Group Classes

Orientation

Orientation is for anyone enrolling into our Puppy Kindergarten or Beginner's Basic Obedience Courses. This 1 1/2 hour session is the only class you come to WITHOUT your dog. The topics will include but are not limited to:

  • Understanding how dogs learn and effectively communicating with them
  • Learn to read your dog's body language
  • Pack Hierarchy & Structure within your home
  • Relationship Check
  • Vocabulary for training your dog
  • Learning Theories briefly explained
    • What is Positive Reinforcement?
    • What is Negative Reinforcement?
    • What is Positive Punishment?
    • What is Negative Punishment?
    • What is Lure Reward Training?
    • What is Operant Conditioning?
    • What is Classical Conditioning?
  • Basic Commands explained and demonstrated
  • Three (3) Basic Elements to Focus on DAILY with your dog
  • Nutrition
  • Preventing and/or Ending Inappropriate Behavior
    • Barking
    • Nipping
    • Mouthing
    • Destructive Behavior
    • Jumping
    • Housebreaking
    • Crate Training
    • Separation Anxiety

There is a question and answer period for ALL questions and/or concerns following the orientation.

Puppy Kindergarten Course 7 week course $155
Orientation followed by Six (6) One Hour Classes with your puppy

This May Very Well Be The Most Important Thing You Ever Do With Your Dog!

Please click on the following link to read RK Anderson's letter on the importance of a Puppy Kindergarten program!

Age Requirement is 9-16 weeks This class is a basic developmental training course with emphasis on socialization skills (dog to human and dog to dog) and also an introduction to obedience work specifically tailored for the younger pup. Our class is structured for both the first time dog owner and those who know the importance of a Puppy Kindergarten Course and want to stay informed with the latest information. We cover a different topic each week, such as Vaccinations, Spaying or Neutering, Breeding, First Aid and Emergencies, Grooming, Boarding/Kenneling, Destructive Chewing, Housebreaking and Nutrition for the younger puppy. Puppy playtimes, Puppy Passarounds, Puppy Massage Therapy, T-Touch and Agility Confidence Building Sessions are also a part of this unique 7 week course. SCHEDULE

Beginner's Basic Obedience Course 7 week course $165
Orientation followed by Six (6) One Hour Classes with your pup

Age Requirement is 18 weeks & up This class covers the basic foundation for training and getting control of your dog. Attention conditioning, all training collars on the market discussed, problem solving techniques, sit, down, stand, stay, wait, walking with loose lead, heeling at your side, coming when called, good manners, exiting/entering doorways - all included in this 7 week course. SCHEDULE

Intermediate/Advanced Obedience Courses 7 week course $135
Seven One (1) Hour Classes
Drop Ins Welcome - Subject to Availability - Call 24 hours in Advance - $20 Fee

Intermediate classes offer a continuation of basic training with emphasis on preparation for off-lead control. They also include Clicker Training, Rally Obedience and the Canine Good Citizen Test. Advanced classes offer advanced training techniques for competition, therapy dog certification and off lead control. This is a rotating course. There is no start date or stop date. Enroll and get up to 1 year to take your classes. You do NOT have to attend classes consecutively (every week in a row). Very convenient schedule based on our clients requests. Perfect for those that find committing to 7 consecutive weeks can be almost impossible with busy lifestyles. SCHEDULE

AGILITY - Beginner's Level 7 week course $145
Seven One (1) Hour Classes

Age Requirement is 6 months & up This class provides excellent dog/owner interaction & creates an off leash bond. It builds confidence in dogs as well as providing exercise and socialization, combined with dog/owner teamwork and FUN!!! This course is designed to introduce your dog to all of the obstacles and the handler to agility commands and handling skills. Building blocks of obstacle sequences by the end of the session. SCHEDULE

AGILITY - Intermediate Level 7 week course $135
Seven One (1) Hour Classes
Drop Ins Welcome - Subject to Availability - Call 24 hours in Advance - $20 Fee

For those that have completed all seven weeks of the beginner's course. This class focuses on perfecting the use of equipment, perfecting handling skills and course strategy. Learn how to maneuver 2 courses of 6-7 obstacles and string them together. SCHEDULE

AGILITY - Advanced Level 7 week course $135
Seven One (1) Hour Classes
Drop Ins Welcome - Subject to Availability - Call 24 hours in Advance - $20 Fee

This class offers pre-Competition Level Training and Full Course Run Throughs of approximately 16-18 obstacles. Twelve weave poles may still be channeled but dog should be fluent on all other obstacles. Courses are designed with more complex handling maneuvers and dogs should be completely off leash. SCHEDULE

AGILITY - Competition Level 7 week course $135
Seven One (1) Hour Classes
Drop Ins Welcome - Subject to Availability - Call 24 hours in Advance - $20 Fee

This class offers Competition Level Training and Full Course Run Throughs of approximately 16-20 obstacles. Twelve weavepoles are upright. Courses are complex and the focus is on course strategy, distance, speed and accuracy. SCHEDULE

Therapy Dog Course 6 week course $125

Four One (1) Hour Classes
One Supervised Visit to a Local Nursing Facility &
One Certification Test

Age Requirement is 1 year and up The objective of this course is to prepare you and your dog to visit facilities such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, community centers and hospitals. Topics covered are Basic Behavior required at a facility, Facility Protocols, Working Dog Guidelines, Socialization Skills, working with Medical Equipment and certifying you and your dog as a Therapy Team. SCHEDULE

"There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face."

American Canine Academy, Inc.
85 Wagaraw Road ~ Hawthorne, NJ 07506

(973) 427-5998
Contact: info@acadogtraining.com