Training
Our CCPDT certified instructors pride themselves on using scientifically proven behavioral techniques that are primarily based on positive reinforcement training methods to ensure that both you and your dog enjoy the learning process. Positive reinforcement should be the primary procedure in any training or behavior change program considered. It is associated with the lowest incidence of aggression, avoidance, and fear in learners. We focus on reinforcing desired behaviors, and always ask the question, "What do we want the animal to do?" whereas relying on punishment based methods does not offer an answer to this question.
LIMA is an acronym for the phrase “Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive.” LIMA describes a trainer who uses the least intrusive, minimally aversive strategy out of a set of humane and effective tactics likely to succeed in achieving a training or behavior change objective with minimal risk of producing aversive side effects. In the vast majority of cases, desired behavior change can be affected by focusing on the animal’s environment, physical well-being, and operant and classical interventions such as differential reinforcement of an alternative behavior, desensitization, and counter-conditioning. The Confident Canine is committed to providing our clients with the most ethical approach and evidence-supported expertise. We are continually learning, growing, reassessing, questioning, and connecting with one another in our pursuit of honing our knowledge and practical skills.
We offer a variety of training options from group classes, to private instruction, to our specially formulated Academy Program.
Our Group Classes
Puppy Kindergarten - 5 weeks long, 6 spots available
The Puppy K Program is essential for all owners with puppies under 4 months of age. We focus on developing skills which will aid your puppy in becoming a well-mannered adult. Socialization with people, housetraining, crate training, nipping, potty training, and handling are just a few of the topics covered in this incredible class. Your puppy will get a head start in name recognition, coming when called, sits and downs, and loose leash walking. The first few months of a dog's life are critical in how they will develop later on in life. With our Puppy K class, your dog will be on the right track to avoid behavioral issues such as fear, aggression, and anxiety. The cost of this course is $250. From new owner to pro, this class is for you!
Family Manners - 5 weeks long, 6 spots available
A great class for any skill level, we go over the very basics of dog training and work towards having a dog that responds to cues promptly and with enthusiasm! This foundational course covers vital skills such as focus work, name recognition, sit, down, leave it, drop it, recall, stay, loose leash walking and appropriate greetings. Our first class together is an orientation for parents only (no pups!) to discuss training methods and how dogs learn so that we understand how we can best teach them. The cost for this course is $250.
Life Skills I - 5 weeks long, 6 spots available
This second level class is a step up from your average training course. We start to hone skills such as loose leash walking, settling in a place command, waiting politely at doors and gates, proper greetings (for dogs and people), and focus on how to instill impulse control in even the most energetic of dogs. To participate in Life Skills, your pup must complete the Family Manners course first. The cost for this course is $250. Your vision of walking your dog down a busy main street or sitting at an outdoor cafe can become reality!
Life Skills II - 5 weeks long, 6 spots available
The Life Skills II course is open to all pups who have completed Life Skills I and concentrates on more advanced behaviors for those that want to go above and beyond in their dog training. Skills covered include drop recall, extended stays with distractions, passing other dogs on leash, go visit, and advanced leave it. A great segway class between Life Skills I and CGC, this course will help to refine and perfect your dog’s basic skills and introduce some brand new ones to their repertoire. Are you up to the challenge? The cost for this course is $250.
Novice Trick Dog - 5 weeks long, 6 spots available
The Novice Trick Dog class is a course open to all dogs who have graduated Family Manners and is a fun class geared towards helping your dog achieve their AKC Novice Trick Dog title. It is the starting level of all the Trick Dog courses, and covers AKC approved novice level tricks such as balance beam, sitting in a box, shake, high five, find it, hand targeting, hand signals, push ups, crawl, jump, paws up, kiss, and get on. It is a 5 week course with 4 weeks being prep and practice, and the final week being the test which is administered by one of our AKC approved CGC evaluators. Take this class for the title or just to have some fun with your pup! The cost for this course is $250.
Intermediate Trick Dog - 5 weeks long, 6 spots available
The Intermediate Trick Dog class is the next level up from our Novice Trick Dog class and follows the same structure, with 4 weeks of prep and the fifth being the test with our AKC CGC evaluator! This intermediate level class covers tricks such as catch, pushing a button, rollover, place, heeling with auto sits, leg weaving, and the shell game. This is a challenging but fun class for those looking to get an AKC title or just to strengthen the bond with your pup! The cost for this course is $250.
Canine Good Citizen (CGC) - 6 weeks long, 4 spots available
The Canine Good Citizen course is open to all dogs who have completed both Family Manners and Life Skills classes. It is our most advanced class that is designed to help your dog pass their CGC exam, which is administered during the final class session by one of our AKC approved CGC evaluators. Skills covered will include the 10 CGC test items: Accepting a friendly stranger, sitting politely for petting, appearance and grooming, walking on a loose leash, walking through a crowd, sit and down on cue with a stay, coming when called, reaction to other dogs, reaction to distractions, and supervised separation. When your dog passes this course, they will receive their official CGC title and certificate (as well as all of the bragging rights!)
It is important to us that you enjoy training your dog as much as your dog enjoys learning new behaviors…. or unlearning the bad behaviors!
Our Private Lessons
Private lessons are held one-on-one with one of our instructors and are tailored specifically to you and what your training goals are for your pup! They are held in our state-of-the-art facility and are flexible in terms of meeting times with sessions available on weekdays, weekends and evenings to accommodate even the busiest of schedules. Ideal for behavioral modification work, private lessons allow us to move at the pace that your dog needs to feel comfortable and get the most out of training. Private lessons are 45 minutes long and cost $150 per single session, or we also offer a package deal of 4 sessions for $520 or 8 sessions for $950.
The Academy Program
The Academy Program is a lodge and train program designed to help your dog get the most out of training during their stay with us. We offer 2, 3, and 4 week programs depending on your pup’s training needs, with our 2 week program starting at $2500. Our Academy Program includes:
- Two hours of playtime per day, either in playgroup or individually with our attendants
- 4 training sessions per day (15 minutes each)
- Photo and video updates of your pup’s progress
- A 30 minute private review session with your dog’s instructor upon pickup or a detailed packet depending on your preference
A 4 hour evaluation is required prior to enrolling in our Academy Program
AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy - 7 weeks long, 6 spots available
The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy program is all about starting your relationship with your new puppy on the right foot. The S.T.A.R. stands for Socialization, Training, Activity, and a Responsible owner – the pillars of good puppy ownership. The program covers all the steps you should be taking to meet your puppy’s needs and to prepare your new pet for a happy and well-mannered adulthood.
This course will help your puppy develop basic manners. It will also provide you with human-canine communication tips and the chance to get all your puppy-related questions answered. At the end of the course, your instructor will carry out the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy test. When you and your puppy pass, you will receive an application to send to the AKC for enrollment in the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program.
Dog owners who complete a 6-weeks AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy class with their puppies can now choose the option of earning STAR as an official AKC title. The official title will be listed on the dog’s title record at AKC.
Training classes teach you how to best communicate with your puppy. Organized training classes also provide an opportunity for your dog to socialize with other dogs. In classes aimed at earning the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy distinction, you’ll be able to get information on all of your puppy-raising questions including housetraining, chewing, and the most effective way to teach practical skills such as coming when called. AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy training is a natural lead in to the AKC® Canine Good Citizen® Program. The cost of this course is $350.
Reactive Dog Class - 5 weeks long, 4 spots available
Reactive Dog Classes are designed to teach overstimulated dogs how to be calm in the presence of dogs and are aimed to redirect inappropriate behaviors such as lunging and barking when out in public. These classes are limited to 4 dogs in order that the dog remains under threshold and proper desensitization and counter conditioning techniques can be applied. Training is based on establishing a positive CER (conditioned emotional response) to other dogs and people. Tools such as head halters may be encouraged for control measures if necessary. The ultimate goal is to have the dog calm and focused on the owner with no tools necessary. This does take time to achieve.
1st set of classes is $375 for 5 sessions. 2nd set of classes and on is $250 for 5 sessions.
