Smarty Paws Canine Coaching

FIRST NIGHT OF CLASS

1. Dogs must have proof of current vaccinations. Please bring your shot records to the first night of class or mail them before class.
2. Payment is due in full on the first night of class. Payment may be cash, check, or credit card.
3. These classes will be held inside on rubber flooring, please dress comfortably.
4. Please be sure your dog is in good health and fit for this training. If you or your dog has a special need, please let me know, i.e. recovering from injury, surgery, etc. for which we can lower jumps or do controlled exercises instead.  

WHAT TO BRING TO CLASS

1. A buckle collar or quick release collar.
2. A 4 or 6 inch tab lead. If you do not have one, I usually have these for sale at class.
3. A 4 or 6 foot lead.
4. Lots of your dogs favorite treats!!!
5. A favorite training toy (ball, frisbee, squeaky, tug)
6. A hungry dog. Please do not feed your dog at least four hours before class.
7. Please carry a plastic bag with you for clean up. !

NOT ALLOWED

1. Aggressive dogs.
2. Choke or pinch collars.
3. Bitches in season. We can make these classes up if this happens.

• Get Ready for Class at Smarty Paws Canine Coaching (.pdf 14K)

Come with your dog and see what all the fuss is about!! No big financial or time commitment, and NO HOMEWORK!! Your dog will be jumping, climbing and weaving on the first night!

Meets for one hour weekly for two consecutive weeks. This class can be repeated as often as you like.

No prerequisites, no aggressive dogs. Limited to 8 students.

This is an intermediate level class that will be geared more towards those dogs and handlers that are not looking to compete, but enjoy getting out and spending time with friends and running agility.

Dogs must have at least an Intro class to be ready for this class.

The focus of this class will be flowing courses with a few handler challenges, but will not get into rules, or more technical handling moves. Think of it as a "Mommy and me" day out at Agility Class!

This class is open to dogs 12 weeks thru 10 months, and any experience level.
Games will be used to begin to build teamwork between dog and handler. This will be a hands on, busy class in which you will learn the following:

• Basic control foundation:
• Sit, down, stay, both sides and recalls with distractions.
• Intro to clicker work.
• Handler will learn mechanics of handling with and without dog. Handler will learn to be consistent with their handling, thus helping to create confidence in their dog, which will lead to speed later on!!!
• Handler will learn how to build and maintain drive-and get their dog to would like to work even in distracting environments.
• Ground work for agility and body awareness skills will be taught.
• Introduction to low equipment with emphasis on fun, correct and safe execution.
   

This class is open to dogs 10 months and older. The focus of this class is for the dog and handler to learn each obstacle in a safe and positive manner. The key is to build confidence, which will later lead to speed and consistency from the dog. All of the contact equipment is fully adjustable, and new dogs learn on lowered equipment and gradually increase to full height.

Lots of treats are used as well as toys to reward dogs while they learn and to keep them motivated.
Basic handling skills are learned as we begin short sequences.

No pinch, choke or electronic collars are used, and no corrections are needed!!!

This is a fun class for dog and handler to bond while learning new skills, building confidence and giving the dog a job to do!!!

Graduation consists of Agility games and prizes.

Prerequisites for Intro to Agility Class:

• Walk on leash, sit, down, recall with distractions.
• Know what motivates your dog, toys, treats ,etc.
• If you are unsure of your dog’s abilities, a private evaluation may be scheduled.
• You may also enroll your dog in our Starting Off Right or Basic Obedience class before enrolling in Intro to Agility.

This is an Introduction to Agility Class open to dog and handler teams that have completed our Starting Off Right Class, regardless of age.

Dog and handler teams continue to learn body cues for agility, and learn short sequences.

Foundation agility skills are continued at this level.

A class for dog and handler teams that have already completed an Intro to Agility class.

This class will focus on particular course skills and how to handle them, and use them in course work. Detailed focus on serpentines, threadles, discriminations, etc.

Refine your handling skills to be successful on any course you come across!

This class picks up where the intro class leaves off. Dog and handler teams are now performing short sequences of obstacles, off leash, with the handler using verbal and body cues to direct the dog. The focus is on building consistent body cues and to prevent bad habits from forming on the part of the dog and/or handler.

Contact obstacles increase to full height in this class.

Control exercises are also used in class to continue working on our dogs sit, down, stay and recall command in a distracting and exciting environment.

Games are involved to sharpen our dog’s response time and keep learning fun.

Graduation consists of Agility games and prizes.

Prerequisites for Intermediate Agility Class:

• Dog must have completed an Intro to Agility class at Smartypaws or other training facility.
• Dog should be comfortable on all equipment, be able to stay with handler off leash and have a good recall with distractions.
• The dog will still be learning the weave poles and the teeter, and contacts will be at less than full height.

This class starts to prepare the dog and handler team to compete in Novice level Agility trials. Handling exercises are used as well as short course sequences to teach the team the maneuvers they will need to negotiate a Novice type course in all venues. Full courses are run several times during the session to test the skills at full speed! Exercises become more challenging as the session progresses, but are always built upon skills already learned. Students are encouraged to train at a higher level than they are planning to compete.

Graduation consists of Agility games and Prizes.

Prerequisites for Novice Prep Agility Class:

• Dog and handler will have completed at least one Intermediate class or have been evaluated in a private lesson.
• Dog will be comfortable on full height contact equipment, including the teeter.
• Dog and handler are able to do six straight weave poles.

Advanced Handling will be presented to the dog and handler team. Handlers now learn to walk and navigate a course using their own plan according to their dogs running style. Course problem solving is a highlight at this level.

Discriminations, independent weave poles, and independent contacts are skills we polish at this level. Graduation includes agility games to mimic ourselves under the pressure of a trial.

Dog and handler will be invited into this class level based on experience shown in other classes or private evaluation. This class follows Novice -Prep.

This class is for dog and handler teams who are competing at excellent level or equivalent.

The focus is on handling skills on tricky or difficult course set-ups as found in trialing.

Handlers learn the techniques that work best with their dog’s running style.

Motivation, speed, consistency, and independent obstacle performance are key issues that are continuously evaluated. Exercises in this class are mentally challenging for both dog and handler. Problem solving for those competing is always part of this session.

Prerequisites for Competition Agility Class:

• Dog and Handler will have completed at least one Advanced agility class or have been evaluated in a private lesson.
• Dog and handler will be invited into this class level based on experience shown in other classes or private evaluation.

Mary Kay's philosophy regarding Behavior modification focuses on positive reinforcement. All behavior modification programs at SmartyPaws include the use of treats, toys and even clickers to motivate each dog to perform a desired behavior. Shock collars are never used at SmartyPaws. Appropriate training tools are used for each case -- from housetraining to fear aggression to chewing, etc.

Because of Mary Kay's Veterinary Technician education with a focus in Behavior, she is able to work with your veterinarian in the instance that your dog's behavior problem is caused by an underlying medical problem. Her pursuit of required continuing education in this field keeps her current with the latest modification techniques as well as pharmacological advances currently used in the clinical veterinary behavior setting. She works closely with several local veterinarians, in a team effort, to develop protocols for those dogs that may benefit from medications along with their behavior modification.

Each Behavior Modification program is based on the particular needs of the family and their dog. Written instructions are provided, to compliment what is taught in each session. Some tests by your veterinarian may be needed before beginning a program. Nutritional counseling is also provided, as diet is becoming more of an issue in some behavior problems. All information regarding a family's behavior modification is confidential and only to include the family Veterinarian as needed.

At Smarty Paws Canine Coaching we are committed to helping you teach your dog what you would like them to know, while making training fun and enjoyable for both of you. We understand that the major reason pets are given up to animal shelters is because of behavior problems. Our training and behavior services help you address the concerns you have about your pet’s behavior so that you never make that trip to an animal shelter.

It’s much more effective and easier for you to prevent behavior problems than it is to correct them. That’s why our puppy classes and basic training classes are so important. In addition to what you learn from us, feel confident in knowing that we trust the behavior information you’ll find at HelpingFido.com and HelpingKitty.com and we encourage you to follow through and purchase the behavior education products we recommend. We would like your dog - and your cat too - to be behaviorally healthy!

As dog trainers, even though we don’t work with cat behavior, we know that many dog owners share their lives with cats as well. Behavior resources for cats are more difficult to come by, and we are thrilled to have found a source for effective, sensible and scientifically based information about cat behavior and problems at HelpingKitty.com. From litterbox problems to destructive behavior helping cats get along with each other and with family members, you’ll find the information you need.

We welcome your feedback on these products and resources. Feel free to contact us and give us a report after you’ve viewed, listened to or read them.

Our six week program will help you train your own dog to perform freestyle. Bring your boogie shoes! The class is a six week session. The fee is $125.00.

Smarty Paws is now offering conformation Show n Go's.

We’ll have an hour when you can work on stacking and gaiting and have someone with conformation experience go over your dog and run you through patterns. For small dogs we’ll have a table for exams.

With local shows coming up, now is a good time, whether you have an experienced dog you just would like a little brush up time with or a novice that needs exposure to new places and people.

a six week class designed to help you learn how to handle and present your dog to his full potential in the conformation ring.

Using Exercise balls and stretching techniques, you will learn to stretch and strengthen your canine athlete.

Use this time to bond and relax with your teammate while gearing up for the show season. 

Doggie Boot Camp allows dog owners to bring their dogs to Smartypaws for a day filled with training, exercise and fun. Dogs can learn new behaviors, get rid of some old ones, and learn agility, rally and more.

Doggie Boot Camp also offers a customized exercise program that can include fitness, conditioning and strengthening. All exercise programs are reviewed by a Licensed Veterinary Technician.

Your dog can spend part of, or all of his day at Smartypaws while you are at work. This provides the dog with mental and physical stimulation during the day, so that when his owner picks him up to go home, he has already spent part of his day learning and exercising! Now everyone can relax for the evening!

Each dog will be sent home with a Day Training report describing how he spent his day, what skills were taught, and what exercises were accomplished.

Doggie Boot Camp is available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

• Doggie Boot Camp with Training:
  • Full Day (4 hours or more)-$45 
  • Half Day (4 hours or less)--$40
• Doggie Boot Camp with structured exercise:
  • Full Day (4 hours or more)-$45
  • Half Day (4 hours or less)--$40
• Doggie Boot Camp with Training AND structured exercise:
  • Full Day (4 hours or more)-$45
  • Half Day (4 hours or less)--$40

Join the ranks at Smartypaws for Doggie Boot Camp! Your dog will LOVE you for it!

Doggie Boot Camp is provided by SmartyPaws Canine Coaching, Inc. and DogGrrrCise, LLC.
 

KinderPuppy ~ for puppies up to six months ~

This class gives the puppy the fundamentals to be a good companion at home as well as out in public, at the groomers, or veterinarian.

Puppies learn basic commands such as sit, down, come and stay. Exercises learned include walking on a leash, puppy retrieves, stand for exam, petting by strangers and recall games.

Discussion in this session include: housetraining, chewing, bite inhibition, handling, correct use of toys, crate training, jumping, digging, socializing, and individual issues of the puppy and his family.

You will have written homework of items covered in each weekly session.

• A training manual is included in your class tuition.
• Puppies must have at least two sets of puppy vaccinations or titers for classes or lessons at SmartyPaws.
   

Basic Obedience Series ~ for dogs six months and older ~

This class offers education for the older dog, who can now focus for longer periods of time and who also may be showing some adolescent tendencies that need to be addressed. Some behaviors just aren’t cute when Fluffy gets to 50 lbs!!!

Dogs will learn sit, down, stay, come and stand with distractions and off leash. Walking on a leash without pulling, about turns, automatic sits when you stop - are also taught. Distance is added to all stays and recalls.

Discussion includes socializing, spay/neuter, jumping, destructiveness, handling, feeding, etc. as well as individual problem areas.

This class will also include exercises to prepare your dog for AKC's canine Good Citizens test. Testing may be arranged and performed at SmartyPaws.

You will have written homework of items covered in each weekly session.

• A training manual is included in your class tuition.
• Puppies and dogs must have proof of current vaccinations or titers for classes or lessons at SmartyPaws.
   

Rally Obedience

AKC Rally is the new dog sport that is taking the nation by storm, a successful stepping stone from the AKC Canine Good Citizen® program to the world of obedience or agility. Rally offers both the dogs and handlers an experience that is fun and upbeat. The canine team moves at their own pace, very similar to rally-style auto racing. Rally was designed with the traditional pet owner in mind, but it can still be very challenging for those who enjoy higher levels of competition.

A rally course includes 10 to 20 stations, depending on the level. Scoring is not as rigorous as traditional obedience. Communication between handler and dog is encouraged and perfect heel position is not required, it is all about teamwork! The main objective of rally is to produce dogs that have been trained to behave in the home, in public places, and in the presence of other dogs, and to develop a working relationship with dog and handler.

A training curriculum designed to teach you and your dog the skills necessary to take the Therapy Dog Incorporated evaluation exam. This is a five week session, with week five including AKC's Canine Good Citizen test. Class fee is $105.00, including CGC testing fee.

MaryKay is an AKC CGC Evaluator and offers the CGC test 2-3 times a year. Click here to register and sign up for the next CGC Test.

AKC's Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) Program Sponsored by K9 Advantix® - what is it? Started in 1989, CGC is a certification program that is designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. The Canine Good Citizen Program is a two-part program that stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test may receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club.

Many dog owners choose Canine Good Citizen training as the first step in training their dogs. The Canine Good Citizen Program lays the foundation for other AKC activities such as obedience, agility, tracking, and performance events. As you work with your dog to teach the CGC skills, you'll discover the many benefits and joys of training your dog. Training will enhance the bond between you and your dog. Dogs who have a solid obedience education are a joy to live with-they respond well to household routines, have good manners in the presence of people and other dogs, and they fully enjoy the company of the owner who took the time to provide training, intellectual stimulation, and a high quality life. We sincerely hope that CGC will be only a beginning for you and your dog and that after passing the CGC test, you'll continue training in obedience, agility, tracking, or performance events.

All levels of competition obedience training from Novice through Utility are offered at Smarty Paws for AKC and UKC trials.

Training techniques involve the use of positive reinforcement to build confidence in the dog. All exercises are taught in small increments so that if something goes wrong, the handler has a level to go back to and start again.

Handling is a major issue covered in lessons as well as rules for AKC and UKC. Written homework is available to take home and practice between lessons.

Private lessons enable the dog/handler team to learn at a faster rate and to focus on problem solving for their own needs.

Whether or not you plan to compete, a well-behaved dog is a joy for you and your friends to be around allowing the dog to be more involved in your activities.

Build confidence in your child and a well behaved family dog. This is an educational and fun class for the kids. The last class will include dog games and a party that kids and dogs will love.

• The sessions will be six weeks, meeting 2-3 times weekly.
• Educational activities for the kids, including dog safety and responsible dog  ownership.
• Basic training for dogs such as sit, down, stay, come, walk on a leash nicely.
• Tricks that kids can teach their dogs.
• Children should be 10 yrs. of age or speak with a trainer before enrolling.
• The class size is very limited to 5 children per session.
• Two sessions offered during the summer months.
• Class fee is $90.00.

Our six week program will help you train your own dog to help you perform the tasks you may need. The class is a six week session. The fee is $125.00.