Obedience

What fun things do you want to learn to do with your dog? Parkour? Tricks? CGC? Life Skills? This class is catered to you! Class size is limited to 4.

Thursdays, 8:45-9:15 pm.  Eight weeks: 1/24-3/14 

**Class taught by Maegan Payne**

This eight week class is based on the book by Leslie McDevitt  'Control Unleashed®, the Puppy Program' and is meant to be preventive  'medicine' as  many common behavior problems can be prevented or minimized by giving your puppy a solid foundation from the beginning.  This class will teach the dog and handler skills to cope with stressful situations, giving the dogs the ability to stay calm when faced with the common triggers that cause inappropriate reactions. This class provides a solid foundation to teach puppies how to cope in a chaotic world in an effort to help prevent unwanted behaviors. Please bring your dog to class on a soft buckle collar or front clip harness, a six foot leather or nylon leash. No retractable or chain leashes allowed. No prong/pinch collars allowed. Bring 2-3 quart bags of soft, small, easily eaten treats such as hot dogs, cheese or chicken. Bring an inexpensive, portable mat.  For dogs up to one year.

This time is available for current students and long time clients to work one on one with Karen Ryder of Tao of the Hound. It can be used for problem behaviors, coaching for competitive dog sports or learning new skills. You may book one session or as many as you would like. $25 per one 30 minute session.

PRIVATE SESSIONS ARE FOR ESTABLISHED CLIENTS/STUDENTS ONLY!

Saturdays in December 3-4:30 pm* *No classes 12/22 and 12/29.

IF YOU REGISTER FOR A PRIVATE TRAINING SESSION WITH KAREN RYDER AFTER 5 PM ON THE FRIDAY BEFORE THE SCHEDULED SESSION, PLEASE CALL HER DIRECTLY AT 517.589.5436 AND LET HER KNOW THAT YOU'VE REGISTERED.

This time is available for current students and long time clients to work one on one with Karen Ryder of Tao of the Hound. It can be used for problem behaviors, coaching for competitive dog sports or learning new skills. You may book one session or as many as you would like. $25 per one 30 minute session.

PRIVATE SESSIONS ARE FOR ESTABLISHED CLIENTS/STUDENTS ONLY!

Saturdays in January 3-5:00 pm* *no classes on 1/5

IF YOU REGISTER FOR A PRIVATE TRAINING SESSION WITH KAREN RYDER AFTER 5 PM ON THE FRIDAY BEFORE THE SCHEDULED SESSION, PLEASE CALL HER DIRECTLY AT 517.589.5436 AND LET HER KNOW THAT YOU'VE REGISTERED.

This time is available for current students and long time clients to work one on one with Karen Ryder of Tao of the Hound. It can be used for problem behaviors, coaching for competitive dog sports or learning new skills. You may book one session or as many as you would like. $25 per one 30 minute session.

PRIVATE SESSIONS ARE FOR ESTABLISHED CLIENTS/STUDENTS ONLY!

Saturdays in November 3-4:30 pm* *no class 11/24

IF YOU REGISTER FOR A PRIVATE TRAINING SESSION WITH KAREN RYDER AFTER 5 PM ON THE FRIDAY BEFORE THE SCHEDULED SESSION, PLEASE CALL HER DIRECTLY AT 517.589.5436 AND LET HER KNOW THAT YOU'VE REGISTERED.

In this class, we will introduce the dogs to various agility obstacles including the tunnel, A-frame, teeter-totter, and more. With little at-home work required, this class is perfect for getting your dog out of the house, exposing them to new challenges, increasing their confidence, and exercising them mentally and physically!

Saturdays, 11:45 am-12:45 p.m. Six weeks: 1/12-2/16

Puppies who are not taught certain skills right away can develop severe behavior problems in adulthood. This eight-week class (based on the book "Control Unleashed®, the Puppy Program” by Leslie McDevitt) is all about teaching those critical skills. From calmness to impulse control, this class is designed to provide you and your puppy with a solid foundation of skills to set you up for success.

Please do not bring your dog on the first class, as we will be discussing important concepts. After the first class, bring the following:

• Front-clip harness (e.g. Balance, Freedom)
• 6-ft leash
• Portable mat (like a Mutt Mat which can be found online)
• Treat bag (e.g. Rapid Rewards on Amazon)
• 2-3 quart bags of soft, small treats (chicken, hot dogs, cheese)

(Puppies under 6 months only. Clickers will be provided. No retractable or chain leashes allowed, no prong/pinch/choke/shock collars allowed.)

Saturdays, 10:15-11:15 am.  Eight weeks: 1/12-3/2

This class is for puppies 10-24 weeks old and focuses on several key aspects of puppyhood: proper socialization, basic obedience, manners, and more. Raise your puppy to be the dog you want through positive, clear, effective communication.  

Saturdays, 1-2 p.m. Six weeks: 1/12-2/16

Puppy Start Right is for fostering and enhancing a parenting relationship among people and their dogs. It's a positive approach to problem solving, prevention, and training, all without the use of force. Problem-solving topics address common behaviors of adolescent dogs, including mouthing/biting, jumping, chewing, digging, counter surfing, and stealing objects. Prevention topics include confinement/independence training, food bowl exercises, handling and restraint, and more.  For dogs 8-16 weeks.

**Class taught by Maegan Payne**

Are you tired of having someone else trim your dog’s nails? Does it take three people to hold your dog still to trim his nails? Does he pull away, growl, snap or bite if you try to touch his feet?  If so, this nail trimming class is for you. In this 16 week class your dog will learn to willingly and without restraint allow you to handle his feet and trim his nails. With the use of positive reinforcement and the approach and retreat method, you will learn how to desensitize your dog to having his feet touched. Also covered in this class will be various targeting behaviors, muzzle training and other husbandry skills.  Please bring your dog to class on a soft buckle collar or front clip harness, a six foot leather or nylon leash. No retractable or chain leashes allowed. No prong/pinch collars allowed.

Bring 2-3 quart bags of soft, small, easily eaten treats such as hot dogs, cheese or chicken. Bring a inexpensive, portable mat and sharp nail trimmers.

Tuesdays 6:30-7:15 pm.  16 weeks: 1/8-4/30

For puppies 10-20 weeks of age. This class begins the important process of training and socialization. Topics include household manners, preventing and managing problem behaviors and basic obedience exercises. Class size limited.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY NOON ON THE FIRST DAY OF CLASS. IF YOU WANT TO REGISTER AFTER NOON ON THE FIRST DAY OF CLASS, PLEASE CALL 517.599.0995 FOR AVAILABILITY AND REGISTRATION.

Mondays, 6-7 p.m. Six weeks: 1/7-2/11

Rally is a fun sport for all levels of dogs and handlers that is comprised of a variety of signs set in a course. Each dog and handler performs the described task on each sign making their way through the course. This six week class will teach a variety of behaviors such as loose leash walking, fronts, pivots,jumps,leaving distractions and more. A basic obedience course is required for this class. Please bring to class a bag of small, soft, easily eaten training treats for your dog. For best results bring small pieces of cheese or meat.

Saturdays 5-6 pm. Six weeks: 1/12-2/16

Do you have an anxious dog? Or a reactive dog that barks or lunges at anything new it encounters?  So did I...But not anymore! Learn the techniques I used to move my dog, Arrow from Reactive to Calm or to help your shy pup go from frightened to confident. Experience with the appropriate use of a clicker or handler attendance in the first hour of “Beginning Clicker” is a requirement for this class. Class size is limited.

Tuesdays, 8-9 pm. Six Weeks: 1/15-2/19
Wednesdays, 8-9 p.m. Six weeks: 1/16-2/20

This course will cover the basics to get you started on a trusting, respectful and fulfilling relationship with your new puppy. Each class will include teaching a new basic obedience behavior, like “sit”, down, “don’t pull” and “come” with the scientifically proven training method of Clicker Training. Each class will also include “Puppy Do’s and Don’ts” to answer your specific questions, problems and concerns.  And of course, each week your puppy will get to PLAY and socialize. And you, as a “Puppy Parent” will learn what to look for in puppy play, what’s appropriate, what’s not, when to step in and when to let it roll. For puppies 8-20 weeks. All puppies must be current with vaccinations appropriate for their age. Bring lots of YOUR puppy’s favorite soft treats. Class size is limited. Drop in also available for $25 per class.

Wednesdays, 6-7 pm.  Six Weeks: 1/16-2/20

OR DROP IN FOR $25 PER CLASS! You can sign up for a drop in class online - select "single drop-in class" option on check-out.

Carol Hein-Creger of the Canine Training Center presents this class for all dogs 5 months and older who have not had structured training. Topics include household manners, preventing and managing behavior issues and basic obedience exercises, including sit, stay, down, come, and walking on a leash without pulling. Class size is limited.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY NOON ON THE FIRST DAY OF CLASS. IF YOU WANT TO REGISTER AFTER NOON ON THE FIRST DAY OF CLASS, PLEASE CALL 517.599.0995 FOR AVAILABILITY AND REGISTRATION.

Mondays, 7-8 pm. Six weeks: 1/7-2/11
Wednesdays, 6-7 pm. Six weeks: 1/9-2/13

Dawn Archer Pizzoferrato, ABCDT uses scientifically proven "clicker training" and "free shaping" used to teach your dog all the basics plus other fun, useful behaviors. Learn how to become a benevolent leader to manage and prevent unwanted behaviors. This is an especially great class for first time owners or newly adopted shelter/rescue dogs. No corrections used as you build a bond of trust and respect. For dogs of all ages. Class size is limited. NO DOGS FIRST CLASS.

Wednesdays 7-8 pm: Six weeks: 1/16-2/20

Find out what it means to your dog! Does your dog understand some basic commands but fail to respond to them on a regular basis? Do distractions rank higher than you do when calling your dog? This class will teach you how to gain your dog's respect and responsiveness without the outdated forceful methods of years ago. Gain control by becoming the owner your dog WANTS to listen to while strengthening the bond you share with your dog. This class is highly recommended for all dog owners. Class size limited.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY NOON ON THE FIRST DAY OF CLASS. IF YOU WANT TO REGISTER AFTER NOON ON THE FIRST DAY OF CLASS, PLEASE CALL 517.599.0995 FOR AVAILABILITY AND REGISTRATION.

Mondays, 8-9 p.m. Six weeks: 1/7-2/11

Carol Hein-Creger of the Canine Training Center offers this Intermediate class for owners that want to advance their dog's training beyond the basic level. Off leash skills are introduced as well as hand signals, distance control and proofing responses around distractions. Appropriate for dogs that have completed a beginning level class or its equivalent.  Class size is limited.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY NOON ON THE FIRST DAY OF CLASS. IF YOU WANT TO REGISTER AFTER NOON ON THE FIRST DAY OF CLASS, PLEASE CALL 517.599.0995 FOR AVAILABILITY AND REGISTRATION.

Wednesdays, 7-8 p.m. Six weeks: 1/9-2/13