| |
Member of:
For your convenience
we
accept
|
|
|
| Date/Time |
Class Description |
Price |
Sign-up |
Instructor |
| Friday 5/9 - 6/13
8:00 - 9:00 p.m. |
Click here for class description |
$100 |
|
|
| Tuesday 6/17 - 7/22
6:45 - 7:45 p.m. |
Click here for class description |
$100 |
|
|
|
|
Click here for class description |
$100 |
|
|
|
|
| Date/Time |
Class Description |
Price |
Sign-up |
Instructor |
| Tuesday 4/29 - 6/3
8:00 - 9:00 p.m. CLASS IS FULL |
Click here for class description |
$100 |
|
|
| Friday 5/9 - 6/13
6:45 - 7:45 p.m. |
Click here for class description |
$100 |
|
|
| Tuesday 6/17 - 7/22
8:00 - 9:00 p.m. |
Click here for class description |
$100 |
|
|
|
|
Click here for class description |
$100 |
|
|
|
|
Click here for class description |
$100 |
|
|
|
|
| Date/Time |
Class Description |
Price |
Sign-up |
Instructor |
|
|
Click here for class description |
$100 |
|
|
|
|
| Date/Time |
Class Description |
Price |
Sign-up |
Instructor |
| Friday 5/9 - 6/13
8:00 - 9:00 p.m. |
Click here for class description |
$100 |
|
|
|
|
| Date/Time |
Class Description |
Price |
Sign-up |
Instructor |
|
|
Click here for class description |
$100 |
|
|
| Thursday 5/1 - 6/5
10:00 - 11:00 a.m. |
Click here for class description |
$100 |
|
|
|
|
| Date/Time |
Class Description |
Price |
Sign-up |
Instructor |
|
|
Click here for class description |
$70 |
|
|
CANINE GOOD CITIZEN REVIEW
|
| Date/Time |
Class Description |
Price |
Sign-up |
Instructor |
|
|
| Date/Time |
Class Description |
Price |
Sign-up |
Instructor |
| Tuesday 4/29 - 6/3
6:45 - 7:45 |
Click here for class description |
$100 |
|
|
LOOSE LEASH WALKING - 2 SESSION
|
| Date/Time |
Class Description |
Price |
Sign-up |
Instructor |
|
|
Click here for class description |
$35 |
|
|
|
|
| Date/Time |
Class Description |
Price |
Sign-up |
Instructor |
| Tuesday 5/20 - 5/27
6:45 - 7:45 p.m. |
Click here for class description |
$35 |
|
|
DOG SPORTS - AGILITY / RALLY / TRICKS / FREESTYLE
|
| Date/Time |
Class Description |
Price |
Sign-up |
Instructor |
|
|
Click here for class description |
$70 |
|
|
|
|
| Date/Time |
Class Description |
Price |
Sign-up |
Instructor |
| Wednesday 4/2 - 4/30
6:45 - 7:45 p.m. |
Click here for class description |
$100 |
|
|
|
|
| Date/Time |
Class Description |
Price |
Sign-up |
Instructor |
| Tuesday 4/8
8:00 p.m. |
Click here for class description |
$10 |
|
|
CRATE TRAINING - 2 SESSION
|
| Date/Time |
Class Description |
Price |
Sign-up |
Instructor |
| Tuesday 5/20 - 5/27
8:00 - 9:00 p.m. |
Click here for class description |
$35 |
|
|
|
|
| Date/Time |
Class Description |
Price |
Sign-up |
Instructor |
| Friday 5/9 - 6/13
6:45 - 7:45 |
Click here for class description |
$100 |
|
|
|
|
| Date/Time |
Class Description |
Price |
Sign-up |
Instructor |
| Friday 6/20 - 7/25
6:45 - 7:45 p.m. |
Click here for class description |
$100 |
|
|
PUPPY LEARN ‘N PLAY
For puppies up to 16 weeks of age.
Do we want puppies to sit and come when called? Yes, we do! But even more important than basic manners (for puppies), is proper socialization and teaching bite inhibition. Puppies have development deadlines, therefore the optimum time period for socialization and bite inhibition is by 18 weeks of age. Considering that most people get their puppies around 8 weeks old, that really only leaves you 10 weeks to get this critical work done.
Our classes will help with socialization to other puppies, people, substrates, vacuums, etc. and will allow for plenty of play time where the puppies will hone their doggie communication skills.
We'll talk about housetraining and crate training, in addition to teaching sit, down, go to your mat, attention, walk nicely on leash, and beginning recall games.
We'll work on handling so that your pup will be comfortable with ear cleaning, nail trimming, and vet exams. Acceptance of being handled, collar grabs, and people reaching for the food bowl is OK, but our goal is actually to teach your puppy to enjoy and look forward to these interactions. It can be done and you'll be so happy you put the time and effort into it now!
LIFE SKILLS
This class teaches the skills you and your dog need in order to have a good life together. Basic to advanced manners such as go to your mat, sit to greet people, down, sit, stand, leave it, drop it, wait, stay, attention, settle, and loose leash walking - adding more difficulty such as duration and distractions as the dog/handler team advance.
Our teams can earn up to 3 belts, white, yellow and orange, in Life Skills and can take the Class up to whatever individual level appeals to them, but will need an Orange Belt in order to take most of our advanced classes. Additionally, if you and your dog have earned an Orange Belt, you should be able to pass the CGC test too!
Since this class incorporates entry level to advanced manners you can count on attending Life Skills twice or however long you need to; we feel that each team brings their own unique personalities and histories, therefore they start and finish wherever they comfortably are at the time.
COMPETITION OBEDIENCE
Want to teach your dog to happily take a dumbbell from you in only 1 week? Want to teach an enthusiastic recall with an instantaneous drop? This is the class for you!
This class is designed for handlers that want to learn how to use Clicker Training to teach their dog how to happily and precisely execute Novice, Open and Utility behaviors. This is the only class offered in St. Louis that teaches exercises for all three competition levels. Teaching your dog advanced exercises makes it more fun for you and the dog, adds variety, and keeps your dog interested and excited to learn.
Canine body language and communication are discussed in detail. The behaviors covered will vary each 6 week session.
Session 1 - The Basics teaches the first several steps of the basic fluencies: Dumbbell Retrieve, Scent Discrimination, Go Outs, Fronts & Finishes, Drop on Recall, Attention/Focus, Off Lead Heeling, Stays (Sit/Down).
Session 2 - Putting it All Together will include the remaining fluencies: Stand, Rear-end awareness (for jumping), Jumping (high jump, broad jump, bar jump), Marking (for Utility directed jumping and directed retrieve). We will also formalize the behaviors taught in the previous session: Formal Heeling, Formal Dumbbell Retrieve, Formal Scent Discrimiation, Formal Stays (Sit/Down), Formal Recall, and Formal Drop on Recall.
The primary goal of this class is for the handler to understand and be able to apply the principles of Clicker Training to effectively train the dog to master required skills. The secondary goal is to prepare the dog and handler team for exhibition in AKC obedience competitions.
Prerequisite: Your dog should be ready to enter a Novice-level or higher competition obedience class. You should be willing to eliminate all correction-based training techniques for the duration of the 6 week session - both inside and outside of class.
SHY DOG
This six week class is designed for anxious and fearful dogs that typically would not be comfortable in a standard training class, including dogs that are so frightened in new situations that they are unable to eat and hide under chairs. Classes are calm and low stress, with all work being performed below the dog's threshold of fear. Class size is restricted to ensure a low stress environment.
Dogs participating in this class will gain confidence in new situations and with new people. They will learn how to accept the approach and handling of a stranger without being fearful. They will learn how to be more relaxed and curious in new environments and at home. Handlers participating in this class will learn how to read canine body language, how to be a benevolent leader, and how to use operant and classical conditioning to train positive behaviors.
Dogs that growl, snap or attempt to bite people or other dogs are not ready for a group class and should be scheduled for a private assessment.
RALLY
AKC Rally is the new dog sport that is taking the nation by storm, a successful stepping stone from the AKC Canine Good Citizen® program to the world of obedience or agility. Rally offers both the dogs and handlers an experience that is fun and energizing. The canine team moves at their own pace, very similar to rally-style auto racing. Rally was designed with the traditional pet owner in mind, but it can still be very challenging for those who enjoy higher levels of competition.
A rally course includes 10 to 20 stations, depending on the level. Scoring is not as rigorous as traditional obedience. Communication between handler and dog is encouraged and perfect heel position is not required, but there should be a sense of teamwork between the dog and handler. The main objective of rally is to produce dogs that have been trained to behave in the home, in public places, and in the presence of other dogs, in a manner that will reflect positively on the sport of rally at all times and under all conditions.
Dogs entering the Rally class should know how to respond to basic cues in a mildly distracting environment with other dogs present, or should have earned a Kim's Canines Yellow Belt. The cues include sit in heel position, down in heel position, stay for 1 minute and walk nicely on leash in heel position on a buckle collar. Nested courses (Novice/Open/Excellent) are used to allow for students to progress at their own pace.
TRICKS
During this 4 week class we will discuss the various ways to teach behaviors. A simple trick such as "spin" can actually be taught 4 different ways!
Possible Tricks: Spin, Take a Bow, Shake Hands, Crawl, Weave through Legs, Jump through a Hoop, Open/Close Cabinet Doors, Roll Over, Pick up Toys and Put them Away, Wave, Sit up Pretty, whatever we can dream up!
I love to teach tricks - hope you and your dog can join me - it should be lots of fun!
CANINE GOOD CITIZEN REVIEW
This six week class will teach you and your dog all the skills needed to pass the AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluation. The Canine Good Citizen Program lays the foundation for other activities such as obedience, agility and rally. All dogs, including mixed-breeds, are eligible to earn a certificate from the American Kennel Club at the completion of the class. The 10-step evaluation covers accepting a friendly stranger, sitting politely for petting, appearance and grooming, walking on a loose leash, walking through a crowd, response to sit and down command, come when called, reations to another dog, reactions to distractions and supervised separation. The CGC test will be given during week 6 at no additional charge for all class participants.
AGILITY BASICS
This fun, confidence-building class teaches foundation behaviors needed to be successful in Agility. Fundamentals such as contact zones, teamwork, and achieving focused attention are emphasized. Handlers will begin teaching the dogs to work at a distance, irrespective of the handler's position. Your dog will begin learning how to successfully execute the Table, Dog Walk, Teeter, Tire, Jumps, Weave Poles, Tunnel, Chute (the Dog Walk / Teeter is regulation teacup size).
Dogs entering the Agility Basics class should know how to respond to basic cues in a mildly distracting environment with other dogs present, or should have earned a Kim's Canines Yellow Belt. The cues include sit in heel position, down in heel position, and walk nicely on leash in heel position on a buckle collar. Shy or fearful dogs that have successfully completed a Shy Dog class at Kim's Canines may participate in this class for confidence building without having the prerequisite skills. Dogs that bark, pull or lunge towards other dogs are not yet ready for this class.
LOOSE LEASH WALKING - 2 SESSION
This
two-week session focuses on the art of getting your dog to walk politely next
to you without pulling or straining (for either of you!). The entire
session is devoted to coaching you on the proper techniques, and allowing your
dog to practice this new skill in a safe, structured classroom
environment.
DOOR MANNERS - 2 SESSION
Dogs and doors - this can sometimes be an area of frustration or even fear if your dog is a door bolter! This 2 session class will concentrate on door manners: waiting at doors until released, sitting to greet guests who come through doors, and going to your mat or crate on cue. With enough work, the doorbell can actually become the cue for your dog to go to his mat or crate if you so desire.
DOG SPORTS - AGILITY / RALLY / TRICKS / FREESTYLE
Looking for a class that is FUN! FUN! FUN! This is the one! Get yourself and your dog off the couch and try out four different dog sports! Each week we will learn about and try out a different sport including Agility, Rally, Tricks and Canine Freestyle (get your dancing shoes out for that one!).
Dogs entering the Dog Sports class should know how to respond to basic cues in a mildly distracting environment with other dogs present, or should have earned a Kim's Canines Yellow Belt. The cues include sit in heel position, down in heel position, stay for 1 minute and walk nicely on leash in heel position on a buckle collar. Shy or fearful dogs that have successfully completed a Shy Dog class at Kim's Canines may participate in this class for confidence building without having the prerequisite skills. Dogs that bark, pull or lunge towards other dogs are not yet ready for this advanced class.
ROCK SOLID RECALL
This is a 5 week course and includes a 41 page workbook sent electronically (email). The book is called "90 Days to a Rock Solid Recall - Get Your Dog to Reliably Come When Called!" and was written by Susan Smith of Raising Canine.
CANINE GOOD CITIZEN TEST
The Canine Good Citizen Test is a 10-step evaluation that covers accepting a friendly stranger, sitting politely for petting, appearance and grooming, walking on a loose leash, walking through a crowd, response to sit and down commands, come when called, reactions to another dog, reactions to distractions and supervised separation. The test will be administered by an AKC approved evaluator. If you only miss 1 out of the 10 items on the test you may retake the entire test one additional time that evening for an additional fee.
CRATE TRAINING - 2 SESSION
ADVANCED LIFE SKILLS
Prerequisite: Must have successfully completed a Life Skills class and earned a White Belt.
We will continue to build on the behaviors learned in Life Skills adding duration, distractions, and distance. Calm behavior and self-control even in the face of distractions will be a goal of this class.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
Sure your dog is well behaved during class, or at home, but what about walking around the town?
Join us for a unique outdoor summer class in which we will be visiting local dog-friendly destinations while we practice loose leash walking, sits for greetings, stays and focused attention in new and exciting environments. Dogs must have successfully mastered White Belt behaviors and the handlers must have previously attended a training class with either Kim Lutz or Tracy Buck.
|
| Instructors |
Kim Lutz
Kim is the owner of Kim's Canines, a dog trainer and behavior consultant who believes that, just like children, all dogs need to be educated. Kim also believes that "how" we educate matters - therefore at Kim's Canines we use positive reinforcement based protocols and are committed to the principle of LIMA (least intrusive, minimally aversive). As we all know, good communication is not one-sided, so we teach the "language of dogs" so you can understand some of their body language too. There are many "normal" dog behaviors that upset people due to misunderstanding - we believe in educating, thereby "normalizing" these normal/typical behaviors. Additionally, empowering the animal to be able to make some decisions about their own life and developing a close bond and relationship based on trust and mutual respect, are just a few of the concepts that Kim hopes her clients will take away from her classes.
Tracy Buck
Tracy has been training dogs individually and in group settings since 1989. She has instructed classes at Kennelwood, Petropolis, and WestInn Kennels. Over the last several years, Tracy has attended numerous seminars and educational events including the 2006 Association of Pet Dog Trainers Conference, three multiple day Clicker Camps and Patricia McConnell's The Other End of the Leash seminar. She has an extensive library of training resources and believes in continuous learning and improvement. Tracy has over 13 years experience with Clicker Training.
Tracy's training motto is "Cause No Harm". She believes that no dog should be physically or emotionally hurt in the training process. She believes in using reward-based training, and that harsh punishment and correction interferes with the learning process.
Tracy was the Director for Sheltie Rescue for over 15 years; in this role, she served as a foster home, trainer and adoption placement counselor. In 2003, Tracy reorganized Sheltie Rescue into a 501c3 organization called Second Chance Sheltie Rescue and served on the Board of Directors for the following two years. Tracy continues to volunteer for SCSR and other dog rescue organizations.
Tracy is also an American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen (CGC) evaluator, a professional member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), and an affiliate member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). She is a member of the Greater St. Louis Shetland Sheepdog Club, the Herding Club of St. Louis and the Greater St. Louis Training Club. In addition, Tracy holds a Bachelor of Administration in Business Administration, has held management positions in Information Technology at both Monsanto and Purina, and is a supporting member of Attachment Parenting International.
Tracy lives with her husband Carl and 3 year old daughter Michaela, along with 3 Shelties: Micah, Sarah and Lily. Micah is 9 years old and has titles in Obedience, Agility and Herding. Sarah is 12 years old and she was rescued from a commercial breeding facility and now enjoys a life of leisure. Lily is a rescued 5 year old double merle who doesn't allow her deafness to interfere with catching Frisbees or retrieving balls. (Torrie, a 12 year old blue Doberman, passed away in June 2006 due to kidney failure. Torrie was rescued at 18 months of age and earned her CD and CDX titles prior to being retired due to Wobblers.)
Tracy's family is completed by two retired Quarter Horses, two young Rocky Mountain Horses and two cats that keep busy patrolling the barn for mice.
Annette Jonczyk
I have always had animals in my life. As a very young child I was drawn to any four legged creature "squealing and trembling with excitement" as my parents still remember. After living with a menagerie of smaller pets I was finally allowed to adopt my first dog at age 13.
As a teenager I was interested in books about animal behavior by authors Konrad Lorenz , J. Eibl- Eibesfeldt, and Michael Fox among others, and I had a great fascination with the variety of dog breeds and their characteristics.
It wasn't until after my children were older and more independent however that I remembered my childhood dream of working with animals. The opportunity came along while searching for humane ways to dealing with my puppy Bella, who was quite a handful. I discovered the book, "Getting in TTouch® with your dog" by Linda Tellington-Jones, and the rest is history.
I graduated from the two year practitioner certification program in October 2003. I studied under founder Linda Tellington-Jones and other highly acclaimed instructors. In addition to the practitioner training I started reading every book on positive training methods I could get my hands on. I continue to broaden my knowledge by reading, attending dog training seminars , assisting at TTouch® practitioner trainings, and participating in advanced TTouch® Trainings.
I find that through the TTouch® work my personal relationship with animals has changed . Though having never condoned harsh and aversive methods I now believe that animals are unique thinking, feeling creatures that need to be treated with respect and patience.
I love sharing what I learn with other animal enthusiasts and their best friends. I find it gratifying to witness their transformation into listening and communicating partners, for a mutually life enriching relationship.
|
|
|
