Class Objectives & Prerequisites

By Terena Thomas

All activities require five participants minimum and a 50% non-refundable, non-transferable deposit.  Because we like to keep class numbers down so you and your pooch get more time and individualized attention, it is critical that you be able to participate before signing up for a class.  If we reserve a spot for you, we possibly turned down others who were interested, therefore there are no refunds or transfers for missed classes.

If you let us know you will miss a class, we are happy to leave homework assignments for you, and if we have enough notice that more than two people will miss, we will try to move the class back a week- assuming everyone else agrees. 

When weekly classes will be cancelled (due to weather, health or emergency) we will notify you by 3pm that day.  If you are signed up for single day events, we will inform you within 24 hours if it is canceled due to lack of participation or weather.

Obedience Classes

STAR Puppy Class ($125) 6 classes
     Prerequisites: The completion of the second set of puppy vaccines and a clean bill of health from the vet.  Puppies of all breeds, between the age of eight weeks to twenty-four weeks.
     Objectives:  50% of this class is dedicated to socializing, whether that’s to children, skateboards, shovels, glossy floors, beards or other animals.  This class helps teach your dog to be flexible in his thinking while adapting easily to change.  25% is obedience and 25% psychology and prevention of behavior problems.  This class sets up you and your dog for a life together of happiness and understanding.  The strong foundation you build will help you both succeed in the rest of your training program, regardless of your long-term goals.

Basic Obedience ($125) 6 classes
     Prerequisites:  A dog that is over six months old, healthy, and up to date on vaccines can attend basic obedience, assuming the pup can focus for a few seconds on you, the handler and is motivated by some thing  (food or toy) that you can control.  Dog’s with behavior issues or owners with concerns as to whether their dog is ready or not, should complete a private or call to discuss your concerns before enrolling.  You will need a 6’ nylon, cotton or leather leash, buckle collar, treat bag and possibly a Gentle Leader Head Collar or No-Pull Harness.  Bring large quantities of the thing that motivates your dog.
     Objectives: Teaching basic obedience (sit, down, wait, stay, release on command, off/ leave-it and come) provides a foundation for which the rest of your relationship is built.  Your communication with your dog will improve, problem prevention is discussed and your understanding of your canine partner will deepen.  Psychology, training philosophies, nutrition, responsible ownership and proper stewardship, husbandry, management and more will round-out this class to provide a thorough education. 

Basic / Intermediate Obedience ($125) 6 classes
     Prerequisites: A dog that is over six months old, healthy, and up to date on vaccines is invited to join us.  Your dog should know to sit and down on the first command with moderate distractions while staying in place for up to one minute (no distractions) until released, come without distraction and leave toy or treat alone for ten seconds before release.  Handlers should know the things that stimulate their dog (good and bad) and know their weak areas.  They should also understand the difference between reinforcers and correctors and how to use them to train your dog.
     Objectives:  Throughout this class, dog and handler teams are encouraged to interact with one another in a controlled training environment.  Learn how and when to use the skills your dog has been learning to create a dog that is a great canine citizen in the community.  Your dog will be able to focus better on you with distractions, pass other dogs on the path and come more reliably when asked with moderate distractions. Weaning from treats will be encouraged.

Intermediate / Advanced Obedience ($125) 6 classes
     Prerequisites: A dog that is over twelve months old, healthy, and up to date on vaccines and has either completed the full series of beginning and beginning/ intermediate obedience or has worked independently to acquire the necessary skills.  Skills required include: sit, down, stay for several minutes until released, off/ leave food or toy, come 75% and 75% of proper loose leash walking with easy redirection for that other 25%.
     Objectives:  This class will consist of working the six basic obedience commands during heavy distractions such as other dogs playing, multiple things happening at once, greeting people and dogs on leash. Dogs should be close to passing the AKC Canine Good Citizenship Evaluation when they complete this class.  You will learn to encourage your dog to perform correctly with appropriate communication and understanding between dog and handler.  Reinforcement schedules will be discussed to clearly understand the process of weaning from motivators.

Advanced Obedience ($125) 6 classes
     Prerequisites: A dog that is over twelve months old, healthy, and up to date on vaccines and has either completed the full series of beginning,  beginning/ intermediate obedience and intermediate/ Advanced Obedience Class or has worked independently to acquire the necessary skills.  Skills required include: sit, down, stay for fifteen minutes until released, off/ leave food or toy indefinately , come reliably with moderate but consistent loose leash walking with easy demonstration of self-control.
     Objectives:  This class will consist of working the six basic obedience commands including hand signals, during heavy distractions such as distance, out-of-sight stays, off leash introduction and reliability with distractions. Advanced handling techniques will be discussed.

Confidence in Coming ($110) 4 classes
     Prerequisites: A dog that is over six months old, healthy, and up to date on vaccines is accepted in the class.  Dogs need to have motivation for something the handler can control (food, toy, activity). Owners need to have the ability to run from their dog and meet in varying locals. Tools needed to successfully complete the class include a 20’ longline with knots tied every 8’-10’, glove if needed, buckle collar, lots of the items that your dog loves and a training bag to carry those items.
     Objectives:  This class teaches dogs to respond to their owner no matter what confronts them.  By following the rules of the class and the practice opportunities provided your dog will come reliably 100% of the time. Some handlers find that repeating the class a second time for really difficult or mature dogs gives them that last little bit of finesse to get the results they’re looking for.

Workshops & Seminars

American Red Cross Certified Pet First Aid & CPR ($30) 4 hr. class
     Prerequisites:  Wear comfortable clothing.  Leave your pets at home. Avoid wearing excessive makeup to protect the animal manikins we use to practice life-saving techniques.
     Objectives:  You will learn when and how to address emergency situations concerning your dogs and cats.  CPR could save their life while rescue breathing could buy them time while waiting for your veterinarian.  Know what to do in a disaster and how to prepare.  After the class you’ll know how to take your pet’s vital signs, muzzle a stray animal and make a makeshift gurney to get your dog out of the backwoods.  If you’re active with your dog and if you love your cat like a family member, don’t miss this class.

Tracking for Beginners ($85) 1 full day
     Prerequisites: You need to be active enough to keep up with your dog when they walk briskly over variable terrain.  Wear comfortable shoes that may get wet (irrigation ditches, dew etc), long pants, long sleeves and a hat with sunglasses.  Much of the day is outside so bring sunscreen and bug repellent. 

Your dog needs to be excited about food, toys or other items you, the handler have control over.  Bring plenty of the item for the first day of tracking.  Bring a toy or stinky sock for play, bring two articles each made of either leather, cotton, metal or wooden.  You’ll need a fanny pack, medium to smallish tracking journal, pen/ pencil, 30’ tracking line made of cotton (difficult to remove field debris) or nylon (tough on the hands), leather gloves for line handling, traditional fitted harness with D ring on top line of dog behind the withers (We don’t want ‘No-Pull’ harnesses!).  You can acquire all new stuff or you can use what you have on hand until you’re sure you want to commit to the sport.  Some things you may have on-hand include: several leashes you can hook together to make a longer line, a horses halter worn upside down over the dogs abdomen makes a creative harness in a pinch and your snow gloves, although they might be slick, can be used instead of leather gloves. This is a really forgiving activity to do with your dog.
     Objectives:  This course teaches the basics in training your dog to use his nose in a directed manner.  You will play three games to help your dog figure out what we want before sending them out into the field.  You will learn map-making skills so you can lay your own tracks for your dog, and you will learn the psychology, biology, anatomy and physiology of tracking.  By the end of the day you’ll have the skills to take your dog tracking in any field about 100 yards in length), and they’ll enjoy their work and know what you want. Lunch is provided.  The Canine Country School on the Colorado River is the location for this workshop.

Tracking for Experienced ($85) 1 full day
     Prerequisites:  If you and your dog have attended the Beginning Tracking workshop or have prior field tracking experience.  You’ll need to bring your tracking equipment with you and wear appropriate clothing for conditions.
     Objectives:  To improve handling ability and article indication.  Preventing problems at corners and terrain shifts, or loosing your dog’s attention because of distractions such as vermin and cross tracks will be discussed. Troubleshooting problems and individualized time with the trainer will help polish your technique.  Running nearly 400 yards of track will build confidence in your dog and will build your trust in the dog’s abilities. Lunch is provided.  The location varies, but usually starts at the Canine Country School.

Scent Discrimination ($75) 2 4 hr. classes
     Prerequisites:  You will need a healthy, vaccinated dog with the drive and desire to do three things 1. Please you, the handler and 2. Is motivated to learn 3. Loves to use their nose.  Folks that have taken tracking in the past will benefit from taking this class to strengthen your foundation.  Those who haven’t will learn new, fun games they can play with their dog that don’t require tremendous physical strain on handler and canine.
     Objectives: This class is much more focused than the two field tracking classes, and we strive towards teaching the dog to find one scent and discriminate against all other smells.  The class is broken into two half-days giving you the opportunity to practice the skills learned before building on them two days later.  Your dog will enjoy figuring out the scent you are providing whether it be for the AKC Utility title, becoming a pet detective or to keep your dog active in winter or during times they are laid up.  Both classes are held at High Tails.

 Smart Start Puppy Weekend ($150) 2 consecutive days
     Prerequisites: The completion of the second set of puppy vaccines and a clean bill of health from the vet.  Puppies of all breeds, between the age of eight weeks to twenty-four weeks.
     Objectives:  Two intensive days cover growth phases, massage, grooming, problem solving, games, training and more.  50% of this class is dedicated to socializing, whether that’s to children, skateboards, shovels, glossy floors, beards or other animal. We have other dogs, the river, agility equipment and livestock to socialize your pup. This class helps teach your dog to be flexible in his thinking while adapting easily to change.  25% is obedience and 25% psychology and prevention of behavior problems.  This class sets up you and your dog for a life together of happiness and understanding.  The strong foundation you build will help you both succeed in the rest of your training program, regardless of your long-term goals. The weekend starts at the Canine Country School on Saturday and High Tails on Sunday.  Lunch is provided both days.

Specialty Classes

Sports Sampler ($135) 5 classes

     Prerequisites: We are looking for active owners that want different activities to try or want to learn different ways to play with their dogs   The dog needs to be a year old, vaccinated, healthy and a social dog with the ability to focus on their master for simple obedience (sit, down, wait for 10 seconds, leave it when asked and come when called 75%).
     Objectives:  We will introduce you and your dog to five different canine activities: tracking, rally, flyball, tricks and agility. Safety and teamwork are encouraged.  Learn to play with your dog in ways that deepen your bond, strengthen your relationship and increase your communication with this fun, exciting class that introduces a little bit of each sport, each night. All classes will be held at either High Tails or the Glenwood Dog Park and will be determined by weather and class participants.  

Reactive Rover ($135) 5 classes
     Prerequisites:  Dogs that are showing reactivity with other dogs or people in their environment.are steered toward this class.  The dog can’t have actually made contact and caused harm to others in order to attend the class. Owners need to be able to make all the classes and follow directions closely.  Owners need to have physical control of their dogs in order to keep the rest of the class safe.
     Objectives:  This class focuses on teaching your dog to change his conditioned emotional response to what he perceives as a threat.  It also works to create better handlers, that are more aware of canine body language, triggers, training techniques and the psychology of the dog. Two classes are without dogs, while three are focused on dog handling, training, desensitization and counter-conditioning.  This is an intense class designed for intense behaviors that are inappropriate in our society. Classes are held at High tails.

Outdoor Adventure ($135) 5 classes
     Prerequisites: A dog that is over six months old, healthy, and up to date on vaccines and has completed basic and basic/ intermediate obedience or worked on their own to the point their dog can demonstrate self control with minor distractions both moving and while asked to wait or stay. This class is designed for people who have taken classes and have worked their dogs regularly on-leash and off.  Dogs should be social with other people and animals while demonstrating loose leash walking 95% of the time, a good attention span for sit, down and stay and comes when called 98%.  Prepared to travel to different locations for the class. This is a polishing class. You will need to have a 6’ leash, buckle collar and or head/ body halter, short leash (depending on size of dog) for grabbing when needed to and a treat bag with a ton of cookies.
     Objectives: It is every dog owners dream to have a dog that can heel calmly through town and with each class being held at a different location each night, owners will be introduced to local areas throughout our beautiful valley to exercise and work their dogs.  Dog parks (Glenwood, Carbondale) will allow for off leash and on leash exercises while having town tours (Glenwood, Carbondale, maybe New Castle) with our dogs will allow for proper greeting opportunities and sidewalk manner etiquette.  A walk either at 4 mile or Carbondale location will allow dogs an opportunity to socialize together while working on building the recall, off-leash work and self-control.  Addressing handler apathy, distraction and communication will occur in each class.

Awesome Off-Leash ($135) 5 classes
     Prerequisites: A dog that is over twelvemonths old, healthy, and up to date on vaccines and has either completed basic, intermediate and advanced obedience or worked on their own to the point their dog could pass the AKC Canine Good Citizen Certificate- this includes great On-Leash behavior.  Dogs should be social and controllable with others (when the group commingles while learning), come when asked all the time, and be prepared to travel to different locations for the class. You will need to have a 6’ leash, buckle collar, short leash (depending on size of dog) for grabbing a hold when you need to and a treat bag with a ton of cookies.
     Objectives:  It is every dog owners dream to have a dog that can heel while off leash.  This class will give you the instruction needed to make the jump.  The first two classes will be held indoors primarily working on impeccable leash heeling while weaning from head halters or no-pull harness reliance.  The last two classes will be at the dog park in Glenwood and will work off-leash heeling while confined behind the fence where it’s safe to allow dogs freedom.

Obedience Class Package Deals

• Buy four for the price of three obedience classes for the year before January 30th for $375
• To have the ability to move up or down throughout the series of obedience classes at your own pace once prerequisites are met, in all obedience offerings throughout the year $50o (averages $10/
  
• Say with the same class series for two in a row $200 (great for those folks that train more slowly, can’t make some of the classes or need repetition).

Specialty Classes Package Deals (note many are at the 5:30 time slot)

• Buy a pass for two of the five week long specialty classes at some point throughout the year for $250
• Attend all the specialty classes a la cart if you and your dog are ready any time throughout the year for $500 (averages $10/wk)

Variety Package

• The variety package lets you sign up for all the classes offered throughout the year.  Assuming your dog meets each class’s prerequisites and you’ve called to confirm space is available, you can drop in on any group class anytime throughout the year whether.

Tentative Scheduling!  Minimum participation is required.

Star Puppy  (6 lessons/ $125)
     See Tracey’s class schedule

Basic Obedience  (6 lessons)
     See Tracey’s class schedule

Certification Classes
     CGC Test ($10)
           Feb 6
           May 15
           Aug 14
           Jan 22, 2011

     Red Cross Pet First Aid & CPR ($35)
           Feb 6
           March 13
           September 12   

I have also had a lot of luck with a weekend workshop for training.  It does usually take two full days, but we pack them full with info and a variety of activities.  I don’t hold them where I’m at as my distance from the general population is exclusive, but your facility would work, so if you generally have an open Sat. between classes, let me know and we can figure something out.

Weekend Workshops

Weekend seminars are held throughout the year.  Location varies and cost ranges from $35 for a few hour seminar to $200 for an entire weekend.  The Animal Behavior Academy sponsors judges & experts to come in for intense focus on any on of the below mentioned topics: 
Skijoring  Jan 9, 2010 & Jan 24, 2010 Feb 6, 2010
Obedience  Spring with Janet Dearth
Rally           Spring with Janet Dearth
Conformation   
House Manners & Problem Solving
Scent Detection and Discrimination/ Tracking    Fall 2010
Competition Preparedness
Performances
Agility         Summer 2010
Water Sports
Family Friendly Hunting    Spring 2010
Carting and Pulling
Other Adventures

If the classes offered at this time don’t meet your needs, please feel free to call Terena at the Canine Country School to either express interest in learning about other canine activities and sports or to discuss the possibility of a private training session.  Dogs that don’t have appropriate behavior for group class, may tremendously benefit from meeting one-on-one with a trainer or behavior consultant.

Thank you for your interest in our programs!
Please either call (970) 524-8724 or
email: terena@caninecountryschool.com

 

*Boarding and training in our home.
**Certification is provided by the CCPDT (Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers), a nationally recognized industry organization.

 

 

Terena Thomas, CPDT
Head Trainer
14503 Colorado River Road
Gypsum, CO 81637
Phone: 970-524-TRAIN (8724)
www.caninecountryschool.com
terena@caninecountryschool.com

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