & Beth Mullen (Dog Latin)
Fee: $150

Dog Training Camp for Kids

Ages: 8 - 12 yr olds
Instructor: Hedda Garland (School of Dogs) & Beth Mullen (Dog Latin)
Fee: before May 1 - $250; after May 1 - $270
Pre-Requisite: Dog must be friendly around people and other dogs.

Here's a chance for your son or daughter and your dog to go to camp together! During the week, they will both have fun while training skills, learning tricks and playing games. At the same time, your child will learn about dog body language and safety rules.

Dog sports challenge your dog physically and mentally. Whether for fun or competition, these challenging activities will enhance the teamwork and trust between you and your dog.

Basic Agility I - 6 weeks
Instructor: Michelle Mange (Right Start MD)
Fee: $160

Building on what you’ve learned in Agility Games, you and your dog will continue to have fun working as a team on both familiar and unfamiliar Agility equipment. Your dog will learn to maneuver through a variety of jumps, tunnels and weaves and to safely use contact equipment, such as a dog walk, teeter and A-frame. This class is the first of an ongoing series of Agility classes. Pre-requisite: Agility Games

The Sport: Dog Agility is an activity in which a handler directs a dog through an obstacle course in a race for both time and accuracy. Dogs generally run off-leash with no food or toys as incentives.

Nose Work - 6 weeks

Instructor: Jacy Kelley, CNWI or Rachel Binfield
Fee: $160 - $170, depending on class

Nose Work is a relatively new sport that is basically detection work that's fun for the dog and handler. Your dog will get to use his natural instincts to sniff and chase while being physically and mentally challenged. Since the dogs work one at a time, while the other dogs are crated or behind a pod, this class is good even for shy or reactive dogs. Part I is Intro to Search; Part II is Intro to Odor.

The Sport: This new, exciting, detection-style sport develops a dog‘s natural scenting abilities by using the dog‘s curiosity, desire to hunt, and love of toys, food, and exercise. Eventually, there will be Odor Recognition Trials and Titles, but you can already do fun nose work at home using minimal supplies.

Advanced Nose Work - 6 weeks

The Advanced class will be focused on developing handling skills and building the confidence of the teams in a strange new environment. The class will travel to different sites and will end when all teams have completed that day's training. Teams entered in this level should have taken a minimum of three levels of Nose Work from Canine Copilots, LLC, another CNWI or ANWI instructor or have passed a Birch ORT.

The Sport: This new, exciting, detection-style sport develops a dog's natural scenting abilities by using the dog's curiosity, desire to hunt, and love of toys, food, and exercise. You and your dog can work for Odor Recognition Trials and Titles or you can do fun nose work at home using minimal supplies.

Instructor: Carolynn Williams

Fee: $160

In this class, you will teach your dog simple trick work, such as back-ups, leg weaves and spins, and then move on to create a short choreographed routine by linking these tricks. The goal of the class is for you to develop the skills to eventually choreograph your own routine to music, whether you plan to compete or just for fun. NOTE: Although this is a beginning class, more advanced moves will be available for those who are ready. Pre-requisite: Good handling skills after taking group or private training.

The Sport: Canine Musical Freestyle is a choreographed routine, with props and costumes, performed to music by dog and handler. Freestyle can be anything from obedience to music, to a dance routine, to a theatrical skit. The object of Musical Freestyle is to display the dog and handler in a creative, innovative and original routine, using music and intricate movements.

Instructor: Carolynn Williams

Fee: $160

This class is for advanced students to add new maneuvers to routines already created in previous classes.

Rally O is an obedience "sport" which plays like a board game with you and your dog the pieces. You go from sign to sign with each one detailing a behavior for your dog to perform. You are allowed to talk to your dog, praise your dog (even beg your dog) to do specific behaviors, like "turn left", "halt/sit" or "fast pace". In this class, you will begin to learn each sign and the behavior required to do each sign properly. Because you are being unpredictable, your dog will learn to pay more attention to you, particularly on walks. The class will also enhance your dog‘s skills and serve as a bridge from basic manners classes to off-leash sports. Pre-requisite: Your dog must be familiar with sit, down, stay, and heel.

The Sport: Dog and handler proceed at their own pace through a course of designated stations (10 - 20, depending on the level). Each of these stations has a sign providing instructions for the next skill that is to be performed. Rally O is based on obedience; but unlike in Competitive Obedience, you can talk to your dog and give hand signals.

Treibball (ball herding) for Fun - 6 weeks

Instructor: Sarah Stoycos (Laughing Dog Academy)
Fee: $145

In this beginning Treibball class, you will learn to play with your dog in a whole new way! The goal of Treibball is to have your dog herd balls into a goal, similar to a soccer goal. In this class, you will start teaching your dog to run out to a target and push balls into the net on cue. Treibball was originally created for herding dogs without sheep to herd, but any dog can play. There is no size or breed requirement. This game is perfect for the dog that is ball crazy or likes to chase or herd things. Pre-requisite: Dogs must be able to wait, come, and be dog friendly.

The Sport: Treibball is a new competitive sport in which dogs drive big, colored balls into a net. Handlers are not permitted to use any sort of force, but they assist their dogs with visual and verbal cues to guide balls into the goal.

This is an advanced class for students preparing to enter competitive obedience. The skills taught will draw from all three levels of competitive obedience – Novice, Open and Utility -- plus Rally-Obedience. The class will run continuously. Students sign up for eight weeks of classes but will have 12 weeks to complete them. Attendance will be kept by the instructor, who will notify students that payment is due for the next eight sessions if they choose to continue. Checks should be made out to Your Dog's Friend but will be collected by the instructor. Prospective students should check with the instructor before registering by calling 202-383-2374 or e-mailing alfhild_winder@aviationweek.com. New students can join, with the instructor's permission, whenever a spot is open. Pre-requisites: Dogs should be at least one year old and able to perform the following foundation behaviors on verbal cues or hand signals: sit, down, stand, recall with front sit, walking on a loose leash, a 30-second sit stay and a 60-second down stay in the presence of other dogs with the handler at a distance of 10 feet. They should not be reactive to people or other dogs.

The Sport: Competitive Obedience tests a dog‘s ability to perform a prescribed set of exercises, which are scored. For example, walking on a leash at the owner‘s side, standing to be touched by a stranger, sitting and lying down with distractions, and coming when called. Advanced skills prove the handler‘s ability to train the dog to do a variety of ‘tricks‘: fetching a dumbbell, jumping different obstacles, obeying commands in an instant whether given by hand signal or voice, and finding items touched by the handler. The goal is to create a working team, a partnership with both human and canine working in sync. Please note: An AKC Companion Dog (CD) certificate, awarded after 3 passing scores at obedience competitions, entitles Rockville City residents to an off-leash license.

Instructor: Peter Williams

Fee: $160 (includes a competition disc)

If your dog loves retrieving, why not take it to the next level? You will learn different methods and styles for effectively throwing a flying disc, and you and your dog will learn various tricks with the disc. Disc Dog can be done for fun or competition. Pre-requisites: Since all class work will be off-leash, your dog must have a reliable recall. There also must be no indication that your dog will have any unprovoked aggression toward other dogs. Your dog should actively retrieve, although homework will help you improve this skill. Finally, it is highly recommended that you have an appropriate practice location outside of class where you can practice with your dog between classes. Peter Williams is a 4-time Disc Dog World Finalist and a 2-time Disc Dog Regional Champion.

The Sport: Disc Dog is another name for what is sometimes called Frisbee Dog. The term "Disc" is preferred because "Frisbee" is a trademarked term for a brand of flying disc. In Disc Dog competitions, one disc-throwing handler and one dog form a working team. Formats are usually "toss and fetch" or "freestyle" events. In toss and fetch events, the human throws a disc for the dog to catch at varying distances. In freestyle events, a team will perform a short routine, from about 90 seconds to two minutes, choreographed to music, with multiple discs in play.