SMRTDOG TRAINING & BEHAVIOR

SMRTDOG provides educational information, based on current scientific research regarding what we know AND don’t know about dogs. Our training classes focus on practical solutions for people and their pets. SMRTDOG helps owners achieve their training goals.

SMRTDOG uses positive reinforcement training to provide you with the foundation and tools you need to build a life long partnership with your dog based on mutual trust and understanding.

SMRTDOG offers education on normal canine behavior, prevention of inappropriate behavior, creative problem solving, and humane, positive training techniques.

Learning is a continuous process – both for you AND your dog!

Class Descriptions:

The puppy preschool emphasizes socialization. The effort put into socializing your dog ensures a happy, well-adjusted, relaxed mature dog. Time spent socializing your puppy cannot be made up after a certain age. Enjoy this time spent building a relationship with your dog.

Read more here about Socializing your Puppy and see the AVSAB's position

Puppy Preschool II
Prerequisite: Puppy Preschool I
Cost: $175 for 6 weeks
This class is a continuation of Puppy Preschool I, fine tuning the basics such as the COME cue, maintaining longer Sit/Stays and Down/Stays, more practice with loose leash walking and gradually adding in distractions.

Basic Obedience Level I Class
Cost: $175 for 6 weeks
Age Requirement: Over 6 months old
This class covers:
Leadership; grooming; basic obedience commands such as sit, down, stand, wait, stay, come, leave it; loose leash walking; introduction to heeling; and watch me; how to combat resistance; and setting your dog up for success.

Basic Obedience Level II Class
Cost: $175 for 6 weeks
Age Requirement: Over 6 months old
Take your obedience training to the next level. Improve your dog's commands while strengthening your relationship. This class will focus on a 1 - 3 minute Sit/Stay and Down/Stay. You will learn the 3 D's of training: duration, distance and distractions.

Fun & Games Obedience
Cost: $175 for 6 weeks
This class is designed to fine tune obedience commands by utilizing a variety of fun “stuff” including obstacles and games. Improve your handling skills and your dog's obedience repertoire. Teach your dog self-awareness, self-control and problem solving through play, as well, increase your knowledge of how dogs learn. Get in touch with your dog again.

On The Road
Cost: $150 for 4 weeks
This class is designed for dogs and handlers that have completed either Puppy Preschool or Basic Obedience (Level One), but are not yet ready for Basic Obedience (Level Two). The ON THE ROAD class is intended to improve the dog's focus on the handler in a variety of settings. This class will meet in different locations to practice and REFINE basic commands, while gradually incorporating mild distractions. In essence, preparing dogs for Basic Obedience (Level Two).

The Levels Program
These training levels are designed to produce a dog that thinks, that eagerly goes into new situations, that performs reliably, that is comfortable in public, a good traveler, capable of giving full attention to the handler and working at any reasonable distance.

The lower training levels (1 through 3) are designed to produce a well behaved pet dog.

The upper training levels (4 through 6) are designed for those handlers that would like to participate in dogsports, including agility, obedience, and rally obedience.

Each level contains several behaviors that dog/handler team must master before moving on to the next training level. (See Levels Chart for details.) As you move through the levels, not all behaviors are mandatory. For example, if you have no intention of competing in obedience or agility, then you can opt out of performing those particular behaviors.

The Levels Program is designed to be flexible for pet owners. The class schedule is designed to fit training your dog into your busy schedule. You can go at your own pace. Students can purchase either:

Package of 5 sessions is $295 ($147.50 per month / $59 per session)

OR

Package of 10 sessions is $395 ($98.75 per month / $39.50 per session)

All students must attend a free Orientation Class before attending their first Levels class. This class is 1-2 hours in length. No dogs please.

Advantages to the Levels Training Program:
Work at your own pace- attend classes anytime during a 2 month period.
Never miss a class- eliminates falling behind.
Choose your focus- work on behaviors that are important to you and your lifestyle.

Maximum class size is 3-4 dogs. The number of classroom instructors is generally 2, providing a lot of individualized attention. We want to help you achieve your training goals AND improve your relationship with your dog.

The Training Levels Assessment
Each Dog/Handler team

The class instructors will guide you to help you achieve the fastest route for you and your dog so that you can move to the next level. When ready for assessment, the dog/handler team must complete the desired behaviors as outlined in the Levels Instructions. Once this is achieved, dog/handler team can move to the next level of learning.

For equipment mentioned in class, please click here

Specialty Class Descriptions:

Canine Good Citizen
Cost: $150 for 4 weeks
This class is approved by the American Kennel Club (AKC). The Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test evaluates both the dog’s temperament, as well as, basic obedience commands. Dog and handler work as a team, building upon strengths and improving the weak areas in preparation for the CGC test.

Hollywood Hounds
Cost: $150 for 4 weeks
This class is designed to teach a variety of basic tricks. About 20 different tricks will be taught, including Wipe Your Paws, Take A Bow, High Five, Crawl, Say Your Prayers, etc. Teaching your dog tricks is not only building upon basic skills, but great cocktail conversation at parties!

Pre-Rally O Class
Cost: $175 for 6 weeks
This class is designed to teach basic skills necessary for the Rally O Class. Rally is all about having fun and interacting with your dog while competing for titles. If you enjoy your dog and want to take that training past the basics, Rally is a wonderful sport to train for. It is important that your dog knows and is proficient at loose leash walking and ignoring other dogs and also that he is responsive to some basic cues such as come, sit, down and stay. The main skills taught in the Pre-Rally O Class are: dog able to walk on a loose lead on handler's left; dog able to focus on handler while moving; dog learning sit at heel and sit at front; and dog learning how to perform right and left finish exercises without handler moving his/her feet.

Rally O Class
Cost: $175 for 6 weeks
Rally O is a dogsport designed to enhance the human/dog bond. The handler follows a course of signs and performs the behavior(s) listed on each card. You complete the course at your own speed and you are not only allowed, but encouraged to talk to your dog the entire time if you wish. To sign up for the Rally O Class dogs must have either had the pre-requisite Pre-Rally Class or have mastered the skills comparable to those taught in the Pre-Rally O Class.

Basic Agility
Cost: $150 for 6 weeks
Introduction to Obstacles
This class is designed for dogs that have never taken an agility class. Dogs and handlers are introduced to all of the obstacles by learning the names of all of the equipment, as well as how to safely approach and exit all of the obstacles. The class focuses on fun and safety. (This class helps dogs build confidence and coordination.) It's the most fun you can have with your dog!

Agility- Pre-Novice
Cost: $150 for 6 weeks
This class is designed for beginners who have attended at least one agility class and are still working on obstacle mastery. This class incorporates fun and exercise.

Agility- Novice
Cost: $150 for 6 weeks
This class is designed for beginners who have mastered all of the obstacles and are ready for competition. This class is not currently being offered.

Doggie Einstein
Cost: $150 for 4weeks
Exercise your dog's brain! Just as dogs need physical exercise, it's good to stimulate the mind too! Your dog will take an I.Q. test; learn if he is left-pawed or right-pawed; teach him how to press a lever; and teach him how to receive his reward from a location other than your hand.

Focus & Self-Control
Cost: $150 for 4weeks
Does your dog have the equivalent of canine ADD? Does he ignore you or seem to have selective hearing? Does he seem frantic to meet other dogs while on leash? Learn techniques to get your dog to focus and check in with you. Teach him that asking permission (from you) is always a better choice than taking the reins himself.

Recall Class
$75 for 1.5 hours
This class is designed to teach you how to improve your recall and get your dog to come to you (even with distractions), close enough to attach the leash.

Dog Sports
Basic Obedience is fun, but Dog Sports are really exciting! Would you like to see how your dog would do at agility, flyball, herding, tracking or lure coursing? There are a lot of activities that you and your dog can participate in and have a great time! Call Jamie for more information at 619-246-5634 or email her at jamie@smrtdog.com.

Private Consultations
$125 per hour (packages available)
We offer behavior modification for problem behaviors such as fear, aggression, separation anxiety, etc. Using counterconditioning and desensitization techniques we can help you and your dog overcome challenging behaviors. Call Jamie at 619-246-5634.

Workshop Descriptions:

Free DVD Viewing- The Language of Dogs
LOCATION: Dog Beach Dog Wash, 4933 Voltaire Street, SD, CA 92107
What is your dog saying to you and to other dogs?
How can you tell when play turns to aggression?
How do dogs communicate stress, fear or friendliness?
Dogs don't speak English and we don't speak Dog. However, dogs do communicate through a system of body language and vocalizations.
This educational video features extensive footage of a variety of breeds, illustrating dog body language and canine communication signals.
Learn how to read these signals so that you can develop a better understanding of what's really going on in the canine world.
This is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED and a must see for every dog owner!
(No dogs please)

Scent Discrimination Workshop
$30 for 1 hour
The nose knows class. Teach your dog scent discrimination by utilizing his natural nosey ability.

ALL BARK, NO BITE

Snake Awareness Clinic
A positive approach and humane alternative to traditional rattlesnake avoidance training

Discounts available, please ask.

CANCELLATION POLICY: 24 hour notice is required if you are going to cancel a private consultation or other private appointment.

Seminars for dog trainers
(general public welcome too)

Lectures and presentations will be offered on a variety of topics including Canine Body Language, Aggression, and other behavior related issues. Check website for Dates and Times.

Proof of vaccinations and pre-registration required for all classes. Space is limited - call for registration or more information.

If you don't see what you are looking for on this menu, or wish to suggest a topic, please call Jamie at 619-246-5634 or send an email to www.smrtdog.com.

To download a registration form for all SMRTDOG classes, please click here.

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