
2458 Boston Post Road \| Guilford, CT 06437 \| 203-458-2223 (ABCD) Office/retail hours: Mon 3-6 Th 12-6 Sun 11-1 \| Training hours by appointment or class schedule.

BEGINNER GROUPS
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for dogs 18.5 weeks (about 5 months) and older
(see Puppy Kindergarten for pups under 18 weeks)
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We have restructured our classes for social distancing and everyone's safety.

Please bring masks. Requirements for use vary depending on current status and instructor discretion.

Class size is now limited to 4 - 6 dogs, one or two handlers per dog.
Hand sanitizer is provided, chairs/room are disinfected. Washroom available for hand washing.
Latest information: (updated as things change): coronavirus update

BEGINNER OBEDIENCE: OVERVIEW & DESCRIPTION

For puppies and dogs over 18.5 weeks (about 5 months) old
Teaching YOU to teach your dog for real results
An effective and economical way to teach you to teach your dog!
Perfect for first timers or as a refresher for dogs with previous training
Includes basic commands, canine communication, psychology, timing and the right way to teach
Basic commands include sit, down, coming when called (several levels), stay, attention, loose leash walking, heeling, verbal control/leash out of hands if ready
Manners/Problems solving including "leave it", "off" and "quiet", polite greetings and other behavioral topics
Use the 4 different types of chews/toys to keep dogs busy and prevent destructive habits
Get Results on the first command, with or without distractions!
Dog psychology and communication
Built in distractions with socializing combined with individual attention
Get real verbal control without becoming leash-dependent (TRAIN, DON'T RESTRAIN)
Focus on real life issues for reliability in your everyday world
Get the best of both worlds, your dog should be a happy AND obedient family member
Easy and effective ways to teach
Be a good leader, without physical force!
Proper use of redirection/incompatible behaviors to create desired outcome
Understand timing, clicker (or verbal marker) and random reinforcement to avoid future treat dependence
Verbal control: loose leash, loose leash, loose leash!!!
(did we mention train, don't restrain?)
More!

REGISTRATION DETAILS

5 week class/$225 + tax
45 minute classes
New protocols due to coronavirus: Full learning with class size limited to 4-6 puppy/human teams. Two people may attend per puppy, we are sorry we cannot welcome the whole family as we did before (possible with prior approval, call). Private sessions may be added to do training with more people if needed.
All classes require prepaid registration to ensure your enrollment. Please check your schedules and veterinary approval first, class fees are non-refundable and not transferable to private sessions, other services or merchandise. Exceptions will be made in case of illness, filled classes and some other situations. If pup is unable to attend temporarily one week, we encourage owners to come without dog and then do the practice at home.
Please make a copy of rabies certificate and leave it with us the first week of class. Kennel cough vaccine is not required, but highly recommended.
You are responsible for missed classes, we are happy to provide written homework and brief instructions. A 30 minute make-up private session may be purchased (recommended more depending on week missed) If another class is on the same schedule we are happy to let you attend a different night at no charge. Often start dates are staggered so that is not always possible.
Week 1 is required and held WITHOUT dogs for an undistracted start.
6 foot leash needed (any material/leather, no chain or retractable leashes!). We will review other equipment options the first night.
Some issues are not able to be addressed in a group format. Consider private sessions if you need to deal with specific behavioral issues. Private sessions may be added to group classes on an a la carte basis. Dogs with aggression are not appropriate for group classes (many dogs are noisy due to frustration when leashed near other dogs, this is usually NOT aggression and is usually fine - just stresses the owners a little). Feel free to call if you have questions.
Please read terms of enrollment before you register
Class meets every week on same day unless holiday or skip date (in the event of skip for weather or other reason, full number of classes will be held - dates will be added)
Private sessions available as discounted add-on for extra help or so that more family members can attend session

JOIN US IN OUR AIR CONDITIONED/HEATED ROOM

BEGINNER GROUPS 2024 entire year Start Dates* (for each 5 week class) (* note each week is not listed, just the start date for the classes which are 5 weeks in a row. Example: if 7/25 is start date, classes meet every Thursday for 5 weeks, including 8/1, 8/8, 8/15, and 8/22) Beginner Group is for dogs 18.5 weeks old (about 5 months) and older (see Puppy Kindergarten for pups 12-18 weeks old) 5 weeks/$225 + tax (Limited to 4 -6 dogs, first come first served) classes are held the same day each week consecutively unless holiday or skip week, Each date show is the first date of the five week class
Day of week	Time	2024 Start Dates *(note each week is not listed, just start date for the classes which are 5 weeks in a row)* week 1 meets WITHOUT dogs - If date does not say "FULL"or # of slots open, then class is fully open
Saturdays 2024 (new!)	6:15 pm	wait list forming, please call
Mondays 2024	7:15 pm	10/21 (skip 11/11), 12/16
Tuesdays 2024	7:15 pm	11/26 (was 11/19)
*new!* Wednesdays 2024	5:30 pm	11/6 *cancelled*
Thursdays 2024	7:15 pm	11/7 FULL (skip 11/14-vacation and 11/28-Thanksgiving. Class will still be 5 weeks total. We may discuss adding other dates to see if we can avoid graduation so close to Christmas. When entire class is together, we will go over options. If alternate dates don't work, we will continue on Thursdays until classes are complete... don't worry)
Daytime weekday		Please call to join wait list for possible daytime classes
To register for class, use our secure registration form * PLEASE NOTE: Sometimes new classes are "ADDED! " may not appear on drop down menu. If your class time is not listed, just pick "misc" and write in class in comments section. Thank you. *Refunds/credits gladly given if class is full, so please feel free to register online to secure your spot (registrations are first come, first serve)**. Otherwise, classes are non-refundable/non-transferable, please check your schedule and veterinarian approval regarding vaccines carefully In the event of weather cancellations or holiday/holiday weekends, class will be postponed* to following week until all weeks are completed *We limit class size to give you more personal attention (and now social distancing too!)*


To Register: Click here or on secure online registration button and submit online If class is "added" or start date is not listed on form for some reason, please choose class time as "misc" and write in start date shown here Click here to download a printable registration form. Once completed mail it (address above) or bring it in during our office hours ($225 + 6.35% CT sales tax = $239.29) Note: added classes may not be shown, refer to web page for most recent dates Call during store hours to register by phone Visit us during our office/retail hours and complete form We will confirm by text a few days before class. Don't worry if you don't get immediate confirmation, feel free to call if you have any questions. Please register at least 1 week before class. If registering online last minute after we are closed, we may not receive registration in time . We are in the office Thurs 3-6 and Sun 11-1. Please read terms of enrollment before you register