About Our Training

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) 243-5500, option 3

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 $200 for 10 visits, which gets most owner-dog teams from orientation through level 2. Additional 5-week packages are $85 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 select one of our orientation dates in the table below and 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) 243-5500, option 3.

COST: $200 for 10 visits, including the first two orientation weeks.

Our Summer 2010 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)243-5500, option 3. 

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

There is a $25 annual membership fee, which gives you 5 free sessions per year

and the ability to earn badges.

For more information contact Marilyn at

860-243-5500 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Spot Scouts Events for June, 2010:

June 19 (Sat), 1-3pm   Pool Party    Teach come and stay during distractions, Learn how to keep your dog somewhat settled and attentive during the event -- "No running near the pool, kids!"

June 25 (Fri), 7-9pm  Game Night   The ever-popular get together, with board games especially for dogs as well as musical chairs and tic tack toe (where your dog is the game piece).

June 22 (Tues), 7-9pm  Quiet Crates   If your dog doesn't like his/her crate, if he/she is barking so much in there you can't use it, this event is for you.  It's also full of great info if you've just gotten a new puppy or dog and want to know how to make the crate thing work from the get-go.

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. Our June 2010 Agility schedule is as follows:

To sign up for agility, please fill out this agility registration form   and email or snail-mail it back.  If the course start date is within one week, please call instead:  860-243-5500.   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.