 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|||
|
Expert Personal Training
| "JumpStart" Package | Private
Lessons| Group Classes | Group
Class Schedule and Descriptions |
Locations | Registration
Form / Sign Me Up!
Choosing a Class | How
to Pick a Trainer
| About Clicker
Training | About Wag'N'Train
| Reviews | Teacher's
Pet
updated February 9, 2009
"Clicker training
was new to me, and far more effective
than any method I have used in the past"
-- Jackie Waide
see below for explanation and requirements
Group classes are in yellow.
Class descriptions,
locations, and prices are below.
Expert Personal Trainer evaluations and transition sessions are in green
and are available at the following times:
| Mondays at 2:00
PM Mondays at 4:00 PM |
Tuesdays at 9:30
AM Tuesdays at 11:30 AM |
Tuesdays at 9:30
AM Tuesdays at 11:30 AM |
Fridays at 2 PM Fridays at 4 PM (sometimes, depending on location) |
If any of those times are marked "Busy", then that day's appointment is no longer available. If the time is not listed, then it is probably available. New clients can register for that appointment here; current clients can email me to request this time.
Level 1 (PFE Campbell) - This is the beginning level flex-time/on-going group class. It is open to dogs and puppies of all ages who meet minimum vaccination requirements. You must have attended any Wag'N'Train or K9 Partnership orientation, or be a current Wag'N'Train client (non-aggression). See below for more detailed descriptions and to register.
Level 2 (PFE Campbell) - This is the second-level flex-time/on-going group class. You must have passed Level 1 requirements (in class or in private lessons). See below for more detailed descriptions and to register.
Companion Dog I class - This is a traditional six-week group class for dogs five months and older. You must pre-register and attend orientation, and there may not be opportunity to make up missed classes. See below for more detailed descriptions and to register.
Both "Levels Class" and
"Companion Dog I class" are pretty similar in terms of what they teach,
they just approach the curriculum differently.
Levels Class is for people who want to get started sooner, who can do daytime
classes, who think they will do a lot of homework/practice and therefore move
quickly, or who think they might need more time and don't want to be rushed
along.
Companion Dog I class is for people who can wait until the next round; who can
only do evening classes; who want to be introduced to all of the commands and
exercises in 6 weeks even if they might not be ready for them (or might already
have some of them down).
Puppy Kindergarten class - This is a traditional six-week group class for puppies 8-20 weeks of age at the start of class. You must pre-register and attend orientation, and there may not be opportunity to make up missed classes. See below for more detailed descriptions and to register.
Expert Personal Training - Stacy comes to your home and trains your dog; you do not need to be present except for the initial evaluation and a weekly meeting to demonstrate your dog's progress. Initial evaluation by appointment only. See below for more detailed descriptions and to register.
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. Expert 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. It took me years to gain the skills that I can apply to training your dog – and then all you need to learn is how to maintain the training once your dog already knows his part. This is like board-and-train without sending your dog away. You get expert training and a well-behaved dog, and your dog will enjoy it, too!
"Expert 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.
Jump
Start packageThe 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 master schedule for available times and other details.
Private Lessons are great for any person or family who wants one-on-one attention when learning how to train your own dog. This is ideal for people who want to learn how to modify their dog's behavior but for whom a group class is not the most appropriate, and for behavior modification issues which involve the owner. With Private Lessons, I teach you how to train your dog; in contrast in Personal Training I train your dog for you and then show you how to maintain what I've done.
Private lesson appointments are available on weekdays during the daytime. Private lessons are $95/hr and are started as an initial discount package of four one-hour private lessons, scheduled approximately two weeks apart, available for $325. For young puppies, or dogs new to your household, we also offer the special "Puppy Package" of two one-hour meetings for $160. There is also our special "Jump Start" package in which you can sign up for two 1-hr private appointments along with our six-session group training class for a total of $310 per dog.
"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 Expert Personal Training.
| 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.
|
The Levels Class is a schedule-friendly, 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 at the start of any Companion Dog I or Puppy Kindergarten class, and at the following dates:
Wednesday January 20, 2010, at 10 AM at Pet Food Express - Lawrence (CD1 orientation)
Level 1 - Mondays 9:35-10:35 AM at Pet Food Express Campbell (see the Schedule for confirmed dates)
• 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 - Mondays 10:45 - 11:45 AM at Pet Food Express Campbell(see the Schedule for confirmed dates)
• 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 - Mondays 10:45 - 11:45 AM at Pet Food Express Campbell (see the Schedule for confirmed dates)
More Levels to follow• 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)
Wednesday evenings 7:30-8:30 PM, starting February 24, 2010, at PFE-Campbell. This class is FULL, as of Feb 9!
Wednesday mornings 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM, starting March 10, 2010, at PFE Lawrence. Space available.
This
is the first part of the Basic obedience-training series but designed especially
for young pups (8-20 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 8-20 weeks of age (at the start of class), with at
least one sets of vaccination shots given 7-10 days before the second week of
class (the first week that puppies attend). It is a 6-week class, where the
first week is an s without your dog, with exercises for you to work on with
your dog at home. Price: $170. Register
now | Questions? Click here
Wednesday evenings 6:15-7:15 PM, starting February 24, 2010, at PFE-Campbell. This class is FULL, as of Feb 9!
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 designed for puppies over 5 months old, and dogs of any age, with
at least one set of vaccination shots given 7-10 days before the second week
of class (the first week that puppies attend). 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 "Wait at doors" 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. Register now | Questions? Click here
What gives you more personal attention than regular group classes, but more cost-effective than private lessons? Join the Three's Company class with only two other students, and get a lot more personal coaching and one-on-one time with the instructor in the regular Companion Dog I format. The class is identical to the Companion Dog I class but limited to three dogs and their owners, giving YOU more attention! Price: $229. Register now | Questions? Click here
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. Register now | Questions? Click here
This five-week class, starting in November, covers some of the basic manners and commands that are most helpful during the holidays. We'll cover "leave it" and other table manners - with food on the table or on the counter (can you trust your dog with a turkey on the table or appetisers on the coffee table?); doorbells and door greetings (dealing with guests); go to your mat and settle (during the festivities); attention to you; and dealing with Christmas trees, string lights, candles, and gifts. We'll discuss which common aspects of the holidays pose a danger to your dog, and how to keep your dog, your decorations, your treats, and your guests all safe and happy. Dogs in Fun Tricks should mostly be able to calm down around other dogs. They must be current on their vaccinations.
Price: $125. Register now | Questions? Click here
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. Register now | Questions? Click here
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 three-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: $120. 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.
- 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).
February 11, 6:30-8:30 PM, at
Humane Society Silicon Valley, 901 Ames, Milpitas.
Register for the Humane Society/Milpitas class here.
(Also TBA:
at DayOne,
Town & Country Village, 855 El Camino Real, #127, Palo Alto.
Register for the Palo Alto class through 650.322.3291 or email paclasses@dayonecenter.com)"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
Pet Food Express: San Jose North (Lawrence PFE) - located at 5148 Stevens Creek Blvd., at Lawrence Expressway, near Highways 280, 85, and 101. 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 Santa Clara, Cupertino, Campbell, Sunnyvale, Saratoga, and Mountain View.
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, Almaden Valley, Saratoga, and Santa Clara.
Pooch Hotel: Sunnyvale - 180 N Wolfe Rd, Sunnyvale, at the corner of Central Expressway, between Hwy 101 and El Camino Real. This space is enclosed, spacious, well-lit, indoors, heated in the wintertime and air conditioned in the summer, and offers daycare, spa, and boarding services (seperate from Wag'N'Train).
Expert Personal Training sessions are held at your home or at Pooch Hotel, for your convenience.
| FREE Class I will barter training classes (group or private) in exchange for an equivalent amount of the following services:
Sorry, no barters for Expert Personal Training, workshops, or Jump Start package. |
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
Save!
Jump Start Package (2 private lessons plus 6-week/6-session group class):
$310 (see here for more details)
Save!
Two-class pack (2 6-week classes, for example Companion Dog 1 and
Companion Dog 2):
$300 ($40 savings!)
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
Payments are accepted through personal checks and credit cards through PayPal (see the Registration Form for more information on paying by credit cards).
Discounts:
Save! 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.)
Current and past students - you can earn 15% off your next class or training session when you refer a new client or student who signs up for classes or private sessions.
Vets, Vet Techs and Vet Hospital Staff - please contact me about special pricing!
Is dog training worth it? A tongue-in-cheek article by Virginia Broitman
| |
