Companion Dog Training

Discover the potential in your dog through dog obedience training classes at Canine Potentials. Using positive reinforcement and praise, Carol will show you how to teach your dog to become a welcome member of your household. Classes are small to ensure maximum personal attention. Carol has been teaching people and their dogs for more than 18 years.

Classes offered include Level I and Level II obedience, and private lessons:
• Level One

You will be taught how to train your dog; sit, down, come-when-called, walk on a loose leash, no jumping, stay and to pay attention, even with a lot going on. We also cover some of the basics of dog care, toe nail trimming, flea control, weight and teeth cleaning.

• Level Tw0

More of the basics with the expectation that all dog/handler teams would pass the AKC's Canine Good Citizen test at graduation. To keep the training fun we introduce trick training.
• Private lessons - For dog's with specific behavior issues or owners who need a more flexible schedule for classes.

In all of the training I will be teaching you to train your dog so you should expect to practice daily for 10 to 15 minutes. If you do this you will see great results from attending classes here. The method used in training involves positive reinforcement and the use of food reward as a motivator to get your dog to work for you and also as a reward. You will be teaching your dog:
• Sit, on command
• Down, on command
• Come when called
• That jumping is not the way to greet people.
• The meaning of the stay command.
• How to walk on a loose leash.
• The basics of heeling.
• How to pay attention to my owners even if there is a lot going on.

• Rally Obedience

Rally is a sport in which the dog and handler complete a course that has been designed by the rally judge. The judge tells the handler to begin, and the dog and handler proceed at their own pace through a course of designated stations (10 - 20, depending on the level). Each of these stations has a sign providing instructions regarding the next skill that is to be performed. Scoring is not as rigorous as traditional obedience.

The team of dog and handler moves continuously at a brisk, but normal, pace with the dog under control at the handler's left side. There should be a sense of teamwork between the dog and handler both during the numbered exercises and between the exercise signs; however, perfect "heel position" is not required. Any faults in traditional obedience that would be evaluated and scored as a one-point deduction or more should be scored the same in Rally, unless otherwise mentioned in the Rally Regulations. After the judge's "Forward" order, the team is on its own to complete the entire sequence of numbered signs correctly.

Unlimited communication from the handler to the dog is to be encouraged and not penalized. Unless otherwise specified in these Regulations, handlers are permitted to talk, praise, encourage, clap their hands, pat their legs, or use any verbal means of encouragement. Multiple commands and/or signals using one or both arms and hands are allowed; the handler's arms need not be maintained in any particular position at any time. The handler may not touch the dog or make physical corrections. At any time during the performance, loud or harsh commands or intimidating signals will be penalized.

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

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The classes are held in Clinton in my heated training facility which is located 2 miles off Highway 525 on Cultus Bay Road OR in Oak Harbor at the Pampered Pooch

You will find the training fun for you and your dog.

We will also be covering topics such as, fleas control, toe nail trimming, nutrition, teeth cleaning and basic canine care.

After completing a Level One class you might want to take a Level Two which is a continuation of the skills started in Level One. Graduation from a Level Two class consist of taking the AKC's Canine Good Citizen test. I also offer a Pet Partner class where you and your dog will perfect the skills needed to become a certified Delta Society Pet Partner team. You might want to be a part of a traveling performance troupe with your dog that visits assisted living facilities, nursing homes, etc.

I have recently added the Rally Obedience Preparation skills class to get you off on the right foot as you start to participate in the fastest growing dog sport in the world.

Preparing for Class

Call Carol at 360.341.0581 to register for class and let her know you are planning on attending and to check availability of space in the classes.

Please Print and fill out the Clinton Application Form or the Oak Harbor Application Form and bring to class the first night. It is important for you to read the information in this packet before our first get together. Be prepared to build your relationship with your dog and to have some fun while your dog learns. Don’t forget to bring proof of your dog’s vaccinations to that first class also. Thanks!

EQUIPMENT NEEDED FOR CLASS

• Leash - The leash you use should be made of leather or nylon and six feet long. The size of the leash (5/8 diameter will work for even the biggest dog) should fit the size of your dog. NO CHAIN LEASHES - PLEASE!
• 
  Collar - All dogs will begin training on their regular buckle collar. NO CHOKE TYPE COLLARS to begin with, after the training has begun we will assess the needs of your dog.
• 
  Rug - Bring a rug that fits your dogs size for your dog to lay on during class.
  Soft toy - A squeak toy, knotted sock, or stuffed toy. (No tennis balls please as they are too hard to control in the classroom.)
• 
  Treats - The treats should be a small morsel of soft chewy dog treat, bits of cheese and/or hot dogs. The dog should be able to eat the treat quickly and not have to chew too much.
  

GUIDELINES

• Please arrive on time to class.
• 
  If you need to miss a class call Carol at 341-0581 to try and schedule a make-up time. However, it is important not to miss the class dynamics if at all possible. Classes follow a progression of learning so attendance is necessary to become familiar with each new command, exercise, and game.
• 
  •When you need to miss a class and cannot schedule a make-up, keep on practicing the things you have already learned. Change your training location to continue to challenge your dog. Move along to the next lesson as described in the Canine Potentials Level One Training Manual you will receive at the first class.
• 
  •If your dog appears sick, leave him at home and come to class with out him. This is also true if your female is in season. You will then be able to see the demonstrations and continue your practice at home.
  

General Information

• Feeding your dog: Don’t feed your dog immediately before class. It might make your dog sleepy before class or may cause him to get car sick on the way to class.
• 
  Exercise: It is a good idea to exercise your dog before class and before your practice sessions at home.
  Contact with other dogs: Do not allow your dog to sniff at the other dogs. Try and keep your dog at least three feet away from the other dogs in the class, unless otherwise instructed.
• 
  Loose Leash: One of the important things you will learn in this class is to never work with a tight lead (leash). With a tight lead you are nagging, not training your dog.
• Don't hesitate to contact me with any problems or questions. I am anxious to help you with any behavior problems you are experiencing so feel free to consult me if needed.

YOUR APPROACH TO DOG TRAINING

• 
  You should be prepared to take two different approaches to training your dog.
  
• The first is training around the house, or simple obedience. This would include having your dog sit before meals, down a few times while you are watching TV, or wait (stay) when someone knocks on your door. This will teach your dog to be attentive and willing to behave properly at any and all times.
• 
  The second type of training is the regular training time your are going to set aside each day to practice the things you have learned in class. You will start your session by reviewing things already learned and then by adding the new exercises. This should take about 10 to 20 minutes per day as your training sessions begin to develop a routine.
• 
  Keep all training fun! Take time to reward with play, praise and treats. You and your dog should look forward to spending this training time together.

Thank-you for your interest in Canine Potentials.