Class Notes
Animazious' Staff feel that for effective training and troubleshooting, small class sizes are imperative. Our class sizes are normally limited to 6 (six) and we normally have one and sometimes two assistant instructors per class. This instructor-student ratio allows us to provide much more individual attention for you and your dog. Our attrition rate is very low, due to this individualized attention.
Payment for short courses will normally be made prior to commencement, though we do have the option of paying in two installments or by a fortnightly direct debit arrangement.
Please click here for current pricing.
Course
Descriptions
Family Dog 1
Canine Companion
This class teaches you how to "tell" your dog what you really want him to do in a way he can easily understand. We use a distinct and consistent signal (usually a clicker or a short verbal sound) to "mark" a desired behaviour in real time and then "link" that signal with a motivating reward, such as the dog's favourite food or games. Because dogs understand exactly what earned them the reward when we communicate clearly in this way, they learn new behaviours quickly, easily and enthusiastically.
In Canine Companion we cover the following exercises: attention, sit, down, loose-lead walking, recall (come) foundation, calm-down, and wait-stay. This class also covers management techniques and protocols to prevent unwanted behaviours and offers trouble-shooting of common behaviour issues of concern to family dog owners. Dogs must be at least 6 months old when class begins. The first week is orientation—no dogs.
Puppy Next Step
This class is designed as a follow-on class for puppies who have attended Pre-School or Kindergarten classes at their Vet's. However, it can also be taken as a first course for puppies who have had their final vaccinations even if they have not previously attended a puppy class. It covers the same skills and protocols as Canine Companion, but focuses more closely on behaviour and developmental issues particular to puppies. It also includes supervised socialization in compatible puppy play groups. Puppies must normally be no older than 6 months when class begins.
Family Dog 2
In Family Dog 2 we go "Beyond Basic" to strengthen your mastery of basic exercises learned in Canine Companion or Puppy Next Step, particularly attention, stays, leash manners, and come when called. It introduces more applications for target training (go to bed, go to your crate), more positions (sit, down, stand) and covers the management skills needed to help your dog learn how to show great manners in the real world. This allows you to get lots of hands on practice while having fun at the same time.
But, more importantly, this class will teach you how to read your dog's body language, and equip you with knowledge to minimize risk for yourself, your family and your pet in real life situations. Beyond Basic continues and extends trouble-shooting and problem prevention strategies, and includes supervised socialization in compatible groups..
Specialist Short Courses (weekend intensives)
From time to time we offer specialist short courses, these will be advertised in the local newspapers.
Walking With Dogs
This class is devoted to walking politely on a loose leash (not pulling you along!) It takes your previously learned leash manners "on the road"—literally—so that your instructor can help you achieve success in the context of the normal, family dog walk.
Reliable Recall
"If you build it … they will come". This class teaches you how to build a solid "come when called". It follows on the attention and foundation "come" lessons taught in Canine Companion and Puppy Next Step and helps you succeed in the real world when distractions are present. The class will give you strategies to manage your dog's exercise and behavioural needs and still remain in control while you are building your reliable recall.
Animazious Training Groups
Animazious graduates are welcome to join our ongoing training groups in obedience, fun sports and agility.
Ongoing training gives you the opportunity to teach fun exercises which will enhance your bond with your pet, and hone particular skills which can lead you to fun or competitive sports.
These groups are run on an informal basis in 2007, according to members' interests and schedules. In them, members set individual goals, with help from other "training junkies" (hobby trainers). Some members choose to focus on refining skills appropriate to particular fun or competitive sports (eg Obedience, Rally Obedience, Agility, Dancing with Dogs, Retrieving) while others focus on extending their mastery of obedience behaviours for everyday living.
Contact us if you are interested in being part of our ongoing training groups.
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