Training classes..that is such a drab, boring word..we prefer to call our classes a date with your dog. We believe that it is a night out ”just you and the pooch”creating a relationship. Training your dogs is not simply “giving your dog commands”, it is working towards a common bond. At emBARK, we try to kick boredom in the butt. Our classes are uber informative with a dash of craziness to create an upbeat, positive environment. Heather and Dyan’s approach to training is very different than the typical dog trainer. Our classes are anything but dull or militant – hence our unique “date night with your dog” approach to training classes! With over 35+ years of combined experience in their back pockets, they have heard every training issue that you can throw at them. Whether you have an 8 wk old Chihuahua or an 11 year old Newfoundland, we have the perfect class for you! We offer 14 DIFFERENT classes – the biggest selection in the Midwest! We also have our patented “A LA CARTE” classes that are only 4 weeks long to help busy dog moms and dads hone in on single skills without a huge time commitment. Our training philosophy centers around positive reinforcement and incorporates:
PUPPY EINSTEIN
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(7 weeks – $90) Upcoming class start dates:
Wednesday, August 4 @ 7:15pm
Get your pups off to the right start! Puppies aged 8-16 weeks and their families are welcome to join this energetic class packed full of useful tips in raising little Fido. Early socialization, beginning “come when called”, potty training, how to choose a dog food and puppy MANNERS are all part of this class. The only class in the area that is conducted entirely off leash so the pup learns off leash skills at a very young age all while interacting with other pups and people in class. This class is taught by the most experienced puppy instructors in the area, with 35 years combined puppy class time behind them, there is not an issue we haven’t heard! This a family friendly class, so bring the whole crew! Crucial lessons are learned within the first months – don’t miss the opportunity!
REAL LIFE ROVER (aka “ Beginner Obedience)
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($100 – 8 weeks) Wednesday, July 28 @ 6pm OR Tuesday, August 24 @ 6pm
Most dog schools call this class Beginner Obedience. Ho hum that is so dull! This should be the next class in progression after Puppy Einstein. A class geared towards everyday living, a class with skills that you use each day. Self control, go to your bed, proper greeting behavior, come when called, waiting to go out the door, retrieving games, loose leash walking, and some tricks are intertwined in this class. A great continuing education for your adolescent pup, or the middle aged dog who needs some remedial learning. This class often has a waiting list, so sign up early!
X-TREME REAL LIFE ROVER (aka – Intermediate Obedience)
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(8 weeks – $100) Thursday, August 12 @ 7:15pm
Once again, we are up to something different! If you have taken Real Life Rover, you are ready for the journey to continue……..everyone can own a dog that can sit, stay, and shake. X-treme Real Life Rover takes your dog to another level of training. Learn skills that are applicable when out hiking at Lowe’s Creek Park, or hanging out at the concerts at Phoenix Park. Create a dog that you are proud to own and WANT to take places – isn’t that what sharing your life with a dog is all about? We will learn a down at a distance, waiting at the curb, emergency sits, off leash come when called, crate games, and extreme stay work.
Xtreme Real Life Rover Part II – “HOUND AROUND TOWN”
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(4 weeks – $50) Tuesday, July 27 @ 7:15pm
In this 4 week class, we will take the skills learned in Xtreme Part I and meet at four different locations around town to practice what we have learned in the Real World! When you sign up for this class, you will be given the location of the first class. We all know our dogs will listen at home and at emBARK….now let’s see how they are “around town”!
COME WHEN CALLED
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($50 – 4 weeks) Monday, August 9 @ 6pm
It is 6am, you are wearing your fluorescent green bathrobe to let your dog out for his morning duties. You tip your coffee cup up to take a sip…look up…and he is GONE. You wander the neighborhood in your early morning attire yelling and trying NOT to wake the neighbors. DON’T LET THIS HAPPEN TO YOU! Take our 4 week Come When Called class as a refresher or as an intro to this crucial life lesson. We will work through distracting environments and teach you how to go through the steps of teaching your dog to “COME”!!
LOOSE LEASH WALKING/MANNERS
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($50 – 4 weeks) TBD
Is your right arm longer than your left? And was it NOT that way before you added Fido to the family? Walking your dog should be pleasant, not stressful. Take the stress out of walking your dog so you can enjoy a beautiful walk through Phoenix Park instead of throwing out your back trying to hang on. In this 4 week class we will learn loose leash walking, manners and how to STAY put. Taught in a positive energetic manner that both your dog and YOU will enjoy.
STAY WITH ME
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($50 – 4 weeks) Tuesday, June 8 @ 6pm
The BEST class you will ever take. Teach your dog to stay close to you on or off leash. This is a crucial life lesson that you will use daily. Voted the best class in town by many students! Taught in a way that will be fun and ridiculously useful. Come to a dog training class that keeps you on your toes and moving along in a great atmosphere. Who says old dogs cannot learn new tricks? This one you will pull out of your pocket for years to come.
COME WHEN CALLED / STAY WITH ME (Phase II)
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($50 – 4 weeks) Thursday, August 5 @ 6pm
Have you taken BOTH our “Come When Called” and “Stay With Me” classes and have seen a glimmer of what life can be with off-leash control of Rover??? Not sure how to put these two command together? Our phase II class takes these two life issues to the next level. Your dog will experience a quantum leap in their quality of life when you have off leash control. For those of you who have taken our classes, you know that having a dog that is reliable off leash is one of our ultimate goals…your dog’s life depends on it!
COOPERATION/ATTENTION
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($50 – 4 weeks)
There is nothing more satisfying than owning and working a dog who is a cooperative partner. A dog who looks at you and asks, What can I do for you now? Instead of trying to train a dog who you are hoping won’t find something better to do when you take the leash off! Building a relationship with your dog OUTside of the show ring solves many of your problems INside the ring. Find the secret that will give you that edge in any sport you compete in, or just build a closer lasting bond with your pet. This class is taught by Dyan, the areas leading expert on relationship building with your dog. Dyan currently owns 4 different breeds of dogs and has put working titles on 3 non-traditional breeds! Rio, her Bernese Mountain Dog, was the number one Berner in the country in both agility and obedience! Sign up for this fun informative class and get a whole new outlook on what owning a dog can be!
“GET READY FOR BABY” Class
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($55 – 5 weeks) Call for details!
Oh my….you have a baby on the way….what to do with the dog??!! Learn skills that you will use after the baby is born. Walking with a stroller, “gentle”, distance downs, “go to your bed”, and other life issues will be addressed so that Fido is prepared to take on his/her role as big brother or big sister. Adding a baby to the family is a difficult transition, make sure you are ALL prepared. This class is only offered a couple times per year, so get in while you can!
THERAPY DOG PREP Class
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(5 weeks – $55) Wednesday, May 18 @ 6pm
Research has proven that being around dogs provides many health benefits. Share your dog’s love with others and learn how to create a stable therapy dog. This class contains an uber amount of information that you will use when you venture out to real life visits. You will gain intimate skills, facts and tips in working with an at risk population. The final class will be conducted as a mock evaluation. Dogs must have basic obedience to enroll in this class and be at least 12 months of age.
SENIOR SCHOOL
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(5 weeks – $55)
Got a grey muzzled friend at home that is not getting the same attention as he/she once did? Take your senior dog to SENIOR SCHOOL. This unique class combines mentally stimulating skills with physically strengthening exercises for the older dog. We combine tricks, massage, stretching, strengthening, games and skills to create a class that is fun and functional. Who says old dogs cannot learn new tricks? Kick in the brain power while we strengthen those ol’ bones! Our seniors hold such a special place in our hearts, so take ‘em out for a night on the town! (Our facility is one level, so no worry about stairs for the seniors!)
ATTENTION HEELING
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(8 weeks – $100)
Dreaming of showing in the obedience ring one day? Attention heeling is poetry in motion and is the best way to both build a relationship for the ring, as well as garner high scores. Learn to heel with your dog™s complete focus on you with an 8 week step by step program. Dogs must have basic obedience skills to attend this class.
AGILITY TEASER
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Jettaway's Light of the Moon, OA OAJ-"Larkin"
(6 weeks – $75) Tuesday, June 22 @ 7:15pm
This introductory class will be a teaser if you want to try out the sport of agility. For dogs aged 5 months and up, we will start you out with some foundation skills for learning agility. This class moves quickly, so be ready for ACTION! Check out what this sport is all about! Dogs dig it, and their people love it.
AGILITY LEVEL II
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(5 weeks – $65) Thursday, July 8 @ 7:15pm
Did you try the agility teaser and catch the bug? If you had fun and want to learn more, join us for Agility Level II ! We will start breaking things down and preparing you to run full courses. Whether you are looking for something to do with your buddy, or someday dream of competing, come and take the next step!
PARLOR POOCHES TRICKS CLASS
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(2 weeks – $25)
Learn the tricks of the trade with clicker training! Clicker training is a type of classical conditioning using a small clicking sound box to “mark” behaviors”. Impress your friends with a dog that can sneeze, wave goodbye or close the door. It is not as difficult as it looks. Once you learn the basics of clicker training, you can use it for ALL training! Clickers will be provided, but bring LOTS of scrumptious treats and a food motivated dog!
CONFORMATION/Breed Handling
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($10/class)Tuesday nights at 7:15pm with Christy Heiman, registered professional handler. This is a drop
Am Ch/Int Ch. Paradise's Take It To The Top ("Summit")
in class, and anyone who is interested in showing their dog is welcome to join in. Visit www.k9resort.com to check out Christy’s success in the breed ring! Christy is hands down the BEST in our area (IMHO!) to help you put that Championship on your dog. During the summer months, Christy teaches this class at her kennel. Please call 839-7892 for more information and directions.
PRIVATE LESSONS
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($50 per hour) *mileage of $.55/mile will be added for home visits
Is there an issue that you would like to work on that is not covered in a class, or a goal that you are working towards with your dog? Private lessons are available in any increments of time. Email Heather, heather@embarkdog.com, to schedule an lesson.
Common issues to work on include:
- Housebreaking / potty training
- Mild cases of aggression/reactivity to people or other dogs (severe cases will be referred out)
- Loose leash walking
- Coming when called
- Jumping on people
- Relationship building
- Clicker training
- Junior Showmanship
- Resource guarding
- How to play tug
- Crate training
