Class Schedule
See Start and Class dates below.
To enroll, please go to the Register page.
If you have questions, please email TheCanineLearningCenter@gmail.com or complete the Contact Form.
Class Fee is due upon registration
Puppy Classses
Puppy Classes
Puppy Kindergarten
The best way to begin the process of domesticating your puppy! This is the time to teach obedience skills such as sit, down, walk nicely on leash, and come when called. Topics of discussion include puppy biting, housetraining, and jumping on people.
This class is for young puppies, 9 weeks to about 4 months. Puppies should be age-appropriately vaccinated.
Bring the human family to class too!
Each Session is 1 hour for 6 weeks
December 12th, Thursdays, 615-7:15pm, Instructor: Hope Mielke
Dates: December 12, 19, January 2, 9, 16, 23
Notes: No Class December 26
February 20th, Thursdays, 615-7:15pm, Instructor: Hope Mielke
Dates: February 20, 27, March 6, 13, 20, 27
AKC S.T.A.R. PUPPY
This 6-week class is designed for puppies 9 weeks to 1 year of age & welcomes all dogs, purebred & mixed breeds. You’ll learn how to raise a confident, social, & resilient puppy with good manners and basic life-skills that you can build upon. On week 6, we will conduct the AKC STAR Puppy Evaluation. Here’s what you will learn:
Foundation behaviors that are essential for everything from manners to competition dog sports
Offered attention to you, coming when called, loose leash walking, trade, sit, down, & building a strong relationship.
Building your pup’s confidence & his trust in you
Learning & experiencing novel sights, sounds, and surfaces through exploration.
Polite Greetings
How to help your pup have better vet & grooming visits.
Get your puppy questions answered on common topics such as potty training, nipping, & chewing,
Living with, training, and managing your puppy through his development and mischief.
For more info, you can go to the AKC link: https://www.akc.org/products-services/training-programs/canine-good-citizen/akc-star-puppy/
S.T.A.R = Socialization. Training. Activity. Responsibility.
Note: If your puppy is 6 months or older and has significant behavioral issues such as reactivity, please contact us for other class options that will better meet your needs.
Equipment Needed:
Vaccine Record showing age-appropriate vaccinations.
plain buckle collar or harness (no prong collars, pinch collars, electronic collars, or choke chains)
4- or 6-foot leash (no flexi leads)
a toy or bone
a quart sized bag of pea-sized pieces of really extra yummy dog treats or food that your pup LOVES
Puppies should be age-appropriately vaccinated.
Each Session is 1 hour for 6 weeks
November 12th: Tuesdays, 5-6pm, Instructor: Emily Bink
Dates: November 12, 19, December 3, 10, 17, January 7
Note: There will be no class on November 26, December 24 and December 31
Puppy Prep School
An identical class to Puppy Kindergarten, but for older puppies between about four and eight months old.
This is the time to teach obedience skills such as sit, down, walk nicely on leash, and come when called. Topics of discussion include puppy biting, housetraining, and jumping on people.
Puppies should be age-appropriately vaccinated. Bring your human family as well!
Each Session is 1 hour for 6 weeks
January 15th, Wednesdays 5-6pm, Instructor: Julie Yamane
Dates: January 15, 22, 29, February 5, 12, 19
Next Steps Puppy Class
For puppies who have completed puppy kindergarten class. New skills will be addressed such as working around distractions, longer stay exercises, fast responses to commands such as sit and down, and recall games.
Pre-requisite: Puppy Kindergarten, Puppy Prep School, AKC STAR Puppy, or equivalent
Each Session is 1 hour for 4 weeks
TBA
Puppy Social Club! - Currently on Hiatus
PUPPY SOCIAL CLUB IS CURRENTLY ON HIATUS, DUE TO CONCERNS ABOUT THE SPREAD OF CANINE RESPIRATORY VIRUS. PLEASE AVOID DOG PARKS, MAKE SURE YOUR DOG IS VACCINATED AGAINST BORDATELLA AND INFLUENZA, AND CONSULT YOUR VETERINARIAN IMMEDIATELY IF YOUR DOG BEGINS COUGHING.
Not a training class, but a marvelous meetup for socialization and life skills for puppies aged 8 weeks to 6 months. Puppies and owners have the opportunity to socialize in a safe and controlled environment. Sessions are 45 minutes long and limited to six puppies per group. A facilitator is available at all times to answer questions and direct appropriate interactions with other puppies, varied surfaces and novel sounds, unfamiliar people and people using assistive mobility devices, friendly adult dogs, and other animal species.
Puppies must be vaccinated appropriately for their age and proof of vaccinations will be required before admission.
Puppies must be accompanied by their people.
Space is limited so advance registration is required.
Obedience Classses
Obedience Classes
Beginning Obedience
For dogs over four months of age. Dogs and owners practice basic obedience skills, concentrating on loose leash walking, heeling with attention, reliable recalls, stay, and not jumping on people.
Pre-requisite: Able to walk on a leash
Each Session is 1 hour for 6 weeks
December 12th, Thursdays 5-6pm, Instructor: Hope Mielke
Dates: December 12, 19, January 2, 9, 16, 23
Notes: No Class December 26
January 13th, Mondays 2:30-3:30pm, Instructor: Julie Yamane
Dates: January 13, 20, 27, February 3, 10, 17
February 20th, Thursdays 5-6pm, Instructor: Hope Mielke
Dates: February 20, 27, March 6, 13, 20, 27
Intermediate Obedience
Intermediate obedience focuses on reliable recalls, loose leash walking, heeling off and on leash, jump training, the beginnings of retrieving an object, and rally obedience.
Pre-requisite: Beginning Obedience or equivalent
Each Session is 1 hour for 6 weeks
November 4th, Mondays 6:15-7:15pm, Instructor: Julie Yamane
Dates: January 13, 20, 27, February 3, 10, 17
Fresh Start for Rescue Dogs
So you’ve adopted a dog, now what?
This class is designed for folks who have adopted an older dog through an organization such as a Rescue or Humane Society or other source, and their dog is too old for the Puppy Classes.
We will cover a lot of the puppy topics such as basic obedience skills and house training, as well as any specific challenges you and your new family member may be having.
Topics Include:
Basic Obedience Skills such as sit, down, walk nicely on leash, and come when called
House training
Jumping on people
Waiting at gates and doors
Resource Guarding
Prerequisites:
Dogs should be fully-vaccinated
Dogs should be with their new family for at least 30 days prior to starting this class.
Each Session is 1 hour for 6 weeks and limited to 6 dogs.
November 6th, Wednesdays 6:15-7:15pm, Instructor: Julie Yamane
Dates: November 6, 13, 20, December 4, 11, 18
Note: No Class on November 27
January 15th, Wednesdays 6:15-7:15pm, Instructor: Julie Yamane
Dates: January 15, 22, 29, February 5, 12, 19
Foundations of Competition Obedience (clinic)
This Clinic is focused on building a great foundation for Competition Obedience.
Topics Include:
• Focus for Attention
• Dog’s Body Awareness
• When/How to Reward your Dog
• Impulse Control
• Retrieving
• Dog Aerobics
• Marking
Pre-requisites: none
There will be both lecture and practice with your dog.
Please bring a crate.
The Clinic is two Half-Days
Dates: Next session to be announced
Instructor: Beth Baily
Note: This Clinic is limited to 6 Handler/Dog Pairs. Audit spots are available
About Guest Instructor, Beth Baily.
I’ve been training dogs for over 35 years. My Novice A dog was a German Shorthaired Pointer. I currently have 3 Labrador Retrievers and have also trained a Papillon. I’ve titled dogs in AKC Obedience, Rally, Field Trials, Hunt Tests (Retriever and Pointing dog) and Tracking. I’ve also titled dogs in UKC Obedience, Conformation and Hunting Retriever tests. My first Labrador finished his UD in 3 trials at 4 years old. He won High Combined at the National Specialty that same year. He became an Obedience Trial Champion.
I believe no matter how long you’ve been training, there’s always more to learn. I do not teach formal exercises but rather the pieces needed to put it “all together.”
Life Skills
Life Skills
These are shorter classes, focused on specific skills.
Get it and Leave it
The end of year season is upon us, as are all the good foods, yummy treats, and pretty decorations. However, Fido really shouldn’t eat that turkey leg or the cool ornament. Teaching a solid “leave it” will save you and Fido an ER visit. Although, “leave it” alone is not enough. Teaching a good “get it” lets you balance the “no don’t touch that” with “yes, go for that.”
What You Will Learn:
Teaching your dog to leave something stationary (food/toy on floor) and something moving (rolling, dropping, etc.)
Build your dog’s ability to re-focus on you
Teaching your dog to get the food or toy that is dropped or tossed
Pre-requisite: Puppy Next Steps, Puppy Prep School, or equivalent
Each Session is 1 hour for 3 weeks
TBA
Walking with Squirrels
Do you want a pain-free solution to walking your dog? Do you want to walk your dog without being dragged like you’re competing in the ultimate sled dog race? Do you want to walk by a bunny without dislocating your shoulder? Do you want to hike without being pulled over a cliff? If you answered yes or even maybe to any of these questions, then this is your class. We will work on teaching your dog to:
Check-in with you
Walk on a loose lead on one side of your body
Stop when you stop
You’ll learn how the simple skill of “touch” can help you and your dog through those extra challenging times while on a walk
Note: If your dog has significant behavioral issues such as reactivity or has nipped at or bitten another person or animal, please contact us for other class options that will better meet your needs
Pre-requisite: Puppy Next Steps, Puppy Prep School, or equivalent
Each Session is 1 hour for 3 weeks
November 3rd, Sundays 11:30am - 12:30pm, Instructor: Emily Bink
Dates: November 3, 10, 17
Come Here, Now!
Do you want to call your dog and have him come the first time? Do you want to call your dog away from the dead bunny? Do you want to call your dog into the house at 2 AM when he’d rather be playing in the snow? Would you rather not chase your dog down when it’s time to leave? If you answered yes to any of these, then this is your class. We will work on the basic recall, add distractions, and use recall games that you can practice at home and at the park to strengthen your recall.
Note: If your dog has significant behavioral issues such as reactivity or has nipped at or bitten another person or animal, please contact us for other class options that will better meet your needs.
Equipment Needed:
Vaccine Record showing age-appropriate vaccinations.
plain buckle collar or harness (no prong collars, pinch collars, electronic collars, or choke chains)
4- or 6-foot leash (no flexi leads)
a quart sized bag of pea-sized pieces of really extra yummy dog treats or food that your pup LOVES
Pre-requisite: Puppy Next Steps, Puppy Prep School, or equivalent
Each Session is 1 hour for 3 weeks
TBA
Place and Crate Games
Strengthen your dog's Staying power!
Teaching the important skills of loving his Crate and Place/ Bed / Mat will help your dog to be calm in the house and in public.
Fun games will be used to build value for both your dog's Crate and Bed or Place. Dogs who can stay in a certain Place or Crate are much easier to manage in public places (including the veterinary office, groomers, or dog shows.)
Equipment Needed:
A crate your dog can sit comfortably in, and
A mat or blanket large enough for your dog to lie down on, and
A quart sized bag of pea-sized pieces of really extra yummy dog treats or food that your pup LOVES
Pre-requisite: none
Each Session is 1 hour for 4 weeks
February 20th, Thursdays 7:30-8:30pm, Instructor: Hope Mielke
Dates: February 20, 27, March 6, 13
Un-Chase!® Snakes
Teach your dog how to avoid snakes using positive reinforcement methods! This class provides you and your dog with skills to respond to an encounter with a snake, with a goal of preventing an encounter. During the workshop and subsequent 1:1 outdoor coaching sessions you will teach your dog a special alert behavior and an amazing recall, which will be put together so that when your dog encounters a rattlesnake they come running back to you and give you an alert.
The Un-Chase!® Snakes class is taught in a positive, low-stress environment without the use of live snakes or shock collars. We do not guarantee your dog will never be bitten by a snake. We do, however, give you and your dog the tools necessary to help minimize negative encounters with rattlesnakes along with the knowledge of what to do in the event you or your dog experience a snake bite.
Both sections of this class will be taught by Sarah King, Ph.D., KPA CTP, a Licensed Un-Chase! Trainer.
Age:
For dogs of any age and ability.
Puppies should be at least 6 months old and fully vaccinated
Prerequisites: Dogs should be comfortable in a group-training environment, including being around people they do not know.
Part 1: 3 Hour Group Workshop at the Canine Learning Center
During this workshop you will use clicker training to teach your dog a new target behavior and an emergency recall. During the workshop these will get put together so that you have a trained response.
You will also learn about:
Identifying dog body language indicating they have detected something
Snakes present in Colorado
Snake behavior and how to avoid encounters
Emergency first aid and what to do if the worst happens.
Class limited to 6 students.
Part 2: 1:1s with the Instructor in local, outdoor situations (booked through BreninBehavior.com)
Following the workshop, 1:1’s will occur on weekly on Monday evenings. These 1:1s will teach your dog to come to you and give you the alert when they detect:
Snake movement (using rubber snakes)
Snake odor (using real rattlesnake odor)
Snake movement + odor.
Each student will have a 20-minute slot in which they are coached with their dog in outdoor, real-life situations. Come and join a 1:1 when you have practiced the skills from the workshop. Each week will cover movement, odor, or a combination if the dog and handler are ready for that step. Typically students need two sessions at each of the movement and odor steps, and then one bringing everything together. These 1:1s will be ongoing so are a great way to refresh your skills with your dog after these 5 sessions.
Each class is one 3-hour Workshop at the Canine Learning Center and a series of 1:1s with the Dr. Sarah in the field (limited to 6 students per session).
Part 1:
These classes are planned to re-start in February 2025
Part 2:
Monday Evenings. Paid for and scheduled with Dr. Sarah thru Brenin Behavior.
Plan for five 1:1 sessions: two sessions at each of the movement and odor steps, and then one bringing everything together.
Canine Good Citizen
Canine Good Citizen Classes
AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Prep Class
Five weeks of instruction and practicing the ten elements of a Canine Good Citizen. Week 6 is the test, administered by an AKC registered evaluator.
Test Elements:
Accepting a friendly stranger Evaluator approaches and pretends to shake hands with handler (hands 6- 12” apart). Evaluator does not touch dog.
Sitting politely for petting Evaluator pets dog; dog must show no shyness or resentment.
Appearance and grooming Evaluator inspects dog, combs or brushes lightly, examines ears and each front foot.
Out for a walk Handler takes dog for a short walk including right turn, left turn, about turn and stop.
Walking through a crowd Dog and handler walk close to several people; dog may show causal interest but not jump up.
Sit and down on cue/Staying in place Handler shows that dog can do both sit and down, then chooses a position, leaves dog and goes to the end of a 20 ft. line, and returns immediately.
Coming when called With dog still on 20 ft. line from Test 6, handler walks out 10 ft. and calls the dog.
Reaction to another dog Two handlers and dogs approach, pretend to shake hands (hands 6-12” apart), exchange pleasantries, then move on.
Reaction to distractions Distractions are presented; dog may not panic or show aggression.
Supervised separation Handler goes out of sight for 3-min. Dog is held on a 6-ft. leash by an evaluator.
Each Session is 1 hour for 6 weeks
November 12th: Tuesdays, 6:15-7:15pm, Instructor: Emily Bink
Dates: November 12, 19, December 3, 10, 17, January 7
Note: There will be no class on November 26, December 24 and December 31
AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) - Exams Only
The CGC exam covers the 10 elements of the Canine Good Citizen, listed above.
This session can also test for CGC-A, CGC-U, and AKC STAR. Please let us know which test you would like to take.
Registration Required. Find it on the “Classes” tab on the Register page.
January 7th, Tuesday, 6:16-7:15pm, Evaluator: Emily Bink
AKC Canine Good Citizen Advanced (CGC-A) & Canine Good Citizen Urban (CGC-U) Prep Class
This 6-week class prepares you for both the CGC-A and CGC-U evaluations. We focus on the required skills needed to successfully pass both exams. We’ll meet at CLC for class 1 and the remaining classes will likely take place at other locations. We’ll decide where to meet, taking weather into consideration. Example locations: Parks, Old Town, Stores, and Shopping Areas. All dogs, purebred & mixed breeds are welcome. Week #6 is your opportunity to take the CGC-A or the CGC-U test.
The CGC-A includes the following exercises:
Stands, sits or lies down & waits under control with owner (about 3 mins)
Walks on a loose leash thru a crowd
Walks past other dogs and distractions and does not pull
Sit-stay in small group
Allows person who is carrying an object to approach & pet
Walks by food without pulling to it
Down or sit stay w/object
Recalls with distractions about 20–ft.
Enters/exits a doorway or narrow passageway under control, with owner
The CGC-U includes the following exercises:
Exits/enters doorways with no pulling.
Walks thru crowd on a busy urban sidewalk.
Appropriate reaction to city distractions. This includes movement, noises, & walking on a variety of surfaces.
Crosses street under control.
Ignores food on sidewalk.
Allows person who is carrying an object to pet
Down stay (3 min) in public building.
Navigates stairs, steps or elevator under control.
Is House trained.
Enters & exits a car under control.
Note: If your dog has significant behavioral issues such as reactivity, please contact us for other class options that will better meet your needs.
Equipment Needed:
Vaccine Record showing age-appropriate vaccinations.
plain buckle collar or harness (no prong collars, pinch collars, electronic collars, or choke chains)
4- or 6-foot leash (no flexi leads)
a toy or bone
a quart sized bag of pea-sized pieces of really extra yummy dog treats or food that your pup LOVES
Pre-Requisites:
Passed the CGC successfully. You must pass the CGC-A before you can take the CGC-U.
Sit, Down, and Recall on Cue
Walk on a leash around dogs and peopleCanine Good Citizen (CGC)
Each Session is 6 weeks
November 3rd, Sundays 1-2pm, Instructor: Emily Bink
Dates: November 3, 10, 17, 24, December 8, 15
Note:
The first class (Nov 3) will meet at the Canine Learning Center. All other classes will meet at places around town.
No class on December 1
Conformation Classses
Conformation Classes
Conformation 101 - Introduction to Conformation Competition
This class is for anyone who wanted to show a dog in Conformation, but didn’t know how to start. There will be both lecture and practice with your dog. Please bring a crate, so your dog can practice waiting quietly during the lecture portion of each class.
Topics include:
How the competition works
Ring Procedure and Etiquette
How to read Premium Lists and Judging Programs
How to enter a Show
How to handle your dog
Leads, collars, and other equipment
Pre-requisite: Walk on a leash
Each Session is 90 minutes for 6 weeks
January 4th, Saturdays, 10:30 - noon, Instructor: Judy Walton
Dates: January 4, 11, February 1, 8, 22, March 1
Note: No class on January 18, 25, and February 15
Obedience for Show Dogs
All dogs need basic obedience skills. This class is designed with the Conformation Dog in mind.
Topics include:
Using Positive Reinforcement, Markers, and Targets Effectively
Equipment
Body Handling and Showing the Bite
Crate and Show Ring Games
Basic Obedience Skills
Gaiting and Patterns
Last week will be a Mock Match.
Please bring with you to each class:
Buckle collar (flat nylon or rolled leather) and 6 foot leash
Show lead and collar of your choosing
Generous amounts of treats (there will be some available)
Mat/ Blanket upon which your dog can lie down
Crate that your dog uses for shows
Water and Bowl
Patience and a Sense of Humor!
Pre-requisite: Walk on a leash
Each Session is 1 hour for 6 weeks
TBA
Rally Classses
Rally Classes
Rally Obedience develops teamwork between you and your dog. As a team you will navigate a course together, side by side, at your own pace. You will move through a course with signs where you perform different exercises. You will learn how to improve your dog’s obedience skills both at home and in public. It will help prepare you if you choose to compete in rally or continue with more traditional obedience competitions. For more information, visit AKC, Getting Started in Rally.
Rally 101 - Introduction to Rally Obedience
If you are interested in learning more about this fun sport, this is the place to start.
What you will learn:
Novice-level Signs
How the competition works, rules, and how to enter a competition
Choosing words to use for the elements
Practice courses
Pre-requisite: Heel, Sit, and Down with treats.
Each Session is 6 weeks
November 6th: Wednesdays, 5-6pm, Instructor: Francie Pusateri
Dates: November 6, 13, 20, December 4, 18, January 8
Note: No Classes on November 27, December 11, 25, and January 1
Rally 201 - Intermediate and Advanced
If you enjoy competing and Rally Obedience and want to take your team to the next level.
This class builds upon the topics covered in Rally 101, while adding the Intermediate and Advanced level skills.
Pre-requisite: Rally 101 or equivalent
Each Session is 6 weeks
TBA.
Rally 301 - Excellent and Master
For those who want to take their Rally Obedience Team to the highest levels of competition.
This class builds upon the topics covered in Rally 201, while adding the Excellent and Master level skills, with more attention to the details.
Pre-requisite: Rally 201 or equivalent
Each Session is 6 weeks
TBA
Wellness and Classes for Fun
Grooming for the Pet Dog
This hands-on class will be an introduction for anyone wanting to learn how to do the necessary basic grooming care for their own dog.
After completing this class you will have the knowledge to properly brush, bathe, and trim nails in order to keep your dog looking and feeling good between professional grooms.
Note, we will not be covering clipping or trimming as that is a complete course on its own. Subjects covered will include:
Tools of the trade including where to procure.
Safe handling of your dog and how to teach your dog to love grooming.
Proper brushing technique to keep your dog matt free.
How to deal with those sneaky matts...
Nail trimming need not be dreaded! How to make it safe and comfortable for your dog.
Complete and effective bathing and blow drying techniques for the Self Dog Wash.
The first week will be without your dog as we discuss tools, techniques, and proper handling. The following weeks you will practice on your own dog.
You may already know Hope as our awesome Puppy Kindergarten and Beginning Obedience Instructor, as well as a few other classes…. but did you know she was a professional Dog Groomer for over 20 years?
Prerequisite:
• Dog should be able to walk on a leash and be quiet around other dogs
Each Session is 60 minutes for 4 weeks
January 9th: Thursdays, 7:30 - 8:30pm, Instructor: Hope Mielke
Dates: January 9, 16, 23, 30
Tricks
When it’s too hot/cold/windy to exercise your dog outside or you want to impress family & friends with how well-trained your dog is, Tricks is the answer.
Teaching your dog tricks is fun and enriching. You can use tricks in real-world situations to distract, focus, and entertain.
We will cover a range of tricks, and take requests for tricks that are suited for you and your dog.
There is no better way to strengthen the communication and relationship with your dog than to continue to work with him, train with him, and have fun with him.
In this 6-week class we’ll select tricks from the following: Spin, High-Five, Weave, Peek-a-Boo, Pushups, Find It, Get in, Get On/Off, Hand Signals, Jump Thru Hoop or Over Bar, Paws Up, Go to Mark, Shake, Bow, and Touch It.
On the last class, you have the opportunity to have your tricks evaluated for an AKC Trick Dog Title.
The evaluation is included. The AKC Ribbon and Certificate are provided upon successful evaluation. Forms will be provided if you would like to apply to AKC to have the Title added to your dog’s name (AKC fees apply).
Note:
• Novice and Intermediate levels are planned to be covered in this class
• Let us know if you have interest in Advanced, Performer, or Elite Performer levels
Equipment Needed:
• plain buckle collar or harness (no prong collars, pinch collars, electronic collars, or choke chains)
• 4- or 6-foot leash (no flexi leads)
• a quart sized bag of pea-sized pieces of really extra yummy dog treats or food that your pup LOVES
Prerequisite:
• Dog should be able to walk on a leash and be quiet around other dogs
Each Session is 60 minutes for 6 weeks
TBA
Movement and Massage, Understanding Your Dog on a Higher Level
Have you ever wondered, how is my dog feeling? Are they sore? How can I help them feel better?
Topics include:
• How the dog is designed to move
• How to recognize discomfort
• How to recognize when your dog is fatigued
• How to apply basic massage techniques
• What do these buzzwords mean anyway?
• Psoas, strain, core strengthening
There will be both lecture and practice with your dog.
Please bring something comfortable for you and your dog to work on, such as a mat, towel, or table.
Pre-requisite: Walk on a leash and be quiet around other dogs.
This Seminar is 3 hours and Limited to six (6) dogs
TBA
More about Joanne and The Lang Institute for Canine Massage
Introduction to Therapy Dog Work
Therapy Work can be extremely rewarding and there are many avenues one can pursue. This class is designed to help you prepare yourself and your dog for this important work.
Topics include:
What is Pet Therapy
What are some of the Benefits of Pet Therapy
What are the Risks of Pet Therapy
What Kind of Training is Needed for my Pet to be a Therapy Dog
Traits of a Therapy Dog
What are the Differences Between Therapy Animals, Comfort Animals, and Service dogs
Therapy Dogs in our Community
Registration of Therapy Dogs
Other Resources for Therapy Dogs
Volunteer Opportunities
There will be lecture, demonstration, practice with your dog, practice with classmates’ dogs, and mock evaluations.
Equipment Required: Please bring a crate for you dog to rest quietly in during the lecture portion
Pre-requisite: Walk on a leash, be quiet around other dogs, and quiet while in a crate.
Each Session is 90 minutes for 6 weeks
November 6th: Wednesdays, 6:15 - 7:45pm, Instructor: Francie Pusateri
Dates: November 6, 13, 20, December 4, 18, January 8
Note: No Classes on November 27, December 11, 25, and January 1
Introduction to Hiking with your Dog
Spending time hiking with your dog might be the most quintessential Colorado thing to do. This class is designed to help you and your dog do it safely.
Topics include:
Dog Assessment and Equipment
Wildlife safety, Weather, and Trail Etiquette
Basic First Aid
Water Safety, Back Country Backpacking, and Camping Basics
Notes:
The first two weeks will meet at the Canine Learning Center.
Dogs are welcome, but not expected for the first week.
Weeks Three thru Six will meet a local Trail Heads.
Pre-requisite: Walk on a leash.
Each Session is 90 minutes for 6 weeks
TBA
Wellness Classses
Reactive Rover
Does your dog bark, growl, or lunge at other dogs? Do you find yourself trying to walk late at night or in the wee hours of the morning to avoid the possibility of seeing another dog or person? If this sounds like you, then this class is for you. Our goal is to equip you and your dog with the skills needed to be more successful when walking out and about.
In a safe, low stress, supported, and controlled environment, you will learn:
How to read your dog’s body language and how to respond to it.
How to anticipate when your dog may react (identify triggers and thresholds in different environments)
How to teach your dog “better” behaviors when he sees other dogs or people (and how to identify your dog’s triggers)
Preferred (“better”) behaviors your dog will learn include: watching a person/dog in the distance calmly, turning back to you when he sees a person/dog, going to a bed/mat for in-house skills, targeting your hand while walking to stay close to you in challenging situations.
How to manage your dog and yourself when he does react (including defensive leash handling)
Behaviors your dog will learn include: emergency U-turn and scatter.
Much of the reactivity & aggression we see is rooted in fear. Since we know that punishing a fearful dog would only make him more fearful and thus potentially more dangerous, we use reward-based traning methods that are not only successful, they are safe for you and your dog.
Note: If your dog has bitten a person or dog, please contact the CLC before registering, as you will need a private consultation/class(s) before entering into a group environment.
Each Session is 4 weeks and Limited to four (4) dogs
December 15th, Sundays 10 - 11am, Instructor: Emily Bink
Dates: December 15, 22, 29, January 5
Reactive Rover Classses
Canine Odor Detection Classses
Odor Detection
Our Odor Curriculum is set up in three Classes:
Odor 101 – Mental Enrichment with Odor
This class is for dogs and humans of all ages and abilities and teaches your dogs the foundation skills for locating things with their nose.
Each Session is 6 weeks and Limited to six (6) dogs
December 10th, Tuesdays, 7:45-8:45pm, Instructor: Sarah King, PhD
Dates: December 10, 17, January 14, 21, 28, February 4
Note: We will not be meeting on December 24 or 31, January 7
Odor 201 – Odor Next Steps
This 6 week class builds on the foundation of Odor 101 by teaching your dog how to find and alert to odors used in nose work competitions (birch, clove, anise, and cypress essential oils). This class introduces your dog to the fun of searching and finding, and builds relationship as you work together as a team with the dog as the leader.
This class is useful for young dogs (6 months old and older) as a way of targeting their energy, and is also suitable for more senior dogs as a low impact sport that helps keep their brain young.
Prerequisite:
Mental Enrichment with Odor (Odor 101), or equivalent.
Each Session is 1 hour for 6 weeks and Limited to six (6) dogs
October 8th, Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30pm, Instructor: Sarah King, PhD
Dates: October 8, 15, 22, November 12, 19, December 3
Note: We will not be meeting on October 29 or November 5, 26
Odor 301 – Advanced Odor Detection
This class is for more experienced dogs and/or handlers who want to advance their skills and teamwork. Classes will focus on improving handler skills following the dog-driven search framework, and will advance dog skills through searches involving more difficult hides. You will learn how best to let your dog work by receiving real-time feedback and video review of your search, as well as learn to increase your observation skills while other people search. Throughout, the focus will be on maintaining fun and joy in searching for both you and your dog.
Notes:
* Dogs will remain in owners’ cars or crated inside during class.
* Dogs should be on a flat collar or harness and a long-line (10 foot +) for on-leash searches.
Prerequisite:
Mental Enrichment with Odor (Odor 101) and Odor Next Steps (Odor 201), or equivalent, or
Dog has an Odor Title, or
Dog has passed its ORT (Odor Recognition Test)
Each Session is 1 hour for 6 weeks and Limited to six (6) dogs
December 10th, Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30pm, Instructor: Sarah King, PhD
Dates: December 10, 17, January 14, 21, 28, February 4
Note: We will not be meeting on December 24 or 31, January 7
Odor 401 – Preparing for Competition
This class is for dogs who are on odor and whose owners want to practice trial skills.
Classes will be focused on building skills for each of the different search elements of a trial. Each class will focus on a different element of competition: containers, interior search, exterior search, vehicles, and buried hides; on the sixth week we will either include distractors, or can focus on building new skills for more challenging searches.
Searches during class will be timed. Searches will be filmed and supportively reviewed by the instructor in front of the class to assist learning about handler skills and dog behavior when on odor.
Notes:
* Dogs will remain in owners’ cars or crated inside during class.
* Dogs must wear a flat collar or harness for searches and a 10-15 foot long-line.
Prerequisite:
Odor Next Steps (Odor 201), and/or Advanced Odor Detection (Odor 301) or equivalent, or
Dog has an Odor Title, or
Dog has passed its ORT (Odor Recognition Test)
Each Session is 1 hour for 6 weeks and Limited to six (6) dogs
October 8th, Tuesdays, 7:45-8:45pm, Instructor: Sarah King, PhD
Dates: October 8, 15, 22, November 12, 19, December 3
Note: We will not be meeting on October 29 or November 5, 26
Drop-In Classses
“Drop-In” Classes
“Drop-in” Classes are limited to enable each team to have 3 runs per class. Therefore, please reserve your spot early and Register as follows:
by Handler for Conformation, Obedience, and Manners
by Dog for Rally and Odor
MONDAYS
Rally Obedience - All Levels, 4:15-6pm
Competition Obedience - Novice/Open/Utility, 7:30-9:00pm (ends December 23rd 2024)
Manners Practice - 7:30-8:30pm (begins January 13th, 2025) - an Obedience Practice Class for those who have completed one of our Obedience or Puppy Classes. This class is not competition oriented but is instead student-driven in that we will practice what each team needs. This includes polite greetings, walk on a loose leash, as well as a structured walk, sit, down, and stay in a group setting.
TUESDAYS
Odor Detection - 5:15-6:15
Conformation - All Levels, 7:30-8:30pm
WEDNESDAYS
Conformation - All Levels, 2-3pm (ends December 18th)
Competition Obedience - Open/Utility, 3-4:30pm
Competition Obedience - Novice/Open, 7:30-9pm (includes Utility beginning January 8th, 2025)
SATURDAYS
Conformation - All Levels, 12:30 - 1:30pm
PREREQUISITES:
Competition Obedience
Novice - Intermediate Obedience Class or equivalent
Open and Utility - Companion Dog (CD) Title or by Permission from the Instructor
Odor Detection
Completing Odor 101 and the first class of Odor 201, (or equivalent experience), or
Dog has an Odor Title, or
Dog has passed it’s ORT (Odor Recognition Test)
NOTES:
Occasionally we add Drop-in Classes or shift times due to local event schedules. The most current information and space availability is on the Registration Page, Classes Tab.
“Drop-In” Class Sizes are limited. Please reserve your spot on the Registration Page, Classes Tab.