About Our Training

The Good Dog Spot! offers a variety of training opportunities to fit the needs of almost any dog owner.  There are group classes for puppies and dogs, individual/private instruction, behavior counseling for problem dogs, dog agility classes, and educational seminars and workshops.

All of the training at The Good Dog Spot! is based on operant conditioning, also known loosely as "clicker training" and "positive reinforcement training".  This type of training is based on the proven, scientific understanding of how all learning takes place.  Almost all animal actors and marine mammals (whales and dolphins) are trained using positive reinforcement.  Many 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

Watch These Video Clips of Clicker Training In Action

 

 

 

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.   All classes use positive reinforcement training with some classes specifically using clickers.

Levels Training

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, then proceed through levels 1, 2 and 3 at your own pace. Each level is offered several times a week and you can attend as your schedule permits, even skipping a week when you’re sick, on vacation, etc.

There are “competencies” for each level, which are the building blocks for the next level. Levels 1 & 2 comprise our canine companion basics, and include not only sit, down, come, stay and leash walking, but also leave it, give and wait. We also cover 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.

Details

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

The first week of orientation is without the dog. Please bring your dog’s proof of vaccinations and be prepared to pay by cash or check (we do not process credit cards).

The second week of orientation is at the same time on the very next week and is WITH the dog.

Once you have completed these two sessions, you may attend any Level 1 session (see schedule below).

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

Our Class Schedule is as follows:

Level 1	Tuesdays, 6 pm	Sundays, 1 pm
Level 2	Tuesdays, 7 pm	Sundays, 2 pm
Level 3	No Tuesdays yet	Sundays, 3 pm

Call or email us for the dates of our next Orientations. Orientation (2 weeks)

• Tools of the Trade
• Preventing unwanted behavior:  jumping, nipping, housebreaking accidents, running away, stealing things, etc.

Behavior Counseling and Private Instruction

Many clients prefer or need to receive individual attention.  For these clients we offer private sessions.

Benefits:

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

Seminars and Workshops

Sometimes all a person wants or needs is a little bit of information.  The Good Dog Spot! offers occasional seminars on a variety of topics.  Popular topics include: Selecting a family dog; housebreaking; leash walking; and dog and kids.

 

 

Agility Classes

Dog agility is a rapidly growing sport in which the dog runs up, over and through a wide variety of obstacles, directed by the handler.  Whether you decide to formally compete or not, agility is a great confidence builder for the dogs.  It provides the dogs with an enjoyable physical and mental stimulation.  Our agility equipment is professional, regulation quality, and we offer classes in both fun agility and competition agility.

 

 

 

 

	34 Tunxis Avenue	(860) 243-5500
	Bloomfield, Connecticut	marilyn@thegooddogspot.com
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