Beginning Obedience

The dates the beginning obedience class is scheduled to start are listed below.

The beginning obedience class is available to the general public for $85. It is our most popular class and comes highly recommended by most of the veterinarians in Columbus and the surrounding area.

THE GOAL - Teach dogs and handlers the basic commands and skills of obedience.  All work will be done on a 6 foot leash.

THINGS YOU WILL LEARN -

• Proper use of collar and leash
• Walking on a loose leash
• Heel and proper heel position including pace changes, turns (left, right, about), circle right and left, and automatic sit
• "Come" including "come-fore", formal recall, and restrained recall
• Sit command
• Down command
• Stand command
• Sit and down stays (1 minute sit/3 minute down)
• Sit for examination
• Proper praise and correction techniques and importance of timing
• Proper use of release word, tone of voice, enthusiasm in training
• Crate training, basic manners, and household obedience/management

This is an 8 week long course offered on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evening. Dogs must be at least 5 months old and handlers must be at least 12 years old. The only equipment needed for class is a 6 foot leather or nylon lead, a training collar and training treats.

The first class is an orientation session that begins at 6:30 PM and lasts approximately 2 ½ hours. While there the first night you will attend a group training demonstration / discussion and be assigned to a class that will meet from then on, either at 7:00 or 8:00 (dogs are normally assigned to a class based on size but we will do our best to accommodate you if you have a time preference). This first session is a required class, if you do not attend the first class you will not be able to participate in the remaining classes. Please note that dogs do not attend this first class.

Enrollment in each class is limited to 10 to 12 dogs and we will not "hold" a spot for anyone until we receive a paid application. Participants must pre-register by submitting an application (see "forms") and payment in full. Most classes typically fill up 7 to 10 days in advance; if the class is already full when we receive your application, we will contact you immediately to discuss other options.

We also require that all dogs are current on their vaccinations including DHL-PP, bordetella and rabies. When you request the class application you will also receive a vaccination history form that must be signed by your veterinarian. You may return the vaccination history form to us by submitting it with your application or bringing it to class with you the first night. Please note that we must have the signed form before your dog will be allowed in the building.

We hope you will decide to join us for this exciting and rewarding class. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to call.