Training

Below are a few of the things we have done with our puppies and dogs over the years, there are still many things I would like to try.
I love spending time with my canine companions and this is an excellent way to bond with them.

Puppy Culture

Puppy Culture is a socialization and training program specifically developed for puppies from birth through the end of their critical socialization period, with age appropriate protocols and lessons laid out in an organized format. Puppy Culture is based on the premise that the puppy always leads the learning, and puppies learn best by appropriate experiences at the appropriate time. So what we are doing is learning to observe the puppy, and, based on the behavioral markers we see, serve the puppy the experience or lesson that is optimal for him at that moment in time.

S.T.A.R. stands for Socialization, Training, Activity, and Responsibility. And that’s not just for puppies but for their owners, too.As an owner, you’ll be trained and tested on the following behaviors:

  1. Maintaining your puppy’s health, including vaccines, examinations, and routine health checks.

  2. You’ll receive a Responsible Dog Owner’s Pledge.

  3. Show that you can provide an adequate daily exercise and play plan for your puppy.

  4. Take your puppy to at least six approved AKC obedience classes.

  5. Proof of obtaining a form of ID for your puppy, such as a collar tag, microchip, etc.

    Also, your puppy will need to show the following behaviors:

    1. Be friendly and non-aggressive towards people and other puppies throughout at least six weeks of classes.

    2. Tolerate wearing a harness or collar of your choice.

    3. Depending on the size of your puppy, he must allow you to hug or hold him.

    4. Your puppy will let you remove a treat or toy from him without objecting.

    All the skills you and your puppy learn during the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy classes are designed to be functional and practical, too. So, by the end of the course, your puppy should be happy to tolerate being handled and groomed, and he should accept basic examinations of his mouth, ears, and feet. The result will be a well-mannered puppy that your vet will be happy to see.


STAR Puppy Program

Basic Obedience Training

Start a Dog Obedience Program: Learn how to set a basic foundation before you begin to train your dog. This will help establish consistent protocols you and your dog will follow, making it easier for everyone.

  • Use Positive Reinforcement: Using positive reinforcement to train your dog means you reward the behaviors you like and ignore the behaviors you do not like. Rewards can be treats, playing with a toy, pets, or anything the dog responds to. These "rewarding" techniques can even be used to train fully potty trained dogs to ring these clever doggy doorbells to let you know when they need to go relieve themselves.

  • Make Training Fun: Why would you or your dog want to learn if neither one of you is enjoying the process? Keep training sessions short to prevent frustration, keep your tone light, and be fair to your dog. If you're both enjoying yourselves, your training sessions will be much more effective.

 


Canine Good Citizens

By training in CGC, you and your dog will deepen your bond and become a more connected team. Not only will you and your dog learn the basics of dog training and master skills like sit, down, and stay, but your dog will become a welcomed community member when out in public.
The CGC title is a prerequisite for many therapy dog certifications.

Confirmation Handling Classes

What you’ll learn:

  • Teamwork in the show ring: Building a strong partnership between you and your dog.

  • Smooth handling techniques: Mastering the art of presenting your dog gracefully.

  • Proper gaiting speed and movement patterns: Navigating the ring confidently.

  • Ring etiquette and procedure: Understanding the rules and expectations during shows

Pet Therapy

Pet therapy, also known as Animal-assisted therapy (AAT), involves guided interactions between a person and a trained animal, along with the animal’s handler. It aims to achieve specific physical, social, cognitive, and emotional goals with patients. It can help people recover from or cope with health problems or mental disorders by reducing stress, anxiety, depression, and improving social skills and self-esteem. The local all breed dog club I belonged to made visits to nursing homes to help brighten patients days. My dogs were not officially trained in this but the dogs we took dogs were friendly and loved people and liked to be pet.

Trick Dog

AKC Trick Dog is a delightful way to engage with your furry companion and provide both mental and physical exercise.
In AKC Trick Dog, dogs perform individual tricks to earn titles.

  • Tricks are categorized by difficulty, and the higher the level of competition, the more challenging the tricks your dog needs to perform.

  • From puppies to senior dogs, all canines can learn tricks, regardless of their size or breed.

  • Trick training helps prevent boredom and provides mental stimulation for your furry friend.

FastCAT

Fast CAT® – which stands for Coursing Ability Test – is a timed 100-yard dash where dogs run one at a time, chasing a lure. It’s over before you know it — and it’s nothing short of awe-inspiring to watch your dog run at top speed, ears back, eyes focused, legs strong. And if your dog is really fast, you might earn bragging rights if their name makes it onto the list of top 20 fastest dogs by breed! All dogs can participate in Fast CAT, whether purebred or mixed breed.

Agility

Agility training offers numerous benefits for our canine companions. Let’s explore why it’s a pawsitively great activity for dogs:

  1. Physical Exercise: Agility is like a doggy obstacle course, involving tunnels, hurdles, and challenges. It gets those furry legs moving! Regular agility sessions help keep dogs fit and healthy12.

  2. Mental Stimulation: Figuring out the course, navigating obstacles, and making split-second decisions engage a dog’s brain. It’s like Sudoku for pups! Mental workouts are essential for their overall well-being.

3. Energy Outlet: Dogs with high energy levels find agility particularly rewarding. It allows them to run at full speed, focused on the task at hand. Plus, it’s a win-win for both dog and owner.

Problem-Solving: Agility forces dogs to think critically. They learn to assess obstacles, plan their moves, and adapt. It’s like their own strategic game of chess!

Bonding Time: Participating in agility strengthens the bond between dog and owner. Working together as a team fosters trust and communication.

Fear Conquering: Some dogs overcome fears of odd surfaces, unfamiliar stimuli, or confined spaces through agility training. It’s like therapy for their canine souls.

Fresh Air: Agility sessions often take place outdoors, providing an opportunity for dogs to breathe in that crisp, grass-scented air. Ah, nature!