Training
Our Facility
Our new, state-of-the-art facility offers the ideal training environment: clean, spacious, safe and inviting. We are a member of American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and the American Boarding Kennel Association (ABKA).
Our Staff
A good trainer can take you from puppy to adult dog training and problem solve in between. Selecting the right trainer can enhance your dog's life and your enjoyment as a pet owner. Our staff trainer, David Burns, received his certification as a professional dog trainer in 1987 from the U.S. Canine Academy. David is a professional member of the International Association of Canine Professionals and an AKC approved Canine Good Citizen Trainer and Evaluator. David's philosophy is that the purpose of a dog trainer is to teach you how to train your pet. David relies on humane training techniques, using reward-based and positive reinforcement training methods. Over the past two decades, he has trained all breeds and all ages of dogs in obedience, agility, and personal protection. David has also worked with police canines, search and rescue dogs, and student trainers.
Puppy Education
Establishing good manners and socialization at an early age can make your new puppy an enjoyable member of your family. The class is for dogs 10-weeks to 6-months old. During the class, you will learn how to use praise and other reinforcements for your dog's good behavior in dog-to-dog and people-to-dog interaction. We also include puppy care topics such as housebreaking, proper greetings when meeting two- and four-legged friends, teething problems, health care tips and proper nutrition. Class meets for 9 weeks, with one hour-long class each week. The cost is $125.00.
Novice Obedience
Our beginning obedience class is designed for dogs 6 months of age and older. You will learn how to teach your dog basic commands while on a leash: heel, sit, stay, down, come, finish. Obedience also helps you teach your dog to obey a command the first time it is given and each time it is given. You learn how to be in a permanent leadership role with your dog and how to build calm and controlled behavior. This class meets for 9 weeks, once per week for a one hour session. The cost is $150.
Advanced Obedience
This class is for dogs continuing on from the basic level of obedience and is designed to build off-leash reliability on basic commands. You continue to learn skills that you, the owner, must use to communicate your desires to your dog, how to remain in control of your dog on and off leash for all basic commands, and how to prevent inappropriate dominance in your dog. Class meets for 9 weeks, once a week for an hour; cost is $150.
Canine Good Citizen
The Canine Good Citizen Program is a two-part program that stresses responsible pet ownership for owners, and basic good manners for dogs—both at home and in the community. All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club. Class meets for 9 weeks, once a week for an hour; the cost is $125.
Private Dog Training
While the advantage of group lessons over private lessons is that they allow your pet to socialize with other dogs and people, private training is personalized instruction with one-on-one attention, and allows you the flexibility to schedule training around your individual work hours and schedule.
Private training is designed around your needs. It is effective for learning obedience skills, and can also address dogs that have behavior issues such as aggression or any other behavior problems needing to be corrected. Price is based on individual needs.
Agility Classes
Agility classes are active, fun, and build confidence and teamwork. In these classes, you work with your dog to negotiate obstacles such as tunnels, ramps, jumps, and weave poles. Classes are designed to strengthen your dog's off-leash reliability for basic commands, and to introduce and reinforce agility skills and agility commands.
Beginning Agility class starts with a one week, two-session "Introduction to Agility", then meets for an additional 5 weeks, twice a week for an hour each session. The cost is $115. Dogs must be at least 5 months old and in good physical condition for agility courses.
Intermediate Agility class builds on agility skills and commands, and dog / owner teamwork. Class meets for 5 weeks, twice a week, one hour sessions. The cost is $100.
Advanced Agility class is for those who are interested in learning strategies associated with participating in open / advanced level agility competition. Dogs must be confident jumpers and be able to properly and safely navigate all obstacles at full height. Class meets for 5 weeks, twice a week, one hour sessions. The cost is $100.
For more information or to enroll, contact David Burns at Shamrock Pet Resort, at 608-643-2451, or by email at commanddogs@charter.net.