For Puppies (to 5 months)
For Teen/Adult Dogs

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FOR TEEN / ADULT DOGS (5 months and up)

Obedience Basics (for dogs 5 months and up)

Our Obedience Basics class is a longtime favorite at the Canine Connection. This 6-week course for teen and adult dog covers:

• Your dog paying attention to you, even when there are distractions
• Your dog learning to wait calmly for things he or she wants
• Calm greetings when people approach (an alternative to boisterous jumping!)
• “Canine calisthenics”  sit, down and stand
• Fundamentals of walking nicely on a leash
• Coming when called - quickly and reliably
• Positive socialization with other dogs and people
• Games that make learning fun

Time: Once a week for 7 weeks. The first session, known as our “Training Toolkit Seminar”, is an orientation to canine behavior and training (this session lasts approximately 2½ hours and dogs stay home). Sessions 2-7 include the dogs, of course; these sessions last approximately one hour.

Cost: $175, includes personal equipment/supplies session (approx. 30 minutes), 30’ long line, deluxe treat bag, clicker and wrist band (you are not required to use a clicker, but many people like to), access to online training materials, grad photos, certificate.

Dates/Registration:
Please note on the first class day your dog stays home and class is held from 6:00 - 8:30 PM

Date	Time	Instructor	Cost
Monday 09/13/2010	7:15 pm	Cindy Rich	$175
Wednesday 10/06/2010	7:15 pm	Sarah Richardson	$175

Small Dog Obedience Basics (for dogs under 25 pounds who are 5 months and older)

Small dogs are welcomed in our Obedience Basics class, but some owners prefer keeping their diminutive dogs in a class tailored just for the smaller set. Our Small Dog Obedience Basics class is a 6-week course (meets weekly) that covers:

• Your small dog paying attention to you, even when there are distractions
• “Canine calisthenics”  sit, down, and stand
• Walk nicely on a leash
• Coming when called - quickly and reliably
• Wait calmly
• Positive socialization with other dogs and people
• Games that make learning fun
• Training challenges that are unique to smaller dogs

Time: Once a week for 7 weeks. The first session, known as our “Training Toolkit Seminar”, is an orientation to canine behavior and training (this session lasts approximately 2½ hours and dogs stay home). Sessions 2-7 include the dogs, of course; these sessions last approximately one hour.

Cost: $175, includes personal equipment/supplies session (approx. 30 minutes), 30’ long line, deluxe treat bag, clicker and wrist band (you are not required to use a clicker, but many people like to), access to online training materials, grad photos, certificate.

Dates/Registration:
New daytime classes! Orientation is from 11 AM - 1 PM; subsequent weekly classes meet at 11 AM and last approximately 1 hour.

No classes available at this time

Intermediate Obedience (for grads of Puppy Kindergarten or Obedience Basics)

This class is for dogs 6 months and up who have completed our Puppy Kindergarten or Obedience Basics classes. In this class you will take your dog’s manners and skill to a new level by building better attention and behaviors, even with increasing difficulty and distractions. Note: Dogs under 7 months old who have completed our Puppy Kindergarten may attend our Puppy Intermediate class. Read about this class here. Time:Tuesdays at 7:15 PM Cost: $120 for 6 sessions

These classes are for CURRENT or FORMER STUDENTS of the Canine Connection
Date	Time	Instructor	Cost
Tuesday 09/14/2010	7:15 pm	Sarah Richardson	$120

Play and Train (for dogs 6-12 months)

This drop-in class provides teenage dogs with opportunities to play with their peers while also improving their attention and impulse control. How does this class work? Play sessions are interspersed with short training sessions. Dogs learn to be called out of play and owners learn to reinforce attention and obedience even with the distraction of other dogs. Separate areas will be provided for smaller and larger dogs.

This class is only suitable for teenage dogs who play well with other dogs. It is open only to graduates of our Puppy Kindergarten or Obedience Basics classes who are approved to join. Please call or email if you would like your dog to be part of this group.

Time: 7:30 - 8:30 PM, every Thursday

Cost: $10 drop-in fee

Agility

Dogs love agility and you will too! In Level I, you and your dog will be introduced to selected agility equipment (A-frame, hurdles, tire, tunnel, and more) while developing teamwork and trust. Dogs build confidence in themselves and in you. Plus, agility is great exercise, for the mind and body, for dogs and their people too. But most importantly, agility is just great fun!

As you progress in the sport to Level II and beyond, you can decide if a competition future is for you, or if you simply want to jump for the joy of it.

Note: Use of a clicker or verbal reward marker (e.g. yes!) is essential for this class.

Time: Once a week for 6 weeks.

Cost: $120

Level 1 - Open to current or former students of the Canine Connection, or receive permission of instructor. Evaluation of dog's temperament and obedience may be required.

Dates/Registration for LEVEL 1:

Date	Time	Instructor	Cost
Sunday 10/03/2010	11:30 am	Cindy Rich	$120

Level 2 - Must have completed Agility-Level 1 at the Canine Connection or receive permission of instructor.

Dates/Registration for LEVEL 2:

Date	Time	Instructor	Cost
Sunday 10/03/2010	10:00 am	Lynn Jacobs	$120

Level 3 - Must have completed Agility-Level 2 at the Canine Connection or receive permission of instructor.

Dates/Registration for LEVEL 3:

Date	Time	Instructor	Cost
Sunday 10/03/2010	08:45 am	Lynn Jacobs	$120

This class focuses on interpreting course diagrams, practicing course sequences to improve specific skills, and choosing the best course strategy for you and your dog. This class is designed to improve existing skills, not teach new skills. Participants must have completed Agility Level 1 at the Canine Connection or have instructor permission.

Unlike traditional classes that have a specific starting and ending week, you can join our Agility Practice class at any time. You then have eight weeks to complete your six sessions, allowing you to miss a week or two if needed.

Time:Tuesdays at 7:15 PM.

Cost: $120 for 6 sessions (must be used within 8 weeks of purchase)

Place: South Campus

Dates/Registration for Agility Strategy:

Date	Time	Instructor	Cost
Tuesday 06/15/2010	7:45 pm	Cindy Rich	$120

Rally O

Rally O is a fun dog sport that every dog and person can enjoy. Dogs and handlers navigate course with stations indicating which obedience exercise to perform. (sort of like a fitness par course with stations for various exercises, but Rally O exercises are much more fun than sit-ups and pull-ups). Examples of exercises are: sit-down-sit, sit-walk around, straight figure 8, and recall over jump. For those who are competitive, this class can help you prepare for APDT or AKC sponsored competitions (we’ll use the APDT format in class). For those who simply want to have fun, Rally O provides a great way to tune up your training and improve your teamwork with your dog!

Note: Rally O will be best enjoyed if your dog is calm around other dogs, does not pull on a leash when walking, and has achieved at least an intermediate level of obedience.

Time: Once a week for 6 weeks.

Cost: $120

Dates/Registration:

No classes available at this time

	Dr. Sarah integrates tricks into a freestyle routine with Lenny.

Freestyle

This fun-filled class will introduce you to some of the moves and maneuvers of Canine Freestyle, a wonderful new dog sport that mixes dogs, dancing, teamwork, tricks, and music in a thoroughly fun and rewarding way. Dogs and people of all ages, sizes, and abilities can enjoy this activity. Click here for a wonderful demonstration of the best of Canine Freestyle. (Sarah recently attended a workshop with this woman; it was fabulous!) Besides being great fun, this class will help your dog become a better learner and you become a better trainer!

Note: Freestyle will be best enjoyed if your dog is calm around other dogs, does not pull on a leash when walking, and has achieved at least an intermediate level of obedience.

Time: Once a week for 6 weeks.

Cost: $155; includes class DVD and training manual by Judy Gamet, founder of “Dogs Can Dance”

Dates/Registration:

No classes available at this time

Therapy Dog Training Prep Class

This therapy dog training prep class is designed to help you and your dog prepare for the Delta Society Pet Partner evaluation. You and your dog will be introduced to the basics of the evaluation and will have a chance to practice key behaviors and skills (such as reaction to distractions and petting by multiple people) necessary for successful completion of the evaluation. The Therapy Dog Training Prep Class is NOT required as part of your preparation to be evaluated for the Delta Society Pet Partner program. We are offering it simply to improve your understanding of evaluation requirements and provide you with a forum for becoming excellent pet therapy volunteers.

Class begins Thursday, January 7 at 7:15 pm. Meets for four consecutive weeks (01/07; 01/14; 01/21; 01/28). Cost is $100.

The Delta Society evaluation will be offered in Chico on Saturday, February 6. There is a $20 fee for the evaluation. The evaluation will be held at St. John Episcopal Church on Floral Avenue. Advance registration is required.

Please note that prior to being able to participate in the Pet Partner evaluation you must have completed the Delta Society Pet Partner Team Training Course. This course can be completed as a home study. This is a course for people (not dogs) about animal-assisted therapy and volunteering with your dog. The home study course can be obtained through the Delta Society at deltasociety.org.

Training Class No classes available at this time

Delta Society Pet Partner Evaluation
No registration available at this time
Please note, once your registration is received, an evaluation time for you will be scheduled. Evaluations will be conducted between 9 AM and 4:30 PM on Saturday, February 6, 2010. Evaluations last approximately 45 minutes.

Feisty Fidos

This is a small group class that is designed specifically for dogs that lunge and bark when they are on a leash and see other dogs. Using proven behavior approaches, the class will focus on teaching dogs to be calm around other dogs and attentive to you instead of outer-focused on other dogs. Note: Enrollment in this class is by invitation ONLY to current clients of The Canine Connection who are currently in private training and ready to take their dogs to the next level. Time: Once a week for 6 weeks. Cost: $150

No classes available at this time

Fearful Fidos

This is a small group class that is designed specifically for dogs that are timid around other dogs and people. Using behavior approaches including desensitizing and counter conditioning, this class will provide a safe and positive program for dogs to become more confident and outgoing.

Note: Enrollment in this class is by invitation ONLY to current clients of The Canine Connection who are currently in private training and ready to take their dogs to the next level.

Time: Once a week for 6 weeks.

Cost: $190, includes the book The Cautious Canine by Pat McConnell

Social Slowpoke Social (for teen and adult dogs)

This drop-in program is for dogs who are somewhat timid and unsure around other dogs. Dogs can mingle without the pressure of having extroverted peers to contend with. By providing a safe, positive environment, our “social slowpokes” can develop more positive association with their canine peers.

Our Social Slowpoke Social is open only to graduates of our Puppy Kindergarten or Obedience Basics classes who are approved to join. Please call or email if you would like your dog to be part of this group.

Time: 6:45 - 7:30 PM, every Thursday

Cost: $10 drop-in fee

Private Training and Consultations 

Private training and consultations are appropriate when:

• You need help with behavior problems such as fear, anxiety, aggression, house soiling, or destruction.
• Your schedule or situation prevents participation in our group classes.
• You have specific training goals, such as service dog tasks, that go beyond our group class curriculum.
• You have very small children who you would like to be involved in the training process.
• You want to build a foundation with private training before coming into to a group class.
• Your dog is too young (i.e. under 11 weeks) for group class.
• You want assistance in selecting the ideal dog to be your new best friend.

All our private training begins with an initial consultation when we assess your dog’s behavior and your training goals. Should ongoing private lessons be warranted, we’ll work with you and your dog as your Personal Canine Coach or you may choose to enroll your dog in our Jumpstart Pro Training Program.

Behavior Consultations
A private consultation with Dr. Sarah Richardson, Certified Pet Dog Trainer and Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, will allow her to bring her many years of experience with dog behavior to your specific situation. This consultation is critical when dealing with aggression, anxiety, and other problem behaviors. During a behavior consultation, a prognosis for improving your dog’s behavior will be provided and first steps for a behavior modification program will be discussed and practiced. Behavior consultations are often followed with Private Lessons to help you better teach and live with your dog.

Behavior Consultation: $135 (approx. 1½ hour)

Private Lessons
With private lessons you and your dog have our undivided attention. We focus exclusively on your goals and training needs, teaching you how to effectively train your dog.  If you enjoy being on the other end of the leash and want a personal canine coach to help you become your dog’s best teacher, parent, and friend, this option is for you.

Initial consultation: $135 (approx. 1½ hour).

Subsequent sessions: $90 at training center; $100 at your home (approx. 1 hour)*.

Jumpstart Pro Training
This program is for those too busy for training or those dealing with a difficult behavior that they’d just like to turn over to the pros. Our Jumpstart Pro training allows us to help get your dog’s training program going for you. Training is conducted by a nationally Certified Pet Dog Trainer with years of experience dealing with all breeds and behaviors. Following our initial consultation, the pros work with your dog daily, at your home, our training center, or around town. After new behaviors are formed, we then coach you on how to maintain and further develop your dog’s new skills.

Short Course: $935
Initial consultation (approx. 1½ hour), 6 training sessions with your dog, 2 coaching sessions with you and your dog (each approx. 1 hour)*.

Extended Course: $1735
Initial consultation (approx. 1½ hour), 12 training sessions with your dog, 4 coaching sessions with you and your dog (each approx. 1 hour)*.  

* Additional rates to may apply to Durham, Paradise, Magalia, Hamilton City, and other areas outside Chico.