Training Class Descriptions
Classes offered by First Dog Training Club cover all aspects of dog obedience, Basic, Competition, Fun activities, Rally, Conformation Show Handling and Nosework.
Puppy Kindergarten Class (AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy)
For dogs 3 to 6 months of age. Socialization is so important at this age, pups have a chance to socialize with other pups and are given a chance to be held, petted and handled by all the students in the class This age is a critical time in the development of the puppies. The class teaches them to get along with other dogs, to come when called, to sit and lie down when told. Common puppy problems are addressed and students are given advice on how to solve these problems. Learn more about the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program.
Beginner Class
This class is for dogs that have no formal training. You and your dog will learn the basic skills that are needed to start to work together as a team. You will learn how to control your dog on a leash and have him or her obey simple commands such as sit, stay, down and come. The dog will also learn good manners such as not to jump, pull or bite. Any behavior problems that you may have can also be addressed in this class.
Dogs should be 6 months of age and above.
Advanced Beginner Class
For those dogs who need to hone the skills learned in the Beginner class. This class stresses working as a team- dog & handler. It will teach you the basics for everyday life situations. And prepare you for AKC tests.
Beyond Beginner
This class will get you prepared to take the CGC, CGCA and Temperament Test (see the sidebar for information on these tests). The class is designed to have fun with your dog while learning how to work as a team.
Prerequisite, attended at least 1 Beginner Class
Beginner Novice
For new students to the sport of obedience, this class is the perfect stepping stone and will continue to improve the skills you and your dog learned while preparing for the CGC. All exercises are performed on leash, with the exception of the recall.
This class will prepare you for the optional AKC Beginner Novice (BN) title. Exercises performed are: heel on leash (following a rally sign pattern), figure eight, sit for exam, sit stay (walk around the room) and recall.
Must have completed an Advanced Beginner class.
For additional information on the AKC BN title, check here:
3 D Class
Not ready to show your dog at an obedience trial but want to continue training and having fun with your dog? Enroll in the Novice 3D class. You will work on the 3 Ds - duration, distance and distraction. Your exercises will combine games for attention, motivation and impulse control while having fun.
Novice Class
This class helps your dog continue to improve his basic skills, socialize in different settings while preparing you for the AKC Companion Dog (CD) Obedience title. In order to earn a CD, the dog and the handler must perform the following exercises:
Heel on leash, figure eight, stand for examination, heel free, recall, sit stay – get your leash, group exercise – sit and down stay.”
For additional information on the AKC CD title: https://www.akc.org/sports/obedience/resources/
Ready for Competition Novice
For students actively showing in Novice or going to match shows in anticipation of competing soon that want to perfect their performance. Handling skills practiced and discussed. Run throughs with critique and scoring. Some theory discussion. Review of score sheets and rule book exercises for Novice. Discussion of subjects such as how points are lost, what judges are looking for, etc.
Because some of class time will be spent on discussion, dogs must be reliable and quiet on a settled down. Most of the class time will be hands on but there will be time spent on discussion each week. Dogs must also be able to heel off lead fairly consistently and attentive.
Open Class
This class is for dogs that have earned a CD and would like to compete for the next AKC title, Companion Dog Excellent (CDX). All exercises in this class are performed off leash. In order to earn a CDX, the dog and the handler must perform the following exercises:
Heel free, figure eight, command discrimination (stand, down, sit), drop on recall, retrieve on flat, retrieve over the high jump, broad jump, stand stay – get your leash.”
Dogs must be able to hold a dumbbell.
For additional information on the AKC CDX title: https://www.akc.org/sports/obedience/resources/
Utility Class
This is the highest level of obedience competition where you earn a Utility Dog (UD) title. All exercises in this class are performed off leash. In order to earn a UD, the dog and the handler must perform the following exercises:
Signal exercise, scent discrimination article #1 and article #2, directed retrieve, moving stand and examination, directed jumping.”
For additional information on the AKC UD title: https://www.akc.org/sports/obedience/resources/
Obedience Foundation
This class is open to any dog who has completed one novice class. It will introduce your dog to the foundations for training the majority of obedience exercises through games and play by breaking down each one to its smallest part - sit, stay, down, stand, heel, fronts, finishes, jumps, retrieves and go outs. We'll also cover transitions - getting your dog to stay attentive from one exercise to another through jumps, spins, twists and hand touches
Rally:
These classes will introduce handler and dog to AKC Rally competition, a fun way to start competing with your dog. Rally combines traditional obedience exercises while following a course with numbered exercises to be performed.
Novice
This class is intended for beginners. All exercises are performed on leash. It will cover the rules and regulations, and the novice exercises while going through a course. This class will prepare students for their Rally Novice (RN) title
Intermediate Rally
Students will work through all Novice and Intermediate Rally Signs with explanations and assistance from an experienced instructor. Dogs should be familiar with basic obedience instructions especially sits and turns. There are no jumps at this level but it is important that your dog pays attention to their handler. This class will prepare students for the Rally Intermediate (RI) title.
Advanced/Excellent
This class is for students that have completed the Novice Rally class. All exercises are performed off leash. This class will cover the advance and excellent signs and will prepare the students for their Rally Advance (RA) and Rally Excellent (RE) titles.
Conformation Show Handling
This class is for individuals and their dogs that need to practice and prepare for showing their dog in the ring for breed championships. Class covers patterns and stacking procedure. Instruction will include discussion on ring procedures and etiquette along with the tips and tricks pros use to ensure you are showing your dog to its maximum potential. So if you are looking for a class that will show you so much more than just how to run around in a circle with your dog, this is the class for you. Inexperienced and junior handlers are especially welcomed as are puppies and dogs of all ages.
Details:
Runs most Tuesdays at 7:30 pm (dates and time vary) Pay as you go each week (cash or check only) and choose the days you want to attend.
Contact: Email or call Samantha Keeler at sam@galaxy-goldens.com or 732-801-5482 with any questions.
K9 Nose Work
Dogs have an amazing sense of smell and a natural desire to hunt. The sport of K9 Nose Work is designed to develop your dog’s natural scenting abilities by using his desire to hunt and love of toys, food and exercise. It’s a great way for your dog to have fun, build confidence, and burn lots of mental and physical energy.
Currently we are offering only NW3 level and above classes which are filled and have a waiting list.
Kathe is also an active competitor in Rally and Agility. She is a member of the Hudson Valley Tracking Club, pursuing tracking and a participant as a trial tracklayer. Most gratifying are Therapy Dog visits with Karita and, time permitting, working at the local shelter to help other dogs get a second chance.
Kathe is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and has completed the Professional Dog Trainer Certification (CPDT-KA). Additionally, she completed the Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) program and is a KPA Certified Training Partner. She continually attends several seminars and workshops each year so that she may pass on valuable knowledge and skills to her students.
