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| One Puppy To Go, Please [Take Your Puppy Anywhere!] |
| Puppy ages 8 to 20 weeks. (Toy breeds up to 24 weeks) |
| Having a puppy doesn't have to mean staying home. We'll cover steps that will make you and your puppy comfortable traveling together, whether it's out for coffee or visiting relatives. We'll show how to socialize your puppy with a variety of different sights and sounds-without scaring them. We'll work on meeting and greeting strangers while maintaining control of your puppy and the situation. We'll also start teaching your puppy to "hang out" nearby. We'll supply some ideas where to go, where to avoid and what to take with you. And then we'll go! This three week class features one classroom day and two field trips, where we practice our learning hands-on. This is real life training for real life situations you will encounter either in public or in your home. |
| We will also include housebreaking tips, and address issues such as biting, jumping and how to handle the puppy with children in tow. |
| Many times we leave our puppies home when running errands or visiting friends because we lack confidence at our end of the leash. At Puppy Manners we build your confidence and coach you on puppy etiquette so you will feel more comfortable going places with your puppy. Being able to take your dog with you to a variety of places is rewarding for both of you. Many people leave their dogs at home because they are not sure where they can take them or what to do if there is a problem. Many dogs are overwhelmed by the sights and sounds of everyday life on-the-go. So start your puppy off on the right paw and gain a traveling companion for life. Join us for "One Puppy To Go, Please" and, of course, bring your puppy with you! |
| Puppy must be vet checked for wellness prior to class and have a clear fecal to participate in class activities. We encourage you to come with or without your puppy and get the canine educational experience that will help you at home with your puppy. |
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| K-911 [Help for kids and dogs] |
| Calling all kids! (ages 7 to 12) |
| Do you have a dog of your own? Are you planning to get one? Do you just love to be around dogs? Then this class is for you! It’s a just-for-kids class that teaches you about dogs by playing games, learning tricks and having fun. Bring your dog or, if you don’t have one yet, practice with one of ours! |
| Learn the secret language of dogs! |
| Did you know that dogs have a language all their own? It's true! Learn how to speak "dog" and help your dog learn how to speak "human". Our dogs talk to us all the time. With a little help, you can begin to understand what they are saying, and teach them to understand you a little better. You'll amaze your friends and family with how well you and your dog communicate! |
| Learn fun games to play with your dog! |
| Dogs love to play. But not all games are good for your dog. Some teach bad habits or could get you hurt. We'll teach you games that are great for both you and your dog. You'll learn fun ways to keep your dog busy, neat things you and your dog can do together, and maybe even a thing or two for your dog to do while you get your homework done! |
| Teach your old dog a new trick! |
| Many people think some dogs are too old to learn. But that's just not true! Whether your dog is a brand new puppy or a seasoned grandpa, we'll show you how to teach him a trick or two. |
| Show your parents that you are responsible! |
| Learn how to handle and care for your dog. Learn the right way to approach strange dogs, how to protect your dog from scary situations, and how to keep yourself safe around dogs. Having the parents put the kids in control for an hour of power with their puppy is sometimes the best lesson for child. Kids without dogs will still be allowed to handle a dog. Yes, we have spare dogs! But no, you can't keep them. You can borrow them during class. |
| See how dogs play! |
| Each K-911 class includes playtime for the pups. This is a great way for you to see how dogs play together and why your dog plays with you the way he does. Plus, it's a lot of fun for the dogs! |
| K-911 For kids and dogs come join the fun! No big people allowed, how fun is that! |
| Please note: The tuition for this class is per child. Each student will receive a training tote for training and a bandana for their dog. Students must be able to safely handle their dog. Certain types of training collars will be recommended as appropriate. |
| Puppy must be vet checked for wellness prior to class and have a clear fecal to participate in class activities. We encourage you to come with or without your puppy and get the canine educational experience that will help you at home with your puppy. |
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| Java Jumpstart [Puppy Pre-School] |
| This is a great "Jumpstart" for you and your puppy! Puppies learn all the time, from everything around them. These first few weeks can make a huge difference in your puppy's training and socialization. Getting started on the right track will make those learning experiences fun and positive for both you and your puppy. That's where we can help! |
| What your puppy learns between the ages of 8 and 16 weeks will have a huge impact on the rest of his life. This is the time when he learns about the world around him - learns that our world is made up of many different sights, sounds and smells. The more things he becomes comfortable with during this time, the more likely he will develop into a healthy, well-adjusted adult dog. In this class, we bring the world to your puppy, in a safe and controlled environment. |
| This class is a great social experience for the newest family member, your puppy. Your puppy will get a chance to socialize with other puppies and our dogs too, who are great canine coaches in their own right! Learning to fluently speak "dog" is very important for your new puppy. Supervised playtime gives your puppy the chance to learn from the other dogs what behavior is appropriate in the canine world. |
| Children and dogs often seem meant for each other. It can be very disappointing to learn that puppies can bite, jump and scratch, and a lot of the time it hurts! Whether your house is filled with your own kids, your grandkids, or the neighbor's kids, we can teach you how to play positive, fun games that involve the puppy and the children where both learn about each other in a positive, respectful way. |
This class is great preparation for our Puppaccino class. You will learn about having a better relationship with your puppy and how to get off on the right paw! So don't wait, jump on in!
For dogs 8 to 16 weeks of age. |
| Puppy must be vet checked for wellness prior to class and have a clear fecal to participate in class activities. We encourage you to come with or without your puppy and get the canine educational experience that will help you at home with your puppy. |
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| Puppaccino [Puppy Kindergarten] (otherwise known as Mommy and me! Dads welcome of course!) |
| *No prerequisite classes required. If your dog is the right age, you may attend Puppaccino. |
| This is a class designed for puppies 8 - 20 weeks, (small and toy breeds up to 24 weeks). If your puppy is on the "border" age-wise, feel free to drop us an email so we can guide you into the right class. What? Your vet said your dog shouldn't be around other dogs? The unsafe things your vet is referring to include dog parks, public parks, the beach and other "unsafe" doggie areas where we don't have control of the dogs they meet, or the environment to which they are exposed. All puppies in our classes have been vet checked and are current on their shots. |
| Puppy socialization is vital to your dog's overall healthy attitude. There is a prime "window of opportunity" to socialize a puppy and that window is prior to 16 weeks of age. So don't miss out! Many dogs end up in shelters due to the lack of socialization. Lack of socialization can cause many other issues such as aggression. So embrace every chance you see to socialize your pup! |
| Along with teaching your puppy sit, down and wait, you will learn how to handle your puppy's interaction with children - I call it "Good Games and Bad Games." You will be cautioned about games that children play which foster aggression. You will be encouraged to play alternative games that teach your dog good manners and build confidence. Of all the classes that are most important we think this class is it. You can't turn back the clock and socialize a puppy. Plus it's great fun for the whole family! It helps for families to hear the advice and coaching come from our experienced and humorous puppy coaches. |
| Puppies must have their first series of vaccines, a clear fecal exam and a wellness visit with a veterinarian. If your vet agrees, we would prefer that your puppy has a bordetella vaccine prior to class, but this is optional and the decision is up to you and your vet. Some vets like to give the Bordatella vaccine to pups AFTER 16 weeks of age. If your puppy has not had the first series of shots, you may still come to class without your puppy or bring your puppy and crate him during the socialized play period. As soon as your puppy receives the first series of shots, he may participate in the socialized play part of class. Some students prefer to leave their puppy home and come to class without their puppy and bring their puppy when he has his second vaccine. It's up to you. Many people come to class without the puppy. After all it's your lesson too! |
| Puppy must be vet checked for wellness prior to class and have a clear fecal to participate in class activities. We encourage you to come with or without your puppy and get the canine educational experience that will help you at home with your puppy. |
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| Star-Barks 101 [Beyond Puppyhood] (Family dog obedience, aka: The Teenage Years and Beyond) |
| There is no prerequisite for this class. All friendly and sociable dogs over the age of 4 months are welcome to enroll in Star-Barks 101; toy breeds over 5 months. (Toy breeds may take the Puppaccino class up to six months of age.) This class will help get you and your dog on the path to being a "Star-Barks Dog." |
| Isn't it the goal of all Seattle-ites to have a "Star-Barks" dog? It's the wonderful, well-behaved dog you see once in a while lying by a café table outside Starbucks, hangin' out with his family and not embarrassing them! You say to yourself, "I'd bring my dog if he were that good!" In this class, we will address all "family" dog issues such as jumping and mouthing along with basic commands such as sit, down, wait, stay, loose leash walking and last but not least good Café Star-Barks manners! Don't ever think that having a "Star-Barks Dog" is setting the bar too high for you and your best buddy! |
| Of course all work and no play makes for a stressed pup so there will be some free play for those dogs that enjoy a good romp! The added benefits are socialization for your dog and entertainment for you and your family! It's so fun to see our dogs have fun; we could all take a lesson from just watching dogs play! |
| This class is so fun, many people repeat it and continue to "polish" their dog's obedience. This class includes work on responding to your first command, dealing with "problem behaviors," proper placement on sits and downs, improving focus and attitude - plus, we coach YOU and build up YOUR skills and confidence as a handler. All Star-Barks dogs will be invited to attend a field trip to Starbucks at the conclusion of this class. Lattés are free, compliments of Invisible Fence Northwest! This field trip is in ADDITION to your regular classes. It's free and most of all it's fun. So plan to make this date with your Star-Barks Canine Companion and us! |
| If you are considering doing therapy dog work down the road this class would be of great benefit and we are happy to help you achieve that goal. |
| NOTE: Dogs with aggression issues must have prior permission from the instructor to attend. |
| All dogs must be current on their vaccines including Bordetella (kennel cough). No intact dogs over the age of 9 months. |
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| Star-Barks 201 [The Works] |
| Did you miss out on Starbarks 101? Not to worry. You can still attend "Star-Barks 201 [The Works]". This 3 hour seminar covers the basics like "Sit" and "Down". It also has an emphasis on loose leash walking. In this class we try different training collars and techniques for you and your dog to discover what "works". We practice greeting people, greeting people with dogs, and walking with your dog ("with" being the operative word here). |
| We also work our dogs on long lines which helps you and your dog understand the work "come!" It's most fun when your dog comes to you with great joy! |
| No need to wait until the next session of puppy classes to get started training your pup. Join us for "The Works" and have some fun. You are also welcome to attend our "Get Along Bigger Doggies" events at the ranch. We send invitations to you via email. You are also invited to attend our field trip to Starbucks at the end of the training session. |
| All dogs must be current on their vaccines including Bordetella (kennel cough). No intact dogs over the age of 9 months. |
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| Seattle's Best Dogs [Real World Applications] |
| Ready to take the next step with your dog? Seattle's Best Dogs is specifically for students who have already taken Star-Barks 101 and are looking to work on more advanced subject matter. Through a series of games and exercises, we'll focus on things like leashwork, distracted stays, faster responses and better recalls. A local field trip will help us practice out in the real world, amid real-life distractions. Bring your sense of humor and a willingness to do your homework. By the end, you're sure to find that your dog is one of "Seattle's Best Dogs!" |
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| Get Along LITTLE Doggies (Socialized play for little puppies at the Puppy Manners Ranch!) |
| Being a student with Becky Bishop at Puppy Manners does have its privileges! If you are currently attending a Puppaccino class or you are currently enrolled in a future Puppaccino class you are eligible to attend the "Get Along LITTLE Doggies" events at the Puppy Manners Ranch. We prefer that you register and reserve your play spot but it's okay to pay as you play. Puppies must be less than 20 weeks of age to attend. |
| Ever hear of a "speakeasy?" That's what this is - well sort of! A "speakeasy" is an informal event where people gather and just talk, learn, and compare the good, the bad and the ugly with other puppy parents! That's the people part of this event. It's nice to get to know other puppy parents. |
| The puppy socializing is what's REALLY important. This is a chance for your puppy to become socialized so s/he will learn to get along with other puppies while being exposed to nice people and children. They may even have a chance to say “hi!” to our miniature horse, Mazie, or have a chance encounter with our two wonderful dog-friendly barn cats Hum and Bug! This great opportunity is for our currently enrolled students to get additional play time in a controlled environment. Trainers will be on hand to answer your questions about your puppy but, for the most part, this is all about fun for the puppies and their families. |
| Snacks are provided for people and pooches! |
| This event is held at our Puppy Manners Ranch in Woodinville. Click here for directions to the Puppy Manners Ranch. |
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| Get Along LITTLE Doggies [Special Location] (Socialized play for little puppies at a Special Location!) |
| This is the same event as the one described above with one exception: the location. |
| We like to have these play days at different locations sometimes to give your pups a little more exposure to some new sites and smells. The rest of the description (Get Along LITTLE Doggies above) is the same. |
| This event is held at a Special Location: the My Puppy Nanny Ranch in Snohomish. Click here for directions. |
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| Get Along BIGGER Doggies (Socialized play for the bigger dogs at the Puppy Manners Ranch!) |
| Being a student (or former student) with Becky Bishop at Puppy Manners has its privileges! If you are currently attending (or have previously attended) a Star-Barks class, you are eligible to attend the "Get Along BIGGER Doggies" events at the Puppy Manners Ranch. We prefer that you register and reserve your play spot but if you are currently enrolled or have previously attended, it's okay to pay as you play. Dogs must be at least 5 months of age to attend. |
| Ever hear of a "speakeasy?" That's what this is - well sort of! A "speakeasy" is an informal event where people gather and just talk, learn, and compare the good, the bad and the ugly with other puppy parents! That's the people part of this event. It's nice to get to know other puppy parents. |
| The dog socializing is what's REALLY important. This is a chance for your dog to become socialized so s/he will learn to get along with other dogs while being exposed to nice people and children. They may even have a chance to say “hi!” to our miniature horse, Mazie, or have a chance encounter with our two wonderful dog-friendly barn cats Hum and Bug! This great opportunity is for our students to get additional play time in a controlled environment. Trainers will be on hand to answer your questions about your dog but, for the most part, this is all about fun for the dogs and their families. |
| Snacks are provided for people and pooches! |
| This event is held at our Puppy Manners Ranch in Woodinville. Click here for directions to the Puppy Manners Ranch. |
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| Seattle's Best Pet Therapy [Therapy Test Prep] |
| Class size is limited to 8 dogs. Dogs under 9 months must have prior approval. |
| Prior to enrolling in this class your dog must meet a certain standard. They must be able to "sit", "down", have a "three-second stay" on leash and show NO aggression toward other dogs. You are expected to maintain control of your dog at all times. Your dog should be at least 9 months of age. Dogs under 9 months must have prior approval before registering. Most dogs come into pet therapy class having had at least two obedience classes but it's not required. Many people have older dogs or they trained their own dogs. If you have questions about your dog's ability to succeed, you're just not sure if he is ready, or your dog is less than 9 months of age, please email us so we can discuss it further. If your dog pulls on the leash, we can help you with that issue. |
| The instructors of the course are all registered Delta Society Pet Partners and have extensive histories of volunteer time in pet therapy for many years. Several are pet therapy evaluators. This course will help you prepare for Delta Society's Pet Partner evaluation. Each week we will practice the elements of the therapy dog evaluation. For example, we will practice one of the hardest elements every week: the "meet-and-greet." (Meeting another person who has their dog at their side while your dog is at your side.) Starting the first day of class we will evaluate you and your dog so we can uncover your team's (you and your dog's) weakest skill which, once identified, will give you a better idea of where to focus your time. You will receive a copy of the Delta Society therapy evaluation during the first class so you will know everything involved in becoming a registered Pet Partner. Our in-class sessions are not "real" evaluations - they're just practice. So don't get nervous. Just relax and have fun with this class! |
| For those who wish to continue with therapy dog training, you may purchase a therapy dog training vest for your dog. Your dog can wear the vest in public while he's being trained. I find the vests to be valuable tools while training in public places. Your dog must be at least one year old to take the Pet Partner evaluation - that's a Delta Society requirement, not a CLASS requirement. We will offer an evaluation date after the class session ends. There is no charge to class members for a Pet Partner evaluation. When time allows, we also try to fit a field trip into the class schedule but you are encouraged to go out on your own and put your dog in social situations, practicing what you learn in class. |
| Your Pet Partner evaluation is included with class. We will practice the exercises that will be required on your evaluation. You will have opportunities to test with us at no charge up to 60 days after you complete your class. We find it best if you're evaluated right away but we realize that some people or dogs just aren't ready and want more time to practice. If you wish to schedule an evaluation time that is outside the offered class evaluation times, you may do so. There is no charge if we evaluate you and your dog within 60 days of your class. Should you pass the 60 day period, the cost of evaluation with us is $30.00. Being a registered Pet Partner with Delta Society will give you the added benefit of one million dollar's worth of liability insurance when you are volunteering with your dog. Please consider ordering your Pet Partner Team Training Course (Home Study) book from www.deltasociety.org. This book has all of the necessary materials and educational information you need to help you and your dog be successful. You will need it before the end of your Seattle's Best Therapy Dogs course. |
| PLEASE NOTE: this class is held in several locations. Please be aware of the location when you sign up for this class. |
| Woodinville = Cascade Kennels, 20005 178th Ave NE, Woodinville |
| North Seattle = Fircrest Residential Habilitation Center, 15230 15th AVE NE, Shoreline |
| If you have questions regarding your selected class location, please email us before class begins. |
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| Seattle’s Pet Therapy Express-O Seminar [Learn a latté in a single shot!] |
| PLEASE NOTE: The tuition for this class applies to each person. That is, one tuition, one person may attend. This is a seminar and the information is supplied to each person and for that, tuition must be paid. |
| This seminar is taught by dog trainer and pet therapy evaluator Becky Bishop and pet therapy evaluator Annemarie Kaighin with special speaker Eve Pickard. Eve Pickard has trained her own service dog for her daughter and will be addressing the group sharing a mother’s perspective. Her daughter's self esteem and confidence has improved dramatically though the Reading With Rover therapy dog program. Please do not miss this opportunity. |
| Many people have expressed a desire for a pet therapy seminar. This seminar is basically our 4 week therapy class practicum in a one-day seminar. It’s great for people that feel ready for pet therapy but may not have the time to commit to a 4 week class. Or, if you feel your dog is ready but you can use some coaching to help prepare you for the Delta Society Evaluation (test) and prefer a seminar, THIS is for you! Many people who are looking to get into pet therapy audit this seminar. If you have a young dog and this is your goal, it’s a great educational experience and will help you prepare for the future of pet therapy. You will learn what is expected of you and your dog, what is on the test and real life problem-solving for therapy dog teams. |
| You are more than welcome to bring your dog to this seminar as long as s/he does not mind lying on a rug and can be a good listener. We will be practicing elements of the therapy dog test throughout the seminar. You and your dog’s skills will be evaluated and training advice will be offered to help fine tune your partnership with your dog. We will identify your weaknesses so you will know where you need to practice prior to taking your test. This test is not just about the dog, there are separate scores for you as the handler. |
| Please purchase your workbook (Pet Partner Team Training Course Manual) PRIOR to the seminar from Delta’s website at www.deltasociety.org. If there is more than one person attending with you, you may share the book. We will have a few books available to purchase but appreciate you doing your best to bring one to the seminar. |
| Testing will be scheduled a week or two after the seminar. This will give you just enough time to hit the road and get out there and practice your skills with your dog. The seminar does not include your therapy dog test. The cost of the test is $30.00. If you think you need more practice, testing times may also be scheduled when you feel you are ready. This seminar does not guarantee you will pass your therapy test but you will feel more confident and secure about you and your dog’s skills. Most teams do take and pass their test the first time. If for some reason you are scored “Not Ready” we will re-test you at no additional cost. |
| We are very excited for you and your dog to share the joy of pet therapy. Your relationship and bond with your dog will become stronger and better by taking this journey. We have great ideas to share with you in the seminar, from reading dog programs to volunteering with special needs children and hospitals. It really is a lot of information in a single shot and well worth it. |
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| Seattle’s Pet Therapy Express-O Seminar - AUDIT (no dog) [Learn a latté in a single shot!] |
| PLEASE NOTE: The tuition for this class applies to each person. That is, one tuition, one person may attend. This is a seminar and the information is supplied to each person and for that, tuition must be paid. |
| This is the same seminar as described above but this option is for people who do not wish to bring their dog or in the case when the seminar has the maximum number of handlers and dogs already signed up. You can still attend, take notes, receive the materials and instruction. Just without your dog. |
| Because you aren't bringing your dog with you to this seminar, this option costs less. |
| For a full description of this seminar, please see the description above. |
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| Canine Connection [Communication the Easy Way] |
| PLEASE NOTE: The tuition for this class applies to each person. That is, one tuition, one person may attend. This is a seminar and the information is supplied to each person and for that, tuition must be paid. |
| Yes, we have the technology! You can walk your dog on a loose leash with distractions. You can be so attractive to your dog, they won't leave you. You can signal your dog without saying a word and bring your dog running! Yes, you can! And you will learn precisely how when you join Dave and Becky for this power-packed seminar at the Puppy Manners Ranch. |
| This seminar includes real life situations and applications. We have cats, dogs, horses, cars, you name it, the distractions are here! Let us give you the coaching you need so you can have a more enjoyable, relaxed partnership with your dog. |
| This will be a fun day with fun ways to build the connection between you and your dog. For people who want to enjoy their dog MORE and fight with their dog LESS, would love their dogs to listen even when they are excited or would just like to have a good time with their companions without embarrassment. |
| Focusing on how to use your space, voice and body to bring out the best in your dog, this is universal "dog speak." You'll be astonished how quickly you can communicate when you speak their language. We will also have time to look at and try different training collars to find the best tools (besides your voice) for training your dog. |
| This seminar is for adults only. We welcome all parents. There is a lot of information we want to cover and children can be a distraction or, quite honestly, as much as we find this topic fascinating, they get bored. Kids 15 or older may attend. Please bring your dog hungry for food and yourself hungry to learn the language of dog. Snacks and beverages provided. |
| Limit: 10 dogs. This is a seminar and tuition applies PER handler. Each additional handler is $50.00. Extra people are welcome but must pay tuition to attend this seminar. |
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| Raise the Woof! [Pupprentice Project Seminar] |
| This seminar is held at the large training room at Cascade Kennels in Woodinville. |
| Class size is limited to 25 people. This seminar is for for humans only; no puppies please. We will have a few puppies available for demonstration purposes. While we find this fascinating! Your puppy will get quite bored. We will have other opportunities, such as puppy class and puppy socials where you do bring your puppy. |
| PLEASE NOTE: The tuition for this class applies to each person. For one paid tuition, one person may attend. This is a seminar and the information is supplied to each person and for that, tuition must be paid. (Additional family members: $30.00) |
| Sometimes everyone needs a little therapy... dog! All puppies will grow up to be dogs and your puppy can be not only your family dog but also a part of the growing community of therapy dogs. If you have a puppy, are planning on getting a puppy, or planning to add a new canine companion to your family, and you have a desire to volunteer with your dog in your community, then this seminar is for you. This will be one of the best journeys of your life because people who volunteer with their dogs not only help their communities, but they form a stronger bond with their dogs and build better relationships with them. There is nothing better than sharing your canine partner with those who can benefit from their sweet look or their soft touch. A miracle can be created in a moment by someone interacting with your dog and you will be a witness to it. Over the years, we have discovered how important dogs can be in people's recovery from trauma and illness. A visiting dog can even motivate someone to take their first steps after a stroke. And now children are improving their reading skills and building confidence by reading aloud to dogs. |
| Whether your goal is just to have the best family dog ever or your "ultimutt" goal is to be a therapy dog team, this seminar is for you, the human end of the leash. We will help you by "leaps and hounds" when it comes to preparing your puppy to be a volunteer dog. Do you know what to look for when picking out a puppy for pet therapy? Do you know that you can start preparing your puppy now to be a therapy dog, even as young as eight weeks old? Are you aware of the different kinds of therapy programs you can become involved with when your dog is finished being a puppy and how to reach that goal? Do you know how to raise your puppy to be a therapy dog? By the end of the day, you will know all this and a lot more. Becky Bishop will be giving her PowerPoint presentation entitled "Sometimes Everyone Needs a Little Therapy... Dog!" Annemarie Kaighin will present her own experiences working with children with Autism and Behavior Disorder with her therapy dog, Amos. Speaker Eve Pickard will explain how therapy dog volunteers changed her life and the life of her special needs daughter, Adell. |
| Introducing The Pupprentice Project: We will help guide and explain to you all the necessary steps and options you will have when volunteering with your dog. We will be introducing our Pupprentice Project at this seminar and the benefits of being a part of this project. We will discuss the proper way to have people greet your puppy and how to handle social situations when your puppy is acting inappropriately. We know it can be difficult to ask people not to pet your puppy without sounding like a "dog-snob" so you will have fun role playing in this and other scenarios with our demo dogs which you will be handling. While it's true your puppy may not be able to test and be a registered therapy dog until one year of age, there is no reason your training cannot start today. Those who want to be a part of the Pupprentice Project will have the opportunity to buy a Pupprentice therapy dog training vest and special leash. Don't wait until your puppy is a dog. Start with this enlightening "Raising The Woof" seminar with Becky and Dave Bishop and Annemarie Kaighin. |
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| FAQ's |
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| What are your classes like? |
| Well, lets start with what our classes are NOT like. They are not like any training classes you have ever been to! First, no guilt trips here. If you are not getting anywhere with your dog, we will not make you feel guilty about it nor give up on you! We'll help you! (Unless guilt works for you—then we can do that.) We consider ourselves your canine or puppy coaches. We will also be your biggest cheerleaders and support team. Many clients take our classes three times—the same class! Why is that? We think it’s because we try to not cookie-cut our classes.
So each session is different and that keeps learning and working with your dog more interesting. Of course you and your dog will learn the basics like sit, down, stay. But in our classes, you will learn about your dog! What floats his boat! You will teach your dog how to lie down while you are sitting down having a cup of java, reading a book, and living your life! That’s what you want isn’t it? You will learn to communicate in a way that your dog will understand. You will have a better relationship with your dog when your dog is well trained and we know that, so that is our goal. We help you and your dog develop a healthy relationship. Dogs that have good relationships with their families get to do more things with their families like field trips, little league games, and lets not forget soccer! You may not have a show dog but you certainly can have a show off dog!
And that’s the dog you see in front of all the coffee shops in Seattle—the dog that just lies there, waits patiently for his best friend to finish his latte’, excepts petting without embarrassing his owner by jumping all around. He’s the cool dog that everyone wants and the best part is…he’s your dog! Hey, here’s a perk! At the end of every Star-Barks 101 class, we go on a field trip to Starbucks—dogs included! And it’s our treat too! Can’t just talk the talk and not walk the walk! So walk with your dog and follow us to Starbucks for a sit, down, stay and have a latte' night! |
| We try to have a relaxed attitude in our classes and we want our clients to relax and have fun! Learn all the unique and wonderful things your dog has to offer. No dog will fail any class and there is no "test" at the end of the session. We are firm believers that only you can fail your dog and our goal is to not let that happen. The fact that you come to use for six weekly sessions shows commitment to your dog and makes you a winner! We have had dogs all our lives and we have raised three kids (we're still raising them!). We know the ups and downs of raising a puppy and training a dog, potty training a child while potty training a puppy (very similar by the way!) all the while trying to live your life and manage your household. We have a unique and humorous take on dog training and raising our families with dogs. |
| Because of time constraints during classes, some of your questions may not be addressed so we offer free email support to all our currently enrolled students. Your emails will usually be answered on the same day or within 24 hours. We also except phone calls but email seems to be more convenient and quicker. |
| *You will enjoy the classes you attend with us. All classes except for therapy evaluation preparation classes have free play. If a dog is too shy or aggressive, We will find something positive for that dog to do during free play so it is still a positive experience. We reserve the right to ask any owner of an overly aggressive or disruptive dog to remove themselves from class. Private lessons are available and we will refer you or help you in any way we can should your dog not be suitable for group classes. During many of our classes, there will be a second and sometimes a third trainer to help you and answer questions. We find this provides significant benefit to the whole group. We try to keep our class sizes down to no more than 10 - 14 dogs, depending on the class. Some classes will have less than ten. Class size is limited. Registering early is advisable. |
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| Can children come to class? |
| If your children behave better than your puppy, then sure; why not? We can not have toddlers attend for obvious safety reasons but I have no problem with children over the age of 5 as long as they are not disruptive. I will provide some "kiddy" distraction toys should they get bored. I do not want you to miss out on training your dog because you don't have a babysitter. I do reserve the right to ask that you leave your children at home should they become a distraction to the rest of the class. NO children under age 5 in class. We are a family friendly environment and we totally understand the need to train the puppy and work with small children. This is best served with a private in-home lesson if you have toddlers. Dave and I raised three children, and dogs together. We understand your struggles. The group class will best serve you if you can leave the younger children at home and apply what you learn in class once you get home. We are happy to provide you with a family private visit if you feel your family needs some "one-on-one" with a family dog trainer. |
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| What do I need to bring? |
| Your dog should wear a flat buckle collar to class. I prefer the flat nylon type with the plastic quick release; not the metal buckle type. No choke chains or pinch collars please. No chain leashes. You need a 4-foot to 6-foot nylon or leather leash. I prefer leather leashes and I have an assortment available should you wish to purchase one. |
| • | A small rug or towel for your dog to lie on. |
| • | A chewy or toy as long as it doesn't squeak! |
| • | Plastic bag for clean up. Hope you won't need them but always come prepared! |
| • | Soft treats, not crunchy ones. We have some samples of the treats we use. |
| • | Vaccination records. We accept either a current vaccine history or a current titers test. Please have these with you the first night of class or send a copy in the mail or by fax to avoid taking up class time. |
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| Notes: |
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Special training collars will be provided for sale should your dog require an alternative, along with other helpful training tools. |
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We have cool "interactive" toys that we use for playing and training and we will show you how to use these toys to actually teach your dog good behaviors like "drop." |
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Please do not feed your dog before you come to class. We want them hungry because a hungry puppy is a more attentive puppy! |
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