* A current copy of vaccination records from a veterinarian (or dates w/ labels from vaccine vials) will be REQUIRED to be submitted to Riverbark Pet Retreat. This MUST show proof of vaccination for: parvo, distemper, parainfluenza, rabies as well as a fecal exam within the last 6 months.
Class Descriptions:
Puppy Pre-K: (puppies 10 wks - 5 months) This is geared for the new family member to come: socialize, experience new things, build confidence, and prepare for obedience work, whether formal obedience, nose works, agility, or being a good family member. We will focus on behavior issues common to this age (potty training/crate training/ play biting mouthing/etc), as well as teach some foundation skills to make the best companion dog possible. These skills will include: touch, focus, gentle handling, ZEN-Muzzle, Sit/Down/Stand, Come when called, Loose Leash Walking. There will be in-class games/exercises and play time to allow for safe, directed socialization.
Puppy Kindergarten: (for graduates of pre-k but too young for Beginner Obedience). This will expand on the skills started in Pre-K. We will also add in: Go Lie Down, Stays with distractions, recall with distractions, Leave It, polite greetings, and more.
Beginner Obedience: (dogs 6 months and older) This class is for dogs that have gone through the previous class(es) or dogs that are older and need some work. We will talk about behavior issues common to juvenile dogs, and also teach (build on): Loose Leash walking, polite greetings, No jumping, Touch, Love Attack, Focus, Come when called, Stay, walking and hiking etiquette, nail trimming,
Intermediate Obedience: (graduates of Beginner) We will build on the behaviors learned previously, adding more distractions/distance/time to the behaviors. Will also begin teaching Heel/Halt/Wait.
Advanced: (graduates of Intermediate) Again, the focus here is building and proofing the skills they have learned in earlier classes. We will add speeds and turns to heeling, Finish, Front, etc. Courses may be set up to create patterns for students to walk with their dog and perform various exercises. Walking and heeling with other students doing the same or differing exercises nearby and other such distractions will be used to proof stays/leash skills/etiquette. At this stage, if weather permits, we may head outdoors or meet at a public establishment to continue to work on social skills.
Class Descriptions:
Puppy Pre-K: (puppies 10 wks - 5 months) This is geared for the new family member to come: socialize, experience new things, build confidence, and prepare for obedience work, whether formal obedience, nose works, agility, or being a good family member. We will focus on behavior issues common to this age (potty training/crate training/ play biting mouthing/etc), as well as teach some foundation skills to make the best companion dog possible. These skills will include: touch, focus, gentle handling, ZEN-Muzzle, Sit/Down/Stand, Come when called, Loose Leash Walking. There will be in-class games/exercises and play time to allow for safe, directed socialization.
Puppy Kindergarten: (for graduates of pre-k but too young for Beginner Obedience). This will expand on the skills started in Pre-K. We will also add in: Go Lie Down, Stays with distractions, recall with distractions, Leave It, polite greetings, and more.
Beginner Obedience: (dogs 6 months and older) This class is for dogs that have gone through the previous class(es) or dogs that are older and need some work. We will talk about behavior issues common to juvenile dogs, and also teach (build on): Loose Leash walking, polite greetings, No jumping, Touch, Love Attack, Focus, Come when called, Stay, walking and hiking etiquette, nail trimming,
Intermediate Obedience: (graduates of Beginner) We will build on the behaviors learned previously, adding more distractions/distance/time to the behaviors. Will also begin teaching Heel/Halt/Wait.
Advanced: (graduates of Intermediate) Again, the focus here is building and proofing the skills they have learned in earlier classes. We will add speeds and turns to heeling, Finish, Front, etc. Courses may be set up to create patterns for students to walk with their dog and perform various exercises. Walking and heeling with other students doing the same or differing exercises nearby and other such distractions will be used to proof stays/leash skills/etiquette. At this stage, if weather permits, we may head outdoors or meet at a public establishment to continue to work on social skills.