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OBEDIENCE
As a dog owner, you want a canine companion to be proud of, who exhibits exemplary behaviors in public, at the veterinarian’s office, and home. You need your dog to listen to your commands, possibly preventing a hazardous situation. You want your dog to be emotionally comfortable and free from preventable behavior problems. You want to enjoy a closer bond with your dog and need daily management to be easy.
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These are all reasonable and realistic expectations!
The solution is through obedience training. Obedience-trained dogs have manners and know the difference between what is and is not acceptable in your home. Obedience training enhances your bond, resulting in a dog who is focused on you. After obedience training, you should be able to take your dog just about anywhere, and your dog will be calm and quiet and interact with others safely simply due to obedience training. A well-trained dog is a pleasure to live with and to take out on the town.
Core Foundations 1
Pre-requisite: None
NEW STUDENTS: First class is without dogs
You will learn to train various basic skills, including touch, tuck, sit, down, settle, come, “hold,” watch, and stay. We will work on proprioception games and brain games. You and your dog will learn training games that build enthusiasm and confidence in your dog. We focus on the handler’s clean and clear cues and accurate timing for positive reinforcement. This class will build intrinsic motivation in your dog like you never imagined!
Remember…the first week is an orientation for new students as we work on being good handlers without dogs. We will discuss equipment options and the importance of consistency and reinforcement. You will learn how to use behavior markers and why they are essential. The truth is that dogs can learn new habits (skills) in days to weeks. It’s the handler’s job to keep things simple and positive.
Core Foundations 2
Prerequisite – Core Foundations 1
This class will use your skills from Core Foundation 1 to build the next group of general competencies. These topics include proofing skills learned in Core Foundations 1 by adding duration, distance, and distractions. New skills include go-out to objects, fronts/finishes, turns (right, left, 360), and pivots. We will use games to keep your dog thinking he is the World Champion and can do anything you ask him to do. Throughout this class, you will keep an eye on your dog’s self-esteem to ensure success, even if you have to back up a step or two.
Prerequisite: Core Foundations 2
This class is the foundation for the obedience and rally classes at High IQ K9 Sports Center. After mastering these skills, you can take more advanced obedience and rally classes. Navigating those two sports will be much smoother with this class which gives your dog some “power steering.” We work on developing attention, building duration, and adding distance. Attention games and positive reinforcers keep your dog engaged and ready for feedback. This class also introduces the first steps to off-leash control. It's a great class to continue developing the relationship with your dog!
Attention & Handling– stationary/moving, distance, and distractions
Heeling with Happiness
Prerequisite: Attention & Handling
One can’t restrict the understanding and training of heeling into one six-week session, so this class is designed to accommodate dogs at different learning stages. Far more than just walking on the handler’s left side, the best heeling is a beautiful dance with cadence, precision, and happiness…both the dog and the handler. This class will contain all the building blocks of the technically correct position, ensuring we have an enthusiastic and precise worker. This class is a favorite!
Beginner Novice
Prerequisite: Heeling with Happiness is preferred; Attention & Handing is suitable.
Beginner Novice is an optional AKC titling class which is a perfect introduction to obedience trials. This class will prepare you for the exercises of Heel on Leash, Figure Eight, Sit for Exam and Sit Stay and Recall.
Novice Obedience
Prerequisite: Instructor Approval
Preparation for AKC’s Companion Dog title. This class will cover the exercises of Heel on Leash and Figure 8, Stand for Examination, Heel Free, Recall, Sit Stay – Get Your Leash, and the Group Exercise.
Open Obedience
Prerequisite: Instructor Approval
Preparation for AKC’s Companion Dog Excellent title. This class will cover the exercises of Heel Free and Figure Eight, Command Discrimination (Stand, Down, Sit), Drop on Recall, Retrieve on Flat, Retrieve over High Jump, Broad Jump, Stand Stay – Get Your Leash.
Utility Obedience
Prerequisite: Instructor Approval
Preparation for AKC’s Utility Dog title. This class will cover the Signal Exercise, Scent Discrimination of Article #1 and Article #2. Directed Retrieve, Moving Stand and Examination and Directed Jumping.
