Canine Classroom
We offer group classes year round, and private lessons on an individual basis.
We strive to help you meet your goals with your dog. Our group classes are held year round. We train outside in a large completely fenced training yard with good footing and plenty of shade trees . When it's raining we hold classes in a large covered arena. We can help you achieve the highest level of training you want with your dog, from basic obedience to off-leash advanced work.
Group classes:
Level 1: Building a foundation
Level 2: Refine the basic commands,
Level 1- for beginners of all ages. You will gain on-leash control, create respect, and build the foundation for future success. We teach sit, heal, stay, down, come, and stand. We also cover the importance of engagement and the timing of rewards. This is an information packed course. 6 one hour classes - $250
Level 2- for graduates of Level 1 building a foundation We reiterate and refine the basic lessons, while incorporating hand signals, and progressing towards off-leash control. 5 one hour classes - $175
Advanced
classes
Advanced classes are held throughout the year depending on student interest. This is our highest level of training, and creates a strong partnership between you and your dog. Advanced classes are mostly off-leash work, and dogs are selected for eligibility on an individual basis. Advanced classes include field trips to different places in the community, and the opportunity to work on distance control (come when called and "stay" from long distances).
Private lessons
We offer private lessons on a case-by-case basis. Private lessons are not a substitute for group classes, but they are a helpful addition in many cases. While group classes still provide the best opportunity to desensitize your dog to distractions, and expose them to other people and dogs, private lessons can be arranged to address specific behavioral issues, give you a head start before your group class starts, or to evaluate shy or reactive dogs before putting them in a group setting Please contact us if you would like to discuss this option.
Canine Good
Citizen® testing
Lori is a certified evaluator for AKC's Canine Good Citizen® test. Started in 1989, the CGC Program 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. We offer Canine Good Citizen® testing at Top Dog, and can help guide you in your preparation for the test. We will have another CGC testing event in summer 2023. You can read more about this exciting AKC program here.
3 Day Short Course
Whistle Recall:
3 Fun days of teaching your dog to "come" to a whistle. You will learn how to condition your dog to the whistle, work on distracted recalls on a longline and on the final day your dog will be coming to you "off leash across the arena. --$145 (the whistle is included)
Reactive or Shy Dogs
It is required that a very reactive or a very shy dog have a private evaluation/lesson prior to enrollment in our group courses.Expecting a dog with these issues to learn in a high distraction environment before they are ready is not fair to the dog. Often times it doesn't take long for the dog and handler to be ready for the group. If you enroll in the group course after the private lesson a portion of the cost will be credited to the enrollment fee.