Class Descriptions

This class will teach basic commands and help you prevent behavior problems.  We will also help you understand your dog and help you communicate with him or her more effectively.  Puppies must have had at least 2 “puppy shots” before coming to class.  The January-February class will meet at 6:30 every Tuesday for 7 weeks beginning January 10.  The February-March class will meet at 5:30 every Tuesday for 7 weeks beginning February 7. Fee: $70

Open to puppies 4½-11 months of age, this fun class will introduce puppy-level exercises leading to Canine Good Citizen, Agility, Rally, Obedience, Conformation, or just an all-around confident pet!    Class will meet at 6:00 pm on Jan 11,18,25,Feb 1,8,15,22.  Fee: $70

For dogs 6 months and older who need more training or have never had any training.  Class will teach Heel, Sit, Down, Stay, and Come -- the basis for good manners, taking the Canine Good Citizen test, and for taking fun classes like Rally, Competition Obedience, and Agility.  Dogs entering this class must not display aggression toward people or other dogs. Fee: $70 for 7 weeks.  Two classes to choose from:

• 6:00 pm Mondays starting Jan 9. FULL
• 6:00 pm Fridays starting Jan 13. Still Open

This 7-week class will teach you the exercises, footwork, and signs typically used on an AKC Novice Rally course.  To sign up for this class, your dog should already be responding correctly to “Sit” and “Down” commands and be able to walk politely on a slack leash.  It is not necessary to take our “Introduction to Rally Obedience” class first.  Rally Novice will meet on 7 consecutive Tuesdays starting Jan 10 at 7:30pm.  Fee: $60.

In the Rally Advanced class, you will learn the more advanced Rally signs/exercises and your dog works off-leash.  This class will meet on seven consecutive Tuesdays starting January 10 at 8:30 pm.  Fee: $60

This class will be set up to teach you some clicker training while working on fun tricks and skills.  We can work on things such as spins, bows, weaving between legs, walking backwards in heel position, waving, High-5’s, and more.  We will go over how you can use shaping and capturing to gain new behaviors plus the pro’s and con’s of luring.   We can also work on some of your Basic Obedience skills.  Using a clicker is a plus, but not required if you prefer using verbal markers.  Class will meet at 7:00 pm on Fridays starting January 13.  $40.

What to bring:

• Yourself
• Your Dog
• Lots of treats or fav toy - Whatever really motivates your dog.

Any questions, you can contact Jeff at jkoski@nwi.net

Freestyle is a great dog sport for creative types!  Handlers use their dog’s skills to gradually assemble an original sequence which is set to music of the handler’s choice.  Once the routine is perfected to your satisfaction, you and your dog can perform it before judges in a Freestyle Competition. Some organizations even allow you to incorporate costumes or a prop like a cane.  This class will teach some of the basic Freestyle moves for you and your dog and give you some ideas for creating more.  Besides learning paw work (think dance steps for dogs!), dogs will learn focused attention and the ability to work on both sides of the handler.  The first 6 weeks will be working on various moves, and week 7 we will have a special surprise for you!  (Note: Dogs entering this class must not display aggression toward people or other dogs) When: 8:00 pm on Wednesdays starting January 11.  Fee: $40 for 7 classes.

What to bring:

• Yourself
• Your Dog
• Lots of treats or fav toy - Whatever really motivates your dog.

Any questions, you can contact Jeff at jkoski@nwi.net

Dream of going to Westminster? Learn all the details of ring procedure, from entering the ring to getting your ribbon and having your photo taken!  Practice baiting and stacking, moving your dog at exactly the right speed and more.  Drop-ins welcome at $5 per night or register for all seven nights for $30.  Class will meet at 7:00 pm on the following Wednesdays: Jan 11,18,25, Feb 1,8,15,22.

Teach your dog to track a person, find a lost article, and even earn a tracking title.  No prior training is needed – even puppies can do it!  Beginners will meet at WKC’s training center for a brief orientation.  Then we’ll move to a local park or other open area and your dog will begin tracking the first day!  Practice for a month then come back for your second lesson. Fee for two lessons just $20!  Jan 21 & Feb 18. Beginners, 9:00 am.  Intermediate, 11:00 am.

Join the fun of learning the core skills of Agility and begin building your winning team!  Dogs will learn to maneuver on, around, over and under modified equipment, while owners will learn the importance of clear communication and positive reinforcement – a winning combination for Agility or simply enhancing your relationship with your best friend.  To be in this class, dogs must have basic obedience skills such as sit, down, stay, and walking on a slack leash.  Dogs less than one year old may enroll.  Mondays at 7:00 pm starting January 9.  Fee: $60 for 7 weeks.

To enter this class, dogs must be at least one year old.  In addition, dogs must have successfully completed Agility FUNdamentals or have permission from the instructor.  This class will introduce regulation Agility equipment and dogs will begin running short sequences.  5:00 pm on Thursdays starting January 12.  Fee: $60 for 7 weeks.

The following Agility classes are open to our continuing students on Thursdays starting January 12.  Fee: $60.

• Agility 2 – 8:00 pm
• Agility 2/3 – 2:00 pm
• Novice Competition – 6:00 pm
• Open/Excellent Competition – 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm

In Agility, only the dog’s run is timed and your dog can run faster than you can. Take advantage of that fact by helping your dog respond to your cues from a greater distance. This allows you to take a shorter path than your dog or to send the dog ahead.  This class introduces key elements of distance training including directional commands and some fun distance challenges.  Class exercises will be tailored to skill levels of students. All dogs must have confidence on AKC Agility equipment.  Bring your confident Agility dog, favorite treats and toys, and a desire to see your dog RUN.  Saturday, February 4 from 9am to 11 am.  Fee: $15.

Here’s a chance to practice the skills you and your dog have learned.  We’ll be having Agility practice from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm every Saturday in January and February EXCEPT for January 28.  $5/night or register for all 7 nights for $30.

Does your dog bark at other dogs to the point that it’s hard to get his attention?  Is he so hyper in public that you can’t get him to focus on you?  Or maybe you have a dog that is fearful, shy, or nervous in a roomful of strange dogs and people.  Did you try a dog training class and give up?

For some dogs, being in a class with seven other dogs is so overwhelming that they can’t focus on their owners to learn even simple commands. This causes owners to get frustrated and discouraged, believing that there is something wrong with their dog and that his behavior will never improve.  Of course it can!  All dogs can learn better behavior.  But some do better if they can start in a quiet, distraction-free atmosphere.  Once you get his attention, training becomes easier!

Wenatchee Kennel Club’s private lessons are very reasonably priced.  They can be tailored to the needs of you and your dog and scheduling is flexible too!  For more information, call us at 886-DOGS (886-3647).

On April 1, 2011, the AKC (American Kennel Club) began allowing mixed breed dogs to compete and earn titles in AKC Agility, Rally, and Obedience Trials. These are great sports in which the whole family can participate! If you would like more information, log on to

www.akccaninepartners.org

You’ll find complete information about how to sign up as well as information about getting started in all three dog sports: Agility, Rally, and Obedience.