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Dog Training Classes

SPRING 2023 GROUP TRAINING CLASSES:

ABOUT OUR GROUP CLASSES:

  • Classes are held at our adoption and community center, located at 217 Landing Road in Westbrook or via Zoom
  • TO REGISTER: Please follow this link to sign up for your class. We use a platform created specifically for dog training programs. You will be asked to create a custom profile of you and your dog, so we have all the essential information to get you started and maintain your family’s training record
  • ARLGP alumni dogs receive 20% off all class fees (when registering alumni: please enter promo code ‘alum’ at check-out to apply your adopter discount)
  • Learn more about our trainers
  • View our Seminars and Cat Training Classes here

CLASSES FOR PUPPIES

PUPPY 101 (DROP-IN CLASSES)

This class is specially designed for your new puppy! We have this class on a module system so puppies (and parents) can join when they can, with the option of coming to our entire 4-week in-person series or picking the sessions that fit your schedule. In this class, we discuss classic puppy problem-solving topics like house training and chewing. We also work on basic puppy training techniques like recall, drop it, and walking on-leash. And, no puppy class would be complete without games and playtime!

Requirements to join Puppy 101:

  • Puppy parents are required to watch our one-hour orientation video from home, before attending a class
  • Puppies joining must have at least one DHPP vaccine

Sessions: Available on select Sundays from 10-11am
Age group: Puppies should be within 8-17 weeks of age
Instructor: Kathleen Haggerty
Registration Fee: $45 per dog per class. ARLGP alumni dogs receive 20% off all class fees (when registering alumni: please enter promo code ‘alum’ at check-out to apply your adopter discount) register here

PUPPY 201: Rallying the Rascals (4-Week Module Class)

This class is designed for puppies who are growing into mature, adult dogs. During this class, we will explore what the landscape is like as our puppies begin to mature. This can be a tricky time not just for you but for your dog. This class will follow up on some puppy problem-solving topics, discuss enrichment items, impulse control, and take behaviors like downs, stays, recalls, and walking on-leash to the next step.

Sessions: Available on select Sundays from 11:30am-12:30pm (participants can register at any available start date and complete four consecutive classes)
Age group:
Puppies should be within 18 weeks-8 months of age
Instructor:
Kathleen Haggerty
Registration Fee:
$175 per dog for 4 weeks. ARLGP alumni dogs receive 20% off all class fees (when registering alumni: please enter promo code ‘alum’ at check-out to apply your adopter discount) register here

PUPPY POWER HOUR

Congratulations on adopting or purchasing your new puppy! Did you know that 3-16 weeks of age is considered the most critical period of time when socializing a new dog? During this time it is essential to create positive experiences with people, places, textures, and other dogs. Puppy Power Hour is a carefully arranged playgroup-style class designed to provide your puppy with a positive experience with other dogs, and some fun obstacles to explore. Puppies learn so much from one another- how to read body language, bite inhibition, the give-and-take of play, and more! Play will last 30-45 minutes depending on the group, and the remainder of the time will consist of Q&A. This class is on a weekday specifically so that you can go home with a tired puppy and SLEEP!

Sessions: Available on select Tuesdays from 5:30-6:30pm
Age group:
Puppies from 8-16 weeks
Instructor:
Amber Zawrotny
Registration Fee:
$20 per dog per class. ARLGP alumni dogs receive 20% off all class fees (when registering alumni: please enter promo code ‘alum’ at check-out to apply your adopter discount) register here


CLASSES FOR ALL AGES

CLICKER TRAINING: FOUNDATIONS

We believe in setting dogs and owners up for success for the long haul. During our 6-week-long foundational class, we will explore specific training techniques using marker training to ensure we establish a strong foundation of communication between ourselves and our dogs. We explore basic dog psychology, how marker training works, capturing, shaping, targeting, and luring behaviors, what are cues and what they mean to our dog, and the beginning stages of problem-solving. This is a great class for those that want to establish long-term communication and connection with their dog, whether your dog has done competitive obedience or struggles to sit, this is a class for all levels! The first class in this course will be held via Zoom for orientation.

This is not a class for highly reactive dogs, not sure if your dog meets the requirements? Please email us at training@arlgp.org and we will help you determine if this is the best option for you and your dog!

Upcoming sessions:

  • Wednesdays, May 31st through July 12th from 7-8pm

Age group: All ages
Instructors: Emily Platt & Amber Zawrotny
Registration Fee: $175 per dog ARLGP alumni dogs receive 20% off all class fees (when registering alumni: please enter promo code ‘alum’ at check-out to apply your adopter discount) register here

PULLING TO POLITE

Walking our dogs is an essential part of pet ownership. New sights, smells, and getting out into some fresh air is just as good for their well-being as it is for us humans. Pulling to Polite’s goal is to make your walking experience just as fun for you as it is for your dog and provide a little peace to your daily routine! This 5-week crash course is designed to take you step by step through common walking issues, appropriate equipment specific to your dog, proofing distractions, and more!

This is not a class for highly reactive dogs, not sure if your dog meets the requirements? Please email us at training@arlgp.org and we will help you determine if this is the best option for you and your dog!

Upcoming sessions:

  • Wednesdays, June 7th through July 5th from 5:30-6:30pm

Age group: All ages
Instructors: Emily Platt & Amber Zawrotny
Registration Fee:$175 per dog ARLGP alumni dogs receive 20% off all class fees (when registering alumni: please enter promo code ‘alum’ at check-out to apply your adopter discount) register here

CANINE GOOD CITIZEN: BEGINNER

Do you have a social dog who needs some manners? Maybe you’re thinking your pup would be a great candidate for therapy work, or want just a little less chaos when you bring them out and about? The Canine Good Citizen prep courses are designed to help with common problem areas like loose leash walking, manners around strangers, recall, and basic obedience. Our Canine Good Citizen: Beginner course is the first of 3 classes to prepare you and your canine companion for the Canine Good Citizen test, which is often required for public therapy dog work.

This class is not for highly reactive dogs or dogs who are uncomfortable around strangers. We recommend utilizing our complementary behavior hotline if you are unsure of where to start. If you have questions about if your dog would succeed in this class, email training@arlgp.org.

Upcoming sessions:

  • Sundays, July 2nd through August 6th from 4:30-5:30pm
  • Sundays, July 2nd through August 6th from 6-7pm

Age group: All ages
Instructors: Amber Zawrotny
Registration Fee:$175 per dog ARLGP alumni dogs receive 20% off all class fees (when registering alumni: please enter promo code ‘alum’ at check-out to apply your adopter discount) register here

 


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