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Fun with Reliable Recall and Focus w/Dee
August 21, 2022 @ 10:45 am - 11:45 am
New Session of Fun with Reliable Recall and Focus with Dee
Starts July 17
Note: Class size is limited. Please contact Dee to register.
Sunday Mornings (see dates below) 10:45 AM
Recall:
Does your dog come to you every time you say their name, in different locations,
with distractions around? Is your goal to have a dog you can take off-leash at the
beach or an agility class and be able to trust that they will come when you call
them? This class is designed to help teach you and your dog the principles for a
really reliable recall. Oftentimes our puppies are good at coming to us and following
us around, but this begins to fade as they get older and more interested in the
big wide world. Sometimes dogs are given off-leash privileges before they are
ready, and this can lead to a less-than-reliable or no recall at all around distractions
or fun settings like the beach.
We will work on specific focus exercises and recall work, and you will be given
homework exercises at the end of each class to work on with your dog. Since this
will be a cumulative class, attendance in the first class is required. It is recommended
that you do not feed your dog breakfast prior to coming to class to help
with motivation, or possibly no more than half a meal in the morning on class
days. This is especially recommended for dogs that are not particularly motivated
by food. Luckily it is the first class of the day so they won’t have to wait too long
to eat.
Fun with Focus:
Dogs of all ages and experience levels can benefit from this type of training and
learning to focus around distractions. Does your dog lose attention on you when
she/he sees other dogs? People? Kids? Additional distractions may include moving
objects, food, toys and personal items within the dog’s reach. Training is the
way to help your dog learn what the right answer is, and you learn to become the
reward for your dog. Remember, you need your dog’s attention in order to teach
him anything! We will do fun exercises and games that encourage your dog to
pay attention to you, despite what is going on around him/her. This will be an Introductory
class, and you will learn how to teach your dog skills such as attention
and focus on you around distractions including other dogs, tempting food, and
exciting situations. Homework will be given at the end of each class, so that you
can practice with your dog during the week. This is a great place to start if you
are interested in dog sport classes in the future such as Agility or Rally Obedience,
but also to train skills in your dog that you can use throughout his/her lifetime.
Dates for the 5-class session – please note these on your calendar:
July 17, 24, August 7, 14, 21
Cost per dog for the session: $125/GVDC members, $150 non-GVDC member(Please bring cash or a check to the park)
*GVDC Membership Information: https://www.goletavalleydogclub.org/about/
*All classes take place at Girsh Park in Goleta, behind Costco: http://www.goletavalleydogclub.
org/practices/
*Payment for the class session is due on the first day of the session, checks are
made out to “GVDC”
*Dogs showing aggression towards people or other dogs will be asked to leave.
Please arrive at 10 minutes early to set up your area.
For this class you will need a 20-foot training lead (basically a long leash), available
at Lemo’s and other pet stores.
If you have trouble with pulling it would also be advised to have a front-clip harness
like an Easy-Walk, Freedom, or Sense-ation harness as well.
Bring a variety of delicious meaty treats for your dog, water and a bowl, a chair
for yourself, shade for your dog, clicker, 4 or 6-foot regular leash (no flexi’s
please), and ideally a crate or pen for your dog and a mat or dog bed. Please
bring a toy or two that your dog really enjoys, to use as a reward throughout the
class.