Specialty Classes

Conformation

Length:

Drop-in class (1 session), 45 minutes

Description:

Learn basic conformation handling skills to show your dog in the breed ring.

Class Fees:

$14 ($12 for Active Members)

Age of Dog:

3 months and older

Requirements:

Dogs must be current on DHPP and Rabies vaccinations.

Instructor(s):

Brad Briscoe, Pam Lister

Intro to K9 Nose Work & Intro to Odor

Length:

6 weeks, 30 minutes

Description:

This sport teaches dogs how to focus on searching and gain confidence.

Class Fees:

$150 first dog, $72 per additional dog

Age of Dog:

3 months and older

Requirements:

Dogs must be current on DHPP and Rabies vaccinations.

Instructor(s):

Josette Kimes, Penny Proctor

Continuing K9 Nose Work

Length:

Drop-in, 120 minutes

Description:

This sport teaches dogs how to focus on searching and gain confidence.

Class Fees:

$25 first dog, $12 per additional dog

Age of Dog:

3 months and older

Requirements:

Dogs must be current on DHPP and Rabies vaccinations.

Instructor(s):

Josette Kimes, Penny Proctor

Rally Obedience

Length:

Drop-in (1 session), about 120 minutes

Description:

Learn Rally Obedience moves and practice running through Rally courses with your dog.

Class Fees:

$14 ($12 for Active Members)

Age of Dog:

6 months and older

Requirements:

For dogs that have completed a Beginning obedience course. Dogs must be current on DHPP and Rabies vaccinations.

Instructor(s):

Nan Franceschini

Foundation Scent Work Part I

Length:

6 weeks, 90 minutes

Description:

This class is geared towards preparing dogs for competition Scent Work in AKC, NACSW, SDS and UKC.

The foundation Scent Work Class teaches the dog an Alert Indicator such as a down and/or a sit to indicate odor. This is taught before teaching the search so that the dog knows the exact behavior we want when he finds odor. Many methods start with search and leave it up to the dog to figure out how to indicate odor to the handler leading to a variety of problems later such as excessive scratching, biting, barking and unclear alerting. By conditioning the Alert Indication first, we can bomb proof a dog's Alert behavior and improve searching behavior. Once the "Indication" is bomb proof we move to Odor Discrimination.

Class limited to 6 dog and handler teams.

Class Fees:

$150

Age of Dog:

3 months and older

Requirements:

Dogs must be current on DHPP and Rabies vaccinations. Admission to any class must be pre-approved by instructor, Steve Bettcher 510-290-2653, steve@k9sniffers.com. Pre-class paperwork must be completed prior to start of class.

Instructor(s):

Steve Bettcher

Foundation Scent Work Part II

Length:

6 weeks, 90 minutes

Description:

This class is geared towards preparing dogs for competition Scent Work in AKC, NACSW, SDS and UKC.

Once the dog has mastered the Alert Indication, we introduce Odor Discrimination. We start by adding a blank box and/or tube along with the operant scent box containing a cocktail of odors used in scent work competition. As the dog becomes proficient in this task, we start adding more scent items (boxes and tubes). We also begin working the dog at distance and independently of the handler. At the end of this phase the dog should be finding the odor, indicating with a sit or down from as many as 12 items and working away from the handler off leash. Individual Odors used in NACSW, SDS and AKC are also introduced in this phase of training.

Class limited to 6 dog and handler teams.

Class Fees:

$150

Age of Dog:

3 months and older

Requirements:

Dogs must be current on DHPP and Rabies vaccinations. Admission to any class must be pre-approved by instructor, Steve Bettcher 510-290-2653, steve@k9sniffers.com. Pre-class paperwork must be completed prior to start of class.

Instructor(s):

Steve Bettcher

Tricks Class

Length:

4 weeks, about 60 minutes

Description:

A trick is a behavior that you teach your dog for fun. (Which, for many of us, describes all training.) Teaching tricks is a great way to develop the bond between you and your dog and to teach your dog to think creatively. Tricks enhance visits for therapy dogs, provide interest in freestyle routines, burn energy for puppies, and are a relaxed way to keep older dogs learning. They're also a great way to sharpen your training skills.

Class Fees:

$50

Age of Dog:

6 months and older

Requirements:

For dogs that have completed a Beginning obedience course. Dogs must be current on DHPP and Rabies vaccinations.

Instructor(s):

Lynn Ungar

Platforms

Length:

Drop-in (1 session), about 60 minutes
This class is usually held the first Wednesday of each month.

Description:

Platforms are a training tool which help the dog learn the correct position for heal, front, etc. They are usually used in conjunction with a clicker. They can also be used to train pivots, back-ups, signals, and lots of neat tricks.

Class Fees:

$14 ($12 for Active Members)

Age of Dog:

6 months and older

Requirements:

For dogs that have completed a Beginning obedience course. Dogs must be current on DHPP and Rabies vaccinations.

Instructor(s):

Lynn Ungar

Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Test

Length:

One-time test, about 3 - 4 hours
Each individual test takes about 15 minutes
This test is held periodically.

Description:

Take the AKC's Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test with your dog to earn the Canine Good Citizen Certificate.

Test Fee:

$10

Age of Dog:

6 months and older

Requirements:

Dogs must be wearing a well-fitting buckle or slip collar made of leather, fabric, or chain and be on a leash for the test. Also bring the dog's brush or comb to the test. Dogs must be current on DHPP and Rabies vaccinations.

Evaluator(s):

Dee Bogush, Denise Laberee, Katie Tucker