January 28, 2011

Group Classes (listed alphabetically with new offerings at the top of the list)

Class schedule and registration* is here.

Group classes* in Westboro (outdoors) and at GNAG CC in the Glebe (both outdoors and indoors).

Need more information or have questions? Please email Carol anytime at  carolthedogwalker@gmail.com


City Canine Masterclass (***NEW***)

Learn how to safely expose your dog to some of life’s most common triggers.  Identify and understand your dog’s body language to improve your “dog speaking skills”. As your dog uses their body language to communicate their comfort level, it’s important that we listen!

This masterclass is open to all ages and experience levels. It includes 4 sessions: 1 virtual session for theory and understanding, 1 session on leash skills and practice with some easy triggers, and 2 sessions “out and about in the ‘hood”.  


Adolescent Dogs: Thriving! (Levels 1 & 2)

How to prevent and solve problems now that your sweet puppy has grown up and grown in confidence. Adult hormones often bring new challenges! Learn advanced leash handling, movement, body work and some fun enrichment for that teenage brain.  Curriculum will flex around client needs and input. Open to ages 5-24 months. Pre-requisite is Basic Skills Level 1 or with permission of the instructor. 


Basic Skills Level 1 for Pooches and Pups 

Positive reinforcement training for dogs of all ages. Have fun teaching your dog the basic skills: sit&stay, leave it, come when called, and walk-nicely-on-a-leash.  The goal is to have a strong bond with your new dog as well as a safe, well-socialized pet and a happy home environment. Come one, come all…training your dog is good for you and Fido too! Open to dogs and puppies of all ages and skill levels.


Basic Skills Level 2 & 3: Sharpen your Skills and Enrich your relationship

Improve your skills in key areas such as walking manners and re-call, perfect your “stay”, and learn some new things too. Our goal is to improve your dog’s focus, work their brain and their body.  Fun new stuff for body work, self control, nose work, and a sprinkling of sports. Maybe even a trick or two! Open to dogs and puppies of all ages. Pre-requisite is Basic Skills Level 1 and/or Level 2 or with permission of the instructor. 


Combo Class: Re-Call and Leash-Walking Skill Improvement

Work on the 2 most important skills that you need your dog to have: a reliable recall and a nice walking style.  Have your dog keep the leash loose while walking and not eat everything in sight! And, let’s be sure that when you say your dog’s name that he/she wants to come to you and does so with enthusiasm.  Doesn’t this sound wonderful? Come and join our class! Open to dogs and puppies of all ages and skill levels.


Enhanced Basic Skills: the “everything” class (for dogs of all ages)

Basic skills and how to use them in everyday life. Self-calming exercises, polite greetings, dealing with the environment, and some brain challenges too. So much more than “sit& stay”! Open to dogs and puppies of all ages and skill levels.


Leash Manners Workshop

Learn some new skills and techniques that will make your walk with Fido more enjoyable for both of you.  Walk by other dogs and other distractions without a commotion; walk by your side; and have a reliable “leave it” command. Open to all non-reactive dogs of all ages and skill levels.  


Leash Reactive, “Leash Aggressive”, Nervous dogs and the “Overly Exuberant” do

Does your daily walk with your dog involve intense, over-reaction to outdoor stimulation? Do the neighbours think your sweet pooch is aggressive and terrifying? Are you at the end of your leash? This is a specialty class for dogs that are reactive to other dogs (or people or bikes or skateboards or squirrels…) while walking on a leash.

Whether your dog is nervous, scared, submissive or simply excitable, learn how to teach Fido to be calm so you can enjoy your walks again in the Confidence and Composure program. Open to dogs and puppies of all ages and skill levels. Pre-requisite is the complete Confidence and Composure private program. 


Scent Work: Enrichment the brain through their nose

Needing some fun? Something new to do with your pooch? Tired of the same routine? Come out and have some fun with scent work.  Our goal is to sharpen your dog’s focus, work their brain, and strengthen their bond to you while having fun.  This is a beginner class and is open to dogs and puppies of all ages and skill levels.


Puppy Time (for pups ages 2-6 months)

Supervised outdoor off-leash play time in a fenced dog park in Ottawa central-west. Meet a new friend, ask a question, learn about play style and appropriate play for dogs. Register here. We may schedule separate groupings according to age, play style, size and temperament.  ***Resuming in the spring…after the “muddy season”***


Reliable Recall: “Come!” (the first time please!)

Let’s make Fido want to come to you…with enthusiasm and speed!  This workshop will address general training methodology, basic skills for name recognition and attention, as well as ensuring willing and happy compliance. Open to dogs and puppies of all ages and skill levels.


Shy Puppy or Nervous Pooch

Group environments can be overwhelming for many pups and older dogs.  Please consider private sessions to help your canine buddy grow in confidence, overcome their fears and flourish.  The group classes under the Confidence and Composure program may be a good fit. Please get in touch to decide together what is the best route for you on your training journey.


 Are you ready to get started? Yes? Hoorah! Sign up today.


* A maximum of 6 dogs per trainer per class. Not all classes are offered all the time and all classes must have a minimum of 5 registrants to run. 

 


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