Group Class FAQs
Why attend a group class?
Group classes are an excellent way to teach your dog that just because other people or dogs are near, they don’t have to interact and can even be calm, train, and focus on you! If your dog only trains at home, in the yard, or in other low-distraction environments, their training is never put to the test until it’s too late. Think of it as the difference between taking a math test in a quiet room all by yourself versus taking that same test in the middle of Grand Central Station. It’s a whole different game and it takes time and practice to build your concentration. This is the same for our dogs, so we encourage you to participate in a group class to help you learn how to earn your dog’s focus and teach your dog to ignore distraction while focusing on you!
My dog doesn’t like to play with other dogs. Can we still attend a group class?
Absolutely! We do not play in adult-dog class. In fact, for safety, dogs in class should not greet or interact. We are there to build the bond between the dog and their owner, not to play. (Work hard, play hard!) This makes it ideal for dogs that are shy or slightly reactive. Those dogs get exposed to other humans and dogs in a completely non-threatening environment and may even learn that they’re safe in the presence of unknown humans/dogs.
My dog really doesn’t like other dogs. What can I do?
Give us a call before you sign up for class. We’ll ask you a series of questions to understand your concerns and make a recommendation. We might ask you to try a class with the understanding that it may not work out and instead move your team to private lessons for a time. This doesn’t mean you can never attend a group class–it just means that we need to make sure your dog (and you) are comfortable and able to participate and learn before we bring you back into a group situation.
What does a group class look like?
Our classes are generally held in a 6-week format. The first class is HUMAN-ONLY where we will meet each other, discuss the objectives for the class, review critical topics for canine-learning, and any other specialty items to set you up for success.
Weeks 2-5 we will meet at the designated location. Remember, dogs are here to work with YOU, not play with each other, so maintain your dog’s focus and respect the team to your right and left. Class will open with a quiz on a short reading provided, followed by instruction and demonstration of the task, then time to practice the task with your dog. During that practice time, the instructor will provide one-on-one feedback and guidance to each handler team. Classes run approximately 1 hour and are limited to 6 handler teams.
Week 6 is a test where each human-dog team will show they can perform the tasks learned over the last 5 weeks. This is a LOW STRESS TEST! We’re not asking you or your dog to be perfect. We only want to be sure that you understand the task and how to communicate with your dog appropriately. If you or your dog are not having fun, we’re not doing something right! At the completion of the test, you will receive a certificate of completion and an electronic graduation photo!
Dog Training Certification FAQs
What is CPDT-KA?
The Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed is a certification administered by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). It requires those who earn it to have:
– A minimum of 300 hours experience in dog training within the last 3 years
– A signed attestation statement from a CCPDT certificant or veterinarian
– Successfully passed the CCPDT-KA exam
– Signed the CCPDT Code of Ethics
Go to CCPDT.org to learn more.
Why haven’t I heard of a certification for dog trainers before?
There is no state or federal law requiring that a dog trainer is certified. This is actually the cause of a lot of harmful training practices! Until the public is aware that a certification body exists and starts demanding their trainers have a standard baseline of knowledge, the market will continue to unknowingly support substandard practices.
So just anyone can call themselves a dog trainer?
Yes. Without a certification, anyone, regardless of their level of knowledge or experience, can legally call themselves a Dog Trainer. That’s why it’s so important that you ask the tough questions of your potential trainer. How else can you know if they watched a few episodes of National Geographic or actually studied and practiced under knowledgeable trainers and staff using the latest information and best practices?
Is CPDT-KA the only certification out there?
No. Because there is no regulation in the industry, several certifications exist. But not to worry — there are other science-based certifications of which we approve! Examples include the Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) or the Victoria Stillwell Academy (VSA).
How We Train
You say you’re “positive” and “force free.” Doesn’t that mean you have to bribe the dog to do anything?
This is a common misconception. In the words of the amazing trainer Susan Garrett, “Positive is not permissive!” (Also, there is a big difference between a “lure,” a “bribe,” and a “reward.” These are VERY different things!) Yes, you are in charge of your home. Yes, you are the leader and trainer and mentor of your dog. But there are different ways to be a leader and we want you to be the most effective leader/mentor/trainer you can be for your home! Ask yourself: Do you want to be a dictator who demands obedience through the use of intimidation, pain, and fear OR do you want to be the type of leader who inspires obedience through loyalty, trust, and respect? You don’t build bonds through fear. We want to help you build a bond and create a relationship based on trust, confidence, and mutual respect.
If you don’t punish the dog, how do they learn when they’re wrong?
There are different kinds of “punishment.” We do not believe you are EVER justified in hitting, punching, ear-twisting, biting, slapping, kneeing, poking, hanging, or otherwise adding pain and fear into any relationship of any kind. This includes your relationship with your dog. However, actions such as removing a toy, restricting access to something, and ending play may feel like a punishment to your dog, but they do not introduce the concept that you are the source of fear or pain into the relationship. Even better than that, though, is simply interrupting the dog during an inappropriate action and redirecting them onto a more fun, more engaging, more rewarding activity! (Chewing on the sofa? Hey, doggie, why not come over here and chew on this awesome toy instead? => Dog learns sofas are boring and toys are fun! No punishment of any kind required.)
But don’t dogs bite other dogs when they’re doing something wrong?
Yes…. when the dog in question is inappropriate with that specific dog. They don’t care about counter surfing or potty training or chewing or scratching. Dogs don’t seek out other dogs in order to enforce (to them) arbitrary environmental rules. That also means that the punishment has a consistent trigger (such as inappropriate mounting) and a consistent punishment (freeze, growl, snap) every single time the inappropriate behavior occurs. This is the same with environmental corrections. Every single time a dog touches a cactus, they get a painful poke and quickly learn not to touch cacti. This is another reason we do not endorse the use of positive (applied) punishment. Unless your timing is 100% perfect and occurs 100% of the time the inappropriate action occurs, you are only sending mixed signals and creating an environment of confusion and uncertainty mixed with fear and pain for your dog. It just isn’t the best way for you to clearly communicate and teach your dog…so let’s use a better way!
Does this mean I have to learn to use a clicker?
Nope! We know using a clicker isn’t for everyone. We will not introduce the clicker until more advanced classes. If you’re absolutely not comfortable with the clicker but want to continue to advanced training, we can talk with you about using a verbal marker.
AKC Program Information
What is the AKC Canine Good Citizen Certification?
The Canine Good Citizen Program (CGC) was started in 1989 to recognize and reward dogs with good manners both at home and in the community. The program stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. The test to earn this certification consists of 10-steps and must be observed and verified by an official AKC CGC Evaluator.
Go to AKC’s CGC website to learn more.
What other AKC Certifications do you offer?
Having a certified AKC CGC Evaluator allows us to also offer:
– AKC Community Canine
– AKC Urban Canine Good Citizen (CGCU)
– AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy
– AKC Trick Dog Program (Learn more)
What about Therapy Dogs?
Sorry, but our current location doesn’t allow us to easily offer a therapy dog program. Please see the AKC website for information on therapy dog requirements: Therapy Dog Program
Does my dog have to be a registered pure breed to participate in AKC programs?
NO! All breeds, sizes, and ages are welcome to participate (and certify!) in AKC programs. You are welcome to register your mixed breed dog as an AKC Canine Partner and all titles may be added to their record after their registered name.