CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
Group Classes
Welcome! If you are new to Island Dog, we recommend starting in Puppy Class if your pup is under 6 months old on the date of the first class, and Family Manners for all other ages. After Family Manners is Foundations, which continues skills learned and provides foundational training for all of our specialty classes (ex: Agility, Playground, Fit Dog, Gymtastic Tricks, etc.). While most dogs start in either Puppy or Family Manners, if your dog has previous training in a group class setting, we would be happy to meet and evaluate starting at a higher level.
Our group classes have a 4:1 student/instructor ratio or better, and are limited to a maximum of six dogs. This ensures plenty of individualized assistance within the group class format.
Classes are $175; they are one hour long (unless otherwise noted), and meet for for 7 weeks. At least five of seven classes must be attended to receive a completion certificate.
We offer classes specifically for reactive dogs and sensitive dogs. Be sure to scroll down to learn more about our special Reactive and Sensitive dog classes.
All dogs of any breed or mix are welcome in our classes - including (but not limited to) deaf and/or blind- as we believe everyone is capable of learning and enjoying life!
Learn More
7-week class $175.00
Evaluations $60.00
Look at individual classes for specifics.
Pups Under SIX months old? Start here!
Puppy Socialization Class
Designed for pups 10 -22 weeks, goals for your pups are:
- Socialization with people and other puppies (when appropriate)
- Basic instruction with motivational clicker training and insights into how dogs learn
- Basic introduction to skills and manners
Please note that while we start working on the basics such as "sit' and "down, this is not a traditional obedience class. We focus on foundation training skills and teaching you how to introduce new sounds, objects, and people to your pup in a safe, calm manner. Attendance at the first class is mandatory.
This is an AKC S.T.A.R Puppy Class.
7- week Group Class $175.00
Dogs over 6 Months Old? Start Here!
Family Manners
Dogs from 6 months old to senior citizens will begin to learn basic manners such as sit, down, wait, come, and loose leash walking. We start indoors where the distractions are low, and weather permitting, we build to work outside as well!
Build your relationship with your dog through dog-friendly. positive clicker training!
Attendance at the first class is mandatory.
7- week Group Class $175.00
Continue Skills LEarned in Family Manners...
Foundations
Prerequisite: Family Manners Class
Dogs continue working on basic manners: sit, down, wait, come, "leave it", and loose leash walking. We also focus on friendly greetings - sitting calmly when people approach instead of jumping up!
For variety, as most dogs get bored with always doing "sit-stay-come", we do something a little different every week such as searching for treats, or jumping over and onto obstacles! we also start working on more advanced obedience such as heeling and working with your dog close to your side.
7-week Group Class $175.00
Teenager Pups & Energetic Dogs
Prerequisite: Family Manners
This class is specifically geared towards those dogs with extra energy, who maybe struggle with focus, who maybe find obedience training "too boring" for their active bodies. Perfect for those who took Family Manners, or even who went on to Foundations but want to do more with foundational life skills.
We go over strategies for calming & settling down, learn about building patience & waiting skills, and some "sport dog foundations" for those curious about agility, playground, and more. These foundations are excellent for any active dog, from throwing balls in your backyard to doing disc sports!
7-Week Group Class $175.00
SPECIALTY CLASSES
Gymtastic Tricks
Gymtastic Tricks
Gymtastic Tricks
Prerequisite: Foundations
Offered in a three class series (Intro, Intermediate, Advanced), expand beyond basic training to teach tricks! Tricks are the perfect way to give their minds & bodies a workout.
We start off with foundational body awareness training and simple tricks, and progress to the complex flashy tricks you see on TV! Incorpo
Prerequisite: Foundations
Offered in a three class series (Intro, Intermediate, Advanced), expand beyond basic training to teach tricks! Tricks are the perfect way to give their minds & bodies a workout.
We start off with foundational body awareness training and simple tricks, and progress to the complex flashy tricks you see on TV! Incorporated in the class are exercises to help your dog learn body coordination, balance, and work on various surfaces so they can learn more complex tricks in the future. Connect with your dog, learn more about their unique personality, and grow an incredible teamwork bond! The class is limited to six dogs.
7-week Group Class $175.00
Stage Tricks
Gymtastic Tricks
Gymtastic Tricks
Prerequisite: Foundations
Complementary to our Gymtastic Tricks Series, this class focuses on using a stationary platform to train various skills, behaviors, and tricks. Platforms give our dogs a particular location to perform, and this defined space of the "stage" makes some things easier to train.
This class will learn about everything f
Prerequisite: Foundations
Complementary to our Gymtastic Tricks Series, this class focuses on using a stationary platform to train various skills, behaviors, and tricks. Platforms give our dogs a particular location to perform, and this defined space of the "stage" makes some things easier to train.
This class will learn about everything from advanced obedience skills (that seem tricky, but are not with the help of a platform!) to flashy circus-type tricks. Even though the platform is stationary, the tricks are dynamic!
7-week Group Class $175.00
Playground
Gymtastic Tricks
Playground
Prerequisite: Foundations
Offered in a three-class series (beginning, intermediate, advanced), Playground is a non-competitive "agility-for-fun" class.
As you progress through the classes you'll learn how to teach your dog to go through a tunnel, jump on a stationary platform, walk on a narrow plank, balance on a teeter, and more! You wil
Prerequisite: Foundations
Offered in a three-class series (beginning, intermediate, advanced), Playground is a non-competitive "agility-for-fun" class.
As you progress through the classes you'll learn how to teach your dog to go through a tunnel, jump on a stationary platform, walk on a narrow plank, balance on a teeter, and more! You will get lots of exercise as your dog runs through the obstacle courses! This class will also improve your teamwork skills of working together off-leash in a safe and controlled environment.
7-week Group Class $175.00
Agility Basics: 1, 2 , 3
Agility Basics: 1, 2 , 3
Agility Basics: 1, 2 , 3
Prerequisite: Foundations
In this three class series we use only jumps, tunnels, hoops, and barrels; it is safe for any age or ability of dog as there are no high-impact obstacles. We use these seemingly simple obstacles to create fun patterns for your dog to run!
Learn how to build engagement, improve off-leash skills, and use toys in tra
Prerequisite: Foundations
In this three class series we use only jumps, tunnels, hoops, and barrels; it is safe for any age or ability of dog as there are no high-impact obstacles. We use these seemingly simple obstacles to create fun patterns for your dog to run!
Learn how to build engagement, improve off-leash skills, and use toys in training (if your dog is toy motivated), and grow as a team as you navigate the course together.
Formerly called "Playground Patterns", Agility Basics series focuses on the human side of agility skills such as side changes, classic sequences, and basic distance skills so you don't have to keep up with your dog! In higher levels, we build toward NADAC agility-style courses.
7- week Group Class $175.00
Agility Skills
Agility Basics: 1, 2 , 3
Agility Basics: 1, 2 , 3
Prerequisites: Agility Basics 3
& Instructor Permission
After taking the initial three Agility Basics classes, move into Agility Skills. In this class we will start learning weaves (6 poles) and A-frame. We will also work on moving to full jump height.
Longer courses will be focusing on Intro level NADAC with some stretching of skills towa
Prerequisites: Agility Basics 3
& Instructor Permission
After taking the initial three Agility Basics classes, move into Agility Skills. In this class we will start learning weaves (6 poles) and A-frame. We will also work on moving to full jump height.
Longer courses will be focusing on Intro level NADAC with some stretching of skills towards Novice. We do not host competitions, however there are opportunities to optionally participate in Video runs.
This class can be taken many times as there is much to learn!
This class is limited to 4 dogs.
7- week Group Class $175.00
Agility
Agility Basics: 1, 2 , 3
Agility
Prerequisites: Agility Skills
& Instructor Permission
Once your dog can perform both an A-frame and 6 weave poles in easy setups consistently, and is okay with doing longer courses and working at full jump height, your instructor will suggest moving up to this class.
Courses with more complexity and challenges, both distance and obstacle d
Prerequisites: Agility Skills
& Instructor Permission
Once your dog can perform both an A-frame and 6 weave poles in easy setups consistently, and is okay with doing longer courses and working at full jump height, your instructor will suggest moving up to this class.
Courses with more complexity and challenges, both distance and obstacle discrimination, will be taught. Skills worked will be geared at Novice and Open levels of NADAC. Once more challenging weave pole entries are solid, a full 12 weave pole set is introduced.
This class can be taken many times as there is much to learn!
This class is limited to 4 dogs.
7- week Group Class $175.00
Fit Dog
AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Prep
AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Prep
Prerequisite: Foundations
AKC FIT DOG Series
In this class series, we focus on canine conditioning and fitness. Your dog will get to experience different exercise types such as cardio, flexibility, and strength training. In each class, there is a warm-up exercise, a cardio activity, two or more strength exercises, and a cool down exercise. In Level 1 there is a 1-mile walk. In Level 2 and 3, there are two 1-mile walks. You can even apply for AKC Titles for your dog!
This class series is not appropriate for dogs who are under the age of 18 months, dogs who are recovering from an injury, or dogs struggling with their weight.
7-week Group Class $175.00
AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Prep
AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Prep
AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Prep
Prerequisite: Foundations
This class is a preparation class for taking the AKC's Canine Good Citizen test. We focus on the obedience skills required for the CGC test, such as heeling through a course with turns, walking calmly through crowds of people, polite greetings, and being calm close to other dogs.
On the last day of this class, we offer the CGC test. Even if you do not wish to take the test we welcome anyone who wants to practice these skills!
We can also test for AKC Community Canine and AKC Urban CGC after passing CGC.
7-week Group Class $175.00
Rally-O
AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Prep
Prerequisite: Foundations
Offered in a three-class sequence (novice, intermediate, advanced), Work on the skills from Rally-O, a growing sport of advanced obedience skills done in a path work sequence.
Build the bond with your dog by navigating a course with signs for different behaviors including various turns, serpentines, sidesteps, heeling at various speeds (walking, running!), and more.
7-week Group Class $175.00
Where Is It?
Prerequisite: Foundations
Learn how to channel your dog's natural instinct to use its sense of smell into a game you can play anytime and anywhere with your dog. We introduce searching for treats in boxes and similar places. As you progress through the courses, we start searching outside, in cars, and increase the complexity of the search!
This is a treat-based version of AKC Nosework. The class is limited to four dogs.
7-week Group Class $175.00
Home Skills
Home Skills
Time for your dog to earn their dog food? Let's teach him to open dresser drawers and bring your socks to you, or open the refrigerator and bring a cola!
Got a 'touch' light? Cue your dog to turn it on so you don't have to enter a dark room.
This class is geared towards those training service dogs, but anyone is welcome to join!
7-week Group Class $175.00
Sensitive Dogs
Sensitive Dog Classes
Sensitive Dog Class
These classes are 1-on-1 training for shy or timid sensitive dogs. Build your dog's confidence by working with their nose, and paws, and interacting with their environment. Classes are 20 minutes once a week of individual instruction tailored to your dogs' specific needs based on a private evaluation prior to class acceptance.
7- weeks $175.00
Sensitive Dog Transition Class
After completing sensitive dog classes, if your dog is not ready for a full regular class, we offer a smaller group class limited to four or fewer dogs depending on their needs. These classes are one hour long, every week for seven weeks $175.00
Reactive Dogs
Reactive Dogs 101
These classes are for dogs who struggle with things such as barking, growling and/or lunging at dogs. Each class will be tailored to the individual dog and their needs based on a private evaluation prior to class acceptance.
We give a 2-hour lecture for the first class to help handlers understand the fear that is causing their dogs to react to other dogs. We use drawings and videos in this lecture to teach what to look for in your dog BEFORE the reaction begins.
Each dog/handler team will receive 20 minutes of individual instruction each week, at an assigned time. Handlers will learn Relaxation, Counter Conditioning, and other techniques to help their dog be more comfortable in their environments. When you know what to do when your dog sees another dog you'll be more comfortable too! Classes will be indoors and outdoors. This is a 7-week class, $175.00.
(Note: We do not work with human aggressive dogs, but we can refer you to a Veterinary Behaviorist.)
Reactive Dogs 102
In Reactive Dog 102 each dog/handler team will continue to receive 20 minutes of individual instruction each week, at an assigned time.
Handlers will continue to work on Relaxation, Counter Conditioning, and other techniques to help their dog be more comfortable in their environments.
Most classes will be outdoors. Weather permitting and if your dog is ready, the last class will be in your neighborhood.
With extra practice, many dogs are able to join our regular group classes. At some point, when you and your dog are ready, our goal is for your pup being near our trained neutral dog without reacting.
7- weeks $175.00
Unique Classes offered upon request
Tactile Class for Deaf and Blind Dogs
Enrichment for Senior Dogs Focusing on Movement, Mental Stimulation & Socialization
Enrichment for Senior Dogs Focusing on Movement, Mental Stimulation & Socialization
Dogs that have vision & hearing challenges can learn basic cues (sit, down, loose leash walking, stay and others). We teach hand signals or touch signals.
The challenge is for you, the human. It takes patience and the ability to "see" and "hear" the way your dog does. The group class is limited to 4 dogs.
When offered as a 7-week group class, it is $175.00 per dog.
When offered as a one-on-one class, it is $260.00
Enrichment for Senior Dogs Focusing on Movement, Mental Stimulation & Socialization
Enrichment for Senior Dogs Focusing on Movement, Mental Stimulation & Socialization
Enrichment for Senior Dogs Focusing on Movement, Mental Stimulation & Socialization
The Enrichment for Senior Dogs class is focused on providing senior dogs with an opportunity to socialize, play, and learn new things with other older dogs in a safe, non-taxing, positive reinforcement environment.
Intended Audience
Well-behaved, mobile dogs who are comfortable being with other dogs of varying sizes and ages (above six years old).
Ensure your dog is healthy to begin exercise. Consult your canine health professional before beginning this or any exercise program.
Prerequisites
· Six years or older
· Applicable vaccinations
· Dogs with non-aggressive temperaments not easily startled or prone to acting out in frustration
Objectives
· Provide senior dogs with opportunities for…
o Gentle safe activity
o Mental stimulation, and
o Socialization with other dogs
· Apply and practice presented concepts and content
· Identify possible barriers and/or challenges to success and formulate a plan to address obstacles
· Gain commitment to incorporate and demonstrate what was learned during this class with your dog
Classes will be indoors and outdoors. Each class is 45 minutes. This is a 7-week class for $175.00