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We will be offering the AKC S.T.A.R. puppy program as part of our classes.
==Socialization, Training, Activity and a Responsible owner are all important for the well-being of every puppy. Our classes will help puppy owners to develop skills and behaviors in their dogs that will give them a solid foundation toward being canine good citizens. For more information about this program visit the AKC S.T.A.R. puppy site.==

Week 7 - Graduation! || 2/24 ||  ||
 * = **Class Schedule** ||= **Date** || **Classes start promptly at 7:00 pm; please arrive a few minutes early to settle your puppy into the class environment. Do NOT feed your puppy before class.** ||
 * = Week 1 ||= **1/13** || Registration & Orientation Meeting. Please bring copies of your dog's vaccination records; click on the link for Week 1 to access the handouts, videos and other information. The links for each week are active the week of class. ||
 * = Week 2 ||= **1/20** || Welcome new puppies! ||
 * = Week 3 ||= **1/27** || Beginning of the Recall - lots of practice this week on reinforcing the recall - 30 seconds each time, at least 10 times per day! ||
 * = Week 4 ||= **2/3** || Class will meet regular time this week - this is a change. ||
 * = Week 5 ||= **2/10** || Continuing to build on our foundation skills with additional distractions & adding distance. ||
 * = Week 6 || 2/17 || Further work with obstacles to improve balance and completing multiple tasks to earn a reward. Increased distractions with recall, work on leave it, exchange for items that may be 'stolen'. ||
 * = Week 6 || 2/17 || Further work with obstacles to improve balance and completing multiple tasks to earn a reward. Increased distractions with recall, work on leave it, exchange for items that may be 'stolen'. ||



Trained dogs are well-mannered family members that are often welcome in many places. The time you are investing in training your dog is relatively short compared to the many happy years you will have together. Consistency is extremely important in everyday life with your dogs. This class is your first step towards developing this type of dog.

We will focus on positive reinforcement, but recognize that in some circumstances, we will need to adjust our approach to training.

Through training, most common behavior problems can be solved. Dogs are able to perform when they are given a task to complete rather than being told not to do something. Specific problem areas that will be addressed throughout the class will include:
 * Jumping on people
 * Pulling on leash
 * Running away/not coming when called
 * Barking
 * Chewing
 * Stealing
 * Begging

As a response to these common problems, the following behaviors will be taught:
 * Sit
 * Down
 * Stay
 * Come, Here
 * Let’s Go (walking nicely on a leash)
 * Leave It (leave things alone/turn away from things)
 * Give (give me things that you have in your mouth)
 * Sit for greeting by a stranger

We will also go beyond traditional obedience behaviors and help you learn how to develop your puppy's balance through hind-end awareness activities and other exercises. New this session will be information on first aid and warning signs to help you recognize when your dog is in a potentially life-threatening situation