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. Reactive Dog Classes are $300* each, meet for five weeks, and have 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 program.
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 119 Muskoka Court 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.
Saturdays with Connie Moss, FDM
Starting dates TBD
Scent work classes 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. These classes are appropriate for all dogs from older puppies all the way up to seniors. They are also great for building confidence in dogs. The scent work track is the perfect primer for dogs preparing for competition training as these games both teach and build confidence in only the seeking behavior without the competing criteria of odor training.
There are no prerequisites for Scent Work Games Class.
Saturdays with Connie Moss, FDM
Starting dates TBD
Student/dog teams will begin with a refresher of the behaviors they will practice in this track. In OG2 and 3 classes, teams are then led through a series of games designed to practice those obedience skills such as leash walking, sit, down, stay, come, leave it, focus, and situational awareness. Games are a great way to drill your basic skills in a fun and more realistic environment using various distractions, including each other. The classes are dynamic and include music. Students can also practice using various reinforcers for their dogs, such as food, non-squeaking toys, and sniffing. In OG3 students will practice various reinforcement schedules, understanding when and how to fade reinforcers.
Prerequisite: Head of the Class Polite Pooch 1 (or equivalent basic good manners class, with instructor's approval).
Saturdays with Jill Freifeld, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA
Starting dates TBD
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).
Saturdays with Jill Freifeld, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA
Starting dates TBD
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.
Reactive Dog class 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 Reactive Dog Class 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.