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Level I Class Syllabus
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Week 1:  Introduction and Orientation (no dogs)

             Clicker demos

             How clicker training works

             The Truth About Dogs

             How Dog’s Learn

             Getting started on problem behaviors

 

Week 2:  People:  Clicker Skills

             Dog:  Targeting Skills

      Restraint exercises (Doggie Zen)

     “Let’s meet!” (Socialization) 

 

Week 3:  Beginning Recall

            “Let’s Walk” (Loose Leash Walking intro)

             Four Paws On The Floor (to greet)

            “Sit happens” ; "Downs” too!

            “Go Settle” 

 

Week 4:  Now say the word:  Adding Cues to Sits/Downs

             Naming Objects:  “Where are my keys!”

             Recall practice

             “Let’s Walk”

             Four Paws On The Floor                    

 

Week 5:  “Leave it;” “Take it;” and “Drop it”

              Recall practice

             “Let’s Walk”

              Four Paws On The Floor

             

Week 6:  “Stay” (I’ll be right back)

              Directing your dog left and right

             “Here NOW!”  Emergency Recall

             “Let’s Walk”

             Four Paws On The Floor practice

 

Week 7:  Show your stuff:  Trick of choice

Clicker Games:  Click For  Anything/101 Things w/Box

Shaping practice—“walk the plank”

         Graduation certificates awarded  

The first night of class with your dog:

 

If your dog is particularly shy, or you feel it will help your dog to get through the first night of class (very stressful being around strange dogs and people!), let me know and I will schedule for you to bring your dog to the training area for a private visit before class.  I call this a "sniff visit."  I want the dog’s first experience with the training room to be a positive experience and free from the stress of other dogs.  They can check the classroom out at their leisure and ensure it is a "safe" place to be.  They can play with some toys if they want and gets some good treats.  Most importantly, they get to leave with Mom or Dad.  This visit should take no more than 15 minutes and chances are you will have a dog that is much less stressed on the first night and ready to begin learning.

 

"Sniff visits" will be scheduled during the week between the first session which you attend without your dog and the first session with your dog.

 

The first time dogs attend class, many will be nervous, excited and stressed (some owners will be the same!).  Some will be shy; others will be agitated and barking.  Give each dog its personal space and avoid meeting other dogs and other people.  Maintain a short, but loose, leash.  Give many treats and try to keep their attention on you.  Barking is normal, don't scold it or try to quiet them other than shoving treats in their mouths.  Don't worry, you will have your dog's complete attention as soon as we start clicking!

 

Bring your dog’s favorite toy and its blanket or bed if he/she has one.  These will help to comfort your dog.

  

Shy dogs:  do not comfort or sooth, give them time to relax and their own space even if it is under a chair, ignore them for a while and offer a treat from time to time.  Visual barriers are avialable if needed.

 

Barking or agitated dogs:  Keep yourself between your dog and the object of his reaction and give plenty of treats to distract his attention.  Bring a hungry dog and especially enticing stuff to eat!

Steve Benjamin
Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT)
Karen Pryor Certified Training Partner and
Karen Pryor Academy Faculty Member
P.O. Box 5715
Endicott, New York 13763
607-669-4104
 
PLEASE...SPAY and NEUTER