Family Dog Program

 Our family dog program provides a variety of classes all designed to bring out the very best in your family pet.  These classes also are the foundation for our competition programs and for other activities you may want to pursue with your dog.  Our classes are taught using the most up to date in positive reinforcement techniques.   Scroll down for our entire listing and class schedules.

Click here for our Class Registration form

There are no refunds after classes begin.  We encourage you to observe our classes so that you are certain that Tails is the right place for you.

 Family Dog I

Family Dog I is an introductory class for dogs of all ages that are just beginning training. You will learn to teach your dog to pay attention when asked, greet politely, come when called, walk on a loose leash and lie down and stay. Management skills, socialization and problem solving will also be stressed.  Classes are small in size, fun for you and your dog and very effective.

 Attendance is required at the first class.  It is an informative seminar and dogs DO NOT attend.  You will receive all handouts and reading material at this class.  You will also have several easy, but important homework assignments.

 Fee:   $175.00 for 8 one hour classes. 

 Ask about our special FD I classes geared specifically towards dogs 25 lbs and under!  Schedule

Kid Klass

For children and their dogs.  Call the office for more information.

Fee:  $175.00

Start Date:  TBD

Time:  5:30 PM

Instructor:  Shelley Wurst

Puppy Kindergarten

Puppy kindergarten is an introductory class for puppies under 16 weeks at the start of class. This class teaches many of the same skills that are taught in Family Dog I with more emphasis placed on puppy behaviors like inappropriate mouthing and biting as well as house training advice.  Classes are small in size, fun for you and your puppy and very effective. 

Attendance is required at the first class.  It is an informative seminar and puppies DO NOT attend.  You will receive all handouts and reading material at this class. You will also have several important homework assignments.

Fee:   $175.00 for 8 one hour classes.

There are no refunds after classes begin.  We encourage you to observe our classes so that you are certain that Tails is the right place for you.

Family Dog II

Family Dog II builds on what you and your dog already have learned.  This class is the next step for those who have successfully completed either a Family Dog I or Puppy Kindergarten class with us. It would also be appropriate for clients from other programs with a firm understanding of positive reinforcement training techniques.  Placement of students from other programs will be contingent on evaluation by the instructor.

 In this class your dog will learn to respond reliably during exposure to increasing distractions.  You will take the next step in teaching the Really Reliable Recall and you will prepare your dog to earn the title of Canine Good Citizen.  You will learn to teach your dog to respond to signals at a distance, you’ll be introduced to the sports of agility and rally and you will teach tricks and play games. 

After successfully completing Family Dog II,  you and your dog have the skills necessary to participate in any of the programs offered at Tails.  This includes agility, competition obedience, rally obedience, therapy dog training, freestyle dance and flyball.  You can also continue on in the Family Dog Program.  We offer several different class selections over the course of a year.

This is an 8 week class and dogs do not attend the first week.

Fee:  $150.00 for 8 one hour classes

Family Dog III

This popular course is perfect for those of you who like trying new, fun things or want to do more with your dog but aren’t sure what would be best. Attendees should have completed Family Dog II or its equivalent. The curriculum can include (but is certainly not limited to) Behavior Shaping, Tracking, Agility, Games, Rally Obedience, Freestyle, Retrieving, Tricks, and sharpening up general obedience skills.

Fee:  $175.00

Start Date:  TBA

Time:  TBA

Instructor:  Shelley Wurst

Leash Walking Class

Put some energy into your leash walking while maintaining control. Leash walking should be a "team sport", so come prepared to improve your handling skills and help your dog be the best he can be!  Class runs for 4 weeks.

Fee:  $75.00

Start Date:  Tuesday 5/13/08

Time:  7:30 PM

Instructor:  Penney Baker

Weekend Really Reliable Recall Class

This will be an intensive class on teaching and maintaining a Really Reliable Recall.  The class runs for 4 weeks.  The pre-requisite for this class is either PK or a FDI.

Fee:  $75.00

Start Date:  Saturday 5/31/08

Time:  11:00 AM

Instructor:  Nancy Allen

Outdoor Adventure III

The Family Dog Sampler

This popular course is perfect for those of you who like trying new, fun things or want to do more with your dog but aren’t sure what would be best. Attendees should have completed Family Dog II or its equivalent. The curriculum is determined by the interests of class participants, and can include (but is certainly not limited to) Behavior Shaping, Tracking, Agility, Games, Rally Obedience, Freestyle, Retrieving, Tricks, and sharpening up general obedience skills.  Each class is a stand-alone subject, so participants need not fear missing a class or two and getting "behind" in course material.  Pick the subjects that interest you most, or come to them all to maximize your training fun!

 This is a 12 week class.  Dogs attend all weeks.  Come when you can.

 Fee:  $150.00 for 12 one-hour classes

 Date:  TBA

Canine Good Citizen Prep Class

Periodically a Canine Good Citizen Prep Class will be offered for students preparing to take the CGC test. You will become familiarized with the test items and criteria for passing the test. This class is usually scheduled a couple of weeks prior to a scheduled test date. Students may sign up for one or both of the 2 sessions.

Fee:  $15.00
Instructor:  Bonnie Henderson