Beyond Beginner, Advanced Classes and Workshops

	ABC OBEDIENCE DOG TRAINING & PET SUPPLIES 2458 Boston Post Road, Guilford CT 06437 (203) 458-2223(ABCD) *abcobedience.com* office/retail hours: Mon 3-6, Th 12-6, Sun 11-1

Events, Workshops & Other Fun Description Page

*New schedules will be posted to this site seasonally. Please check back regularly!*

*click here for the summary version without descriptions:* ABC EVENTS: SCHEDULE & PRINTABLE SUMMARY PAGE

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*"EVENTS" DETAILS (DESCRIPTIONS)*
*Classes open to all unless indicated by * (limited to past and present ABC clients or approval).*
(click here if you are interested in BEGINNER GROUPS)
*Location for all classes/workshops in Guilford unless otherwise noted.*
*All classes require pre-registration with non-refundable payment. Thanks!*
Class	Description
* Attention/Distraction Workshop	This intensive class will focus on many ways to get your dogs attention, in a variety of situations. Without attention, there is no trained behavior possible! Recommended for all.
Canine Good Citizen Workshop/ CGC Cram	An intensive one time workshop to prepare for the CGC test. Class will include test overview with written materials, lots of practice exercises, what is and what is NOT allowed on test day, and information on finding local tests.. Click here for link to AKC site with CGC information,
* Canine Good Citizen Class/Beyond Beginner	After beginner skills, focus on success with more distractions. Emphasis on social skills. The Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Class is designed to expand beginner skills and to prepare you for the CGC Test. The class focus is on control and manners with an emphasis on reliability with distractions. Areas covered include: loose leash walking, greeting other dogs & people, sit, down, stay, come and more. Class includes CGC test admission at ABC Obedience. Free pamphlet available for more information.
Canine Good Citizen TEST	As part of a program from the American Kennel Club (for mixed breed as well as pure-bred dogs), the CGC Test offers standardized certification on a national level. The 10 part pass/fail test is designed to show a dog who is well mannered and under control. Many hotels, landlords and insurance agents will consider the CGC proof of training. Test is open to anyone (CGC class helpful, but not required). AKC Registered dogs may add CGC to pedigree. Therapy Dog International test uses an adapted version of CGC. Summary of CGC Test: 1. Greeting a friendly stranger 2. Sitting politely for petting 3. Accepting Grooming. 4. Greeting strange dog 5. Loose leash walking 6. Reaction to distraction 7. Walking through a crowd 8. Sit, Down & Stay 9. Coming when called 10. Supervised separation Click here for link to AKC site with CGC information,
Clicker Training	Work with probably the most effective training tool ever! Go beyond the clicker skills introduced in PK and beginner classes. This is the method used by marine mammal trainers to get reliable behavior from dolphins, even killer whales! Brought into the realm of dog trainers by author Karen Pryor (Don't Shoot the Dog), the "click" uses the principles of conditioning and reinforcement to "mark" the EXACT moment your dog does the desired behavior. No force used! Excellent for puppies and dogs of all ages! You will wonder what you ever did without it and the techniques will improve your training even if you use a verbal reinforcer when you don't have a clicker handy. Click here for link to more information about Karen Pryor's clicker training. For more information get a copy of Clicker Training for Dogs (formerly titled A Dog and A Dolphin ), or the highly recommended Clicking with Your Dog by Peggy Tillman (both usually in stock at ABC)
*Competition Prep	Be an obedience competitor or just look like one! This class will teach you about obedience competition at the Novice level from the ground up - no prior knowledge required! Mixed breeds welcome too! Designed to be a starting point for those interested in this positive, great hobby you can share with your dog. If you and your dog enjoy training, this may be for you! Also see Dog Show information below. Visit a local dog show! click here for link to dog show information site(humans only/dogs must be entered to attend) Take your dog to socialize or watch a match (practice show). Find out about doggie events including matches, shows, agility, tracking, CGC/Therapy Dog Tests, Tattoo Clinics, Seminars & more! Click here for link to The Match/Show Bulletin
*Dinner Party & Other Miscellaneous Meals	What better way to practice mealtime behavior than at a real training meal? And socializing for humans too! Seasonal themes may apply for additional fun. Will your dog really stay if need be during dinner? What if you drop your napkin? Begging.... don't be ridiculous! "My Dog Can Do That" or other games may be played after dinner.
Distraction Workshops	One day (hour) workshop to torture you for fun (ok, my fun). Proof your dogs against all types of wierd and interesting distractions! Do as many times as you like!
*Distratctions and Manners	“But he does it at home!”, “Its ONLY when she sees other dogs or meets new people”, “He doesn’t USUALLY pull on the leash”. Sound familiar? This class teaches YOU to reinforce commands even in new, distracting situations. Focus on PROOFING (making your dog reliable while distracted). No more excuses!
*Dual Dog	Frustrated with trying to handle two dogs? With patience and skills, it CAN be done! Repeaters welcome. Limit four people/8 dogs.
Flyball Try-It	*NEW!* Is your dog ball crazy? Try this fun sport of relay races where each dog on a team jumps a series of low hurdles, hits a flyball box to get a ball, and races back with it! Dogs love it! Try a real flyball machine and get a taste of the fun. Then if you like it, we need to find an instructor who actually knows what to do with it! For more info http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flyball
Games	(previously drop in) DISCONTINUED
*Games Progresive	Keep training skills sharp by playing games with your dog. Not sure which class to take next? This is it!!! For anyone who has done the basics. Series of games each week to increase your skill level and challenge you and your dog. Games may include: musical chairs, heeling hangman, puppy pushup contests, running recalls, obstacles, more! Start at square one, move up to more advanced techniqurs. Already very popular, sign up now!. Especially useful for distractions and socializing (oh yeah, the dogs get to socialize too)
Greetings Workshop	One day workshop designed to teach polite greetings... no jumping on people! Will also review sit stays at door and go to your "place" command.
Groominar	Its a grooming seminar! Learn from professional groomers! Ever wonder the best way to use elecrtric clippers or scissor trim your dog without making him look like he was run over by the lawnmower? Learn handling tips, tool/brush selection, so much more! Some dogs needed for demo, please inquire.
* Intermediate	More advanced training. Class topics may include introduction to hand signals, drop on recall, emergency sits and downs, attention, off leash work, stand on command, introduction to retrieve, clicker and more! If you've already taken this class, you know how fun and challenging it is. Lots of proofing with distractions. The Thursday 11 am version of this class has been a real group experience with lots of fun and progress.
Kids and Canines	For families or families to be. Some focus on parents, some on working with children directly. Topics include reasonable expectations, ways to structure your home environment and manage both four-legged and two-legged children. Teach proper interactions (for both ends of the leash). Especially excellent BEFORE you have children.
Kong Stuffing	Wish that dog would just "go lay down" sometimes? Prepare a few Kongs with this new "arts and crafts" workshop... and keep your dog busy for hours, perfect! Learn some new techniques for Kong Stuffing, from easy to challenging. Stuffing materials to be provided, please bring (or buy discounted that day) 3 to 5 Kongs or Stuff-a-Balls. This class is for people only, please leave dogs home. If you are using them like this as a "pacifyer", we suggest choosing a size larger than you would for just play. If you have any great recipe/stuffing ideas, please feel free to share before the class... maybe they can be included.
Loose Leash Walking	Taking your dog for a walk should be an enjoyable activity! For starters, your arm should remain in its socket, and some attention would be nice too. This workshop focuses on teaching you to ONLY walk with a loose leash, even with distractions! Collar, headhalters, no pull harnesses, hands-free leashes and other equipment options will be discussed. People and dogs of any age welcome. Stop the frustration and have fun going places!
* Manners Class	(think of it as charm school for your dog) Complete focus on teaching appropriate social behavior, in other words: manners. Class will emphasize polite greetings (not jumping on people), sit stays at the door, dealing with company in your home, no pulling (not heeling, just polite walking), long down stays for company or meals, sitting politely for petting and more! This class also includes work on attention: keep your dog's interest, despite distractions, at home or in public.
MICROCHIP CLINIC	What would you do if your dog was missing and was without the tags on a collar? Thousands of grateful pet owner had peace of mind and have been reunited with their pets due to the Home Again Microchip and the Companion Animal Recovery Program. Bring your dog to our microchip clinic and it takes about 5 seconds for a veterinarian to inject the chip (about the size of a grain of rice) between your dog's shoulder blades. Most dogs don't even seem to notice (Peeve didn't even flinch and she can be quite the wimp) Once inserted, the chip cannot be felt or seen. Scanners at veterinarian offies and animal shelters can read the chip and contact pet owner 24/7 through the national database. Nobody thinks it will happen to them! We sincerely hope you never need it, but if the unthinkable happens and you are separated from your pet, this is one of the best ways to insure his/her safe return. It is also one of the few ways to legally proove that your pet is yours. Please note, the microchip does not replace keeping regular id tags on your pet, it is another method of identification - that can't be lost. We are offering this clinic at substantial discount! Take advantage now. Pre-register to save even more and be entered in our raffle!
Nail Clipping	The first Sunday of each month, 11 am to 1 pm.. Open to all! Get your dog's nails quickly trimmed by professional groomer, no appointment needed. $8
Obstacles/Play	A favorite! Mini-agility: jumps, tunnel, dogwalk, see-saw, mini A-frame and more. A great confidence builder! Register early, this one fills quickly! Great for dogs who need (or just like) socializing for any reason. A wonderful way to use that excess canine energy too! Also works on attention! Excellent for puppies and dogs of all ages! NO PREVIOUS TRAINING NEEDED!
Obstacle Course Progressive	For those who have taken at least one obstacle class prior to this class. Designed to increase skills each week More focus on attention and control. New obstacles and increased heights as safely appropriate.
* Ob & Obs: Obedience and Obstacles	For people who want the best of both worlds. Use fun obstacles to reinforce and challenge obedience. Use obedience exercises to get better control during play. Its all good! Each week builds on previous week to increase skills.
Obstacles Plus (by Val)	Taught by an experienced agility competitor/title holder. Designed for those who enjoy obstacle work and want to learn more in preparation for possible agility competition. Includes working your dog away from you, body language basics, weave poles, competition rules, safety concerns and more. Uses safe practice obstacles to learn the skills which will transfer to regulation equipment. Fun!
Off Leash Workshop	Its all about verbal control! Break those patterns of "leash dependence" and have a dog that responds to YOU, not the leash!
Rally Obedience	The newest AKC Sport! Obstacle course style obedience! In Rally-O, you and your dog compete by following a course of signs that dictate various obedience exercises... some creative ones you've probably never seen (weave though cones, 3 part recalls, etc). The first level is done on leash, so anyone can compete with their dog and earn a title! In Rally, you are allowed to talk to your dog (enthusiasm is encouraged). Visit the Rally Obedience page at http:/www.akc.org for more info (and to see the actual signs). Rally-O is also offered by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, and is open to all breeds and pet owners. Both organizations are similar, but have slightly different signs and scoring
Rally Obedience Run-Throughs/Workshop	Curious about this Rally-Obedience thing that everyone is so excited about? Here is your chance to try it in a one-time workshop. Learn the exercises, follow the signs, have fun! Or continue to practice if you are already familliar with Rally. Great for anyone who wants to keep their training fresh.
* Recall Workshop	"Fido, come!" Amazing feedback from people who have taken this short course! Focus exclusively on the recall exercise. If you are among those who consider this command indispensable, join us.
* Recalls/Stays	A combination of the recall and stays classes. Different sides of the same coin!
Retrieve/Fetch Class	Retrieve skills are endless! Teach your dog to bring back the toy, a bird, the telephone, competition dumbbell, water bumper, etc. Or open the fridge and bring you a drink (really!) Learn the inductive retrieve, no force method! It all starts here. Excellent for PUPPIES too! A perfect way to end "keep away" with stolen objects.
Sampler	Your chance to try a few new things! Obstacle, Rally, Off-lead, Tricks, etc.
Signals Workshop	One day workshop to learn hand signals (non-verbal commands). Inclues heel, come, stay, down from front and side, sit from stand and down, finish and stand.
* Signals & Distance Control	Learn hand signals, inc. heel, come, etc. Get distance control too! Excellent for anyone who has completed beginner training.
Small Dog Structured Play	For dogs of all ages under 25 pounds. .Socializing, play and feedback session for all those "little" concerns.
Stays Workshop (Have a Nice Stay)	*NEW!*Does your dog "basically", "sort of", "usually" stay when told? Take this one day class to really get a stay that means stay, no matter what!
* Stays and Distractions Class	An excellent class to get really reliable behaviors in the face of distractions. Great to do before the holidays! Includes sit stays greeting people at the door, "place" command (perfect for formal company), stays during a meal (come to class hungry that night), car behavior, and other reality based exercises
*Training Games Workshops I and II	One day course for fun with training! Test your capabilities, see strengths and weaknesses while playing games! Level I: beginner skills (sit, down, stay, loose leash/heeling, attention, recall, etc) Level II: intermediate (advanced stays, signals, stands, off leash, etc)
* Traveling Class/ Real Life Distractions	This is the class everyone asks for! Practice your skills in new places! Working in a new environment is the most challenging area for most of us! Probable sites: Branford Green, Guilford Green, West Haven Boardwalk, Parks, etc. Schedule given with first class. How could you NOT sign up for this one?! Please remember to bring: dog, training leash and collar (gentle leader, etc), lots of your highest level treats, pockets or bait bag, comfortable walking shoes (no flip flops), training aids, poopy bags, water, bug spray for you and dog, etc.
Tricks	No such thing as a useless trick. Teaching your dog behavior is an important part of your bond and builds training skills. Have fun and impress your friends. Offered in one day customized workshop (class choice of 3 tricks) or sometimes in levels I through V. (Tricks I: Bang, hoop, wave. Tricks II: Cookie-nose, reading, football hike. Tricks III: Take a bow, hi-ho silver, cute-face. Tricks IV: Walk backward, figure 8 in legs, spin. Tricks V: Close the door, can-can, ring the bell.).
Verbal Control	We don't need no stinkin' leashes! Get real VERBAL control and stop pulling each other around (you weren't blaming the dog, were you?) This is the class you really need!
Seasonal Events	none at the moment

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