DOG SPORTS & SPECIALTY CLASSES

CANINE GOOD CITIZEN PREP

American Kennel Club (AKC) created the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification program to reward responsible ownership and canine good manners in the home and in the community. Our five-week class works specifically on teaching you and your canine companion how to have a wonderful relationship and how to present yourselves well in the community. On graduation day, you and your dog will have the opportunity to take the Canine Good Citizen test. All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test qualify to receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a five-week course and your dog should attend all classes with you. Includes the test on the final day of class.

COURSE PREREQUISITES:

  • Completion of either Canine High School, Puppy 2 or equivalent level 2 class.
  • Proof of vaccinations

$165
$140 (ADL members)

 

REGISTER FOR THIS CLASS:

 

 

 

 

OBEDIENCE FOR DOG SPORTS

Designed for the dogs preparing for dog sports, including agility, flyball, canine freestyle, disk dogs and others, this course will emphasize working and remaining focused through high level distractions. Behaviors that will be practiced will include: Appropriate play ~ Stays with distractions ~ Come away from distractions ~ Come past distractions ~ Go away from me ("go on") ~ Left Turn/Right Turn.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a six-week course and your dog should attend all classes with you.

COURSE PREREQUISITES:

  • Dog must be at least 6 months of age
  • Completion of a Beginning and an Intermediate training course or equivalent
  • Proof of current vaccinations

$185
$160 (ADL members)

 

NO CLASSES SCHEDULED AT THIS TIME.
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO BE PUT ON THE WAITLIST.

 

 

 

 

BEGINNING PET DOG AGILITY

Beginning Pet Dog Agility will introduce you and your dog to the fun of agility. Using positive reinforcement methods, your dog will learn how to complete the various agility obstacles, such as jumps, tunnels, weave poles, teeter-totters, and other contact items. We will also begin some sequencing (your dog learning to do multiple obstacles in a given run) and you will learn the fundamentals to build on with future agility classes. In this rewarding dog-person team sport, you, as a handler, learn how to communicate effectively with your dog and give your dog a fun and creative outlet for its energy.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a six-week course and your dog should attend all classes with you.

COURSE PREREQUISITES:

  • Dog must be over 1 year old (all ages over 1 year are welcome, as are all sizes of dogs)
  • Completion of a Beginning and an Intermediate training course or equivalent
  • Proof of vaccinations

$185
$160 (ADL members)

 

NO CLASSES SCHEDULED AT THIS TIME.
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO BE PUT ON THE WAITLIST.

 

 

 

 

INTERMEDIATE PET DOG AGILITY

Continue building your and your dog's skill set in agility with this fun course! Using the obstacles your dog has already learned, this class will continue to finesse your dog's execution, including working towards competition height teeter totter and continuing to build weave poles. Along with this, we will introduce the final items of agility to your dog in this course, including the dog walk, tire jump, and chute. Your dog will be working more and more off leash in this class, until they are completely off leash, having learned the essentials of the different obstacles. We will also continue to build their ability to sequence more and more obstacles. This active and positive class will continue to strengthen your team work with your dog in a fun, relaxed environment.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a six-week course and your dog should attend all classes with you.

COURSE PREREQUISITES:

  • Dog must be over 1 year old (all ages over 1 year are welcome, as are all sizes of dogs)
  • Dog has completed a Beginning and an Intermediate training course or equivalent, Beginning Pet Dog Agility or equivalent
  • Proof of vaccinations

$185
$160 (ADL members)

 

REGISTER FOR THIS CLASS:

 

 

 

 

BEGINNING HANDLING FOR AGILITY

Beginning Handling For Agility is an introduction to handling skills for agility. Whether you struggle to keep up with your fast dog, or need to motivate your slower dog, this class will give you the skills to better handle your pooch on a course. Very little equipment will be used, and the emphasis will be on maneuvers and agility handling techniques for all skill levels. Behaviors that will be introduced include: Front cross ~ Go on ~ Lead Out Pivot ~ Go out (away) ~ Come in.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a six-week course and your dog should attend all classes with you.

COURSE PREREQUISITES:

  • Dog must be over 1 year old (all ages over 1 year are welcome, as are all sizes of dogs)
  • Dog has completed an Intermediate training course or have approval of the instructor
  • Proof of vaccinations

$185
$160 (ADL members)

 

NO CLASSES SCHEDULED AT THIS TIME.
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO BE PUT ON THE WAITLIST.

 

 

 

 

DROP-IN AGILITY

For students who have completed A DOG'S LIFE beginning and intermediate agility classes, drop-in sessions allow you to continue to improve handling and sequencing on the equipment under instructor supervision.

PLEASE NOTE: This class is on-going and is arranged by reservation with the instructor only.

COURSE PREREQUISITES:

  • Dog must be over 1 year old (all ages over 1 year are welcome, as are all sizes of dogs)
  • Dog has completed ADL Beginning or Intermediate Agility class or equivalent classes, or is currently competing or has competed in Agility trials in the past
  • Proof of vaccinations

$15 walk-in per dog, per session. Payable to instructor at the door.
NO NEED TO REGISTER, HOWEVER, BY RESERVATION ONLY.

DROP-IN AGILITY SCHEDULE:

  • In PALO ALTO, ongoing every Tuesday, at 7:30 PM with Joyce Hao instructing, by reservation only.

 

 

 

 

BEGINNING FLYBALL

So, what is Flyball? Two Teams of four dogs compete against each other over an obstacle course of 4 jumps, a springloaded box with a tennis ball and then back over the 4 jumps to their over excited handler. As the first dog is returning the next team dog is released for their turn. The first team to complete the course wins the heat. In our 5 week course we will introduce you and your dog to one of the fastest growing dog sports around. Dogs and handlers will begin to work together in the elements of the flyball course. This will include training of a proper swimmers turn, motivational exercises, handling techniques and beginner's jumping.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a five-week course and your dog should attend all classes with you.

COURSE PREREQUISITES:

  • Completion of Canine High School or other Intermediate class, or have approval of instructor
  • Dog must have reliable off leash recall
  • Dog must be well socialized, healthy/athletic and not overweight
  • Must enjoy retrieving a tennis ball
  • Proof of vaccinations

$165
$140 (ADL members)

 

NO CLASSES SCHEDULED AT THIS TIME.
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO BE PUT ON THE WAITLIST.

 

 

 

 

INTERMEDIATE FLYBALL

We will expand upon the skills learned in the Beginning Flyball course. Dogs and handlers will continue working together on the elements of the flyball course. Dogs should attend all sessions of this six-week course.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a five-week course and your dog should attend all classes with you.

COURSE PREREQUISITES:

  • Completion of Beginning Flyball or equivalent, or have approval of instructor
  • Proof of vaccinations

$165
$140 (ADL members)

 

NO CLASSES SCHEDULED AT THIS TIME.
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO BE PUT ON THE WAITLIST.

 

 

 

 

BEGINNING CANINE NOSE WORK

Known as Canine Scent Work, this new, fast-growing sport originates in the scenting dogs that are used to detect drugs, bombs, and agricultural goods at airports. In this fun 6-week class you and your dog will learn the basics of finding hidden toys or objects, as the basis for later finding specific designated scents. ANY dog with basic obedience skills can learn this!

PLEASE NOTE: This is a six-week course and your dog should attend all classes with you.

COURSE PREREQUISITES:

  • Completion of Canine Middle School or equivalent
  • Dog must be crate trained
  • Dog must not be people-aggressive

$185
$160 (ADL members)

 

REGISTER FOR THIS CLASS:

 

 

 

 

INTERMEDIATE CANINE NOSE WORK

This 6-week course is a continuation of the Beginning Nose Work class. You will learn about the principals of how odor travels and lingers and how the environment affects odors. Your dog will be introduced to the first of the official odors for the sport of Canine Scent Work.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a six-week course and your dog should attend all classes with you.

COURSE PREREQUISITES:

  • Completion of Beginning Nose Work or equivalent, or have approval of the instructor
  • Dog must be crate trained
  • Dog must not be people-aggressive

$185
$160 (ADL members)

 

NO CLASSES SCHEDULED AT THIS TIME.
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO BE PUT ON THE WAITLIST.

 

 

 

 

CONTINUING CANINE NOSE WORK

This class, open to students who have completed Beginning and Intermediate Nose Work, will build the skills and teamwork of the dog and handler container searches, interior and exterior searches, and vehicle searches. Open to students who have completed at least the first two Nose Work Class levels or with the permission of the instructor. Classes will be scheduled by reservation.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a six-week course and your dog should attend all classes with you. Classes will be scheduled by reservation.

COURSE PREREQUISITES:

  • Completion of Beginning Nose Work and Intermediate Nose Work or equivalent, or have approval of the instructor
  • Dog must be crate trained
  • Dog must not be people-aggressive

$185
$160 (ADL members)

 

NO CLASSES SCHEDULED AT THIS TIME.
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO BE PUT ON THE WAITLIST.

 

 

 

 

DOUBLE TROUBLE

No doubt about it, two dogs can be a handful! This course is designed to help you teach your dogs how to respond to you, both separately & together, and how to better manage your dogs so you will have a more enjoyable, fun and harmonious household!.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a five-week course and your dogs should attend all classes with you.

COURSE PREREQUISITES:

  • Dogs and owners must have completed Puppy 1, Canine Middle School or equivalent basic obedience class or have approval of instructor
  • Dogs must not be dog or people aggressive
  • Dogs must have proof of vaccinations

$195
$170 (ADL members)

 

NO CLASSES SCHEDULED AT THIS TIME.
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO BE PUT ON THE WAITLIST.

 

 

 

 

BEGINNING TRICKS

We love Tricks class! Teaching your dog tricks is a fun and entertaining way to an even smarter, more focused pet and you will be the life of the party! You'll learn foundation skills for teaching tricks such as shake hands, high five, sit pretty, take a bow, play dead, spin, etc. Your dog will love learning new tricks!

PLEASE NOTE: This is a five-week course and your dog should attend all classes with you.

COURSE PREREQUISITES:

  • Completion of an Intermediate, Puppy 2 or other Level 2 course or equivalent
  • Dog must not be leash aggressive/reactive with people or dogs
  • Proof of current vaccinations

$175
$150 (ADL members)

 

NO CLASSES SCHEDULED AT THIS TIME.
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO BE PUT ON THE WAITLIST.

 

 

 

 

ADVANCED TRICKS

Once you've learned the foundation skills and have some of the basic tricks learned, you and your dog are ready for more advanced tricks! You'll learn tricks such as putting away toys, reading signs and turning off lights. Different dogs are better at certain tricks, so we will explore the tricks at which your dog may excel!

PLEASE NOTE: This is a five-week course and your dog should attend all classes with you.

COURSE PREREQUISITES:

  • Completion of BEGINNING TRICKS class
  • Dog must not be leash aggressive/reactive with people or dogs
  • Proof of current vaccinations

$175
$150 (ADL members)

 

NO CLASSES SCHEDULED AT THIS TIME.
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO BE PUT ON THE WAITLIST.

 

 

 

 

CLICKER TRAINING FOR CONFORMATION

For beginners as well as seasoned handlers. You will learn a fresh new approach to bring out the best in your dog using positive, modern methods. You'll enjoy an enhanced level of communication with your dog as you learn how to use a clicker to achieve behaviors needed in the ring, such as a self-stack, gait on a loose lead, and stand for exam. You'll also learn some insider tips and the basic ins and outs of showing your dog.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a five-week course. The first class is HUMANS ONLY, then your dog should attend the remaining classes with you.

COURSE PREREQUISITES:

  • Dogs and owners/handlers must have completed Puppy 1, or Canine Middle School or equivalent basic obedience class
  • Proof of age-approriate vaccinations

$175
$150 (ADL members)

 

NO CLASSES SCHEDULED AT THIS TIME.
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO BE PUT ON THE WAITLIST.

 

 

 

 

NOVICE RALLY OBEDIENCE (level 1)

Rally Obedience is an AKC titling event. But, it is so much more than that. It is also a fun and enjoyable way to perfect your dog's responses to you, whether or not you ever compete! By using modern, positive training methods, you'll experience a mutual respect and enhanced level of communication between you and your dog. This makes it possible to tap into your dog's true potential.

You and your dog move as a team continuously through a Rally course of 10-20 signs. At each numbered sign you perform the indicated exercise then move to the next sign. Unlimited communication is encouraged - the handler can talk to the dog and give multiple commands and signals. It is fun and relaxed!

This class will introduce you to AKC Rally. You and your dog will learn how to complete each of the exercises in Novice. Taking a Rally class is sure to improve your dog's heeling and attention!

PLEASE NOTE: This is a five-week course and your dog should attend all classes with you.

COURSE PREREQUISITES:

  • Dogs and owners/handlers must have completed Puppy 1, or Canine Middle School or equivalent basic obedience class
  • Proof of age-approriate vaccinations

$175
$150 (ADL members)

 

NO CLASSES SCHEDULED AT THIS TIME.
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO BE PUT ON THE WAITLIST.

 

 

 

 

ADVANCED RALLY OBEDIENCE (level 2)

This class will build on the exercises learned in Novice and move you on to learning the Excellent exercises.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a five-week course and your dog should attend all classes with you.

COURSE PREREQUISITES:

  • Completion of Novice Rally Obedience
  • Dog must not be aggressive towards other dogs on leash
  • Proof of vaccinations

$175
$150 (ADL members)

 

REGISTER FOR THIS CLASS:

 

 

 

 

HOUNDS ON THE TOWN!

This five-week course consists of field trips to a different location every week where we will be practicing good dog manners on crowded streets, town squares, visiting stores, vet offices, coffee shops, etc. We will be visiting dog-friendly locations like Stanford Shopping Center, down town Los Gatos and Santana Row. This is the perfect transition from the classroom to the real world, where you will get to work with your dog in real-life situations, but with the support of two instructors!.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a five-week course and your dog should attend all classes with you.

COURSE PREREQUISITES:

  • This class is by INSTRUCTOR INVITATION/APPROVAL ONLY
  • Completion of a Beginning and an Intermediate training course or equivalent
  • Dog must not be leash aggressive/reactive with people or other animals

$175
$150 (ADL members)

 

NO CLASSES SCHEDULED AT THIS TIME.
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO BE PUT ON THE WAITLIST.

 

 

 

 

HOUNDS BY THE SEA!

For graduates of Hounds on the Town, this one-day field trip to Carmel-by-the-Sea will give you an extended opportunity to take your dog out and about under the guidance of two instructors. We will visit a variety of dog-friendly establishments, and end the day with a group meal at a local dog-friendly restaurant (price of meal not included in cost of class). Field trip is approximately 3.5 hours long, including the meal.

COURSE PREREQUISITES:

  • This class is by INSTRUCTOR INVITATION/APPROVAL ONLY
  • Completion of a Beginning and an Intermediate training course or equivalent
  • Dog must not be leash aggressive/reactive with people or other animals

$55
$50 (ADL members)

 

NO CLASSES SCHEDULED AT THIS TIME.
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO BE PUT ON THE WAITLIST.

 

 

All dogs that come to A DOG'S LIFE for daycare, boarding or training that are recovering from and/or taking antibiotics for an illness or infection must also have written clearance from their vet stating that the dog is safe to be around other dogs (i.e. is not contagious).

 

 

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