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.

In addition to group classes and weekend workshops, the Canine Country School, LLC also offers private lessons (ranging from $35-$150) in one of three locales (at our school, in your home or at a park in either Glenwood in Gypsum). This is a great option if you have specific training needs or prefer custom coaching.

If training isn’t your strength, we also offer in-home boarding and training, where your pooch comes to the Canine Country School for higher learning.  Let us do the work for you. If your dog is already fabulously trained, your pup may enjoy our canine camp- fun adventures while the family is away. We aren’t like other boarding facilities; dogs live in the house and play with others throughout the day. 

Hiking, swimming and excursions are only some of the activities we provide the dogs in our care while their people travel. Regardless of how we get to know you and your dog, we know they are like family; too important to just trust just anyone with their care.  We freely acknowledge and willingly accept the serious responsibility involved in the stewardship of your pup.  Our reputation speaks for itself.  Dogs aren’t just a hobby for us, they are our passion- don’t accept imitations! Referrals are our biggest compliment and we appreciate every one!

Obedience Classes

Basic / Intermediate Obedience ($125) 6 classes
   
  Prerequisites: Your dog should know sit and down from both the front and side.  Stay in place for 10 seconds (no distractions) until released, come without distraction from 6 feet.  Handlers should know the things that stimulate their dog (good and bad) and know their weak areas. 
     Goals:  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. Off will be introduced.

Intermediate / Advanced Obedience ($125) 6 classes

     Prerequisites: Skills required include: sit, down, stay for two minutes until released, come 75% and demonstrate loose leash walking when not distracted with easy redirection when they are.  A basic understanding of off or leave it is helpful.
     Goals:  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 ($115) 5 classes

     Prerequisites: Skills required include: sit, down, stay for ten minutes until released, off/ leave food or toy indefinitely, come reliably with moderate distractions and consistent loose leash walking with easy demonstration of self-control.
     Goals:  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: Dogs need to have motivation for something thehandler 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’ long line with knots tied every 8’-10’, gloves if needed, buckle collar, lots of the items that your dog loves and a training bag to carry those items.
     Goals:  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.

All classes require dogs to be healthy and vaccinated.
Intact animals must not be in heat when attending class.

Workshops & Seminars

Certification Classes

CGC Evaluations ($10-$15)
      May 23 Beth Byerly Benefit          Glenwood

      Aug 14  TBA
      Jan 29, 2011   RFKC Fun Match       Eagle

Red Cross Pet First Aid & CPR ($35)
      May 23, Beth Byerly Benefit         Glenwood

September 12  TBA

Agility Drop-In  ($25/ lesson)  (skip weeks 6/11 and 7/30)

Prerequisites: This is the class for active owners with active dogs. Dogs need to be social with the ability to focus on their master for simple obedience.  River breaks are encouraged between runs.
     Goals: Work on the fun-damentals of obstacle maneuvering and safety is balanced with positive handler/ dog interactions.  This is a great beginner class to work communication and distance in a high-energy environment. 

Sports Sampler 5 classes ($135)

     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 social 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%).
     Goals:  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.

Specialty Classes
Tentative Class Scheduling

Beginner/ Int Obedience (6 lessons/ $125)     W. GWS
     Thurs. June 17- July 22, 2010        7:15-8:30

Int. / Adv Obedience (6 lessons/ $125)     W.GWS
      Thurs. Sept 9- Oct 21, 2010          7:15-8:30         (skip 1 week)

Advanced Obedience (5 lessons/ $115)   W. GWS
      Thurs. Aug 5- Sept 2, 2010    7:15- 8:30

Come Even If You See a Cat (4 lessons/ $110 )  S. GWS
      Thurs. Oct 14- Nov 4, 2010    5:30-6:30

Agility ($25 drop-in fee)    Canine Country School
     Fridays starting June 4- Aug 20     11-12:30

Reactive Rover (5 lessons/ $135)   W. GWS
    Thurs. May 13-June 10, 2010  7:15-8:30
Thurs. Oct 28-Dec 2, 2010     7:15-8:30   (skip holiday)

     Prerequisites:  Dogs that are showing social inappropriateness with other dogs or people, whether fear or dominance based, are steered toward this class. If dogs have actually made contact and bitten hard enough to cause harm to others, a private lesson will need to precede class attendance. Owners need to be able to make all the classes and follow directions closely, while also having the physical strength to control their dog in order to keep the rest of the class safe.
     Goals:  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, thresholds, 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 dangerous in our society. Classes are held at High tails.

Sports Sampler (5 lessons/ $135)                                 GWS
Thurs. May 13- June 10, 2010  5:30-6:30
Thurs. July 29- Aug 26, 2010  5:30-6:30

Awesome Off- Leash (5 lessons/ $135)                       GWS
     Thurs. Sept. 2- Oct 7, 2010   5:30- 6:30   (skip 1 week)

      Prerequisites: Dogs that could pass the AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluation are ideal for this class; 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.  
     Goals:  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 classes will be held indoors at first (primarily working on impeccable leash heeling while weaning from head halters or no-pull harness reliance) then outside where we’ll will work off-leash heeling while confined behind the fence where it’s safe and legal toallow dogs freedom from the leash.

Outdoor Adventure (5 lessons/ $135)                      Variable
     Thurs. June 17- July 22, 2010 5:30-6:30

     Prerequisites: This class is designed for people who have worked their dogs regularly on-leash and off.  Dogs should be social with other people and animals while demonstrating loose leash walking, a good attention span for sit, down and stay.  Prepare to travel to different locations for this fun and different class designed to polish your handling and your dog’s already great manners.
     Goals: 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 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 throughout the class.

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.

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

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