• Class Descriptions

• Registration and Fees

• Class Schedule
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Brutus, Bogey, and Porter love Pet Academy! See more photos here.

The Pet Academy is designed to train owners to develop good canine citizens and well-mannered family pets. 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, using positive reinforcement to achieve success.

Our instructors have been certified through Animal Behavior College and are also approved Canine Good Citizen Evaluators.

For more information on any of our Pet Academy programs, or to register, please contact Melissa at 374-3944 x 121, or e-mail APFDogClass@gmail.com.

Class Descriptions

For Puppy Pre-School and Basic Manners, the first class is for humans only! We ask that you not bring your dog to the first class so that our trainers can give you an overview of the basic concepts you will be learning. 

• Puppy Pre-School
  This class provides a foundation for good behavior of puppies through socialization and confidence-building exercises. It also addresses issues such as chewing, housebreaking, crate training and more. It is designed for puppies up to 5 months old. Classes run for 6 weeks and are about 45 minutes long each; no dogs at the first class. Cost: $85.
   
• Basic Manners 101
  This course is for dogs five months of age and older. It covers fundamental skills such as walking calmly on a leash,  sit, stay, and other basics of good manners with people and dogs.  Classes run for 6 weeks and are about 45 minutes long each.  Dogs must be spayed or neutered to attend; no dogs at the first class. Cost: $85, includes training collar
   
• Agili-O One
  A fun and functional class combining traditional obedience with Agility.  Polish your dog’s basic obedience skills while introducing him to the sports of agility and rally. Your dog will learn to navigate basic agility obstacles such as bar jumps, tunnels, and weave poles, while strengthening basic skills.
  
  No experience is needed. However, your dog must know general commands for sit, down, stand, and come, as well as have a solid one-minute stay. Basic Manners 101 (or other Basic course) is strongly recommended. Dogs must be spayed or neutered to attend; dogs do attend first class. Classes run for 4 weeks and are about 45 minutes long each. Cost: $75.
  
  Please note: this is a beginner's class only.  If you are interested in titles or competition training, please visit www.akc.org/events/agility or www.akc.org/events/rally for more info.
   
• Agili-O Two
  We "raise the bar" a bit higher for both Agility and basic obedience. You and your dog will be introduced to additional Agility equipment as well as a higher level of basic obedience (quicker response to commands, longer stays, sharper comes, etc),  putting it all together for a more advanced evening of fun for you and your dog. Dogs must be spayed or neutered to attend;  dogs do attend first class. Classes run for 4 weeks and are about 45 minutes long each. Cost: $75. Prerequisite for this class is Agili-O One.
   
• Canine Good Citizen Class
  This course will prepare you and your dog for Canine Good Citizen Certification, led by a certified CGC evaluator. The 7 week course will conclude with an official CGC test. Cost: $95, includes test fee.  Dogs must be spayed or neutered to attend;  dogs do attend first class.
   

• Click here for more information on the Canine Good Citizen Program from the AKC
  
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  Rally Morrell sporting her CGC bandana!

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Registration and Fees

To register, first check class availability by calling Melissa at (518) 374-3944, ext. 121 or e-mail APFDogClass@gmail.com. You may also stop by the APF during our regular hours (Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 12 - 4:30 pm; Thursday 12 - 7:30 pm).  Registration may be completed at the shelter, over the phone, or via fax or e-mail.

Proof of rabies (as age-appropriate) and distemper vaccination are required. Bordetella vaccine (for kennel cough) is recommended, but not required. Dogs in Basic Manners, Agili-O, and CGC classes must be spayed or neutered prior to the start of class. Your veterinarian may fax records to us at (518) 346-2120.

Classes are held in the APF’s Humane Education Center, located at 53 Maple Avenue in Scotia. Click here for directions.

Puppy Pre-School and Basic Manners 101 class fees are $85 per course (see discounts below). Canine Good Citizen class (with test fee) is $95. Agili-O class fee is $75. A martingale-style training collar is included in the course fee for dogs in Basic Manners 101.

Due to high demand, pre-payment is required at the time of registration, and your spot in class is not guaranteed unless we receive payment. Since classes are filled on a first come basis, late registrants may be accepted, based on class enrollment. 

Click here to download a registration form.

Special Discounts

• APF dog adopters receive $15 off their first Pet Academy training course. Registration must be within two months of adopting.

• APF Pet Academy graduates receive $10 off their next training course. Registration must be within two months of graduation.

Cancellation Policy

• Full refunds may be granted if cancellation is more than two weeks prior to the start of class.  If less than two weeks, a $10 processing fee will be deducted. 

Links

• American Kennel Club (AKC)  www.akc.org/events - for info on Canine Good Citizen, agility, Rally, coursing, earthdog, herding, and other competitive events
   
• Therapy Dogs International  www.tdi-dog.org 
   
• Delta Society  www.deltasociety.org - for info on service animals and the health benefits of pets
   
• North American Flyball Association  www.flyball.org
   
• Pets For Life  www.petsforlife.org - behavioral tip sheets for all pets from the Humane Society of the United States
   
• Animal Behavior College  http://animalbehaviorcollege.com - how to become a Certified Dog Trainer

Please note that the above links are for informational purposes only, and the APF is independent of any other organization.

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2010 Class Schedule
 

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