FAMILY MANNERS CLASSES

This class will afford your puppy opportunities for socialization to new people, places and things in a supervised setting. Off leash play will be at the discretion of the instructor. Common owner concerns will be discussed. This class will run for four weeks and will NOT include the AKC Star Puppy test.

Puppies should have their standard vaccinations as per their vets recommendation. Rabies vaccine is required for dogs over four months of age.

Skills Introduced: Socialization and safe handling

Future junior handlers welcome! Children will be introduced to basic rewards-based training and a variety of activities they can do with their dogs.  Emphasis will be on safe interactions with dogs and responsible pet ownership. An accompanying adult must be present during class.  Depending on the age of the child and instructor input, the accompanying adult will help the child with leash handling.  Class limit 6.

Your puppy´s early months are a critical informative time during which your puppy learns to interact appropriately with different people, dogs and environments that the world has to offer. This class will help you make the most of this developmental window and build the foundation for a friendly, confident, well-mannered adult dog. Off leash play will be at the discretion of the instructor. In order to be eligible for the AKC S.T.A.R® Puppy Test puppies must attend six weeks of classes. Class limit 8.

Puppies should have their standard vaccinations as per their vet's recommendation. Rabies vaccine is required for dogs over four months of age.

For: Puppies, under 5 months of age

Skills Introduced: Basic manners, Clicker Training, Attention, Socialization & safe handling

For puppies 5 months and younger. This class will afford you the opportunity to introduce your puppy to novel experiences and meet new people and other puppies in a safe, welcoming environment. Common concerns will be addressed. Off leash play at discretion of instructor.

Your puppy's early months are a critical and formative time during which your puppy learns to interact appropriately with different people, dogs and environments that the world has to offer. This class will help you make the most of this developmental window and build the foundation for a friendly, confident, well-mannered adult dog. Off leash play will be at the discretion of the instructor. In order to be eligible for the AKC S.T.A.R® Puppy Test puppies must attend six weeks of classes. Class limit 8.

Puppies should have their standard vaccinations as per their vet's recommendation. Rabies vaccine is required for dogs over four months of age.

For: Puppies, 5 to 9 months of age

Skills Introduced: Basic manners, Clicker Training, Attention, Socialization & safe handling

This course will give you a head start on introducing attention and basic cues that you will use throughout the life time of your dog.

For: Dogs 5 months and over

Did you recently acquire a new dog? Did you miss registration for FM Foundations? Do you need to get the basics asap?

Jump Start will get you on the right track, right away. Learn the essentials and get your dog started right away learning polite manners for day-to-day life. This class will prepare teams to go to FM Foundations class the following session.

Introduce your dog to the skills it needs to become a well-mannered family pet. In this class, owners will learn to use dog-friendly training methods as they teach their pets to sit, lie down, wait, walk on a loose leash, come when called and more. This class will help you build a strong relationship with your dog, and to manage your pet comfortably in your home. These foundational skills are geared toward preparing your dog for the AKC Canine Good Citizen test. Class limit 8.

For: Dogs, age 5 months and older. Both you and your dog must be comfortable spending an hour with a group of canines of various sizes and energy levels

Special Requirements: No dogs in the first class

Skills Introduced: Attention, Sits & Downs, Loose leash walking, Stand, Recall, Stay, Leave It, Drop It

Now that you and your dog have learned the basics of reward-based training in Family Manners Foundation, you are ready to kick it up a notch. In this intermediate-level class, you will build reliability by training in an increasingly distracting environment and with gradually increased distance and duration, while fading the lures and additional prompts. The ultimate goal is a dog that will reliably respond to your cues no matter what is going on around him. Class limit 8.

Prerequisite: FM Foundation or instructor´s approval

Skills Introduced: Sit, Down, Stand, Stay, Recall, Loose Leash Walking - all with increasing duration, distance & distractions, go to place

For teams who have previously completed a session of Family Manners Skills. In this class, you will continue to build proficiency with increased distraction, duration, and distance.

Prerequisite: Family Manners Skills

Go beyond the basics! Refine your skills and build teamwork as you work toward reliability off leash. In this class, you will continue to work on core skills such as, recalls, and stays in addition the new element of increased distance from your dog will be added to your training skill. New skills such as nose work and targeting will be introduced. Class limit 8.

Prerequisite: FM Skills or equivalent

ADDITIONAL TRAINING

Does your dog get distracted on walks? Bark at the doorbell? Jump on guests? This manners course is designed for busy dog owners who want real-world solutions to unwanted doggie behaviors. We will address strategies to these problems:

B: Barking
K: Knocking people over
L: Leash walking problems
N: Naughtiness when alone

This class is based on Kate Naito's BKLN Manners™ book. It’s suitable for dogs who need to put their basic manners skills to practical use. Not recommended for dogs with reactivity or separation anxiety.

Prerequisite: Family Manners Foundation or equivalent

This class will build on skills learned in Family Manners Foundation, with a specific focus on building recalls.  Prerequisite: Family Manners Foundation

Basic obedience – trained skills and communication between handler and dog – is at the very heart of many canine sports and activities. It is also a foundation for harmonious co-existence at home and in the community. This course introduces the seven exercises that are included in the AKC Novice Obedience program: Heel on Leash, Figure Eight, Stand for Examination, Heel Free, Recall, Sit/Stay, Group Sit Stay, and Group Down Stay. In addition, we will discuss the dynamics of human-dog interaction and how training is enhanced through mutual respect and understanding. This course is appropriate for those seeking an AKC title and non-competitors alike.

Prerequisite: None, but dogs must be at least 6 months old to participate.

If you are thinking about participating in an activity with your dog, but aren't sure which one, this sampler class is just for you.  Each class will be devoted to learning about and experiencing a different activity such as agility, rally, obedience, scent work, canine good citizen tests and more. Dogs should be comfortable working in the presence of other teams. Limit 8 teams.

Prerequisite: AKC S.T.A.R.® Puppy or FM Foundation.

This class is based loosely upon Ian Dunbar's team competition of the same name.  After reviewing the skills required, handlers and their dogs make up teams to compete in dog-infused children's games.  All games are designed to fine tune and test your dog's basic obedience skills in an amusing, action-packed and encouraging atmosphere.  It is a great way to keep your dog's obedience fresh and fun.  Games will include Tic-Tac-Toe, Recall Relays, Musical Chairs, Retrieval Races and more!  Limit 8 teams.

n this fitness course, we will show you exercises for the conditioning of ANY canine. Get your dog in the best mental and physical shape with “FitPAWS” Canine Conditioning equipment! This class is great for current or future athlete / performance dogs of all levels to build strength and prevent injuries. Benefits of class include: improving balance, coordination, body awareness, and flexibility. It also helps to stabilize weak areas, build a strong core, and confidence! Exercises will be adjusted for level of dogs in class and their needs. More information about “FitPAWS” products can be found at fitpawsusa.com.

Prerequisites: None

Special Requirements: Dogs must wear a harness for safety when working on peanuts or other PCOTC inflated equipment. Toenail safety will be at instructor's discretion. 

Teaching tricks can be a valuable learning experience for you and your dog. They help you teach your dog to think and solve problems with you as a team, help you perfect your timing of feedback, and engage your dog's interest in all his training. Will introduce the use of targeting and props to turn a few behaviors into cute tricks. Use this class to round out your dog's education, show off his natural talent, and challenge him mentally while learning invaluable tricks for therapy work or everyday life. Skills learned will help in working toward and AKC Trick Dog title.   Class limit 8.

Prerequisites: AKC Star Puppy or Family Manners Foundation

Introducing the use of targeting and props to turn a few behaviors into cute tricks!

Prerequisites: FM Puppy or FM Foundation

Does your dog become distracted on walks by items that attract his attention, such as sticks, leaves, or trash?  Pick up things in your home such as children’s toys or shoes, or “counter surf” for food?  Refuse to give up something in his/her mouth, whether it’s dog toys or bones, or worse, stolen forbidden items?  This class focuses on teaching the dogs to willingly ignore, or turn away from, or let go of items of interest to them, using non-confrontational methods.  Limit 8 teams.

Prerequisite:  FM Foundation or equivalent.

Use your dog's crate to enhance focus and motivation, to work on self control for a phenomenal stay, to train a speedy and dependable recall, train distance skills for obedience or agility, and to develop an amazing working relationship.  Limit 8 teams.

Teams will prepare for the Canine Good Citizen® test: http://images.akc.org/pdf/cgc/GK9GC1.pdf
The test will be administered in the final class of the session. Class limit 6.

Prerequisite: FM Skills or equivalent or instructor approval

Skills Introduced: Test items for Canine Good Citizen® test

Teams will prepare for the advanced CGC known as the Community® Canine test: https://www.akc.org/products-services/training-programs/canine-good-citizen/akc-community-canine/test-items/.  The test will be administered during the final class of the session.  Class limit 6.

Prerequisites:  Dogs must have passed the CGC test prior to taking the CGCA test.  Dogs must be registered with the AKC prior to taking the CGCA test.  For information on getting an AKC number: http://images.akc.org/cgc/number.pdf.

Teams will prepare for the AKC Urban Canine Good Citizen® test: https://www.akc.org/products-services/training-programs/canine-good-citizen/akc-urban-canine-good-citizen/about/.  The 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. One or two classes may be off-site.  The test will be administered during the final class of the session.  Class limit 6.

Prerequisites:  Dogs must have passed the CGC test prior to taking the CGCU test.  Dogs must be registered with the AKC prior to taking the CGCU test. For information on getting an AKC number: http://images.akc.org/cgc/number.pdf.

Does your super friendly dog jump for joy when meeting people? Happily, drag you toward other dogs to play? This class will help you teach your dog to tone down the excitement and remain politely under control while greeting people and dogs For overly friendly dogs. Class limit: 8.

Prerequisite: Family Manners Foundation

This class will focus on understanding fearful emotion in dogs, behaviors manifesting from fear and appropriate interactions and training methods. The goal will be enrichment of the dog and owner’s life through education, enhanced communication and employment of counter-conditioning and desensitization techniques. Students should contact instructor prior to enrollment to see if their dog is an appropriate candidate for this class. J. McKay jamiemckay@optonline.net

Limit 8 teams. 

Fear and anxiety are behind many behaviors that shy dogs may exhibit. Training in and of itself, while useful, may not be enough to address or change your dog’s fear responses.

If a shy or fearful dog is part of your family, this class will help you learn to read your dog’s body language, identify your dog’s triggers and how best to respond in a manner that creates emotional change within your dog. Once these concepts are learned, you can then apply them in real world, dynamically changing environments. Learn how to help your dog by working towards changing how your dog feels about things that scare them.

Prior to enrolling contact the Instructor to see if this class would be a good fit for your dog and you.

Class Limit 6

Ever wonder what your dog is saying when they interact with other dogs? Time to find out! This class will focus on learning the ways our dogs communicate with other dogs, allowing us to better understand them and how they are communicating with us and the world around them. Class will consist of video lectures as well as the students bringing in their own videos to dicuss as well, and possibly dog communication between students' dogs happening right in the room. Join the fun! Class limit 6.

If you’ve already been through class but are still struggling a bit with teaching your dog to walk on a loose leash, this mini class may be right for you. We’ll concentrate on only this skill, incorporating a variety of exercises to help improve your dog’s loose leash walking behavior.

 Please come to class with a hungry dog, ideally who’s had some exercise before class, a variety of high value treats!

Class limit: 6

Prerequisite: FM Foundation

Learn how to teach your dog to come flying to you, the first time you call, anytime, anywhere, away from anything! This class is suitable for puppies and dogs of all ages. Class limit: 6

Prerequisite: AKC Star Puppy or FM Foundation

We’ll incorporate a variety of exercises to help improve your dog’s loose leash walking behavior. Along with this skill, we will work with you to teach your dog to come flying to you, the first time you call, anytime, anywhere.

Please come to class with a hungry dog, ideally who’s had some exercise before class, a variety of high value treats! Depending on weather, this class may be held outside in different locations around Westchester.

In this Family Manners class, we’ll practice training games on a numbered course using Rally signs.

Prerequisite: Family Manners Skills.

In this Family Manners class, we will develop better communication and teamwork between you and your canine partner. We will start with rally signs with common commands sit, stay, down, adding others such as turns, front, and around, as communication between the team grows. Later adding, leg weaves, weave poles, tunnels and possibly other equipment.

Prerequisite: Team should have working knowledge of common commands (come/sit/down/stay).

This course teaches the fundamental applications and scope of therapy dog work and the positive effects that handler/dog teams can have on patients and others in need. In addition, we focus on some of the basic obedience exercises that are essential in the visiting process. 

Pre-requisite: Dogs must be at least 8 months of age

This course is designed for dogs that have the sweet temperament required for Therapy Dog work, but (with their owners/handlers) have to improve their Obedience-related skills. We focus on developing precise Obedience responses as well as demonstrating how these skills are applied in the practice of therapy dog visiting.

Successful completion of this course qualifies teams to enter Therapy Dog Certification Preparation in a future session.

To be an effective therapy dog team, you must be a compassionate, understanding human being; your companion must be an obedient, calm, people-loving dog.

Through fine-tuning of various obedience skills, human-dog interactions, and challenging role playing, this course will provide a solid preparation for final evaluation and testing with Pet Partners (Delta Society).

Registration for this course, depends upon each team passing an approximately 20-minute pre-screening in which basic obedience skills, steadiness of temperament, and handler-dog communication are evaluated.

Note: Pre-screenings take place prior to the start of the class.

In this Family Manners class, we will develop better communication and teamwork between you and your canine partner. We will start with common commands such as sit, stay, down and adding others such as turns, front, and around as communication between the team grows. Later adding leg weaves, targets, and some tricks. We will also touch on working near other teams and learning to keep your dog focused on you.

Prerequisites: None

This is a skills class for current therapy dogs only. This class does not prepare you for the therapy dog certification test.

Prerequisite: Therapy Dog Certificate Prep with George Berger. Instructor approval required.

This 4 week class will build upon foundation skills and strategy for disc games. Freestyle moves will be introduced . Continue to work on technique and teamwork. Dogs should be comfortable in a crate. One team will be working on the floor at a time. A competition quality disc will be provided to each team. 

Prerequisite: Intro/Open/Games Disc Dog or Instructor Approval.

This Foundations class is designed for 10 to 14 year olds, and their Canine partner.  We will cover foundation basics (sit, down, stay, touch, leave it, etc).  There will be a focus on building the teams ability to work confidently in the same space as other pairs.   We will introduce the young handler to the skills needed to coach their canine companion and provide an environment where the handler will both; learn the basics of reward based training and gain confidence in knowing that they and their partner can work together to achieve the most basic of training goals. Prospective students should be fear free of dogs as well as focused, willing participants. Please direct any questions to the instructor, Mary Skirchak, at mskirchak@yahoo.com.

Rally-FrEe combines trick behaviors of Canine Musical Freestyle with the format of Rally-Obedience. In this class, learn some of the fundamental freestyle and obedience skills set on a Rally-Obedience style course.

Prerequisite: FM Skills

More fun learning intermediate Rally FrEe Elements skills while strengthening the working relationship between you and your dog,

Prerequisite: Rally FrEe for All

Are you struggling with your dog’s unruly or annoying behaviors in your home? Counter surfing? Begging at the dinner table? Door dashing? Excessive barking--at the doorbell, or for attention? Learn how to solve these and/or other household problems, and teach your dog to love his crate, settle calmly on his own bed, and more!  Note: This class will help you manage your dog’s behavior, but is not intended to solve aggression or reactivity issues, or severe separation anxiety.

Pre-requisite: Family Manners Foundation or AKC STAR Puppy

Have you enjoyed participating in the Family Manners program?  Would you like to further your training with your dog?  This class is designed for those dog owners that have completed the Family Manners program and are interested in continuing to train their dog.  The Beyond the Basics class offers the following - 

• Strengthening your relationship with your dog

• Reducing your reliance on treats

• Teaching your dog to offer calm behavior in real-life situations

• Continuing to improve the skills learned in Family Manners and introducing more games and tricks 

A young adolescent dog is really a toddler in an adult dog’s body and it is critical to maintain a healthy and strong relationship with your dog in this critical period as they mature.  Come to class with an open mind to train the dog you have always dreamed of owning.  

Prerequisites are FM and FM Skills. We will not be dealing with reactivity or aggression behavioral issues. 

Your puppy´s early months are a critical informative time during which your puppy learns to interact appropriately with different people, dogs and environments that the world has to offer. This class will help you make the most of this developmental window and build the foundation for a friendly, confident, well-mannered adult dog. Off leash play will be at the discretion of the instructor. Class limit 8.

Puppies should have their standard vaccinations as per their vet's recommendation. Rabies vaccine is required for dogs over four months of age.

For: Puppies, under 5 months of age

Skills Introduced: Basic manners, Clicker Training, Attention, Socialization & safe handling

This manners course is designed for dog owners who want real-world solutions to their dogs’ overly enthusiastic behaviors. It’s designed for dogs that:

- get distracted on walks

- greet guests by jumping

- get excited by the doorbell 

- steal snacks off the table

- struggle with recall around distractions.

This course is based on Kate Naito's BKLN Manners™ book, and will help you put your dog's foundation skills to practical use.

Prerequisite: Family Manners Foundation or equivalent.

Engagement games will introduce effective ways for handlers to communicate with their dogs and get their attention. Great for dogs who get sucked in to their environment, or dogs that need to work on focusing at the start line. Engagement games will cover how to handle disengagement, determining thresholds, and using your dogs distractions to your benefit.

Crate training is an important life skill for dogs, at home, when traveling, and when waiting their turn during classes and trials. This class focuses on helping your dog learn to calmly and quietly relax in confinement as needed—any time, anywhere. Limit 6 dogs. No prerequisite.

Is your dog easily distracted or overexcited? Paws & Patience will  enhance your dog's impulse control through essential cues like "stay," "wait," and "leave it." This engaging class combines structured games, including tug with rules, to make learning fun and effective.

Prerequisite: Family Manners Foundation or Puppy class.