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"Personal Trainer"

Available starting in September: Our day-training "personal trainer" program is perfect for the busy professional or family who would prefer expert training over instruction, producing a well-trained dog quickly and without interrupting your busy schedule. Personal training starts with an evaluation meeting in which we discuss your training goals for your dog, which I can then use to determine the number of weeks needed to achieve those goals. I will demonstrate some of the methods I will use and recommend management techniques that you can implement at home for immediate relief and improvement. I will then work with your dog one-on-one for three to four sessions a week. After each meeting with your dog I leave you a report explaining your dog's progress, and I will meet with you weekly to show you your dog's progress and teach you how to maintain it. I only take a few clients at a time so that I devote my time and considerable experience, knowledge and skills to you.

This is ideal for rowdy adolescent dogs who desperately need more exercise but have no leash manners, for young puppies who need prompt instruction during their formative weeks, for dogs with behavior issues that make it difficult to work with them in public, and for anyone who wants exceptional professional training. You get expert training and a well-behaved dog, and your dog will enjoy it, too!

"Personal Trainer" appointments are $120 per session; discount packages are available. Do you want a well-behaved, dependable, confident, happy dog? Why live with bad manners any longer? To sign up for the "Personal Trainer" initial evaluation, click here (available in September).

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Jump Start package

The Jump Start package is a special deal involving two private, in-home lessons, followed by the regular 6-week group class (Puppy Kindergarten, Companion Dog I, or the six-class-pass for Levels). This deal is perfect for dogs with special behavior issues (such as extreme shyness, fear, hyperactivity, barkiness), or for handlers who would like extra coaching, or for anyone who wants to get the absolute most out of our group classes. The Jump Start allows you to start in your dog's familiar home where there the distractions are few and familiar, allowing you and your dog to learn a few basic training skills before moving on to a more distracting public setting. The Jump Start package is two one-hour in-home private lessons plus the six one-hour group class lessons, for $310 ($50 in savings!). Please see the Private Lessons descriptions for available times and other details.

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Group classes

"Obedience school" teaches your dog to focus in the face of distractions. All group classes are limited to eight dogs or fewer. All of our classes feature clicker training, the state-of-the-art method that maximizes your dog's learning. In training class we usually use food treats as rewards; other types of rewards are encouraged as well. Dogs are encouraged to wear regular collars, body harnesses, "Gentle Leaders" or other head halters, and front-clip no-pull harnesses. Choke chains and pinch collars are not allowed. Group classes are perfect for learning basic obedience in a social setting - but behavior problems, including"leash reactivity" or on-leash aggression, might be best addressed in Private Lessons.

What are they saying about our obedience school? Read here to find out!

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Group Class Descriptions

Please note: I try to update this web page as often as possible, but sometimes classes fill up faster than I can list how many spaces may be left (check the "updated" date above for how recent the count is). I MUST limit the class size to ensure quality teaching. Please understand that a class might be full before I can get into the office to return your questions or to note that it is full, here. If you are interested in a class that may be full, submit your registration and payment anyway - it will be gladly refunded if the class has filled.

Due to overwhelming demand I cannot notify each person as the schedule changes, BUT - you can sign up below to be automatically notified when this page is updated. Enter your e-mail to be notified of changes on this page - when the new schedule is added! Monitor page for changes          it's private    by ChangeDetection

Levels Class

The Levels Class is a flex-time/on-going group class teaching basic manners/obedience and dog handling. It is open to dogs and puppies of all ages who meet minimum vaccination requirements. You can start at any time by attending any Wag'N'Train or K9 Partnership orientation, or be a current Wag'N'Train client.

To move from one level to the next, handlers and dogs must meet all outlined criteria which will be covered in orientation. The orientation also teaches you the basics of training and how dogs learn. As you progress through the classes, your dog will learn basic obedience and manners, and will learn to respond through increasingly difficult distractions. As with all Wag'N'Train classes, the Levels Class features positive reinforcement and clicker training. The Levels Class is an ongoing class offering the ultimate in flexibility - you can attend the class at your Level at different days, times and locations and even miss a week or two without being left behind. It is a self-paced class that includes Advanced work - fast learners are not held back and slower ones can take their time without pressure. You can purchase 6 or 12 lessons in advance and use them up within 3-6 months. You will be required to RSVP to the lesson you choose to attend at least 3 days before to ensure that class is neither cancelled nor full (3 minimum - 8 maximum in a class).

Price: Six-class-pass for $170 (to be used within three months) or Twelve-class-pass for $320 (to be used within six months). Advanced Wag'N'Train students (CD2 graduates and some private clients) are welcome to drop-in to lower Levels classes to practice with an advanced payment of $15.

Register now | Questions? Click here

Orientation - covers basic learning theory, introduces lure-reward and clicker training, and discusses quick-fix management tools. This is a required prerequisite for all Levels classes. This is a one-hour, one-time, people-only class - no dogs in class. The orientation is included as one of the lessons of the first set of class sessions (6 or 12 lessons) you purchase. Orientations are held on first Wednesday of the month at 12:45 PM and the second Monday of each month at 12:15 PM.

Level 1 - see the Schedule for dates and times.

• Name recognition – your dog will look at you when you call his/her name
• Sit - your dog will sit from a standing position on only one cue (voice command or hand signal)
• Down - your dog will lie down from a sit or stand with no more then two cues (hand signal and voice) without luring
• Come – your dog will come to you from up to 20 feet away
• Leave It – your dog will stay away from a treat in the owner's hand for 5 seconds.
• Target training – your dog will deliberately touch his/her nose to your hand on voice cue
• Clicker training – you will learn when to click and how to deliver a food reward to effectively reinforce correct behavior
• Management – you will learn how to hold and handle a leash and use other equipment to effectively control your dog
• Please note that this is not a socialization class for puppies

Level 2 - see the Schedule for dates and times.

• Leash manners – no pulling on the leash during class (including coming from and going to your car!)
• Crate training – your dog will enter his/her crate on cue, and remain still while you close or open the door (with no more than 2 cues)
• Stay – your dog will learn to hold his/her position for at least one minute with owner in various positions. (1 minute stay while owner is within 3 ft and able to do repetitions with various pictures)
• Voluntary attention – your dog will learn to focus on you without reminders
• Focus and control during leashing – the dog learns to stay still while the leash goes on and to pay attention to the owner when the leash is taken off
• Sit, Down, and Stand – your dog will learn to sit, down and stand from various positions and in increasing distractions.
• Target stick – you and your dog will learn to use a target stick to direct your dog’s movements
• Leave-it – your dog will learn to stay away from treats on the ground or a low table
• Come – your dog will learn to come to you from up to 40' (with no more than 2 cues)
• Go to mat – your dog will go to his/her mat, bed, or place on cue
• Meeting people politely – your dog will learn to meet people without jumping on them.

Level 3 - coming soon

• Down stay - while you move away from your dog
• Leave-it - while walking
• Come - through greater distractions
• Sit-stay with more challenges
• Distance work - your dog will learn to listen to commands from a distance
• Retrieve/Fetch - your dog will begin to learn the retrieve chain (including "drop it"!)
• Handling - gain confidence and manners while being handled and examined by a stranger (such as a vet or groomer)

More Levels to follow

Puppy Kindergarten

Wednesdays 7:30-8:30 PM, starting July 30, 2008 (class skips Auugust 27), at Campbell PFE. Only THREE spaces left, as of July 23!

This is the first part of the Basic obedience-training series but designed especially for young pups (10-20 weeks). This is a traditional class running six consecutive weeks (different from the Levels Class described above). This class will teach the commands "Sit", "Down", "Come", "Stay", "Leave it" ("off"), and "Settle" as well as teaching the dogs to walk on a loose leash, greet people and other dogs politely, and allow physical handling. We'll train them using voice commands, hand signals, lures and leashes, and we'll introduce the training clicker. Learn how to gain immediate control of your dog on-leash, even in distracting environments. Puppy Kindergarten will also address housetraining, biting, chewing, digging, barking, jumping up, and problem solving. All your questions about dog behavior will be answered, and dogs will get some chances to socialize — one of the most important factors for a well-behaved, happy dog. This class sets the basis for good manners all the time, everywhere! Puppy Kindergarten is for pups 10-20 weeks of age (at the start of class), with at least two sets of vaccination shots. It is a 6-week class, where the first week is an orientation without your dog, with exercises for you to work on with your dog at home. Price: $170 ($10 discount for dogs that are already spayed or neutered) - Register now | Questions? Click here

Companion Dog Level 1

Wednesdays 6:15-7:15 PM, starting July 30, 2008 (class skips Auugust 27), at Campbell PFE. Only ONE space left, as of July 23!

This is the first part of the Basic series. This is a traditional class running six consecutive weeks (different from the Levels Class described above). This section is specially designated for puppies over 5 months old, and dogs of any age, with at least two sets of vaccination shots. It is never too late to get a "fresh start". This is a 6-week class, where the first week is an orientation without your dog, with exercises for you to work on with your dog at home.

This class will teach the commands "Sit", "Down", "Come", "Stay", "Leave it" ("off"), and "Settle" as well as teaching the dogs to walk on a loose leash, greet people and other dogs politely, and allow physical handling. We'll train them using voice commands, hand signals, lures and leashes, and we'll introduce the training clicker. Learn how to gain immediate control of your dog on-leash, even in distracting environments. Level 1 will also address housetraining, biting, chewing, digging, barking, jumping up, and problem solving. All your questions about dog behavior will be answered, and dogs will get some chances to socialize — one of the most important factors for a well-behaved, happy dog. This class sets the basis for good manners all the time, everywhere! New: we have the Companion Dog I handbook now in Chinese and in Japanese!

Price: $170 ($10 discount for dogs that are already spayed or neutered) - Register now | Questions? Click here

 

Preparing for a New Baby

June 8, 11 AM - 12:30 PM

If you are expecting (or recently added) a new human baby to your family, there will be a lot of changes for your family dog. In this seminar we'll discuss some of the concerns you may have, signs of potential problems, and training methods you can use to prepare your dog for the next steps. This seminar should help ensure that everyone is safe and comfortable. This will be a lecture and demonstration, so please leave your dogs at home (babies are welcome). Registration for this class is through DayOne only - call 650.322.3291 or email paclasses@dayonecenter.com. Location: Town & Country Village, 855 El Camino Real, #127, Palo Alto.

 

Companion Dog II: Basic Obedience Part Two. - TBA

Learn to set and achieve realistic training goals on your path towards an ideal doggy companion. This class will teach the commands "sit", "down", "stand"; "stay"; "heel"; "come", "go to your place," and "target", as well as paying attention, loose-leash walking in the real world; emergency come, come-to-heel position, tricks, games. In Level 2 these will be taught with voice commands and hand signals, minimizing the need for food lures and the leash to control the dog's movements. In Level I students learn to control their dogs; in Level 2 the dogs learn to control themselves and behave without prompts, lures, or leashes. (Note: It is NOT an off-leash class, but the leash is not depended on to control the dog.) Train your dog to be responsible and well-behaved, independent of lures, leashes, and constant cueing from you! This class is open to anyone who has taken a beginning or puppy class from us or from another company, and is already familiar with clicker training. We will continue the use of the clicker in this class that we began in Level 1. Your dog is ready for Level 2 if: The dog can focus on you most of the time in class, can do sits, downs, and come with a lure, and is not dog-aggressive; and if you are confident you can control your dog on-leash and have mastered the ability to handle clicker, treats, and leash in class. If you're not there yet, you're welcome to take a Level 1 class to sharpen your skills!

Price: $170 ($10 discount for spayed/neutered dogs) - Register now | Questions? Click here

Dog Training in the Real World - Wednesdays 10:30-11:30, starting June 4

This is a "field trip" class which meets in various public locations for practice and coaching in real-world settings. Locations to be announced to registrants. The class meets for four sessions (rain may postpone some classes in winter). Prerequisite: Must be a graduate of Companion Dog II or Level 2 class, or equivalent (with permission of instructor). This is a four-week class which will meet in a different public street each week (usually a street mall with the opportunity to pass pedestrians and unknown dogs, and go into dog-friendly stores). This class may be followed by lunch or dinner together in an outdoor restaurant on our route. Possible locations include Lincoln Avenue in Willow Glen (San Jose), Santa Cruz Avenue in Los Gatos; Santana Row in San Jose; Castro Street in Mountain View; Campbell Avenue in Campbell, downtown Los Altos, Stanford Mall, etc. Price: $150. Your dog is ready for the Real World class if: The dog can focus on you most of the time in class, is not aggressive towards dogs or other people; and if you are very confident you can control your dog on-leash and have mastered the ability to handle clicker, treats, and leash in class. If you're not there yet, you're welcome to take a Levels 1 and 2 to sharpen your skills! - Register now | Questions? Click here

Intermediate Obedience - Companion Dog 3 - next class to be announced

This is the advanced course for dogs who are ready to move on from Level 2. The goal is to build off-leash reliability to hand signals and verbal commands. Using games and drills, we'll work towards being able to depend on our dogs to behave well at off-leash, in a controlled environment.

Fun Tricks - next class TBA

This five-week class is for the dog with some basic manners and a desire to impress! You will learn techniques to teach your dog a variety of fun and useful tricks, from “rollover,” “shake,” and “bow” to “put away your toys,” “fetch,” and even “find my keys”. This class is perfect for anyone interested in learning about Clicker Training. Many behavior problems result from bored dogs whose potential awaits a creative release. Harness your dog’s intelligence and drive to work in the class that will have your dogs jumping through hoops! 

This class offers a fun introduction to theories and scientific methods behind clicker training (see here for more information) for people who have already trained their dogs in basic manners. Dogs in Fun Tricks should have some basic manners, and mostly be able to calm down around other dogs. They must be current on their vaccinations. 

Price: $125 ($10 discount for spayed/neutered dogs)

 

Special Topics, one-day workshops on specific issues.

• Building a Reliable Recall - Do you want your dog to come to you when you call? In this hands-on workshop we will discuss dogs' motivations for responding to — or ignoring — your call. We will work in a safe, enclosed area, and some dogs may progress to working off-leash within the workshop. We'll discuss training options and recall games, and do some serious training. Class size is limited to 10 friendly dogs. Requirements: Dogs must be current on their vaccines, and have no aggression issues. No choke chains or flexi-leashes in the seminar. Please exercise and socialize your dog before class. Cost: $40 per dog and unlimited number of handlers; a limited number of no-dog observer spaces will also be available for $12 per person. (Sorry, no spay/neuter discount applies.)

• Walking on a Loose Leash - Learn techniques to teach your dog to walk politely on a leash, without pulling, lunging, dragging, or tangling. In this hands-on workshop we'll discuss equipment options and training methods, and we'll practice techniques for keeping dogs focused and close. Class size limited to 10 friendly dogs. Requirements: dogs must be current on their vaccines, and have no aggression issues. No choke chains or flexi-leashes in the seminar. Please exercise and socialize your dog before class. Cost: $40 per dog and unlimited number of handlers; a limited number of no-dog observer spaces will also be available for $12 per person. (Sorry, no spay/neuter discount applies.)
• "Hyper Dog" Seminar - Do you have a "hyper" dog - high energy, easily distracted, and out of control? You are not alone, and there is help for you both! Come to this seminar by dog behavior specialist Stacy Braslau-Schneck, of Stacy's Wag'N'Train. Learn about the causes and origins of this sort of behavior, and how you can effect it with management, diet, equipment, and training. We will not be addressing dogs who "merely" get over-exciting on seeing other dogs, or other particular events, but rather dogs who are distracted by everything and never seem to be able to focus on you for more than a few moments. We may have live demonstrations but this is a dog owner/guardian event only (if you could handle your dog in class and not be too distracted to listen to us, you probably don't need this class anyway!). Date and location; TBA. Cost: $25/person or $35 per couple.
• Understanding Your Shy Dog - Is your dog shy or fearful? This seminar is designed to help you and your dog, whether your dog is scared of strangers, children, other dogs or "people with hats". Our discussion will includes possible reasons for shyness; prevention and remedial socialization; when fearfulness may turn into aggression; and resources for helping you and your dog cope with her fears. Participants will be provided with an assessment worksheet to help assess your dog's issues. Handouts with information on managing and addressing your dog's fears will be provided. This will be a lecture and demonstration; please let your shy dog stay comfortably at home!
  Date and location: TBA. Cost: $25/person or $35 per couple.

Click here to register

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"Abby continues to be the perfect dog.
Her foster mom says Abby and I are her biggest success story.
None of that would have happened if we hadn't learned such good training techniques
from you right at the beginning. I really knew nothing about dog training until then.
Now people think I am the expert!"
--Bevy Wiedlin

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Choosing a Class

Class Locations

Pet Food Express: Evergreen (Evergreen PFE) - located at 1787 E. Capital Expressway, where Capital Expressway crosses Highway 101, just south of the Hwy 280/680 interchange. This space is enclosed, well-lit, indoors, heated in the wintertime and air conditioned in the summer, and offers you the opportunity to pick up on your pet supplies! See here for directions and details. It is in San Jose, close to Morgan Hill, San Martin, Salinas, Gilroy, and other South County cities, and easily accessed from the freeway from Fremont, Livermore, and Pleasanton.

Pet Food Express: Campbell (Campbell PFE) - located at 1902 South Bascom Avenue in Campbell, near Hamilton Ave and Hwy 17/880, across from "The Pruneyard". This space is enclosed, well-lit, indoors, heated in the wintertime and air conditioned in the summer, and offers you the opportunity to pick up on your pet supplies! See here for directions and details. It is in Campbell, close to Willow Glen, Los Gatos, Saratoga, and Santa Clara.

Private lessons are held at your home, for your convenience.

Prices

Companion Dog Series, each 6-week class, Levels 1-3:
$170

"Dog Training in the Real World" class (4-week class for graduates of Level 1):
$150

Jump Start Package (2 private lessons plus 6-week/6-session group class)
$310 (see here for more details)

Levels Class
Six-class-pass: $170 (to be used within three months)
Twelve-class-pass: $320 (to be used within six months)
Drop-in (for graduates of CD2, Level 2, or some private clients only): $15

Fun Tricks:
$125

Hands-on, one-time Workshops and Seminars (Loose-leash walking, Reliable Recall, etc):
$40 (no spay/neuter discount)

Payments are accepted through personal checks and credit cards through PayPal (see the Registration Form for more information on paying by credit cards).

Discounts:

Spay/neuter discount: Stacy's Wag'N'Train wants to support responsible dog ownership and adopting dogs from animal shelters and rescue groups. We offer a $10 discount on all spayed or neutered dogs for the Companion Dog group classes only. The price for each class in the Companion Dog series for dogs that are spayed or neutered by the time class begins is $160.
(If you would like financial assistance in getting your dog spayed or neutered, call Animal Birth Control Assistance, Inc. at 408 244-8351 or see the low-cost spay/neuter program for San Jose residents.)

Second dog/second class discount: Register your household's second dog, or register your dog for a second Companion Dog class, within six months of starting the first class with us, and get an additional $10 off! (Each dog in any one class must have at least one person handling him or her! Does not apply to one-time workshops, the Jump Start package, or the 12-session Levels class.) 

Is dog training worth it? A tongue-in-cheek article by Virginia Broitman

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