Smart Dogs go to School!

s.jakobs@comcast.net

Group Obedience Class Frequently Asked Questions
Who may attend? What will I learn? Who are the trainers?	Where are classes held and how much are they ? When will the classes start? My dog already knows how to sit...why should I train?

Studies show that puppies benefit tremendously from early social exposure.  The outdated theory of waiting until a dog is 6 months is no longer recommended.  Reinforce desired behaviors when your puppy is young and willing.  If you wait too long, the undesired will have to be untrained!  Don't work harder...work smarter. 

Who may attend?

1.  All family members are encouraged to attend and to learn how to train. 

2.  We do not ban specific breeds. 

3.  Dogs must bring proof of shots, but rabies is not required to train.

A dog with aggression issues must be evaluated before joining a group class. 

Older, adult dogs are welcome and encouraged to attend.  Yes, we can teach old dogs new tricks.  All dogs are required to be current on all vaccinations (titers are accepted). 

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What will I learn?
Puppy Kindergarten Class (For Puppies 8 Weeks to 4 Months)
This class is designed to coach owners on how to help make their new pups socially adjusted, well-balanced, loving family members. You will introduce your puppy to various stimuli to help build confidence, show your puppy how to walk on a loose leash, learn about housebreaking, crate training and various other topics, such as, biting, jumping up and being handled. The puppy kindergarten class is an informal class that will also include time for appropriately supervised puppy play with other puppies in the class.

Beginner's Classes (Traditional) teach basic commands which will enable you to gain control over your pet. Commands include: walking in a heel position, sit, come, down, and stay.

Advanced I Classes will cover the following:
Healing exercises, off-leash Recall command, off-leash Place command, off-leash Stand for exam, off-leash Introduction to exercises required for Obedience.

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Who are the trainers?

Susan Jakobs has a degree in Education which comes in handy as most of her work is educating owners.  She founded Midwest Canine Academy in 2000 and has been working with dogs for over 10 years.  She has worked with over 80 breeds.  Her Naperville exposure has allowed her to work with many rare breeds like Chinese Crested to a Bouvier des Flandres.  

SUE'S DOG LIST:  Retrievers (Golden, Labrador, Flat-coated) Great Danes, Maltese, Standard and Toy Poodles, Landseer, Newfoundland, Portuguese Water Dog, Springer Spaniel, Pug, Shih Tzu, Mastiff (Tosa Inu & Bull, Neo), American Pit Bull, Jack Russell Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier, Fox Terrier, Bichon Frise, Bulldog (American & Johnson), Chow Chow, Otter Hound, Border Collie, Rough and Smooth-coated Collie, German Shorthaired Pointer, Irish Setter, Brittany Spaniel, French Brittany, Cocker Spaniel, English Cocker Spaniel, Weimaraner, Basset Hound, Beagle, Bloodhound, Alaskan Malamute, Akita, Bernese Mountain Dog, Belgian Malinois, Tervuren, Bouvier des Flandres, Boxer, Doberman Pinscher, Shepherds (German, Czech, Dutch), Schnauzer (miniature & standard), Rottweiller, St. Bernard, Samoyed, Shetland Sheepdog, Siberian Husky, Airedale, Dalmatian, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Large Munsterlander Pointer, Skipperkey, Keyshound.   Yorkie, Tiny Toy Poodle,   Rare:  Tosa Inu Mastiff, Chinese Crested, Havenese, Minature Austrailian Shepherd, Shiba Inu, Chiahuahua, Papillion,  Brussels Griffon, Labradoodle, Goldendoodle, Pekapoo, Tzsi ipoo, Puggle....

Jim Stenfeldt, founder of CM Academy of Dog Training, has been training dogs, pet owners, handlers, and instructors for over 30 years.  CM Academy offers private and group classes that cover a range of fields which include, therapy (AAA/T), tracking, basic obedience, hunting, utility, fly ball, agility, conformation, basic obedience and Service Dog Training (mobility assistance, packing, hearing, weight bearing, scent detection).  He also runs a private drug search company, a kennel, and a dog park.  He offers boot camp for dogs (not kids).  www.cmdogtraining.com

Where are the classes held?

Call for 815-590-8008 for pricing and locations. 

Sunday afternoons in Naperville, IL  (SEASONAL)

Tuesday Nights - Rock Falls Community Center

Wednesday nights Dixon, IL  (SEASONAL)

Wednesday nights Davenport, IA

Thursday evening Davenport, IA

Saturday morning Davenport, IA

When will the classes start?

We have ongoing sessions so you can jump in any time.  How does that work?

I work with you individually during the first class and give you your week 1 assignment.  Each week we add skills and help you along the way.  New dogs are great distractions and experienced handlers are great role models.  

My dog already knows how to sit.  Why do you recommend a group class?

Your dog may sit on command at home, but they seem to forget how when other dogs are around.  Bringing your dog to a group class is like sending your child to kindergarten.  Your dog will learn the basics, how to behave around others, and how to behave in a social setting.  Teachers don't allow students to play during math;  we run our obedience classes the same way.  We have fun, but we don't allow play time. 

FACT:  Dogs that are rarely taken out their house can develop anxiety and social disorders.  Exposure builds a more confident and well adjusted dog. 

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