Is group training right for your dog?
Dogs best-suited for group classes (Exception: Reactive Dog Group Class) are ones that are genearlly social and non-reactive to other dogs and humans when on leash. If your dog is fearful or anxious around dogs and peopls or is reactive on or off leash, one of my private training package options at a better fit for you right now.
Check out Equipment and Supplies to find links and coupon codes for many of the items that I recommend.
Group Class Availability:
- Sessions are offered during months that are conducive to working outside – generally May through October.
- Sessions take place outside and may be cancelled on short notice due to inclement weather. Cancelled sessions will be rescheduled.
- Location of sessions will take place in the La Crosse area and will be announced when course dates are posted for registration.
Group Class Offerings
Leash Manners Class
- Weekly 45-minute sessions for 4 weeks
- Limited to 4 participants per group class
- Required equipment:
- High Value Treats
- Treat Pouch (optional)
- Well-fitting harness
- Leash (6’ is best)
- Long line (25-30 feet)
- Grisha Stewart’s Leash Belay system for large dogs and strong pullers.
- Equipment not allowed in class:
- e-collar (shock collar)
- prong collar
- choke/slip collar
- slip lead
- retractable leash
You will learn how to teach your dog to walk with a loose leash. This is not a heeling class where we require your dog to walk directly at your side at all times. Instead, this class is centered around how to go on a relaxing walk that will meet the needs of both you and your dog. All classes will be taught with dogs on a leash or long-line. Each session will close with a sniff walk for the dogs.
- Week 1: Teach Find It, Touch and Whiplash Turn. Begin teaching pattern games with Up Down and loading the cue for 123.
- Week 2: Teach Ping Pong, Practice adding distance and distractions. Begin teaching 123
- Week 3: Add distance and minor distractions
- Week 4: Adding more distance and distractions and combining cues
Reliable Recall Class
- Weekly 45-minute sessions for 5 weeks
- Limited to 4 participants per group class
- Required equipment:
- High Value Treats
- Treat Pouch (optional)
- Well-fitting harness
- Prey Dummy (will be provided)
- Leash (6’ is best)
- Long line (25-30 feet)
- Grisha Stewart’s Leash Belay system for large dogs and strong pullers.
- Equipment not allowed in class:
- e-collar
- prong collar
- choke/slip collar
- slip lead
- retractable leash
This is not an off-leash recall class. You will learn techniques that will start you on your way to an off-leash recall, but all classes will be taught with dogs on a leash or long-line. Each session will close with a sniff walk for the dogs.
- Week 1: Teach Find It, Touch and Whiplash Turn. Begin teaching pattern games with Up Down and Ping Pong.
- Week 2: Add Anchor cue. Practice putting the cues together
- Week 3: Add distance and minor distractions. Introduce treat dummy
- Week 4: Adding more distance and distractions
- Week 5: Adding cue prior to send off to dummy
Real Life Practice with your Reactive Dog
- Weekly 45-minute sessions for 3 weeks
- Limited to 3 participants per group class
- Required equipment:
- High Value Treats
- Well-fitting harness (preferred) or collar
- Leash (6’ is best)
Students MUST have finished, or be currently enrolled, in a private dog training package or reactive dog group class AND my approval to sign up for this class. You will have the opportunity to practice the skills that you and your dog are learning during your coaching sessions. You will work with real life triggers to help you and your dog master the art of balancing Distance – Distraction – Intensity.