Train at Paws4Ever

Basic Classes  |  Specialty Classes  |  Agility Training Calendar

Dog Training
At the Paws4Ever Learning Center, Dog Training Manager Julie Jenkins, and more than 55 experienced and committed volunteers, teach group classes and occasional one-on-one training in everything from basic life skills to agility. Our courses are taught at the Paws4Ever Learning Center at 6311-B Nicks Road. Many of our group classes are taught in 7 weeks and we have 4 sessions a year

• Winter (starting in mid January)
• Spring (starting in mid March)
• Summer (starting in mid June)
• Fall (starting in mid September)

Paws4Ever offers ongoing classes such as Adult and Puppy Life Skills on Saturday, Breed Handling on Wednesday, and Disc Dog on Thursday. We also offer intersession bonus workshops, classes, and events.

Contact:
Julie Jenkins, Dog Training Manager
(919) 304-2300 x 233
fax: (919) 304-9452
train@paws4ever.org

Winter 2012 Class Schedule

Classes start the week of January 9, 2012. If a class does not sufficiently fill, the start date may be postponed.

All Obedience classes are $90 for 7 weeks, unless otherwise noted. For Jr. Puppy, Senior Puppy, and Family Dog 1, please come to the first night of class without your dog. All classes are subject to cancellation for bad weather. Call 919-304-2300 ext 233 or e-mail train@paws4ever.org to check for weather cancellations.

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Junior Puppy	Tuesday	6:30pm	Jennie Jones
Senior Puppy	Wednesday	6:30pm	Judy Ortiz
Family Dog 1	Tuesday	11:00am	Lisa Rowden
Family Dog 1	Tuesday	7:30pm	Cindy Lee
Family Dog 1	Wednesday	7:45pm	Dean Edwards
Family Dog 2	Wednesday	10:00am	Jenn Merritt
Family Dog 2	Monday	6:30pm	Lisa Rowden
Really Reliable Recall (6wks $80)	Tuesday	7:30pm	Lisa Rowden
Canine Good Citizen	Thursday	7:00pm	Lisa Rowden
All Star Tricks	Tuesday	6:30pm	Eric Fish
Therapy Dog	Wednesday	7:15pm	S. Greene, K. Eisner & D. Booth
Intermediate Rally	Thursday	6:30pm	Ellen Dixon-Tulloch
Drill Team	Monday	7:15pm	Jenn Merritt
Breed Handling (ongoing $5/class)	Thursday	8:00pm	Dale McElrath
Lifeskills (ongoing)	Saturday	10:30am	Cathy Abney

Sport Class Schedule
All classes in BOLD are held indoors and cost $100 for 7 weeks. Other classes are outdoors $90 for 6 weeks. Outdoor classes are subject to weather cancellation. If the predicted temperature for class start time is below 32, class will not be held.

Foundation Agility	Wednesday	6:00pm	Julie Jenkins
Obstacle Skills	Wednesday	6:30pm	D. Edwards & D. Johnson
Flyball (drop in, $15/class)	Monday	6:15pm	Julie Jenkins
Sequencing Skills	Thursday	7:00pm	Penny Leigh
Advanced Handling Skills	Tuesday	2:00pm	Jennie Jones
Novice Competition	Tuesday	6:15pm	Julie Jenkins
Advanced Competition	Tuesday	7:30pm	Julie Jenkins
Agility Run-Throughs	Friday	7:00pm-8:30pm	Colleen & Nelson Hobbs

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Life Skills Classes with Eric Fish
Life Skills is an ongoing class given on Saturdays that is offered FREE for anyone adopting a dog from the APS of Orange County. The class is open to all other dogs if room is available. The classes are ongoing so that new adopters do not have to wait 4 to 12 weeks for a new class session to start. Paws4Ever recognizes the need to get dogs into classes as soon as possible to help them transition into their new homes. We want to provide dogs and their new owners with as much support as possible.

• $50 for four classes plus an orientation.
• Life Skills Orientation is Saturdays before class starts. Please come without your dog.
• Life Skills class begins at 10:30 a.m. Orientation begins at 10:15 a.m.
• To reserve a spot, call or email Julie Jenkins at (919) 304-2300 ext 233 or train@paws4ever.org

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Breed Handling with Dale McElrath
Wednesdays 8 p.m. - 9 p.m. Each class is $5.

Please bring proof of rabies, puppies must have at least 2 rounds of parvo/distemper to attend class

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JUNIOR PUPPY KINDERGARTEN
For puppies 8-16 weeks at the time that classes start(7 weeks/1 hour). This special class gives young puppies and their owners a head start on their new life together. Introduces basic skills and the importance of proper management of mouthing, housetraining, and socialization. Basic skills such as paying attention, sit, down, coming when called, and how to walk on leash are introduced. A great class for "first time" puppy parents.

SENIOR PUPPY KINDERGARTEN
For puppies 4-7 months old (7 weeks/1 hour). An introductory class for positive training and behavior management for older puppies. This class introduces the basic skills of paying attention, sit, down, stay, come and how to walk on a leash. Emphasis is placed on proper management of problem behaviors such as mouthing, housetraining, and socialization.

FAMILY DOG 1
For dogs 7 months old or older with no formal training or graduates of puppy kindergarten classes (7 weeks/1 hour). An introductory class for positive training and behavior management for any dog. Handlers will learn the basics of learning theory and proper use of training techniques. We will show you how to teach your dog to pay attention, sit, down, stay, come, and walk on a leash.

FAMILY DOG 2
For graduates of Junior or Senior Puppy Kindergarten or Family Dog 1 (7 weeks/1 hour). Family Dog 2 will expand on the exercises of Puppy classes and Family Dog 1, and introduce new elements such as wait, leave it, place, stand, catch, recalls and loose leash walking with distractions.

Family Dog Sampler
This is a course where dogs and their handlers will have the   opportunity to try out in a fun, non-competitive environment, some dog   sports.  The first class will teach you how to begin shaping your   dog's behavior.  Then two weeks will be spent on Agility, two on Tricks, one on Nose Work, and one on Rally Obedience.  This is a wonderful way   to build on your relationship with your dog and have a great time in   the process.

CANINE GOOD CITIZEN
For graduates of Family Dog 2 (7 weeks/1 hour). This class prepares the companion and family dog to take the AKC Canine Good Citizen Test. This test requires that your dog can be approached by a friendly stranger; be left alone with a friendly stranger; be able to sit, down, stay, recall, and leash walk in a distracting environment; and calmly meet a person with a strange dog.

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DRILL TEAM
FOR GRADUATES OF FAMILY DOG 2 OR CGC OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR. This class prepares students for Drill Team 2. Handlers and their dogs will learn the basic freestyle moves including spins, parallel moves, and heeling, as well as how to work as a team, through learning basic parade moves and a simple choreographed team freestyle routine. The APS Drill Team performs choreographed routines to music and participates in local parades and national competitions. The drill team accepts new members in January (winter session) and September (Fall Session).

K9 Cross-Training
Pre-requisites: Family Dog 1 and at least one intermediate class at Paws4Ever (Family Dog 2, Canine Good Citizen, Happy Heeling)
Have you and your dog already been there and done that in basic training classes? Does your dog already know basic commands, but you want to continue their training in a fun, cooperative atmosphere? Then you and your dog are welcome in K9 Cross Training! Developed for students that have completed basic and intermediate training classes, but want to continue learning and developing their dog’s skills, K9 Cross Training adds to your dog’s repertoire.
Each dog/handler team is encouraged to work on their goals through group and indepedent exercises. Classes work on teaching dogs position changes, box work (learning to pivot), body targeting, complex and challenging tricks, and retrieve among many other activities. Handlers are encouraged to increase their knowledge of reward based dog training as we explore the use of luring, shaping, modeling, and clicker work. Problem solving, teamwork, getting your dog to process information and think for themselves is also emphasized.

REALLY RELIABLE RECALL
For graduates of puppy classes or family dog 1. This class is designed for those of us that want our dog to come when called, EVERY TIME! Come to this class to teach your dog this life-saving skill and have a lot of fun besides!

Intro to Rally
For graduates of Family Dog 2. Dog and Handler teams will learn to navigate courses with numbered signs indicating different obedience exercises to perform, including combinations of heeling, sit, down, stand, various turns, spirals and more. The goals of the class are to promote positive relationships between dogs and owners based on trust and mutual respect, and for both dog and handler to have fun in the ring!

Intermediate Rally
This class will expand on student’s knowledge and skill with Rally Obedience. Sharpen your dog’s skills and your own at executing the different rally stations individually and in sequences. Intro to Rally or the equivalent is a prerequisite.

All-Star Tricks
PREREQUISITE: For graduates of Junior Puppy, Senior Puppy, or Family Dog 1. One of the best ways to strengthen the bond between owner and dog is continuing to train new behaviors. Our tricks class will focus on understanding positive training techniques like shaping, targeting and capturing. Learning tricks helps your dog learn body control and keeps their mind actively engaged. Go beyond the basics like roll-over and teach unique tricks that will keep you and your dog totally entertained.

Disc Dog
For dogs who love to retrieve! Learn the basics of canine disc play including building retrieve drive, dropping on command, and speedy returns. Humans will learn the rules of safe disc play, proper throwing technique, and the foundations for freestyle disc work.

Finding Fido's Focus
PREREQUISITE: The book Control Unleashed by Leslie McDevitt is required reading before starting this class. The purpose of this class is to teach dogs and handlers relaxation and confidence in the face of distractions. This program is perfect for dogs who are easily distracted, become overly aroused, become anxious and shut down, or have trouble controlling their impulses. Pre-approval from instructor is required to take this class.

Happy Heeling
For graduates of Family Dog 2 and/or Canine Good Citizen. The instructor will teach you the basics of heeling with your dog in a fun and supportive atmosphere with plenty of individual attention. Heeling is defined as dog walking next to you with attention. Loose leash heeling is also covered (dog walks on leash without pulling, but to a lesser extent). Once heeling is taught, other moves (turns, etc) are incorporated and the heeling and other moves are then done with music. This class is a good foundation class for almost all dog sports, including obedience, rally, freestyle, etc. The class is taught using clicker training/choose to heelˇ method, so a good working knowledge of using a clicker/or a word to mark behavior is required. All dogs must be able to work off leash (one at a time), and not have aggression issues with other people or dogs.

Therapy Dog
PREREQUISITE: Dogs must have passed the CGC test.  This class will introduce handlers to the requirements for registration with recognized therapy dog organizations and types of therapeutic modalities with visiting dogs. Emphasis will be on helping the handler/dog team learn to work together successfully in a social setting (with role playing in class), develop effective visiting skills, recognizing signs of stress (in human and dog), and understanding the ethical and relational obligations to our dogs while engaged in animal-enhanced programs. Instructors will help class members prepare for an evaluation with Delta Society or Therapy Dogs International. First two weeks of class are without dogs (lecture, video and discussion). Fee for this class does not include any fees associated with evaluation or registration with a therapy dog organization.

Little League Tricks
PREREQUISITE: Junior Puppy, Senior Puppy or Family Dog 1. Learn fun tricks like Shake, Crawl, Beg, Speak and Spin from start to finish. Handlers will learn to teach new behaviors with a variety of training methods, starting out simply and advancing to more complex training skills as the course continues. Training tricks is a wonderful, fun way to engage your dog’s mind and strengthen his body. Impressing your family and friends is an added bonus!

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Agility Program
Agility is a fun activity for dogs and handlers. P4E agility classes are appropriate for those that want to enhance their training relationship, build confidence and have fun. For teams who aspire to competition, our classes will give you the solid foundation and advanced skills necessary for success.

Dogs in agility classes must be able to work closely with other dogs, be under solid control, and pass an Agility Entrance Skills Test prior to registration. Please call Julie Jenkins at 919-304-2300, ext. 233, to make an appointment for testing.

Agility Foundation
This class emphasizes all component skills needed in agility; self control, motivation, balance/coordination, and handling. Dogs and handlers will learn a foundation of safety and skill which will enable them to continue to more advanced agility training if they wish. This class is geared towards puppies or dogs who have no prior experience with agility training.

Obstacle Skills
Introduce your dog to the agility obstacles in a positive, safe manner. Dogs and handlers must have taken Pre-Agility/Foundation class or have instructor approval. Learn tunnel, jump, table, tire, and contact obstacles and learn to perform them with confidence and speed.

Contacts & Weaves 1 & 2
Contact obstacles (A-frame, dogwalk & see-saw) and weave poles comprise some of the most challenge skills in the sport. This class will focus on teaching and maintaining solid performances of contacts and weaves. C&W 1 is for teams with little to no experience with contacts & weaves. Level 2 is for more advanced teams who need to practice or improve speed and accuracy on contacts & weaves.

Handling Skills
In this class, handlers and dogs will learn the finer points of handling. Skills covered include lead-outs, pushes & pulls, front & rear crosses. Courses will be comprised of jumps and tunnels only, so dogs need only be proficient at those obstacles. More than one level of handling skills may be offered depending on students needs.

Sequencing Skills
Dogs in this class must be able to perform all obstacles at full height and perform sequences up to 5 obstacles long. This class will focus on running increasingly longer sequences while maintaining correct obstacle performance criteria. Learn the strategies of walking the course and planning a good path for both handler and dog.

Novice Competition
This class is geared towards teams who are ready to compete in lower levels of AKC/CPE. Courses will contain all the obstacles (6 weave poles) and will feature challenges appropriate to the level of dog/handler skill. We will run standard courses and probably a few different games as well.

Advanced Competition
For dogs and handlers already competing in mid-level AKC/CPE or USDAA. 12 weave poles, plus all other obstacles. We will work on a new, challenging course each week, focusing on more difficult skills and obstacle discriminations.

Agility Run Thrus
A novice NADAC, AKC or USDAA course will be presented each week. Participants will help build the courses and then be given the opportunity to walk the courses and discuss them before running them with their dogs. The instructor will be available for assistance with individual training issues. Minimum requirement: Completion of one session of Agility 3 or equivalent. Teams need not be proficient at full height but should have working experience on all obstacles.

CPE Games
Each week participants will be given a chance to learn one of the CPE classes, including fullhouse, jumpers, wildcard, snooker, standard, colors and jackpot.  Rules and strategies will be covered.  This is a competition level course and students should be already competing in CPE or preparing to do so.  Dogs should be be proficient on all obstacles with the exception of the teeter and weaves (level 1 CPE does not require teeter or weave poles).