Parks And Recreation Schedules Dog Obedience Classes

DOG OBEDIENCE CLASSES  –  All classes are held at the former Pistol Creek Golf course, 600 Spruce Brook Rd., East Berlin. Dog handlers should be at least 16 years of age. Instructor is Wendy McGurgan, Professional Dog Trainer, Assistant Trainer is Shirley Coulombe. 

Kindergarten Puppy Training – The class is for puppies aged 2 ½ months to 6 months old.  We will work on leash walking and the come, sit and down commands.  Your puppy will also develop social skills and confidence.  Learn how to praise and correct your puppy appropriately.  Start a great relationship with your pup!  We will address problems like chewing, housebreaking and crate training.  The first class is mandatory unless you are excused by the instructor.  You will need a 6 ft. leash and we will discuss leashes and collars in the first class.  First class is held without dogs.  Please bring a copy of your puppy’s current vaccinations to the first class.  Fee $55.00 for residents and $65.00 for non-residents.  Seven weeks, Thursdays January 5-February 16 from 6:00-7:00 p.m.  Limit of 10.  Program #465001B

Basic Dog Obedience – The class will cover basic commands for the family dog.  Commands include sit, down, stay, heel, come and stand.  You will learn how to correct bad habits such as jumping up and pulling on the leash.  Learn how to praise, correct and discipline your dog appropriately.  Dogs should be at least 6 months old. The first class is mandatory unless you are excused by the instructor.  You will need a 6 ft. leash and we will discuss leashes and collars in the first class.  First class is held without dogs!  A copy of your dog’s current vaccinations including Bordetella must be given to instructor at the first class.  Fee $55.00 for residents, $65.00 for non-residents.  The class will run for seven weeks, on Tuesdays, from January 3-February 14 from 6:00-7:00 p.m.  Limit of 10.  Program #465001A

Better Basic Class – This class is for dogs and handlers that have completed Basic Dog Obedience.  Emphasis will be on improving and sharpening the skills learned in basic class.  We will concentrate on the stay, heel, come and recall exercises.  We will work with a greater level of distraction and on skills that you and your dog need help on by giving you more insight into your dog’s behavior.  You will need a six-foot leash.  We will reward our dogs with verbal and physical praise, not food.  Please bring a copy of your dog’s vaccinations to the instructor if she does not have this already on file.  Fee $55.00 for residents and $65.00 for non-residents.  The class will run for six weeks, on Wednesdays, from January 4-February 8 from 6:00-7:00 p.m.  Limit of 10.  Program #465001C