Private Instruction Beginner through Advanced Companion dog training builds a relationship of trust and respect between you and your dog. Our training method is rewards-based clicker training, which helps reinforce a partnership that is pleasurable for both you and your dog. As a technology, clicker training relies on positive reinforcement to make it more likely your dog will repeat the desired behavior in the future. Taught privately, your dog or pup will learn the basic commands and manners in the beginner course to help him become a welcome member of the family. Pups also learn how to socialize to help them become confident adults. In addition, we cover potty training, mouthing and all household management topics. The advanced course builds on the basics, adding more complex commands and off-leash work. Group Classes Our classes meet at a central location at convenient times, with new classes forming on a regular basis. Having fun in class is important to us, and of course, your children are welcome to attend. Puppy Head Start Program For puppies 10 to 20 weeks of age when class begins This developmental class for young puppies is much like a pre-k program for your children, offering your pup the opportunity to learn in an environment that’s fun and safe. This class is limited to six puppies and meets for six weeks. Home sessions are part of this format. We created this class for families who are first time dog owners, however, anyone may attend. The classes emphasize socialization and handling, and work through real life situations you and your pup will encounter. We teach basic commands using the positive reinforcement method. Adolescent Class For puppies and dogs over six months of age This class is designed to teach Fido impulse control and help his owner establish voice control. We maintain a fairly high distraction level in the class room. Our classes are very small; we limit this class to eight dogs at a time and the program runs for eight weeks. All training is achieved using positive reinforcement. We work on increasing the length of Fido’s stay, increasing Fido's speed on the basics providing tantalizing goodies to practice leave it or off, off leash work and recalls, beginning distance work and the many ways to practice waiting, so that the dog understands how to wait for what he wants. We also work outside in a controlled environment. Tricks are for Kids, Dogs and Adults Class How many times has someone asked you: What tricks can your dog perform? It is as if Fido’s smartness is measured by the number of things he can do. This is a relationship building class for Fido and his handler. Most of us relax when we work on fun things, and when we relax, so does Fido. We practice 15 tricks. In addition each student has a self designed trick to teach (with our help) his dog. All training is achieved using positive reinforcement. American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen The Canine Good Citizen Test is rapidly becoming recognized as a tool for ensuring that the pets we love are welcome members of out communities. Pets in Motion provides both training for the test and testing those who are prepared for the test. Please contact us for additional information. (back to top) Welcome Home, Fido! An orientation for all new dog and puppy owners As a new dog or puppy owner, you may have many questions about how your new pet will fit in. We offer a one-time consultation for first-time owners that is most effective if scheduled before you bring your dog home, or during his first week in your household. In a single visit we cover all the basics needed to get you and your pet off to the right start: housetraining, crate training, introduction to the leash and collar, feeding and grooming, toys, treats, and exercise. Behavior and Aggression Consultations Let’s face it, dogs behave like dogs because they come hard-wired as dogs. They dig, bark, chew, mouth and jump up—among other things. We humans find these behaviors difficult to manage in our homes, until we teach our dogs how to behave appropriately. Additionally, dogs have adapted aggression (a social behavior that allows them to communicate information to other species) as a survival trait. Humans often misunderstand canine aggression because we don’t realize dogs relate to humans just as they would other dogs, unless we teach them differently. Early and thorough socialization is the best antidote for aggression in our pet dogs. We will ask you for a detailed history of your dog’s behavior and assess the pet in your home. We’ll help you understand why your dog is behaving in seemingly inappropriate ways. And we’ll establish a plan to manage and correct the behavior. (back to top) Pet Selection and Adoption Counseling Are you considering buying a pure-bred dog, or acquiring one from a rescue mission or shelter? Either way, it’s most important that you pick the right dog for your home and family. Making the right choice greatly improves the chances for a successful relationship, especially where children are involved. Our objective assessment will help determine the ideal size, breed, age (very important) and other dog traits that will suit you. We can also test your prospective dog’s temperament; while this is not always an indication of future behavior, an evaluation can help find the best match of dog and household. Exercise Dogs need exercise—most dog breeds were developed with some type of physical work in mind, such as herding sheep. As a result, your dog needs exercise to maintain his physical and emotional health. We can help you establish an obedience-enhanced play routine to channel your dog’s energy. Where there are health issues—age, weight, or recovery from illness or surgery—we will work with your vet to ensure that your dog is improving. (back to top) Pets in Motion is vet-recommended. Contact us for more information and references.