Gift
certificates are available and make great gifts for new four
legged family additions or anyone who would like to do something
fun with their dog.
Class
Descriptions and Schedule
The Dogs’ Spot is now offering a new format of classes
called Levels. The Levels structure offers more flexibility
in that dog and handler teams can start classes when it is
convenient for them and advance at their own pace. Attendance
in a Behavior and Training 101 orientation class is required
prior to participating in Kindergarten Puppy or Beginning
Family Manners classes. Kindergarten Puppy graduates and everyone
new to our program will start in the Level 1 – Beginning
Family Manners class, however, they may request to test to
the next level at the end of the class.
Upon completion of the Behavior and Training 101 class, participants
may purchase punch cards for 4, 8, or 12 classes. A single
class may be attended for $20. The cost of the punch cards
and their associated expiration dates are as follows:
• 4 classes - $70 with an expiration date of 2 months
from the date of purchase
• 8 classes - $125 with an expiration date of 4 months
from the date of purchase
• 12 classes - $165 with an expiration date of 6 months
from the date of purchase
The cards must be presented at the beginning of class and
may be used until their expiration date or until all classes
are attended and the card is surrendered, whichever comes
first. Lost cards are not replaced and refunds are not given.
Altered cards are rendered invalid. All participants must
sign up for the class they plan to attend in advance so that
small class size can be maintained. Reservations can be made
by signing up in class or contacting The Dogs’ Spot
either by phone or email. At least 48 hours notice is required
to cancel a class reservation. Cancellations made with less
than 48 hours will be charged as if attended. Classes offered
in this format are Kindergarten Puppy, all Family Manners
classes, Off Leash Wonders/Agility Foundations, Novice Competition
Agility, and Doga.
All classes are taught under the direction of a Certified
Pet Dog Trainer. To register for classes call 816-436-SPOT
(7768) or download the registration
form and mail it with your payment to: The Dogs’
Spot – Dog Training Center, P.O. Box 28263, Gladstone,
MO 64118. If you would prefer to remit your payment via PayPal,
please email the registration form to Laura@TheDogsSpot.com
and a PayPal invoice will be generated.
•
Classes meet for an hour weekly, unless otherwise specified,
and are offered evenings and weekends, for your convenience.
• Because classes are small in size, pre-registration
is required and fees are not refundable after classes have
started.
• Please feel free to come by and observe a class prior
to registering so that you can be sure that The Dogs’
Spot is the right place for you to train your dog.
• All dogs need to be up-to-date on their rabies and
parvovirus vaccinations, except puppies who have not completed
their vaccination series, yet. Please provide a copy of the
vaccination records at registration.
• Storm cancellations are announced via voicemail by
calling 816-436-SPOT (7768) an hour before the start of class.
Behavior
and Training 101
This orientation class is for people only and is required
prior to registering for Kindergarten Puppy or Beginning Family
Manners. The class covers a brief introduction on how dog’s
learn, the training methods used, tips on managing common
behavior problems, and preparation for training classes. This
class will give participants an opportunity to visit the training
facility and ask questions prior to beginning classes. This
class is free but prior registration is required.
Class
Schedule:
• Mondays from 7:45 – 8:45 p.m.
• Saturdays from 9:45 – 10:45 a.m.
Kindergarten Puppy – puppies from 8 weeks to
18 weeks up to six months or when puppy vaccination series
has been completed
Class
Schedule:
• Mondays from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
• Saturdays from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
 This
is the best possible way to get your puppy started and a great
foundation for the Family Manners classes. In this class we’ll
focus on introducing your puppy to many new people, other
puppies, sites, sounds, and handling that they will likely
be exposed to during their lifetime in ways that will help
them form positive associations. You’ll receive a handbook
containing all curriculum covered along with tips on socialization,
household manners, housetraining, and puppy mouthing. Basic
behaviors covered in the class include sit, down, come, loose
leash walking, sitting politely for petting, and much more.
Prerequisite is to attend the Behavior and Training 101 orientation
class and the purchase of a punch card.
Level 1 - Beginning Family Manners – puppies
from 5 months to senior citizens (it’s never too late
to train)
 Class
Schedule:
• Wednesdays from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
• Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
In
this class we will start you on the road to establishing a
healthy, long-lasting relationship using the most innovative
reward-based training techniques. You’ll receive a handbook
containing all curriculum covered along with tips on adolescence,
housetraining, interactions between dogs and children, and
grooming and healthcare. In Level 1 – Beginning Family
Manners, the focus is on reinforcing attention, sit, down,
come, loose leash walking, and sitting politely for petting.
Prerequisite is attendance in the Behavior and Training 101
orientation class and the purchase of a punch card.
Level 2 – Intermediate Family Manners
Class
Schedule:
• Wednesdays from 7:45 – 8:45 p.m.
• Saturdays from 12:15 – 1:15 p.m.
In this class we will build on the behaviors learned in Level
1 - Beginning Family Manners and add the following: stand,
wait, stay, leave it, and go to place. The same handbook provided
in the Level 1 – Beginning Family Manners class will
be used in this class. Prerequisite is to pass the Level 1
skills test and have purchased a punch card.
Level
3 – Advanced Family Manners
Class
Schedule:
• Thursdays from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
• Saturdays from 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
In
the Level 3 - Advanced Family Manners class, we will begin
to incorporate the American
Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen requirements and
move to a new handbook in preparation for off leash work.
Prerequisite is to pass the Level 2 skills test and have purchased
a punch card.
Level 4 – Off Leash Wonders/Agility Foundations
Class
Schedule:
• Thursdays from 7:45 – 8:45 p.m.
• Saturdays from 2:45 – 3:45 p.m.
 In
Level 4 – Off Leash Wonders/Agility Foundations class
we will continue to perfect the American
Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen test items with
the goal of passing the test. We will also introduce off leash
training games to play with your dog that will improve your
team work both on and off leash. The same handbook provided
in the Level 3 – Advanced Family Manners will be used
again in this class. Those who wish to participate in agility
will need to successfully complete this class. Prerequisite
is to pass the Level 3 skills test and have purchased a punch
card.
**New** Tracking
Class Schedule:
• 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Sunday, January 6 for 4 weeks. No
class January 27.
Tracking is an activity that encourages dogs to make use of
their strongest facility, their sense of smell. In this four
week introductory class we will cover the basics and get our
dogs started using their nose to find a glove. Dogs will need
a tracking harness and a 30 foot line. Prerequisite is to
pass the Level 2 skills test or approval of the instructor.
Cost is $40.
**New** Doga
Class Schedule:
• Class will be scheduled soon.
Doga (or “dog yoga”) is a partner class for you
and your dog. Doga is all about bonding with your pet and
giving your dog 45 minutes of undivided attention and praise
from their favorite person in the world. You’ll stretch
your dog and learn specific massage techniques to help him
or her relax, and aid both circulation and digestion processes.
You’ll also get a workout, using your dog to assist
you in traditional and modified poses. Participants are encouraged
to bring a yoga mat or a towel and wear comfortable clothing.
Prerequisite is satisfactory completion of Intermediate Family
Manners or equivalent and purchase of a punch card.
Beginning Canine Freestyle
Class
Schedule:
• Class will be scheduled soon.
 This
7 week entry level Freestyle course will be team taught by
a professional dancer and choreographer and a Certified
Pet Dog Trainer. Canine Freestyle is a dog sport in which
the dog and handler complete a choreographed routine to music,
essentially dancing with your dog. The following YouTube link
shows two examples of a Freestyle team in action: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NutzSiRpYBc.
This class focuses on building a positive working relationship
while introducing several basic Freestyle moves and will culminate
with all teams learning a short routine. It is geared for
those whose long-term goal is to compete, learn a new sport,
or just have fun. Prerequisite is satisfactory completion
of Intermediate Family Manners or equivalent. Cost is $110.
**New** Therapy Dog
Class
Schedule:
• 10:15 – 11:15 a.m. Sunday, January 6 for 8 weeks.
 This
class reinforces current skills and teaches new ones needed
when visiting a nursing home, hospital, or individual. Dogs
and their handlers will be exposed to medical equipment and
a variety of experiences that may occur during their visits.
The focus of the class is to prepare to be evaluated as a
therapy dog team. Before starting this class, dogs should
be at least 10 months old and have basic obedience skills
including sit, down stay, and polite walking. This class is
appropriate for students who have successfully completed Intermediate
Family Manners. Students with comparable training from other
programs may also attend providing they have a thorough understanding
of positive reinforcement training techniques. Placement will
be contingent on evaluation by the instructor. Cost is $125.
Rally
Obedience
Class Schedule:
• 10:15 – 11:15 a.m. Sunday, March 9 for 8 weeks.
Rally
Obedience (or Rally O for short) is a fun and newer team
sport! Dog and handler teams navigate a course with numbered
signs indicating different exercises to perform such as Sit-Down-Sit,
Straight Figure 8, Send Over Jump, and Recall Over Jump. Teams
navigate the course at a brisk, continuous pace without direction
from the judge. Handlers are encouraged to talk to their dogs
during the performance. This is an introductory class with
the goal of being a fun activity for those at both ends of
the leash. Prerequisite – instructor’s approval
and passing the Level 2 – Intermediate Family Manners
skills test or equivalent with a thorough understanding of
positive reinforcement training techniques. Cost is $125.
Beginning Agility
Class
Schedule:
• 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Sunday, January 6 for eight weeks.
 This
8 week entry level course is geared to the dog/handler team
whose long-term goal is to compete, learn a new sport, or
just have fun. This course covers equipment, targeting concepts,
and basic handling skills. This is a foundation course and
will require homework to ensure the dog’s long term
success. Prerequisite - instructor’s approval and passing
the Level 4 – Off Leash/Agility Foundations skills test
or equivalent with a thorough understanding of positive reinforcement
training techniques. Cost is $125.
Intermediate Agility
Class
Schedule:
• 2:15 – 3:15 p.m. Sunday, January 6 for eight
weeks.
 This
8 week class is geared to the dog/handler team continuing
on from the Beginner Agility level. This course covers sequencing,
polishing obstacle performance, building the dog’s confidence
and enthusiasm, and introducing the handler to basic course
analysis skills. Prerequisite – instructor’s approval
and satisfactory completion of Beginning Agility or its equivalent
with a thorough understanding of positive reinforcement training
techniques. Cost is $125.
Advanced Agility
Class
Schedule:
• 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Sunday, January 6 for eight
weeks.
 This
8 week class is geared to the dog/handler team that is continuing
on from the Intermediate level. More difficult and longer
sequences will be presented. Special attention will be paid
to maintaining fast and accurate obstacle performance while
using more advanced handling techniques. Handler will further
develop course analysis, handling, and team communication
skills. Prerequisite – instructor’s approval and
satisfactory completion of Intermediate Agility or its equivalent
with a thorough understanding of positive reinforcement training
techniques. Cost is $125.
Novice Competition Agility
Class
Schedule:
• Tuesdays from 7:45 – 8:45 p.m.
 This
ongoing class is geared to the dog/handler team that is continuing
on from the Advanced level. In this class, participants will
continue to refine their handling skills and teamwork. The
curriculum is tailored to meet the individual needs of the
participants. Prerequisite – instructor’s approval
and satisfactory completion of Advanced Agility or its equivalent
with a thorough understanding of positive reinforcement training
techniques. Participants purchase punch cards to participate.
Preparing
your pets for the arrival of your new baby
Class Schedule:
• 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday, February 9
• 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday, March 8
• 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday, April 12
This class is for pet parents who are about to be new parents.
We will explore your dog’s behavior and routines well
before the baby arrives. By identifying potential problems
and proactively making changes, parents can keep baby safe
and help their dog share time and attention. The sooner you
begin helping your dog with this life changing adjustment,
the easier the transition will be. Although the focus of this
talk is geared toward dogs, there will be some discussion
on helping cats with the transition, as well. Handouts will
be provided and participants will have the opportunity to
purchase a CD of baby sounds to help prepare their dog for
the new arrival. All classes are held at The Dogs’ Spot.
These classes are for people only; please leave your dog at
home. Cost is $30.
**New** Kittygarten –
kittens from 6 weeks to 15 weeks
Class
Schedule:
• 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Sunday, January 6 for 4 weeks.
• 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Sunday, February 3 for 4 weeks.
 The
Dogs’ Spot does not want to leave out man’s other
best friend, the cat. Socialization is just as important for
kittens as it is for puppies. This four week program is designed
to boost your kitty’s confidence; acclimate her to a
carrier and traveling in a car; teach her to wear a harness
and walk on a leash; introduce her to a variety of sights,
sounds, and smells; and acclimate her to being handled by
a variety of people. Your kitten will socialize with other
kittens, and will meet feline-friendly canines (provided by
the instructor). In addition, we discuss litter box issues;
learn grooming techniques; discuss healthcare and wellness
issues and parasite control; talk about proper nutrition;
and learn to give your cat medications. Finally, you will
learn to provide your cat with an enriching, interesting environment,
including how to shape and train desirable and fun behaviors
(sit, come, high five, etc.). Cost is $60.
Private Classes and Behavioral Management
If
group classes do not meet your needs, private instruction
is available for companion training and behavioral management.
Cost for private services is $55 per hour.
PLEASE NOTE: If your dog has
ever bitten anyone (you, a family member, a friend, or a stranger)
seriously enough to break skin, or if your dog has ever been
involved in a dog fight, please call the office before registering.
Handlers must be 14 years of age or older and accompanied
by an adult. All family members are encouraged and welcome
to observe.
Discounts
A 10% Discount is available:
• if you adopted your dog from a shelter within 90 days
of registering for class,
• if you are a senior citizen,
• if you work or volunteer in the pet care field.
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