Behavior Training Classes and Other Services

STAR Behavior Training is a combined course in obedience training and behavioral management. I specifically developed the STAR Behavior Training course for dogs and puppies with the needs of pet owners in mind. It is based upon current knowledge of dog behavior, learning and motivation.

In the STAR behavior training course, you will learn how to properly train your dog or puppy to obey basic commands like heel, sit, down, come, and stay. Additionally, you will learn how to use these commands in daily situations so that you have better control over your dog. You’ll learn to teach your dog to be calmer and more manageable and to solve problems like jumping up, running off, destroying property, and pulling.

The methods taught in the STAR behavior training course are designed to modify your dog's behavior using positive reinforcement. You will learn how to communicate effectively with your dog and how to motivate him to please you by tapping into his natural desires to play and obtain affection, praise, and rewards. Above all, these training methods are FUN for you and your dog and more effective than those relying on correction or intimidation.  CLASSES FORMING NOW IN GALENA ON MONDAY AND THURSDAY NIGHTS. 

The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy is an exciting program designed to get dog owners and their puppies off to a solid start. At the end of the STAR Behavior class course, you and your puppy will be eligible for the S.T.A.R. certificate offered by the AKC. All basic commands will be taught with the needs and abilities of puppies in mind. Your puppies will have the opportunity to socialize with other dogs, learn commands with distractions, and build confidence. 

Puppies must be at least 12 weeks of age and have had 3 sets of vaccines prior to attending. You will receive an extensive manual to assist you on the course. The manual consists of three parts. The first part explains my philosophy and understanding of training dogs. The second section outlines how to teach the exercises, along with photos. The third portion provides solutions to various behavior problems. THIS CERTIFICATE CAN BE EARNED IN ANY PUPPY CLASS OFFERED!

AKC Canine Good Citizen’s Course, Adult dogs (over 1 year). In addition to learning how to train your adult dog to obey commands, you will learn how dogs grow and develop, physically, behaviorally, and emotionally. Your dog will learn how to behave around other dogs. The course is designed to assist you in preparing your dog to be a Canine Good Citizen.

The Canine Good Citizen Program is offered for adult dogs who have had prior training. It represents the gold standard of behavior and training. The goal of any good dog training class is to have owners learn basic skills with their dogs that will ensure that their dogs would be good citizens in the community. Behaviors include basic exercises, like sit, down, come and stay. These exercises will be extended to off-leash control. In addition, dogs will learn to behave as they walk past other dogs, when there are distractions, in a crowd or when left with a friendly stranger.

The specific test items are as follows:

• Accepting a Friendly Stranger
• Sitting Politely for Petting
• Appearance and Grooming
• Out for a Walk (Walking on a Loose Leash)
• Walking Through a Crowd
• Sit and Down on Command/ Staying in Place
• Coming When Called
• Reaction to Another Dog
• Reaction to Distractions
• Supervised Separation

CLASSES FORMING NOW FOR THOSE WHO HAVE ALREADY HAD BEGINNER TRAINING.

The AKC Community Canine Classes are for those dogs who have previously attained the Canine Good Citizen Test.

The test items for the CGCA are:

Dog stands, sits or lies down and waits under control while the owner sits at the registration table and fills out paperwork, or, while the owner sits and has a snack or visits with someone (e.g., at a park).

Walks on a loose leash in a natural situation (not in a ring)-does not pull. Left and right turns stop fast and slow pace

Walks on a loose leash through a crowd. This item is tested in a real crowd, not in a ring.

Dog walks past distraction; dogs present; does not pull.

Sit-stay in a small group (3 other people with dogs). Owners and dogs are in an informal group while owners have a conversation.

Dog allows a person who is carrying something (e.g., purse, computer case, backpack) to approach and pet it. “May I pet your dog?” (Item is put on floor/ground before person pets' dog)

“Leave it.” Dog walks by food and follows owner's instructions, “Leave it.”

Down or sit stay (owner’s choice) at a distance.

Recall with distractions present (coming when called). The handler goes out 20-ft. (off center) and calls the dog. Dog comes past a distractor to return to handler.

Dog enters/exits a doorway or narrow passageway (on leash, with owner) in a controlled manner.

Passing the Urban CGC test or Canine Good Citizen test does not make a dog a service dog, therapy dog, or emotional support dog. A key distinction of service or emotional support dogs is that the owner/handler has a disability. It is unethical to misrepresent a pet dog as a service or emotional support animal.

CURRENTLY IN SESSION 

AKC Urban CGC is a title in the Canine Good Citizen family of awards and titles that also include AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, Canine Good Citizen, and AKC Community Canine.

AKC Urban CGC requires that the dog demonstrate CGC skills and beyond in a setting that includes traffic, crowds, noises, smells and other distractions that are present in a city or town. As with Canine Good Citizen, AKC Urban CGC is a 10-step test of skills that dogs must pass to earn the official AKC Urban CGC title. This is a title that appears on the dog’s title record at AKC.

AKC Urban CGC is a public access test that demonstrates dogs are well-behaved and well-trained when in public settings. The Urban CGC test can be used by dog-friendly businesses (e.g., lodging, retail, transportation, public facilities) to recognize and accept dogs with good manners.

The setting for the CGCU is:

All skills are tested on a leash. AKC Urban CGC should be administered in a place where there are cars, streets to be crossed, noises, and distractions. This test is administered in the real world; it should not be simulated in a ring at a dog show.

When test items (such as riding on an elevator) are administered in public buildings, the buildings must be dog friendly, or evaluators must have permission in advance from the business owners, managers, etc.

The requirements for the CGCU are:

To earn the AKC Urban CGC (CGCU) title, dogs must meet the following two requirements:

1. Must already have a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certificate or title on record at AKC. If the CGC and CGCU are tested on the same day, both forms should be sent in the same envelope to AKC so that the CGC can be applied to the dog’s record first.
2. Must have an AKC number of one of 3 types (AKC registration number, Purebred Alternative Listing (PAL) number, or AKC Canine Partners number). All dogs, including mixed breeds, can get an AKC number. The reason for the AKC number requirement is that this is how AKC attaches the titles to the dog’s number. Read more information on getting an AKC number.

Passing the Urban CGC test or Canine Good Citizen test does not make a dog a service dog, therapy dog, or emotional support dog. A key distinction of service or emotional support dogs is that the owner/handler has a disability. It is unethical to misrepresent a pet dog as a service or emotional support animal.

CURRENTLY IN SESSION 

Good handlers always look like they're doing nothing at all because they have trained dogs. The handler is then able to step back and let the judge see the dog on display.

Often, new handlers struggle to get dogs to stand still or show their bites! The best dogs look like they know what they're doing, and that comes naturally.

In Conformation classes, you learn the skills to show your dogs to their best advantage. You will understand how to teach your dogs the skills they need to show themselves.

You will learn how to properly hand stack, free bait, get your dogs' attention and expression, gait, bait, and be comfortable with being examined.

The training you'll receive is for YOU and YOUR dog. You'll learn how to engage your dog in the ring, learn what to expect and how to accept a stranger going over and staring at them.

These classes are designed to help you become a more competent owner-handler and your dog to be a competitive show dog! These are the skills that divide winners from losers in the show ring.

BY APPOINTMENT 

Obedience is one of the AKC’s oldest sporting events, and it’s open to all dogs. The exercises include walking on- and off-leash to retrieving and jumping, developing your dog’s ability to stay and to come from a long distance off lead. Obedience trials feature dogs that are well-behaved at home, in public places, and in the presence of other dogs. It is essential that the obedience dog demonstrates willingness and enjoyment while it is working with the handler.

Whether or not you want to compete, every dog owner should consider some form of obedience training. It’s the best way to establish good communication skills between you and your dog – and to make sure that yours is the best-behaved dog in your neighborhood!

Rally Obedience is best described as FUN obedience!

In AKC Rally, you and your dog navigate, side-by-side, through a course of 10-20 different signs. Each of these signs provides instructions regarding the next skill that is to be performed. The dog and handler move continuously throughout the course, with the dog under control at the handler’s left side. There is a clear sense of teamwork between the dog and handler, both during and between the numbered signs. Although each performance is timed, having a good race time is not the goal; it’s all about working as a team while performing the skills with the dog under control.

BY APPOINTMENT

Imagine your dog as he runs hard, nimbly making each as he scampers through tunnels, jumps hurdles, and climbs A-frames while keeping his eyes on you for direction. The crowds in the stands cheer as you move together in perfect harmony. That’s the sport of Agility. It can be quite a rush – and one of the best ways to create an even deeper connection between you and your dog.

Agility is a growing dog sport in the United States, where dogs race against a clock as they navigate an obstacle course with strong concentration and speed. Whether you just want to have fun exercising with your dog or want to go further and enter an Agility competition, get ready for a fast-paced, rewarding experience that will get you and your dog in the best shape of your lives! Agility training can play an important part in your dog's life for several reasons. Agility helps strengthen the bond between you and your dog. Helping your dog to pass through agility obstacles will help reinforce basic obedience commands, improve dog/owner communication, and ultimately help to improve your dog's behavior outside the agility course.

Agility courses are designed to mimic these types of natural scenarios and fulfill the hunting and chasing desires of your dog. Agility is a great way to get rid of your dog’s excess energy. Running through a course that involves passing over and through a variety of obstacles will challenge your dog’s mind and body. Involving your dog in agility will help to strengthen his muscles, improve coordination, keep him fit, and increase endurance.

Agility training can play an important part in your dog's life for several reasons.

• Agility helps strengthen the bond between you and your dog. Helping your dog to pass through agility obstacles will help reinforce basic obedience commands, improve dog/owner communication, and ultimately help to improve your dog's behavior outside the agility course.
• Agility courses are designed to mimic these types of natural scenarios and fulfill the hunting and chasing desires of your dog.
• Agility is a great way to get rid of your dog’s excess energy. Running through a course that involves passing over and through a variety of obstacles will challenge your dog’s mind and body. Involving your dog in agility will help to strengthen his muscles, improve coordination, keep him fit, and increase endurance.

Limited to four dogs and their owners.

CLASSES FORMING NOW 

Behavior training is a combined course in obedience training and behavioral management. You will learn how to train your dog to obey basic commands, use those commands in daily situations, and solve common problems that occur in dogs and puppies.

In-home behavior training is a great option for those who have busy schedules, want the entire family to participate, want the convenience of an in-home service or would like to have a training program that can be tailored to their needs. For those who require more flexibility or would like a shorter commitment of time, in-home training may also be a better option for you and your dog. After just 4 lessons, your puppy or dog will be well on their way to becoming a well-behaved companion!

 Behavior Training is a combined course in obedience training and behavioral management. I specifically developed the behavior course for dogs and puppies with the needs of pet owners in mind. It is based upon current knowledge of dog behavior, learning and motivation.

In the behavior training course, you will learn how to properly train your dog or puppy to obey basic commands like heel, sit, down, come, and stay. Additionally, you will learn how to use these commands in daily situations so that you gain better control over your dog. You’ll learn to teach your dog to be calmer and more manageable and to solve problems like barking, aggression, jumping up, running off, destroying property and pulling, to name a few.

The methods taught in the STAR behavior training course are designed to modify your dog's behavior using positive reinforcement. You will learn how to effectively communicate with your dog and how to motivate him to please you by tapping into his natural desires to play and obtain affection, praise and rewards. Above all, these training methods are FUN for you as well as your dog and more effective than those relying on correction or intimidation.

​You will receive a 90+ page manual to assist you in the course. The manual consists of three parts. The first part explains my philosophy and understanding of training dogs; the second part of the manual outlines how to teach the exercises along with photos. The third portion of the manual provides solutions to various behavior problems. 

There are 4 in-home sessions included in the in-home training package. You can also schedule additional lessons or classes if you want further training.

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

A well-behaved dog is a product of genetics, training, and a loving home. For the training part, pet owners often seek a dog trainer. However, most trainers do not know how to teach the pet owner why the behavior is happening and make specific recommendations on how to change it. They are not experts in behavior modification and may not know what techniques to employ to change undesirable behaviors. I have effectively counseled pet owners and educating them on how to understand their pet’s behavior and how to change it for over 30 years.

Behavioral and training consultations are available to owners needing help with a specific problem. The goal of a behavioral consultation is to help you to better understand your dog’s behavior and to teach you how to modify your environment and interactions with your dog to minimize or eliminate behavioral problems.

A Behavioral Consultation is better for addressing specific behavior problems like phobias, separation anxiety, excessive barking, destructive chewing and aggression. Personalized attention is more effective when tackling complicated issues.

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

The goal is to offer puppy owners a place where they can confidently provide their puppies with opportunities to develop, maintain, and improve their social skills.

Playgroups provide puppies with exercise and social interaction with other dogs. The benefits of playgroups include: • Freedom to be off leash, burn off energy and reduce stress so that dogs are more manageable at home and during training. Social learning: Interaction with their own species can help puppies to gain social skills that may improve their ability to play and interact with other dogs when they are adults. Owners gain a better understanding of their dogs. Playgroups is time spent observing dogs; knowing more about your dog allows you to do a better job of raising your puppy. During playgroups, you can observe first-hand how dogs communicate with each other. Playgroups are FUN. Everyone enjoys seeing puppies run and play.

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

Playgroups are appropriate for dogs that have not exhibited aggression issues towards people or dogs. If you are concerned about your dog’s appropriateness for playgroups, please contact me to discuss.

Limited to four puppies and their owners.

Playgroup times are arranged.

Canine fitness and enrichment exercises are a great way to help your dog live a happier and healthier life while at the same time strengthening the dog’s behavior, confidence, focus, body awareness, and key muscle groups. Most dogs consider canine fitness training a favorite time of the day; they love the mental and physical workout.

Props used were purchased specifically for the task and other that are common household items, such as stairs, boxes, step stools, and more. There are a variety of canine fitness exercises with these props, ranging from easy to much more difficult. Before beginning any exercise program with your dog, be sure to consult with your veterinarian. As your healthy dog masters the easier exercises, you can gradually progress to more challenging exercises together. All the exercises are fun to clicker train and can help you perfect your own clicker skills.

CURRENTLY OFFERED AT SHAGBARK DOG TRAINING (MARYSVILLE). CLASSES FORMING NOW!