Competitive Obedience Starter Classes

Competitive obedience is a series of fun tricks strung together in a chain. That makes it fun for the dogs and fun for their humans too. This Starter Level class is a hands-on class to introduce the fundamentals of novice obedience exercises to handler/dog teams.

These classes will mostly be held outdoors in West Haven, UT area (near Ogden). Classes will be positive-reinforcement based, focusing on happy dogs (tail wagging is essential!) and delighted owners. Daytime and early evening classes are available. You will need to bring some basic gear with you - a list will be provided. Multiple dogs are OK, but must be crated while you work the other dogs. $160 for a block of 8 x 45 minute classes, or $25 drop-in fee per class, but you must let me know ahead of class. It's OK to skip classes and make it up another week, but you must let me know ahead of time or you will be charged for the spot. There will be a maximum of 5 dogs per class.

To graduate from this class, dog/handler teams will need to demonstrate the following essential fundamental skills:

Reinforcement delivery - take out, treat toss, room service, chase me, toy play, zen hand)

Confidence games - go sniff, in/out, look at that, settle, lily pads, 2 step - and when to use the games during every day training to your advantage.

The pivot platform - Independent pivots, pivot to heel, finding front

Position changes and Positions with stay - novice sit/down, sit/stand, down/sit, down/stand, stand/down, stand/sit in front of you. 10 second stays in down, sit, and stand from heel position.

Hand touches which eventually become reinforcement even without a treat - High five!!!

Contact Sheryl at 801-787-4900 text or call, or you can email sghohle@mac.com if you are interested in attending this class