Animal Protective Foundation

Dog Training Classes

Our Program Features Great Trainers & Small Classes

The APF's Dog Training Program is designed to train owners 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. Plus, training with the APF helps homeless pets, as 50% of your registration fee benefits the shelter.

Our instructors have been certified through Animal Behavior College and are also approved Canine Good Citizen evaluators. For more information on any of our dog training programs or to register, please call us at at (518) 374-3944, ext. 118 or e-mail JLIB_HTML_CLOAKING

Meet Our Trainers

• Class Descriptions
• Class Schedule
• Registration and Fees
• Special Discounts
• Cancellation Policy

MEET OUR TRAINERS

Diane Houck and Kathy Snowden have been involved with the APF in various capacities for the past 20 years. Their commitment to dog training evolved from seeing firsthand so many dogs given up because of behavioral issues that owners simply didn’t know how to address. They have been the driving force behind training here at the shelter and developed the APF's training program to meet the needs of pet owners and keep dogs where they belong – in their homes. Both Kathy and Diane are Certified Dog Trainers through Animal Behavior College (ABC). They are also Certified Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Evaluators. They continue to supplement their education by attending dog training/behavior workshops sponsored by APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers) and other organizations, and through working with shelter dogs. Kathy is also certified in “Training Shelter Dogs.” They have taken the best aspects of the many training methods they have studied to create the curriculum for the APF's training program. Kathy has also developed Tricks & Games (aka Barks & Recreation) and she and Diane created AgiliO. They are highly committed to training through positive reinforcement.

Cydney Cross teaches Canine Good Citizen Classes at the APF. She is co-founder and president of Out of the Pits, an organization for the education, rescue and placement of “Americas favorite dog,” the American Pit Bull Terrier. She provides education and evaluation services and training to public and private institutions and organizations. In her off time Miss Cross trains and works with Therapy Dog International (TDI) certified dogs (mainly Pit Bulls) in hospitals, schools and other public forums, providing positive media coverage, elementary and secondary school workshops, public education clinics, therapy dog programs, owner counseling and shelter outreach. Also highly committed to keeping pets in their homes, one of her specialties is working through the challenges that put pets at risk for relinquishment.


CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

NEW CLASS - "TRICKS & GAMES"
Wednesdays, March 14 - April 11, 2012
6:30 - 7:30 pm, $80.00
 
Have you completed Basic Manners and are looking for something different to do with your dog?
This new class is for you!  TRICKS & GAMES class is an informal, crazy and fun way to enhance and
build on the foundation you have already created with your dog.    

All you need is your dog on a well-fitted collar and leash and bring their FAVORITE treats. Space is limited to 6 dogs, so sign up soon to reserve your spot.  Email or call Stephanie at: 374-3944, ext. 118 or JLIB_HTML_CLOAKING

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 six weeks and are 45 minutes long. Fee: $95. No dogs at the first class.

Basic Manners 101
This course is for all dogs 5 months of age and older. It covers fundamental skills such as walking calmly on a leash at your side, stand/stay, sit/stay, and the basics of good manners with people and dogs. Classes run for six weeks and are 45 minutes long. Dogs must be spayed or neutered to attend. Fee: $95. No dogs at the first class.
 

NEW CLASS!  Basic Manners 102
We've launched a new class to give you and your dog that special relationship that you have so hoped for! Does your dog charge the door at the first ring or knock? Does the walk with your dog turn into a "drag" at the first glimpse of another dog? We have created a class that addresses these issues and more.  

You and your dog will work through distractions in many forms, achieving solid stays and sharp recalls at longer distances and your dog's focus on you will be like no other! This is definitely the class to take if your goal is to have a stronger and more respectful relationship with your dog. 

The prerequisite for Basic Manners 102 is your dog's knowledge of solid basic commands. Graduates from APF Pet Academy's Basic Manners 1 would really enjoy this next level of leadership with their dog!

This course is for all dogs 5 months of age and older. Classes run for seven weeks and are 45 minutes long. Dogs must be spayed or neutered to attend. Fee: $95. No dogs at the first class. 

AgiliO
Developed by the APF’s own trainers, AgiliO is a fun and functional class combining traditional obedience with agility. Polish your dog’s basic obedience skills while introducing him to the sport of agility. Your dog will learn to navigate basic obstacles such as bar jumps, tunnels and weave poles, while strengthening basic skills.

The four-week class will be held outdoors in our fenced-in play area, rain or shine, so come dressed for comfort and weather. This will be an active class, so be prepared to run around a bit! 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. Dogs should wear a buckle collar - no restricting, choke, or prong collars - and a regular six-foot clip-on leash (no retractable or Flexi-leads, please.) Dogs must be spayed or neutered to attend. Fee: $80

Please note: this is a beginner's class only. If you are interested in titles or in competing, please visit the AKC agility page or AKC rally page for more info.

Canine Good Citizen Class
This course will prepare you and your dog for Canine Good Citizen certification. Class and test are led by a certified CGC evaluator. The seven-week course will conclude with an official CGC test on the last day of class. Dogs must be spayed or neutered to attend. No prior training is required. No dogs first class. Test on the 8th week. Fee: $95 plus $10 test fee 

Canine Good Citizen Test
Official CGC tests may be held periodically throughout the year, typically on a Saturday morning. Open to anyone who wishes to test their well-mannered dog. Please note that this is a TEST ONLY, not a class. Test will be conducted by a certified CGC evaluator. Fee: $10

Learn more about the AKC Canine Good Citizen Program.

Registration
Download Registation Form

Registration and Fees
To register, first check class availability by calling (518) 374-3944, ext. 118  or e-mail JLIB_HTML_CLOAKING . Registration may be done at the shelter, over the phone, or via fax or e-mail. Proof of rabies and distemper vaccinations are required. Bordetella vaccine (for kennel cough) is highly recommended, but not required. 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 and Basic Manners 101 and 102 class fees are $95 per course (see discounts below). Canine Good Citizen class and test fees are $105. AgiliO is $100. Half of each registration fee benefits the shelter! Please note that pre-payment is required to hold your spot in class. We request receipt of your registration form, payment, and proof of vaccinations when you sign up for class. We cannot hold your spot in class without the required documents and payment. We require minimum of a 48-hour notice if you are unable to take the class.

Special Discounts

• APF dog adopters receive $15 off their first training course. Adopters from other rescues and shelters receive $10 off. Registration must be within two months of adoption.
• Graduates of Puppy Pre-School receive $10 off their Basic Manners 101 registration and grads of Basic 101 receive $10 off Basic 102.

Cancellation and Refund Policy
We often have waiting lists for our classes. In fairness to all, refunds minus a $10 processing fee will be provided only if the cancellation is made prior to 48-hours before the first class. (Example: If class begins on Monday, cancellation must be received by the previous Friday.)

Weiser and Amy (left) learn "focus" along with other Pet Academy students.

Upcoming Classes for 2012

* Please note that we require a minimum of 4 students to hold class; classes with fewer students may be cancelled or postponed. Puppy Pre-School may be changed to Basic Manners, depending on enrollment.