Beginning Obedience Class

This is open to any dog or puppy as early as 8 weeks with no age limitations. The class is 7 weeks in duration. Please see the class schedule for dates, times and directions.

Included in the beginner class is all the training you will need to have a well mannered and well socialized pet. The commands that are incorporated into this program are designed to improve your relationship and communication with your pet. Your pet will learn:

• How to heel and sit automatically
• Walk on a loose leash without pulling
• Stand for an examination from the vet, groomer or to wipe their muddy paws at your doorWait at all doors before entering or exiting
• Come when called even with distractions!
• Stay in many different positions
• Sit on the first command
• Down and hold that position until released
• Take and give a toy or ball
• Nuisance behaviors are extinguished; replaced by manners- a canine who doesn’t jump, learns to meet and greet people and other canines appropriately, focuses on their owner verses the distraction, is patient for petting, and doesn’t mouth or nip
• Grooming demonstrations, K-9 Police Dogs, and many more.
  

For class times, availability and sign-up, please click here

Intermediate Obedience Class

Strengthen and fine-tune all behaviors learned thus far. Improves response time and form. Learn to get reliable responses to cues despite challenging real-life distractions and at a distance off the leash! Prepare for the AKC Canine Good Citizen Test.

For class times, availability and sign-up, please click here

Advanced Obedience Class

The pre-requisite for taking this class is succesful completion of the Intermediate Obedience Class or approval by the instructor. This is the class for the obedience enthusiast that wants to take their training to an even higher level.

Exercise taught are as follows:

• Increase reliability with hand signals only;
• Down on command while moving and at a distance from the handler;
• Drop on recall;
• Take, hold and give any item on command ("Take and Give");
• Dumbbell work;
• Retrieve on the flat;
• Jump over a hurdle on command;
• Jump while retrieving;
• More off lead work with higher level of distraction training;
• Fetch a cold beverage from the fridge - well, not really. But, once you take this class you could easily teach that trick!

For class times, availability and sign-up, please click here

Private lessons or groups

Clients often want to know which is the better starting point for their pet - group classes or private training. You'll find a general answer to that question below, as well as rates for private instruction.

For puppies and dogs, group class is a great place to provide positive and safe dog-dog interaction needed to develop healthy canine social skills and grow into well-adjusted, dog-friendly/human friendly canines. Puppies receive the foundation for basic safety cues and manners in a fun, supportive environment.

For dogs who have missed early on socialization, a group class is a fine starting place IF the dog is not aggressive towards dogs and people. If desensitization work or behavior modification are needed, private lessons are definitely the better starting phase.

However, some people simply find it easier or more convenient to learn the basics in a one on one environment with few distractions, according to their own priorities and schedule. Once the dog is reliable in an at-home or low-distraction environment, private training can be done in gradually more distracting public environments, or the student may prefer to practice amidst the controlled distractions of a group class environment.

In-home private lessons are available by appointment at $40.00 an hour with a $5.00 home fee. Travel surcharge may apply.

If you need help NOW, or just prefer to train your dog or puppy In the privacy of your own home we can get your training started off on the right foot or paw.
Get pointers on housetraining, nipping/mouthing, jumping, chewing, barking, prevention or repair of behavior problems and basic obedience! Private sessions can be scheduled right away. Start your training now for a better tomorrow with your dog.

To schedule, please contact Claire Silver via phone or email.

Payment plans are available upon request.

Canine Good Citizen Test

This test will allow you to earn the title of canine good citizen!

Learn more about the real Canine Good Citizen test by clicking here.

For class times, availability and sign-up, please click here

Introduction To Flyball Class

Photo courtesy of Brigitte Nadeau Professional Dog Photography

Flyball is a team sport for dogs that was invented in California in the late 70's. Legend has it that Herbert Wagner first showed it on the Johnny Carson Show to millions of Americans. Soon afterwards dog trainers and dog clubs were making and using Flyball Boxes. In the early 80's the sport became so popular that the North American Flyball Association (NAFA) was formed and they are the worldwide authority for Flyball. It is a relay race with 4 dogs on a team. The course consists of a starting line, 4 hurdles spaced 10 feet apart and a fly ball box. The Flyball box is loaded with a tennis ball, that the dog learns to deploy the ball. The first hurdle is 6 feet from the start line and the box is 15 feet from the last hurdle for a 51 foot overall length. The dogs jump the hurdles and deploy the tennis ball. The dog catches the tennis ball and then runs back over the 4 hurdles. When the dog crosses the starting line the next dog goes.

Photo courtesy of Brigitte Nadeau Professional Dog Photography

Check out the official Flyball home page by clicking on the link below:

Flyball Home Page

For class times, availability and sign-up, please click here

Pictured above Holland Elementary School Students (left to right) are Holly Richardson and her dog Heidi, Chris Wooten and her dog Tricky and Larry Wooten his dog Bamma. The 3 teams of dogs and handlers are participating in the Therapy Dog Training Class offered by Canine Obedience by Claire Silver.

Therapy Dogs are not just for Nursing Homes or Hospital work, their abilities and gifts can be shared with many different populations. Children, who normally may have little interest in reading, are jumping up and down with enthusiasm and motivation to read to a dog. This is partly due because a dog doesn’t judge, correct or expect. A dog listens with patience and empathy. This trusting connection is made instantly with children and their canine reading partners.

Any dog lover, young or old, understand there is nothing more comforting then the presence of a friendly, well mannered dog. That is what we hope to produce by offering this Therapy Dog Training Class. The graduates of Canine Obedience by Claire Silver have gone on to become Certified Therapy Dogs. Some of these remarkable teams are involved in School Reading Assistance Programs, Hospital visits, Nursing Home visits and Crisis Intervention with youth. The areas that Therapy Dogs can help in a community are endless.

The focus of this class will be on preparing the owner and the dog for the therapy environment and the Therapy Dog testing. Skills include leash handling and walking on a leash, obedience, working around medical equipment, loud noises, food, toys, and other distractions, greeting others, and etiquette for visiting, and Therapy Dog rules and regulations. This class is taught in a nursing home. This gives the dogs and the owners a real life feel for what it is like to visit as a future Therapy Dog Team.

Topics covered will include stress in dogs, Is my dog right for a the job, infection control in a health care setting, medical ethics, and general liability, different jobs a Therapy Dog can do. We will also discuss the differences between therapy dogs and service dogs. Upon conclusion of the course arrangements can be made through Therapy Dog of Vermont to have certified Evaluators assess your dog's ability and arrange for testing. It is not mandatory to to take the Therapy Dog Test upon completion. You can use this class as a great strategy to improve your dog's meet and greet and other obedience skills, and socialize them around an entirely new population of people. Dogs should have some basic obedience training started, not mandatory to have passed any formal obedience classes. Can be taken in conjunction with any other classes.

Dog's with Aggression are absolutely prohibited from this class.

For class times, availability and sign-up, please click here

Beginner Agility is for Dogs or puppies that have experienced a beginner level or introductory level of agility already. Dogs that know how to target, and have had exposure to a few obstacles and jumps are welcome to enroll in this level of agility. It all began in England, fashioned after horse Show Jumping in 1978. Today, Agility remains the fastest growing dog sport. It is a sport that finds dog and handler building bonds and having a wonderful time. It is also very popular among spectators, the action is fast and it is always entertaining whether the dog does as the handler asks or not. It's fun for everyone! Agility courses are created with obstacles the dog must negotiate. As the dog advances it learns to perform these obstacles off leash. As an owner you may cheer, clap, and call the dog through each obstacle as it best serves them. There are jumps of various make, climbing obstacles, weave poles, tunnels, and a pause table. Ultimately each course is timed and the dog that finishes with the fewest course faults and the fastest time wins. However, at the beginner level we are just teaching safety, style and of course, FUN. Timed runs off lead are usually performed by Intermediate and advanced agility dogs.

The obstacles can vary in style to include Jumps, hurdles, and a panel or wall jump. The spread jumps; include the double bar, triple bar, and broad jump. A suspended tire jump can also be found among the jumps on the course. There are other specialized jumps,. The climbing obstacles are also known as contact obstacles. . The dogs negotiate each obstacle by climbing over or on them and they must touch the yellow paint known as the contact zone at the ends of each board. This is a built in safety feature for the dogs. The teeter, or seesaw, is a moveable contact board. Weave Poles are a series of upright poles that the dog weaves in and out, between them all. Dogs must enter with the first pole at their left shoulder and then proceed down the line of poles until there are no more. The number of poles can vary.

Two types of tunnels can be found on an Agility course. Pipe, or rigid tunnels can be formed to make various shapes that the dogs run through. The Chute, or collapsed tunnel is made up of two parts. The entry portion is made of a rigid barrel on which a chute of material is attached. The overall length of the chute tunnel is 12' to 15'. Dogs enter the barrel and burrow their way through the chute material to emerge on the other side. This is a crowd favorite when the little dogs go through. Tunnels are also considered a favorite obstacle by most dogs.

The Pause Table is a place to stop and take a break from the action. The top is a 3' x 3' square, that sits on a stand that it is adjusted to the various dog's jump heights. the dogs jump on the table and pause for a count of 5 seconds before proceeding on to the next obstacle. Not all dogs take kindly to this break in the action.

The dogs receive much praise, toys or goodies, for their achievements. They are always loved, and are encouraged to learn these obstacles in a safe and controlled environment. Agility is an excellent means of building self-esteem in dogs and puppies and bonds in the human and dog relationship. Mostly people state that agility is FUN!

For class times, availability and sign-up, please click here

Agility II class is for those who would like to continue in their training after beginner agility. It is afun way to advance in the agility industry. We hope you injoy this new class.

For class times, availability and sign-up, please click here

The Advanced Agility class is for those who would like to continue in their agility training. This class will allow to perfect your agility skills. We hope you injoy this class.

For class times, availability and sign-up, please click here

This is a 4 week version of the Beginner Obedience Class. Perfect if you can't do a full 7 week version.

For class times, availability and sign-up, please click here

After taking this class you and your dog can amaze and bring wonder to onlookers. Learn lots of fun interactive tricks perfect for dogs of all ages.

For class times, availability and sign-up, please click here

If a dog has a nose we can teach it to track!

All dogs from Toy Poodles to Blood Hounds have an l ability to follow a scent. This is because tracking is a form of hunting which is an instinct that was handed down to dogs from their cousins the Wolf.
Tracking is stimulating, stress relieving, and mentally challenging exercise for dogs. It is a productive way for dogs to expel energy. Tracking is a fun opportunity for owners and their pets to work as a team, thus, improving their relationship.

For class times, availability and sign-up, please click here

If a dog has a nose we can teach it to track!

For those who would like to increase their tracking skill or who want a new challenge.

For class times, availability and sign-up, please click here

Attitude Over Precision! There should be a smile on the handler's face and a happy wagging tail on the canine partner when they participate in this fun activity!
Rally gives you the opportunity to give your dog encouragement and positive feedback throughout your routine. It should look like you are training your dog even though your are competing. This sport gives you the chance to build on basic heeling skills and teamwork. Whether your doing obedience, agility or just finishing basic training rally offers the fun and challenge of learning different combination of skills!

Do you want to take your flyball experience further? If so than this class is for you. Continue to practice and learn new techniques so that you get the most out this experience.

For class times, availability and sign-up, please click here

Whether you want your dog to hunt ducks, upland game, or even participate in field trials, the foundation skills are the same for retreivers and flushing dogs. This course will put you on the path to success! Objectives include, but are limited to:

1. Learning to love “Fetch!”
2. Single and Double Retrieves
3. Formalizing the Fetch Command
4. The Foundations of Handling
---------Lining
---------Three-Handed Casting
5. Field Quartering
6. Whistle Commands

Throughout the course, the crucial concepts that lead to a happy, confident and competent dog in the field will be emphasized and discussed. I hope you will join us and begin developing the irreplacable bond between you and your best friend as you share your passion for the outdoors.

For class times, availability and sign-up, please click here

Offered on a limited basis, I will be taking dogs into my home for training. This has been an ongoing request. Now with the big indoor arena, spacious walking trails and roomy home for everyone 4 legged and two legged I am pleased to announce
Dog and Puppy Boarding School:
Boarding School is a great training alternative for those who are too busy or unable to make it to weekly obedience sessions.

This program differs from many kennel training approaches. The dog or puppies will come into my home and learn to be a well mannered pet in a warm, clean home environment.

The training program can be individually geared based on the owner’s training goals. However, the following will be included:
Heel, sit, come, down, stay, stand for grooming, Let’s go (taking a walk on a loose lead), Leave it, Bed.
All canines will learn basic house manners, such as no jumping, not to rush the doors,off the furniture, out of the kitchen, quiet if barking. Any problem behavior such as: counter surfing, door aggression, noisy in the crate, rude in the car, mouthing, chewing, anti-social behavior will be addressed. Socialization and “field trips” will be part of the dogs training. The puppy or dog will not only have obedience manners in the home, but, out of the home too.
Included in the cost of Boarding School ( minimum 2 week stay) will be a private lesson a week. This will help you effectively communicate with your pet and make the transition back home a smooth success.

Boarding School Programs and Fees: Per Day $40.00
2 Week Program $400.00
4 Week Program $750.00
6 Week Program $1,000.00
8 Week Program $1,200.00

Pick up and Drop Off Transportation Service
is available at a fee of .50 cents per mile round trip.

You would be surprised at what your pet can learn in a day. The shorter stays of training will obviously offer less commands learned. But, can still be a great jump start to your pets over- all behavioral improvements.

Contact Us to sign up!