Dog Training Classes

Dog Training and Puppy Socialization Classes in Howell, Michigan, using positive, dog friendly methods the whole family can learn to apply.

Group classes are held at Bark Town USA Dog Day Care in Howell. Class size is limited to ensure each dog and owner team gets individual attention. For the safety of all dogs, vaccination records are required as well as negative fecal samples. Your new puppy or dog should be in your home at least fourteen days prior to classes. Classes vary in length. To ensure the success of all attending, content taught in class will be provided in clear, easy to use handouts. You will also receive free phone and email help between classes to get answers for questions. Your success is important to me, and I pledge to do everything I can to help you achieve your goals for you and your dog.

Puppy Socialization Sessions:Do you have a puppy between 9 - 16 weeks old? Now is the time to expose your new puppy to the world in a safe, structured manner. Puppies under 4 months are in what is known as the critical socialization period, and must be socialized properly to prevent future behavior problems. Even if your puppy is older, it is still important to continue socializing. These one-hour, one time sessions are in a controlled environment (all puppies will have appropriate vaccinations and negative fecals). We will have plenty of structured puppy play where your puppy will learn how to interact appropriately with other puppies as well as learn important lessons about his bite. During play, he will learn if he is too rough, his playmate will end the play. This teaches him to control the pressure of his jaws. You will also learn how to get attention back to you during play.

We will expose your puppy to plenty of people handling, novel sights, smells, sounds and objects. You will have instruction in how dogs learn and how to teach your puppy new skills in a puppy friendly way.

Sign up for one or more sessions while your puppy is 18 weeks or younger. Don't let this short window of opportunity get past you. It is recommended you also enroll your puppy in a regular length puppy class so you can learn how to effectively communicate and teach him the skills he will need to become a well mannered adult dog.

NEW! The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy^sm is an exciting new program designed to get dog owners and their puppies off to a good start. The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy^sm Program is an incentive program for loving dog owners who have taken the time to take their puppies through a basic training class. The Puppy Fundamentals class will prepare your puppy to take the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy test. Be among the first in Livingston County to have a S.T.A.R. puppy!

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Puppy Fundamentals/AKC S.T.A.R Puppy: There is no such thing as an over-socialized puppy. The more experiences you expose your puppy to during the critical period of 7-16 weeks, the more confident your puppy will be as an adult. Structured puppy play, lots of handling and careful introduction to novel sights, sounds, surfaces and smells will be included. We will also problem solve common issues such as nipping, jumping and housetraining. Basic manners will be introduced using puppy-friendly training techniques. This 7 week, one hour, class is for puppies under 5 months. Toy breeds may be allowed at an older age.

FUNdamentals 101: Is Fido frustrating you? Do you dread taking your dog for a walk because he pulls you every which way or lunges at other dogs? Or would you just like Fido to have better manners? This class provides the skills you need to learn how to communicate effectively with your canine friend and provide the leadership your dog needs. You will learn how to teach your dog desirable behaviors while learning how to better prevent unwanted behaviors. Our methods are both dog and people friendly and are easy to learn. Clicker training will also be introduced. This 7 week, one hour class is for dogs 5 months and older. The first class is an orientation without dogs.

Intermediate and Advanced Training Classes: To ensure your success, you and your dog must have taken a class with Fido FUNdamentals LLC or get instructor approval.

"Fido Come" -Learn how to teach your dog to come quickly the first time you call. If you find yourself calling Fido to you over and over with limited success, this class is for you. Class is one hour, 4 weeks.

"Walk with Me" - Learn how to teach your dog to walk politely on a leash instead of pulling, even with distractions. Class is one hour, 4 weeks.

"Go to your Mat" - Teach Fido to relax in his special place (great for while you are eating dinner, greeting guests etc). You will learn how to teach Fido to go quickly to his mat on cue and remain there until released. This is a special topic session held at Howell Parks and Recreation, 2 hours, one session.

Four on the Floor: Teach Fido proper greeting behavior to eliminate jumping up, mouthing and other bad habits. This is a special topic session held at Howell Parks and Recreation, 2 hours, one session.

Tricks: - You will learn how to use clicker training to shape some fun tricks while you improve your training skills; improve the bond with your dog and just plain have fun with Fido! Impress your friends and family with Fido's talent plus teach useful tricks such as Go to Your Mat.

Competition Obedience Foundations: Learn how to get focused attention, teach your dog to heel in a motivated, upbeat manner, work on heeling maneuvers, stays and recalls. Class is one hour, 6 weeks.

Canine Good Citizen Prep (CGC): Polish your dog's manners and prepare to take the CGC test. We will work on polite greetings, walk on loose leash, come when called, position changes (sit/down), stay and accepting handling. Dogs will be exposed to increasing levels of distractions to improve reliability of behavior. Class is one hour, 6 weeks. The CGC test will be given after the six weeks is completed.

Learn more about the American Kennel Club CGC program - Click on logo.

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Fido FUNdamentals LLC

Training Dogs * Educating Owners

P.O. Box 532, Howell, MI 48844-0532

517-540-9684

linda@fidofundamentals.com