Canine U
Welcome to the Canine U
Canine U Training Classes - designed to be effective, efficient and fun!
Our Training Philosophy:
Our Canine U trainers strive to keep their knowledge and techniques current through obtaining and maintaining membership with the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and certification as Certified Pet Dog Trainers. We want to promote and environment of continued learning and growth, creating the best class experience possible. We believe in teaching you and your dog as a team, helping you read and understand your dog, clearly communicate your expectations and motivate your pet. We use the Least Invasive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA) training philosophy to obtain efficient and effective results, and use reward-based techniques. Any time you and your dog are together you are both learning and training - let us help you make that process quick, easy and, most importantly, fun!
Group Classes Offered:
- The Complete Puppy
- Better Dog One
- Better Dog Two
- Better Dog Three
- Canine Good Citizen Prep Class
- Canine Good Citizen Testing
- Out and About Class
Specialty Classes
- CARE Seminars Free Seminars on various behavior and training topics
- PeeWee Play Supervised play time for dogs 20 lbs and under.
- Dog Walking Class Free Lecture and Demo on basic tips for walking safely with your dog.
Schedule, Registration and Frequently Asked Questions:
- Canine U Schedule
- Register For A Class
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Our Library of Dog Behavior Fact Sheets
The Complete Puppy
The first few months of a puppy's life are the most important for learning good manners and developing good social skills. We'll help you establish a foundation for your puppy and get your relationship with your dog off on the right foot. Topics include: housetraining, common puppy problems like mouthing and chewing, and how to start teaching the basic behaviors like sit, down and come when called. The emphasis is on socialization and learning to communicate and motivate your new dog.
- Age group: Small/medium breeds (dogs likely to be under 40 lbs as an adult) age 8 weeks to 4 months at the start of the class. Large breeds (dogs that will be 40+ lbs as adults), 8-14 weeks at time of class start.
- Class length: 4 weeks (4 one-hour sessions on the same day and time as the class starting dates listed below)
- Cost: $65
- Required Vaccinations: Distemper Combination & Bordetella, Rabies as age-appropriate
- Required Equipment: a 5-6 foot leash, a variety of small treats, and a basic collar (please NO choke chains, pinch/prong or skip collars)
Better Dog One
For continuing puppies and beginning dogs of all ages. This class focuses on teaching you how to tell your dog what you want and motivate them to want to do it. We'll cover basic manners such as no jumping and classic behaviors including sit, down, stay and walk nicely on a leash. Breaking bas habits and shaping your dog into the well-mannered companion you've dreamed of is what this class is all about. Communication and motivation are the focus in this positive and fun class. The first day of class is a lecture for humans only.
- Age group: 4 months and up. Complete Puppy graduates welcome at any age.
- Class length: 6 weeks (6 one-hour sessions on the same day and time as the class starting dates listed below)
- Cost: $85
- Class prerequisites: None
- Required vaccinations: Distemper Combination, Rabies & Bordetella.
- Required Equipment: a 5-6 foot leash, a variety of small treats, and a basic collar (please NO choke chains, pinch/prong or skip collars)
Better Dog Two
Do you and your dog need a little more work on basic manners? Is your dog still acting like a sled dog on leash or jumping all over visitors? Or maybe he just can't seem to settle or stay for more than a few seconds at a time? Build on what you learned in Better Dog 1 and add a few new behaviors including settle, targeting, listen and respond in distracting situations, and improved leash manners. Anyone completing Better Dog 1 can move on to this class.
- Age group: 5 months and up
- Class length: 6 weeks
- Cost: $85
- Prerequisites: Better Dog One or instructor's approval.
- Required vaccinations: Distemper Combination, Rabies & Bordetella.
- Required Equipment: a 5-6 foot leash, a variety of small treats, and a basic collar (please NO choke chains, pinch/prong or skip collars)
Better Dog Three
You and your dog have finally made it to college and all that hard work is paying off. This is the class that covers the stuff you've always wanted to learn. You will refine and perfect the skills covered in Better Dog 1 and 2, and focus on handling your dog in real-life situations. Hands-free/off-leash work is emphasized and we will show you how to function even in the face of the worst distractions (like a delivery person at your door). You'll have the best dog on the block!
- Class length: 6 weeks
- Cost: $85
- Prerequisites: Better Dog Two or instructor's approval.
- Required vaccinations: Distemper Combination, Rabies & Bordetella.
- Required Equipment: a 5-6 foot leash, a variety of small treats, and a basic collar (please NO choke chains, pinch/prong or skip collars)
Canine Good Citizen Test Prep/Refresher Class
The Canine Good Citizen Test is a certification program from the American Kennel Club that is designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. The Canine Good Citizen Program is a two-part program that stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test can receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club.
This 2 session preparation class will explain the 10 testing element, recommend training methods and provide an opportunity for some in-class practice. There is no prerequisite for this class but we strongly recommend your dog has graduated from our Better Dog 1 class or an equivalent class elsewhere. Please expect that most of your practice will occur outside of class – this class is primarily meant to help you understand the test elements and how you would go about prepping yourself and your dog.
- Class length: 2 weeks (2 1-hour sessions)
- Cost: $30
- Required vaccinations: Distemper Combination, Rabies & Bordetella.
- NOTE - This class does NOT include the CGC Test - please register for that seperately.
Canine Good Citizen Testing
Is your dog a Canine Good Citizen (CGC)? CGC is a certification program from the American Kennel Club that is designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. The Canine Good Citizen Program is a two-part program that stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test can receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club.
-
- Class length: The test is given by appointment only. Typically, the test takes about 15 minutes but please be prepaired for testing to take longer.
- Cost: $10
- Learn about the test on the AKC website.
- To Register please Call or E-mail Kate at (952) 894-5000 or katea@mvhspets.org
Out and About Class
Summer is the time to enjoy the great outdoors - and why not let your dog enjoy the sunshine too! This new class is a short 3 sessions, designed to focus on getting Fido to walk without pulling, stay focused in distracting settings, and generally be better behaved when you're Out and About! Loose leash walking, attention while walking, sit with attention when faced with a distraction and sit for strangers will be out main goals, but class can be adjusted based on your needs. Although we recommend you've taken out Better Dog 1 class - there are no pre-requisites for this class. The first night is a lecture without your dog where we will go over techniques to get you prepared and excited before we take the show on the road. The second and third sessions will be held outdoors so you can practice and be coached in the real world, rather than a classroom. The outdoor sessions will last 40 minutes and each group will be limited to 3 dogs, guaranteeing you one-on-one time with the instructor. Please be aware we have listed an alternative date for the last session in case of rain.
NOTE - Out and About Class is something we are only able to offer during the summer months - check back in the spring of 2009 for upcoming classes!
- Length: one hour-long lecture (without dogs) and two 40 minute outdoor sessions (with dogs).
- Cost: $40
- Required vaccinations: Distemper Combination, Rabies & Bordetella.
CARE Seminars
An in-depth look at common behavior problems and/or items of interest to pet lovers. CARE Seminars occur every other month and are free of charge.
Coming up In August
What Dominance REALLY Means in the Dog World
Date: Sunday, August 10th - 3:30-5:00pm
Location: Pet Crossing Animal Hospital
10861 Bloomington Ferry Road
Bloomington, 55438
THIS SEMINAR IS NOW FULL
Many dog behaviors are commonly attributed to "dominance"
but that label isn't always used correctly. What does the word dominance really mean?
What is a "dominant dog"? Local behavior Expert Dr Chris Pachel will help you learn how dog interact with each other and how you can strengthen your relationship with your pet in a way that makes sense from the dog's perspective.
NOTE CARE Seminars last approximately 1-2 hours. Seminars are for people only - bring your questions, not your pet. Suggested donation is $10 per person.
Reservations are necessary. Please email KateA@MVHSpets.org or call (952) 894-5000 ex.30 to register.
PeeWee Play
Dogs are very social animal and PeeWee Play makes it possible for your small breed dog to romp and wrestle with someone his/her own size. PeeWee Play is an off leash, supervised play session for small and mini breed dogs 20 lbs and under. This is not a training class, but a play group with our Canine U trainers on site to supervise and insure appropriate interactions. No reservations or enrollment required - just bring your vet records the first time you come.
RULES:
- Dogs and puppies must be 20lbs and under.
- Shy and semi fearful dogs are welcome – please do not bring dogs that are aggressive towards other dogs.
- Dogs must be current on all vaccinations. On your first visit we’ll need to see proof of Rabies, Distemper and Bordetella and sterilization (see below).
- Unspayed/unneutered puppies are welcome up to 10 months of age, older puppies and dogs must show written proof of spay or neuter from your Veterinarian. Females in heat CANNOT participate.
- One dog per adult, no children under 6 years old. For both the children’s safety as well as the safety of the dogs children must remain seated with the parent or legal guardian at all times. There is no screaming, playing, or running during the PeeWee Play session. It is advisable and in some instances required to have one adult to watch the dog during play and one adult to watch the child during the play session. If children are unable to comply, for the quality of the experience of the group as a whole, they will not be able to attend future sessions.
- Sign a Canine U liability waiver when you attend for the first time.
- Owners are responsible for their dogs actions at all times, please keep an eye on your dog during the play session. The Trainer may ask you to interrupt your dog's play temporarily at any time for play that is deemed too rough by the Trainer, mounting, or not behaving nicely.
NEW TIME: Sundays from 6:30-7:15pm
Location: MVHS
Cost: $5
No Registration Necessary - just show up with Vaccination Records on your first night!
Dog Walking Class
Does your arm hurt after a walk? Worried about your puppy tripping you up as you try to get around the block? Join us for an introduction to safely and effectively walking your pooch. This free class is open to anyone - but it is a seminar for people only, so please leave your pets at home. A short lecture provides insights into understanding how dogs learn and a very basic guide to changing behavior. Then a demonstration will help you understand how to make the techniques really work. Although there will be time for questions and answers, please be aware this class is not designed to deal with all your training needs – rather to give you some pointers on making walks safe and fun.
This class lasts about an hour and donations are encouraged but not required.
If you would like to attend, please email or call Kate Anders at KateA@MVHSpets.org or call (952) 894-5000 ex.30.
