Everyday Manners
If you’ve recently (or not so recently) welcomed a dog into your home and you need help teaching your dog how to be a respectful member of the family, we’re here to help! Our everyday manners class is appropriate for all dogs. Even if you’ve adopted an older dog, who has been trained previously, training can promote bonding and help get you and your dog on the same page. Bringing your dog to a class will allow you to both have a mutual understanding about what is expected. We will aid you in achieving behaviors that will benefit both of you for the road ahead. Training classes also give you a direct line to an experienced trainer who can help nip problems in the bud before they turn into bigger issues.
Manners Classes FAQ
- Why do you offer separate classes for puppies under 6 months vs. older dogs?
- Puppies have lots of energy, but they tend to be more reserved in new environments. We offer a separate class for puppies for their comfort. Dogs with a little more life experience are more prone to being enthusiastically energetic and barking during classes.
- What should I bring to class? Should I bring my significant other/children/other household members?
- Our first class of each session is just for the humans. We will discuss this during the first class.
- What skills will my dog acquire in Everyday Manners?
- We will cover all of the typical basic skills, including sit, down, stay, walking politely on a leash, and coming when called. We also go beyond these basics and discuss potty training, barking, counter surfing, and practical solutions to other common unwanted behaviors.
- Can you help me with something not in the list above?
- All classes end with a Q&A session, which is the perfect time to ask about something you feel like you could use a little help with. If the question is particularly complex, we may recommend a private training session to address your needs one on one.
- My dog has mastered all of the basic skills from Everyday Manners, but we’re not ready to stop training. What do we do next?
- Scroll down to learn about more advanced manners or check out our nosework program! We occasionally offer free “try it” events so you and your dog can get a firsthand taste of what nosework is all about.
- How do I enroll in class?
- Send us an email!
Canine Good Citizen
After mastering Everyday Manners, look no further for your dog’s next challenge! The Canine Good Citizen certification is an award which demonstrates that your dog has what it takes to a functional member of society. He can walk nicely on a leash, keep his cool around another friendly dog, accept grooming, and maintain composure while out of sight of his owner. Our CGC Prep class will help fine tune the skills required to pass the certification test.
Canine Good Citizen FAQ
- Why should I get my dog certified as a Canine Good Citizen?
- Your landlord or insurance provider (renters or homeowners) may require dogs to pass the CGC certification in order to prove you have put time and effort into training your dog. If you are interested in getting your dog certified as a therapy dog, CGC is often a prerequisite to enroll in a program. It’s also a fun bonding experience that you come out of with a pretty ribbon and something to brag about.
- How does my dog earn the CGC certification?
- You will need to take and pass a test with an approved evaluator. We offer a quarterly CGC testing event. You can read up on the 10 parts of the test on the AKC website.
- How do I enroll in class?
- Send us an email!
- How do I know when your next CGC test is? Where do I sign up?
- Check our Manners Events page for current info. We’ll also remind you about upcoming tests during class.
Stormy shows off her Canine Good Citizen, CGC: Community Canine and CGC: Urban Canine medallions
