About Our Training

The Dog Spot Academy, a separate business with close ties to The Good Dog Spot, offers a variety of training opportunities to fit the needs of almost any dog owner. Click here to Meet our trainers!

We offer:

• group classes for puppies and dogs
• individual/private instruction
• behavior counseling for problem dogs
• agility classes
• SPOT SCOUTS -- an ongoing, continuing education opportunity for everyone

Our traning is based on operant conditioning, also known as "clicker training" and "positive reinforcement training".  This type of training is based on the proven, scientific understanding of how all learning takes place.  Many animal actors and marine mammals (whales and dolphins) are trained using positive reinforcement.  Service dogs, such as police dogs and guide dogs for the blind, are also now being trained with "clicker training".

For all training, please call us at (860) 836-7279. 

Group Classes for Puppies and Dogs

Our classes are geared toward building clear communication, a dog who is responsive to commands, and the cementing of a strong relationship between you and your pet.  You'll leave these classes with a better understanding of your dog and you'll be able to include your dog in family activities at home and in public.  

The "Levels" Training Approach

Come to class when YOU want and get what YOU need! Our “levels” format allows you flexibility, convenience and more personalized instruction.

You begin with a 2-week orientation to give you basic but useful skills and tools (see orientation schedule, below), then proceed through levels 1 & 2 at your own pace. Each level is offered several times a week so you can attend as your schedule permits, even skipping a week when you’re sick, on vacation, etc.

Our Class Schedule is as follows:

 In these classes we cover:

• sit &down
• come
• stay & wait
• leave it & give 
• housebreaking
• jumping
• running away
• counter-surfing

                   ...............and a myriad of other common issues.

The cost is $250 for 10 visits, which gets most owner-dog teams from orientation through level 2. Additional 5-week packages are $100 for those who wish to continue.

Click here for a registration form or continue reading for more details about what the course covers.

Detalls

Orientation

• Controlling jumping, barking, mouthing and other undesirable behaviors via “management”
• Being a responsible and capable leader to guide your dog
• Learning how “click and treat” training works

Level 1

• Getting and maintaining your dog’s attention from distractions
• Becoming a working team
• Getting your dog to understand your leadership
• Physical handling for calmness and safety
• Commands: Sit, down, leave it, come

Level 2

• Reading your dog’s behavior
• Making training decisions – you be the expert
• Using “life rewards” as reinforcements
• Commands: Stay, come, give, wait, loose leash walking

Level 3

• Leaving food
• Ignoring novelty
• Responding faster

Getting Started -- Enrolling  

Please use the Buy Now button to pay for your class then fill out this registration form and mail/email it to us unless the orientation date is less than a week away, then call us to register:  (860) 836-7279.

COST: $250 for 10 visits, including the first two orientation weeks.  NOTE:  As of July 1, 2011 there is a 6.35% tax on training services, which has been included in the amount charged on the Pay Now button.

Our upcoming Orientations are on the following dates:

Behavior Counseling and Private Instruction

Many clients prefer or need individual attention.  For these clients we offer private sessions at a reasonable cost.

Benefits:

• Scheduling based on your needs
• Solutions tailored to your specific situation
• Intensive support during the application of behavior modification programs

We would like to talk to you about your indiviual training needs.  Please call us at (860)836-7279. 

The fee for private sessions is $85 for the first visit, which is a 1 1/2 to 2 hour block, and $65 for each one hour follow up session. NOTE:  As of July 1st, 2011, we are required to charge 6.35% tax on all training services.  The amount is included on the Pay Now buttons below.

 You can pay for your 1st session here

You can pay for any follow up sessions here 

SPOT SCOUTS

Girl and Boy Scouts are clubs where young people practice skills that will help them as adults.  The Spot Scouts is a club where dogs and owners can continue being involved with training without needing to participate in dog sports or competitions.

Any dog-owner team can join the Spot Scouts and earn badges that show off your growing skills.  Events are held several times a month and cost around $15.  You can attend those you want and skip those you don't.   The sessions offer socialization and training in which you practice the skills needed for various badges, but you need not attend any classes to earn badges. 

Here are some examples of topics and field trips:

• Agility Try-it
• Recipe exchange and “guest manners” training
• Fun & Games using obedience skills
• Intro to tracking and scent training
• Dancing with your dog (really!)
• Recall Practice (coming when called)
• Stay Practice
• Doggie IQ Test
• Nail trimming 101
• Field trip to pet store
• Field trip to a vet office
• Field trip to an agility trial or other dog show

 Events are usually $20 individually.  For a $25 annual membership fee you get 5 free sessions per year and the ability to earn badges. 

For more information contact Marilyn at 860-836-7279  or dogspotacademy@gmail.com

Spot Scouts Events for Winter 2012:

Leash Walking Workshop 10 am - 12 noon &  Recall Workshop 1:30 - 3:30 pm  BOTH on Sunday, January 22   Leashwalking:  There is a lot you can do, even over the winter, to get ready for pleasant walks in the Springtime.  Recall: Learn how to motivate your dog to come every time you call!

Dog IQ Test  Saturday, February 11th, 1-3pm    Give your dog a series of tasks from a "real" dog IQ test that show how fast they can figure things out.  Do YOU think that shows how smart your dog is (or isn't)? 

Scent Training  Sunday, March 11th, 1-3pm   A new dog sport, we're just going to show you how it's done and see if your dog might be interested.  Fascingating to watch dogs use a sense we're not even aware of!

Leash Walking Workshop 10 am - 12 noon &  Recall Workshop 1:30 - 3:30 pm  BOTH on Sunday, January 22   Leashwalking:  There is a lot you can do, even over the winter, to get ready for pleasant walks in the Springtime.  Recall: Learn how to motivate your dog to come every time you call! 

Agility Classes

At The Good Dog Spot we gear classes towards pet owners who want to improve communication and/or help a shy dog build confidence rather than focus on competing.  You can gain the skills you will need should you want to compete, but you will not be pressured to do so  Our agility equipment is professional, regulation size and quality and the floor is cushioned stall matting. 

Agility classes are 7 weeks long and cost $140. NOTE:  As of July 1st, 2011 we are required to add a 6.35% sales tax to all training services. 

Our 2011 Agility schedule is as follows:

To sign up for agility, please fill out this agility registration form  and email or snail-mail it back WITH YOUR PAYMENT. A Pay Now button is provided below for your convenience (amount includes tax).  If the course start date is within one week, please call instead:  860-836-7279.   PLEASE NOTE:  Your dog must be under basic control, be non-aggressive towards dogs and humans, up-to-date on vaccines or titers, and healthy enough to be able to run, jump, and climb obstacles.