Great Trainers, Small Classes
The APF Canine Academy Program offers classes ranging from Puppy Basics to Canine Good Citizen and Therapy Dog International. Our classes are designed to teach owners how to develop well-mannered family pets and good canine citizens. Our courses offer socialization with other people and dogs, as well as training for skills, including how to walk calmly on a loose leash, come when called, sit, down, stand and stay. Our approach to training is a motivational one, always using positive reinforcement to achieve success. Training with the APF also helps homeless pets, as 50% of your registration fee benefits the shelter. The minimum age for handling is 16 years old if accompanied by an adult.
Our instructors possess certifications through Animal Behavior College and the American Kennel Club. We are also able to offer approved Canine Good Citizen evaluators. They are committed to training through positive reinforcement techniques and strive to teach the tools needed for a successful relationship with your dog. For the betterment of all dogs and owners, they continue to further their education with workshops, conferences, and working with rescue dogs.
For more information on any of our dog training programs, please call (518) 374-3944, ext. 111. To learn more about our trainers, classes, course requirements and to register, please see below.
MEET OUR TRAINERS
Kathy Snowden has been involved with Dog Training and the APF for over 20 years. Her commitment to training evolved from seeing first hand so many dogs given up because of behavioral issues that the owners did not know how to address. Kathy develops and continues to update the training program to meet the needs of the dogs and the dog owners. Her goal is to keep the dogs in their homes and to help bridge the communication gap between human and canine. Kathy is a certified AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. Kathy is certified by the Animal Behavior College as a Dog Trainer and a Shelter Dog Trainer. She also serves as a mentor to future dog trainers with the Animal Behavioral College.
Lynnae Howe became involved in Dog Training over the past few years after adopting a rescue dog and wanting to help him integrate into the human world. Lynnae is a certified dog trainer through the Animal Behavioral College and a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT). Lynnae is committed to helping humans understand their dogs and dogs understand what their humans want from them in a calm and positive manner.
Cydney Cross teaches Canine Good Citizen and Therapy Dog International classes at the APF. She is co-founder and president of Out of the Pits, an organization for the education, rescue and placement of “America’s favorite dog,” the American pit bull terrier. Cyd is often asked to serve as an expert witness for court cases and for the evaluation of dangerous dogs. Highly committed to keeping pets in their homes, one of her specialties is working through the challenges that put dogs at risk for relinquishment.
Sheila Leguire is certified by the Animal Behavior College and specializes in behavior modification and reactive dogs. Sheila teaches our STEP class which provides training for APF staff and volunteers, as well as Get in the Zone, a class offered to the public for reactive and easily distracted dogs and their owners. She became involved in dog training in 2014 when she adopted her 3rd golden retriever, Lilly. Through their training, Lilly helped Sheila to realize her passion for dog behavior as she learned to read canine body language and to understand ways to modify their behavior.
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS / FEES / REQUIREMENTS
Class Descriptions and Schedule
Pet Behavior Help
Whether you’re a first-time pet owner or a seasoned pet parent, questions do come up regarding your pet’s behavior. Here are some great resources to help.
ASPCA’s Virtual Pet Behaviorist
Now you can get pet-behavior advice from ASPCA experts 24 hours a day, right from your computer. Their nationally recognized team of animal behaviorists offers possible solutions to a wide range of issues, right when you need it.
HSUS Cat Answer Tool
This handy tool will help you understand and resolve many cat behavior issues, such as scratching, biting, or litter box issues.
Additional Resources
<p-style=”text-align: center;”=””>Do you have questions about your dog’s behavior? Here are some easy to understand hand-outs on dog body language, visiting dog parks, and proper play etiquette.
Understanding Dog Body Language
Dog Park Etiquette
Dog Stress Indicators
Proper Play Behaviors
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