GROUP CLASSES
R+K9's group class programs are each divided into three 5-week classes. Each class builds on the one before it, creating a class track to follow. The further you progress along the track, the more skills you'll learn and the stronger your dog's responses become.
Scent Work Games, Obedience Games, and Distracted Dog Classes are $200 each, are limited to four dogs, and meet for five weeks. Cranky K9 1 class is $450,* meets for seven weeks, and has a maximum enrollment of three dogs. Our limited enrollment ensures you get the individual attention and coaching that you and your dog deserve. We won't rush you through a class plan so we can check off a list of cues. It's more important to help you understand why and how to train the behaviors.
R+K9 doesn't currently offer beginner manners classes. If your dog needs basic training, consider R+K9 Day Camp and we'll do the training for you. If you prefer a group class setting, we recommend Head of the Class Dog Training's Polite Pooch 1 or Puppy Kindergarten programs.
Before enrolling in our Obedience Games and Distracted Dog Classes, you must have successfully completed Head of the Class Dog Training's Polite Pooch 1 (or a basic manners class equivalent, with Instructor's approval). There are no prerequisites for enrolling in Scent Work Games Class.
Unless your instructor tells you otherwise, all classes meet at the R+K9 training facility at 2637 Papermill Road (behind Anderson Roofing) in Winchester, VA.
Choke chain, prong, and shock collars are not permitted in our training facility.
*Our Reactive Dog program class pricing reflects the increased staff and level of expertise necessary to maintain a safe and controlled class environment.
Our classes are a little different.
Instructor: Connie Moss, IAABC-ADT
Starts Monday, August 21 at 6:30pm (class will not meet on 9/4)
This scent work class will teach you and your dog how to work as a team to locate a hidden odor. Typically, food is used as both the hidden odor as well as the reinforcer however, in certain cases a dog's favorite non-squeaky toy can also be used. This class is appropriate for all dogs from older puppies all the way to senior dogs. It's also a great class for building confidence in shy dogs. This class is a perfect primer class for dogs preparing for training in competition scent work as the skill of searching (seeking) is broken down and taught through simple steps which will build durable seeking behavior when the target odor is added later. All dogs will benefit from both mental enrichment and physical exercise.
There are no prerequisites for this class.
Instructor: Connie Moss, IAABC-ADT
Starts Saturday, August 26 at 10:00 am
In this 50 minute class, students review important skills needed for the actual games played. Student/dog teams will practice proper mechanics and fluency for each behavior. Students will learn how to assess and work at their dog's skill level as well as practicing situational awareness to keep both people and dogs safe. This is a dynamic class and requires students be able to control their dog as they move about the room. While perfect skills and obedience are not needed, student dog teams must have completed Polite Pooch or other basic manners class. This class is not appropriate for reactive dogs.
Prerequisite: Head of the Class Polite Pooch 1 (or equivalent basic good manners class)
Instructor: Connie Moss, IAABC-ADT
Starts Friday, August 25 at 6:30pm
In this class Connie walks students through a process known as back-chaining to teach a solid Leave-it. She shares the same process she used to earn a Mondioring Obedience I Certificate with her German Shepherd. This systematic system of teaching will produce a strong Leave-It cue that students can use in the house and out on walks. It's one of the classic skills every dog needs to function safely in our human world. This class is appropriate for all dogs over the age of 5 months. While there are no prerequisites for this class, handler and dog teams will benefit if they have been through a Polite Pooch or other basic manners class.
There are no prerequisites for Leave-It Games Class.
Instructor: Jill Freifeld, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA
Proper motivation, self control, and independent thinking are the keys to unlocking your distracted dog's potential. You'll learn how to increase your dog’s focus and responsiveness using attention exercises and impulse control games, as well as calming techniques, strategies for dealing with unexpected challenges, and how to recognize and reward your dog for offering desirable behavior.
This class is not appropriate for dogs who are fearful of or reactive to other dogs or people. Please contact us to discuss our Reactive Dog Class or private behavior modification training and we’ll be happy to help you!
Prerequisite: Head of the Class Polite Pooch 1 (or equivalent basic good manners class, with Instructor's approval).
Instructor: Jill Freifeld, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA
Starts Saturday, August 26 at 4:00pm (class will not meet on 9/23)
Learn how to read your dog's body language and stress signals, handling techniques, strategies to deal with dicey situations, and much more. Most importantly, gain an understanding of why your dog reacts the way she does and how to change it.
Cranky K9 is ideal for reactive dog owners who aren't able to do one-on-one behavior modification training, as well as for those who've done some private behavior modification work and would like more practice with other dogs.
Prospective Cranky K9 students must schedule a pre-class consultation or have instructor's approval before enrolling. This class is not appropriate for people-reactive dogs. If your dog is reactive to people, please consider private behavior modification training instead.
Prerequisite: Consultation with Instructor Jill Freifeld.