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 Weather Closings:
If we find it necessary to cancel a class
due to weather, it will be posted on the home
page of our web site and
announced on WSB-TV). It is your responsibility
to check
for cancellations.
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Which Class:
If you
are uncertain which is the best class for you,
e-mail your dog's age,
breed and previous training level (if any) or telephone 770-986-8317.
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Class Fee: The class fee listed
covers the entire six-week session.
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Session: Class slots
are filled on a first registered basis and we are not able to "hold" slots
via telephone or e-mail. If a class is not noted as full on the
schedule page, but fills prior to our receiving your information you will be
contacted immediately. The class fee listed is for the entire six-week
session.
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Discounts: Students
with puppies or dogs adopted from rescue organizations or animal control
receive a $10 discount on their first session only and should use the
rescue fee listed.
Refer a friend and receive $10 off your next
session when they enroll.
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Handler/Dog: The same
person and should attend class with the dog on a weekly basis for continuity
and their name only should be listed on the registration form. For those
with multiple dogs, they must bring the same dog to class each week.
Other household members are welcome to observe or fill-in when the student
must miss class. Only one handler per dog is allowed on the floor in class.
We cannot
allow children under the age of 12 to handle the dog in class. Family
members are more than welcome to observe and should be involved in the
weekly homework.
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Vaccination Records:
Don't forget to send your dog's vaccination records via one of the following
methods. Your registration will not be complete and you can't start
class until they are received.
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Equipment: For your convenience, training
equipment is available for purchase at class. We do not recommend your dog's
training collar be the quick-release type since they are not always
reliable. We suggest a buckle or other training collar. We recommend that your training leash
be leather, no longer than 6' and no wider than ½". Flexi-leashes can
not be used in class unless specifically instructed. A harness is not
appropriate for training class. You can find more specific equipment
guidelines on our Equipment page. We do not accept
credit cards for equipment and cannot allow you to take equipment or treats now and pay
later. Please bring a check or cash with you to class if you think you might
need treats or equipment.
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Children: Children at
our facility must be supervised by an adult (other than the person
handling the dog) at all times.
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Class Fee/Vaccination
Records: The class fee must be received in order for your registration to be complete.
One check may be written for multiple classes. Fees for all six-week
class sessions are $100 and additional classes in the session/same
handler are $60. For your dog's
protection, we insist that everyone confirm that their dog's vaccinations
are current. You must provide your veterinarian's name and telephone
number for verification. Puppies must have begun their
vaccinations and be current based on their age.
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 Safety: Please keep
your dog on a tight leash, close to you when entering and exiting the
training facility. Your dog may be friendly, but the other dog might not be.
We ask that you wear tennis or another appropriate walking shoe. No "slide
on" shoes please. Secure footing will help you train better.
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Treats: Bring
small, soft training treats to class every week. We have treats
available for purchase if you forget yours.
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Bitches In Season:
We do allow bitches in season to attend class, however, students must meet
the following three requirements. 1) The bitch must wear britches for her
entire heat cycle so that our matting is protected, 2) student must notify
instructor or assistant when entering your class that their bitch is in
season and 3) it is the student's responsibility to make certain their dog
is on a tight lead and monitored at all times. There are no exceptions to
this policy.
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Clean-up After Your Dog:
We must be very strict about keeping all areas around the Training Facility
clean. A pooper-scooper and receptacle will be placed in the designated
exercise area. If you choose to exercise in a different area clean-up is
still required. To help avoid a problem, please do not feed your dog after
noon on class days. Please do not allow your dog to soil common areas
such as the side of the building, the waste receptacle, doorways, cars, etc.
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Your Class: Mark
your class starting time and date on your calendar. Reminders are
usually, but not always, sent the week
before class begins if an e-mail address is provided on your registration
form or you can e-mail ADOG or call 770.986.8317 to confirm registration receipt.
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Refunds/Transfers:
If you are unable to attend class as planned
after your registration is processed, a $15 service fee will be deducted
from your refund. If you begin class and are unable to attend the
remaining classes in a session, it will be necessary for you to notify us
before the second week of class in order to receive a refund less a $15
service fee. No refunds are given after the second week of class.
There is no charge to transfer your
registration to another session.
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Missed Classes:
We will miss you if you are unable to attend a class, but unfortunately
cannot offer make-up classes or a discount. Your instructor will provide the
homework sheet if you know you will be missing the next week's class or you
can contact us and it
will be e-mailed to you.
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For those who wish to continue their training to hone both their skills as
a handler and their dog's ability, we have created a color-coded class
flow chart showing the usual class progression. You can see the
full-size chart at ADOG or click the graphic to view in a new window. |
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For your convenience, we carry top quality training equipment from J & J Dog Supplies of Galesburg, Illinois.
Equipment may be purchased the first night of class. We do not accept
credit cards for equipment purchases and can not allow you to take equipment now and pay later.
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Proper equipment is essential.
Your instructor can make recommendations specifically for you and your dog
on the first night of class and make certain your collar is properly
fitted.
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For training collars, we recommend you use either a buckle
collar, a Martingale collar or a prong collar. A
"quick release" collar is not recommended since this type collar can "release" on its
own. See collar examples.
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We recommend your training leash be leather, 4'-6' long and
1/4" - 3/8" wide (depending on your dog's size). We have long-lines available for recalls and
distance stays. Flexi-leashes are also available, but can not be used in class unless
specifically instructed.
PUPPY
(AKC S.T.A.R Program)
$100 (rescue $90) - Fee is for entire
six-week session. |
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 This class is designed for puppies eight weeks to four-five months old
(depending on size). Our goal is
for you and your puppy to learn that training is fun. Instruction focuses on the following.
ADOG began offering the AKC S.T.A.R.
Puppy Program in January 2009 when it was introduced. S.T.A.R stands for Socialization, Training, Activity,
Responsibility. Puppy Program. It is an exciting new program designed to
get dog owners and their puppies off to a good start. The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy
Program is an incentive program for loving dog owners who have taken the time to
take their puppies through a basic training class.
Read our flyer or see complete details
on the AKC site.
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positive motivational training (quiet, wait)
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general puppy care
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socialization
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puppy problems (nipping, barking, jumping up, leave it)
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controlled walking on lead
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sit, down and stay on command
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come when called
PET
MANNERS (EVENING & DAYTIME CLASS)
$100 (rescue $90) - Fee is for entire
six-week session. |
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This class is designed for the
beginning dog five-six months old (depending on size) and older. No dog is
too old. Our goal is for your pet to become a pleasure to be around
whether at home or on an outing. Instruction focuses on the following.
The Pet Manners daytime class is offered every other session.
CHECK
CURRENT SCHEDULE
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teach first time skills to
young or old dogs or reinforce skills learned in Puppy class
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positive motivational training (quiet, wait)
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maintaining good manners at all times (jumping up, barking,
leave it)
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walking (with owner in control) on a loose lead
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sit, down and stay on command
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come when called
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general dog care
PETIQUETTE
$100 (rescue $90) - Fee is for entire
six-week session. |
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Looking for some fun at ADOG with
your recently started dog? We are now offering a class for dogs that have
been through ADOG’s Pet Manners and/or Beginner (CGC) class. You will be
reinforcing skills you have worked on: walking, recalls, stay, wait (people go
through a door before dogs), accept grooming and paying attention to you, the
handler. You will also learn how to teach your dog to learn. Praise, markers
(click, good dog etc.) and a release for doing the skill correctly will be
emphasized. You will also learn to read your dog’s emotional state. Is he
confused, scared or just thinks he has a choice? Have you ever wondered what to
do when you think you’ve asked your dog for one behavior and he performs
another? We’ll help you!
The class won’t be all work and no play. There will be time for fun, games and
tricks as well.
BEGINNER
(AKC Canine Good Citizen Program) (EVENING AND DAYTIME CLASS)
$100 (rescue $90) - Fee is for entire
six-week session. |
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 This class is designed for the beginning obedience dog six months old and older
that has already achieved "manners" and has a knowledge of basic skills
(sit, down, come). Instruction includes all
behaviors needed to pass the
American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen
certification, which will be offered at the end of the session.
Instruction focuses on the following.
The Beginner daytime class is offered every other session.
CHECK
CURRENT SCHEDULE
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expanding on basic skills
(walking on a leash, sit, down, sit and down stays, come when called) for a quick, consistent and reliable response to all
commands
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skills needed to pass AKC's Canine Good
Citizen test
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maintaining good manners in all situations
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walking (with owner in control) on a loose lead
* RALLY OBEDIENCE - INTRO &
ADVANCED
$100 (rescue $90) - Fee
is for entire
six-week session. |
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Rally is a new dog sport that is
sweeping the nation. Unlike "traditional" obedience classes, you are allowed to
talk to your dog while competing. We emphasize fun and animation. Our class
offers foundation skills and sign instruction. Read more about Rally on
American
Kennel Club's site.
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The prerequisite for our Rally Intro class is
that the team complete our Beginner (CGC) course.
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The prerequisite for our Rally Advanced class is that the team attend
at least one session of Rally Intro or Novice I and have good heeling skills, a reliable sit,
down and recall.
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NOVICE
CLASSES
$100 (rescue $90)
- Fee is for entire six-week session. |
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Three levels of Novice classes
are offered, Novice I, Novice II and Novice III.
These classes are designed for
intermediate through advanced ability levels. These classes not
only lay the foundation for competitive showing, but also continue to strengthen
the bond between you and your dog. Instruction moves quickly into intensive training to improve reliability and prepare for obedience competition.
If you feel you meet the skill level to begin in one of these advanced classes,
please list your accomplishments on the registration form.
For our Novice I, II and III
classes, we start each class with handler only footwork. So that we can get
class started on time, please come to class prepared to either leave your dog
securely in the car, bring a crate inside for your dog during this time or have
someone come with you to hold your dog in the seating area. If you choose to
bring a metal crate, you must bring something to put under it (like a rug or
towel) to protect the mats.
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COMPETITION
CLASSES
$100 (rescue $90)
- Fee is for entire six-week session. |
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Trial Ready, Open, Utility
These classes are designed for the aspiring obedience exhibitor through the seasoned competitor. Great opportunities are offered for exhibitors to develop a variety of purposeful training techniques and specific strategies to fit their dog.
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PROBLEM SOLVING - OPEN/UTILITY (DAYTIME CLASS)
$100 (rescue $90)
- Fee is for entire six-week session. |
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This class will help you with your Open and
Utility skills. In order to enroll in this class, your dog must be
familiar with all of the Open and Utility Exercises.
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COMPETITION
HEELING
$100 (rescue $90)
- Fee is for entire six-week session. |
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This class is designed to help dogs and handlers
currently competing to maintain and improve scores. Through the use of difficult
and varied distractions, which include visual, auditory, scent and touch, for
proofing, the goal is to improve focus and attention. Quick choppy heeling
patterns, use of gate mazes, unusual heeling patterns and obstacles help
handlers not only get used to handling in difficult situations, but learn to
think quickly with their dog. Recreating difficult situations that might occur
at a dog show, recall work and group exercises are also worked and proofed as
time permits.
The instructor and assistant offer opinions, note
handling errors, and dog errors when they see them. No formal instruction,
however, is done in this class.
If there are questions about you or your dog’s
readiness to enter this class it may be best to ask your current instructor,
and/or plan to come and observe a class before enrolling.
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SPECIALTY CLASSES
$100 (rescue $90)
- Fee is for entire six-week session. |
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We also offer selected specialty classes from time to time based on student
needs. They are listed in italics on each session's Schedule page. If you feel you meet the skill level to begin in one of these advanced classes,
please list your accomplishments on your registration form.
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Our Competition Puppy classis for handlers who have previously titled a dog or have been through our
Competition classes. You must complete Competition Puppy I and have
instructor approval to enroll in Competition Puppy II. Maximum puppy age is six months.
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Our Off Leash Heeling class (offered
periodically)
class will teach you how to transition from on leash to off leash heeling.
Students must be at ADOG's Novice II level or above. Topics covered will include: your
relationship with your dog vis-à-vis heeling,
motivating your dog. Keeping heeling interesting, cues
for turns and change of pace,
transitional steps to off lead heeling,
attention on and off lead, off
lead corrections.
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Our Focus/Attention class (offered periodically) is for handlers
at our Novice II level or above.
Skills taught will include: "switch" from high drive to being calm and
back again; loose lead control for just walking around show grounds or
the neighborhood; how to build drive and bonding with tricks; attention
off lead heeling, recalls and signals.
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Our Performance Sports Intro class
(offered periodically) is for handlers who may want to go on
in obedience, agility, flyball, Frisbee or other performance sports with
their dogs, or may just want another class to learn new skills with no plan
to go on to other venues. Prerequisite: Dog must have a reliable off lead
recall, and know sit, down and stay (at least a short stay).
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Our Practical Skills class (offered
periodically) is for any handler and dog (4-5 months and older) team who have had prior
training to our Beginner (CGC) class level. The minimum student requirement is
four and the maximum number of students is eight. Items that will be
covered in the class include:
recall – make your recall even more reliable, close
– have your dog come to your side on command,
retrieve – how to retrieve objects and bring them to you,
jumping – various style jumps will be covered,
search – how to find specific items, mark
– find a specific spot and go to it, hand
signals – sit, down, stay and come with a signal.
We offer private lessons at our
facility for those who would like to hone their Obedience or Rally skills. Please go to the
Private Lesson Information and Request page
for details.
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