Dory Kowal, CPDT

This May Very Well Be The Most Important Thing You Ever Do With Your Dog! Socialization at an early age, in a safe, clean & supervised environment is critical for all puppies!

PLEASE CLICK HERE IF YOU ARE UNDECIDED ABOUT ATTENDING A PK PROGRAM.

Age Requirement is 9-16 weeks - 1st two sets of Distemper/Combo vaccinations are a minimum requirement. Rabies Vaccination is NOT required as puppies are too young. 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 the first time dog owner; to those who know the importance of a Puppy Kindergarten program and also to anyone wanting to stay informed with the latest information. We cover a different topic each week, such as Vaccinations, Spaying/Neutering, Breeding, First Aid and Emergencies, Grooming, Boarding/Kenneling, Destructive Chewing, Housebreaking and Nutrition for the younger puppy. We give your puppy a valuable head start to basic obedience commands taylored for the younger puppy such as Attention Conditioning Exercises, Sit, Down, Stand, Stay & Coming When Called. Puppy playtimes, Puppy Passarounds, Puppy Massage Therapy, T-Touch and Agility Confidence Building Sessions are also a part of this unique 7 week course. CLICK HERE for schedule and pricing.

Age Requirement is 16 weeks & up - Current Rabies & Distemper Vaccinations or Current Titer Required! This class covers the basic foundation for training and getting control of your dog. All dogs need training & good manners! 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, finishes, coming when called, good manners, exiting/entering doorways/vehicles, greetings - all included in this 7 week course. CLICK HERE for schedule and pricing.

Basic Level II classes offer a continuation of basic training. Now that the owners are trained in Basic I Obedience - it's time to apply what you learned with the dogs! This course also puts emphasis on preparation for off-lead control. Learn advanced training techniques for competition, tips and training to prepare you & your dog to advance into the Therapy Dog Course. The Canine Good Citizen Test is part of this course at no additional charge. Rally Obedience is also offered when requested. This is a flexible 7 week course - drop ins are welcome! CLICK HERE for schedule and pricing.

The AKC - CGC test is part of our Basic II Obedience Class at no extra charge. If you are not a client - please call to schedule an appointment.

Welcome to the AKC's Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) Program. Started in 1989, CGC is a certification program that is designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. The Canine Good Citizen Program is a two-part program that stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test may receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club.

Many dog owners choose Canine Good Citizen training as the first step in training their dogs. The Canine Good Citizen Program lays the foundation for other AKC activities such as obedience, agility, tracking, and performance events. As you work with your dog to teach the CGC skills, you'll discover the many benefits and joys of training your dog. Training will enhance the bond between you and your dog. Dogs who have a solid obedience education are a joy to live with-they respond well to household routines, have good manners in the presence of people and other dogs, and they fully enjoy the company of the owner who took the time to provide training, intellectual stimulation, and a high quality life. We sincerely hope that CGC will be only a beginning for you and your dog and that after passing the CGC test, you'll continue training in obedience, agility, tracking, or performance events.

AKC's Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) Program is one of the most rapidly growing programs in the American Kennel Club. There are many exciting applications of this wonderful, entry level that go beyond the testing and certifying of dogs.

Many other countries (including England, Australia, Japan, Hungary, Denmark, Sweden, Canada, and Finland) have developed CGC programs based on the AKC's CGC Program. A CGC Neighborhood Model has been established, police and animal control agencies use CGC for dealing with dog problems in communities, some therapy dog groups use the CGC as a partial screening tool, and some 4-H groups around the country have been using the CGC as a beginning dog training program for children.

A number of specialty (one breed only) clubs give the CGC at their annual national dog show. Dog clubs have discovered that the CGC is an event that allows everyone to go home a winner. Veterinarians have recognized the benefits of well-trained dogs and there are some CGC programs in place in veterinary hospitals. State legislatures began recognizing the CGC program as a means of advocating responsible dog ownership and 34 states now have Canine Good Citizen resolutions.

In a little over one decade, the Canine Good Citizen Program has begun to have an extremely positive impact in many of our communities. This is a program that can help us assure that the dogs we love will always be welcomed and well-respected members of our communities.

Who Can Participate?
All dogs, including both purebred and mixed breed dogs are welcome to participate in the AKC's Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) Program. Dogs must be old enough to have received necessary immunizations such as rabies vaccines. Owners will sign the Responsible Dog Owners Pledge attesting to having the dog under the routine care of a veterinarian who will work with the owner to determine an appropriate plan and schedule for vaccines and other health care procedures.

There is no age limit for the CGC test. A dog is never too old to be a good citizen. Puppies who have completed all immunizations and boosters may be tested, however, because we know that behavior and temperament can change over time, when puppies pass the CGC test, owners should have them re-tested as adults.

There are a few exceptions relating to participation in a CGC test. If the CGC test is given at an AKC show, the age requirements for the show apply to CGC also. Further, when the CGC test is administered at an AKC show, the test may be restricted to only dogs entered in the show or to purebred dogs.

Some dogs who are entered in CGC tests will have completed CGC classes or basic obedience classes. Owners who have trained their dogs themselves may also have their dogs tested. Clubs and training programs in almost every city can provide CGC training to owners and dogs who need to learn a few more skills before taking the test. CLICK HERE for test details and pricing.

Age Requirement is 1 year and up - Current Rabies & Distemper Vaccinations or Current Titer Required! Let us prepare you and your dog with all of the necessary training to become a CERTIFIED THERAPY TEAM!

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. (Team = One Handler with One Dog) This is a 6 week course that includes: Four One (1) Hour Classes, One (1) Supervised Visit to a Local Nursing Facility & the Certification Test. See "Classes" for schedule and pricing.

Therapy Dog Classes are NOT obedience training classes. We do suggest that you take this time before the next course begins to either train your dog with a professional trainer (private or group class) or tune up your dog's obedience training yourself. Dogs must walk nicely on a leash (no pulling), have greeting mannerisms (no jumping) and have basic obedience skills (sit, down, come and stay). CLICK HERE for schedule and pricing.

This 7 week course is designed for handlers who have no or some experience in the show ring. Experienced handlers who have dogs that they want to get used to the ring and a show atmosphere are also welcome to join these classes. You may attend with a novice dog or an experienced dog. This course covers gaiting, ring patterns, stacking and baiting. Many aspects of how to succeed at showing your dog in the conformation ring are covered in this course. Learn handling techniques that will make you stand out from the crowd! This is a flexible 7 week course - drop ins are welcome! CLICK HERE for schedule and pricing.

AKC Rally is the new dog sport that is taking the nation by storm, a successful stepping stone from the AKC Canine Good Citizen® program to the world of obedience or agility. Rally offers both the dogs and handlers an experience that is fun and energizing. The canine team moves at their own pace, very similar to rally-style auto racing. Rally was designed with the traditional pet owner in mind, but it can still be very challenging for those who enjoy higher levels of competition.

A rally course includes 10 to 20 stations, depending on the level. Scoring is not as rigorous as traditional obedience. Communication between handler and dog is encouraged and perfect heel position is not required, but there should be a sense of teamwork between the dog and handler. The main objective of rally is to produce dogs that have been trained to behave in the home, in public places, and in the presence of other dogs, in a manner that will reflect positively on the sport of rally at all times and under all conditions. CLICK HERE for schedule and pricing.

Levels of Rally Competition

The three levels of competition in AKC Rally:

Novice - this is the first level for those just getting started in competition.
All exercises are performed with the dog on leash.
There is a requirement of 10-15 stations to complete with no more than five stationary exercises.
The exercises performed vary from turning 360 degrees to changing paces during the course.
Exhibitors at this level may clap their hands and pat their legs through the course.

Advanced - this is the second level, which includes more difficult exercises throughout the course.
All exercises are performed off-leash.
There is a requirement of 12-17 stations with no more than seven stationary exercises.
Exercises include a jump as well as calling your dog to the front of you instead of to a heel position.

Excellent - this third and highest level of AKC Rally is the most challenging.
Exercises are performed off-leash except for the honor exercise.
There is a requirement of 15-20 stations, with no more than 7 stationary exercises.
Handlers are only allowed to encourage their dogs verbally. Physical encouragement is not allowed at this level.
The Excellent-level exercises include backing up three steps, while the dog stays in the heel position and a moving stand, while the handler walks around the dog.

Rally provides a link from the Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) program to obedience or agility competition, both for dogs and handlers. In addition, rally promotes fun and enjoyment for dogs at all levels of competition.

Age Requirement is 6 months & up - Current Rabies & Distemper Vaccinations or Current Titer Required! This class is a prerequitsite for those serious about competing. It focuses on attention conditioning, distractions and heeling - the basic obedience requirements necessary for entry into the world of competition. This class focuses on positive motivation, prey drive, repetition and reinforcement. Time will be spent on working the dog around other people, objects, noise and food. We will set up student interaction with other's while maintaining attention and heeling. CLICK HERE for schedule and pricing.

This course is for any graduate of the Attention/Handling/Heeling course. Topics covered: Heeling, Figure 8, Stand for Examination, Sit & Down Stays. This course will prepare you and your dog for entering your AKC or UKC dog show, focusing on the CD, Companion Dog Title. It is a continuation of the intermediate course where we will apply our attention heeling to pattern heeling, footwork to cue to the dog and figure 8's. Additionally, we will work on sit's and down as well as the stand for exam. Guidelines of the rules for competition will be addressed as well as handling tips, shortcuts and common handling errors. CLICK HERE for schedule and pricing.

Whether you're looking to come out and just have a great time with your best friend or you have intentions of competing in the future, we have classes perfect for YOU!

Agility Beginner's Level

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. Dogs are on leash in this level. CLICK HERE for schedule and pricing for this 7 week course.

Agility Advanced Beginner's Level

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. This course is also perfect for the dog that may have a difficult time with a particular obstacle. Dogs are both on/off leash in this level. This is a flexible 7 week course - drop ins are welcome! CLICK HERE for schedule and pricing.

Agility Intermediate Level

For those that have completed all seven weeks of the advanced beginner's course. This class is a continuation on perfecting the use of equipment, perfecting handling skills and course strategy. Now learn how to maneuver 2 courses of 6-7 obstacles and string them together. Dogs are off leash in this level. This is a flexible 7 week course - drop ins are welcome! CLICK HERE for schedule and pricing.

Agility Advanced Level

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 & reliable. This is a flexible 7 week course - drop ins are welcome! CLICK HERE for schedule and pricing.

Agility Competition Level

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. This is a flexible 7 week course - drop ins are welcome! CLICK HERE for schedule and pricing.