TOP DOG TRAINING CENTER
BASIC TRAINING
OUR METHODS
Most behavioral issues in dogs are simply undesirable reactions to stress and/or over-arousal. We work to help the dog cope with their surroundings and learn what is acceptable behavior rather than relying on corrections or force to stop and/or prevent undesirable behaviors.
All of our classes and lessons are taught with the basic concept of operant conditioning and a focus on positive reinforcement. We strive to make our training stress and force-free, using methods that require patience, practice and persistence for the best results. With this type of training, you'll receive the tools necessary to teach your dog anything they need to learn to make life better for everyone involved!
GROUP CLASSES:
AKC STAR Puppy Kindergarten
Age Requirement: 8 weeks- 6 months old
Duration: 6 weeks
Cost: $180
Capacity: 2-3 students-40 min class, 4-6 students-1 hour
Class Description:
Our Puppy K follows the AKC S.T.A.R Puppy Program, focusing the training around the 4 aspects of the program:
Socialization, Training (Basic Manners), Activity (Play & Exercise) and Responsibility (Providing Proper Care)
“AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program is the AKC program designed to get puppies and their owners off to a great start. AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy requires that owners attend a basic training course with their puppies. All dogs need the necessary components of the program including Socialization, Training, Activity, and a Responsible owner” – from the AKC official site.
This class is a pre-requisite for the Canine Good Citizen class and Foundation Agility.
Basic Manners
Age Requirement: 6 months and older
Cost: $180
Duration: 6 weeks
Capacity: 2-3 students-40 min class, 4-6 students-1 hour
Class Description:
The Basic Manners class roughly follows the same guidelines as the Puppy Kindergarten class; Basic Manners is simply for older puppies and adult dogs. In Basic Manners, you will learn proper socialization skills, basic dog training, appropriate play and exercise for your particular dog and how to provide proper care.
This class is a pre-requisite for Manners 2, which is required for all dog sports.
Manners 2
Pre-requisites: Puppy Kindergarten OR Basic Manners
Cost: $180
Duration: 6 weeks
Capacity: 2-3 students-40 min class, 4-6 students-1 hour
Class Description:
The Manners 2 class, you will extend your basic training skills learned in either Puppy K or Basic Manners by focusing on "proofing" -testing the dog's knowledge of the behaviors with an increased distraction level or new environment. In this class, we teach you and your dog how to work through increasingly difficult distractions & environments!
This class is a pre-requisite for the CGC Class and all dog sport classes.
AKC Canine Good Citizen
Pre-requisites: Puppy Kindergarten/Basic Manners & Manners 2
Cost: $180
Duration: 6 weeks
Capacity: 2-3 students-40 min class, 4-6 students-1 hour
Class Description:
Our Canine Good Citizen class prepares you and your dog for the AKC Canine Good Citizen Test, which is an actual AKC title you can earn with your dog. In this class you will learn the skills necessary to train your dog to be well behaved in any situation you may encounter. The CGC test will be taken on the 6th & last week of the class!
“The purpose of the CGC Program is to ensure that our favorite companion, the dog, can be a respected member of the community because it has been trained to be well behaved in the home, in public places, and in the presence of other dogs.”– from the AKC official site.
Our CGC class is often combined with the AKC Trick Dog (Novice) class! Look at our TRICK DOG page for more information!
This class is a pre-requisite for the Advanced Canine Good Citizen class (CGCA) which will be available in the future.
Reactive Rover *NEW CLASS*
Pre-requisites: *An evaluation is required by the instructor in order to join this class. Please contact us to set up an evaluation.
Cost: $225
Duration: 6 weeks
Capacity: Maximum of 3 dogs
Class Description:
What is reactivity?
Reactivity in dogs refers to an overreaction or exaggerated response to a particular stimulus. This can be triggered by a variety of things, including other dogs, people, animals, sounds, or objects. Reactive behavior can range from mild, such as barking or growling, to more extreme, such as lunging, snapping, or biting. Does this sound familiar? If so, Top Dog is now offering this unique class to our clients that have dogs that are either dog or human reactive.
We will provide opportunities to practice the new techniques you develop throughout the session in a controlled environment- which is crucial to working through reactivity issues.
This class is designed to serve two primary purposes:
1. To provide owners with critical handling skills so that they are confident and equipped to deal with the triggers and challenges that may arise in their everyday environment.
2. To provide the dogs with the coping skills necessary to exist more comfortably in the presence of triggers that previously provoked heightened levels of fear, anxiety, and reactivity.