-
“Alison Smith, the trainer and behaviorist, at Metro Dog is fabulous. She knows her dogs. We have used her services several times. We have worked with Alison both in her training classes and one-on-one consultations. Ten years ago, Alison helped us with our adult dog who had a barking problem. She gave us strategies on how to alleviate the problem. Recently, we got a new puppy and we’ve taken her basic classes.
We especially liked her Basic 3 class. It was invaluable. It teaches you how to be with your dog in the real world and takes you out into a shopping mall, trail, and other places. Alison works with you to build a relationship with your dog.
Alison is knowledgeable. She easily assesses the problems and gives you concrete advice about how to train or modify the behavior. Alison is also accessible. If you have a follow-up question, she will help you because she cares about her clients. We’ve recommended her services to several friends. Use her services, she’s great.”— Elaine & Mike Penzer
3117 Pierce Street, Richmond, CA, 94804 • 510.524.DOGS (3647) • info@metrodog.com
Classes & Workshops
A dog who responds to you, walks with you and waits patiently for you is a pleasure to be with. At Metro Dog’s training classes, it is our goal to foster a successful learning relationship between you and your dog. We teach your dog to love to learn and we teach you how to guide and shape your dog’s behavior. Our hope is to show you all your dog has to offer. Every dog is unique, from its breed traits to its skills and the experiences that have shaped its character. We want to help you find the best way to train, with compassion and respect for you and your dog.
Most problems with dogs are a result of a lack of training. Dogs are born problem solvers; if we do not provide them with challenges to work their brains, they can create challenges for us through destructive and hyperactive behavior. Providing mental stimulation also builds confidence, reduces anxiety and improves concentration. Training is about more than just what you don’t want your dog to do. At Metro Dog you can get help with a problem, explore an area of interest or come just for fun. Let us help you build a fun and successful relationship with your dog.
BASIC TRAINING CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS
Basic Manners:
For those who need to start at square one. This class is appropriate for all dogs from 8 week old puppies to the senior dog who has never been to school.Lay down a training foundation for you and your dog. Learn how dogs learn and how to use your daily routine to teach your dog anything you want. Work on manners at home and out in the world. Build reliable responses. Set your dog up to love to learn.
Recall:
Teach your dog to come running to you anytime, anywhere! A reliable recall opens the door to taking your dog to off-leash parks and trails, as well as keeping them safe in your own backyard. This course will lead you step-by-step through developing that fast response you’ve always dreamed of.
Leash Manners:
Turn walking your dog from a chore (and possible source of shoulder injury!) to an enjoyable, relaxing outing. Walking on a loose leash is a complex skill, and a challenge to every dog who wants to explore the exciting outdoors. Learn the skills needed to overcome that challenge so that your dog is walking with you and not pulling you down the street.
Rowdy Pup:
Does your dog jump all over you? Bolt out the door? Become frantic when it’s time for dinner? This one-hour workshop will set you on the right path to getting a dog who has patience and self-control and listens to you in all situations (whether or not you have treats!). This is especially important for adolescents and new adoptions.
April 1st at 5:00PM
SPECIALTY CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS
Intro to Agility:
This is an Introductory Recreational Agility Class held on mats, indoors for you and your dog. We will introduce jumps, tunnels, weaves, contacts in this class. The 6 week class is a nice foundation for those geared to competition as well as for those of you who just want a fun pastime for you and your dog to share.
Intermediate Agility:
This course is a continuation of Intro to Agility. Work on running courses, directing your dog more efficiently through combinations of obstacles.
Intro to Rally O:
Rally Obedience moves are based on obedience skills but are set to an ever-changing obstacle course. It’s a good way to continue your training after Basic Manners. You’ll see your dog’s attentiveness, leash-walking skills, and ability to walk through crowds or around obstacles improve as you work on his basic obedience. In the Intro to Rally O you will teach your dog to heel beside you at fast and slow paces, weave around cones together, cue your dog to down as you’re walking around him, and more! Who says obedience can’t be fun?
Click here to learn a bit more about the class.
Intermediate Rally O:
The next step after the Intro to Rally O class. This course teaches the signs from the Advanced and Excellent levels of AKC Rally O. We also emphasize off-leash control, improved focus, and more precise, snazzier performance of the rally tricks. Take your obedience to the next level!
Leash Monsters:
A very special program for dogs who overreact to common occurrences like people, dogs or children when you are out on a walk. This multi level program will help any dog be a better companion but is especially geared for dogs who bark and lunge or panic and try to run away when they see ‘that scary thing’.First 2 weeks use lecture, video and practice dogs to help dog owners safely build skills and confidence before bringing their own dog into the classroom. The next 4 weeks will build on these skills and prepare both dog and owner to be able to successfully work with their dog in view of another dog. A second 4 week session will be offered for dogs and people ready to begin working in ‘Real Life’ situations.
Limited to 5 dogs
Silly Pet Tricks:
Improve your relationship with your dog and polish your training skills while having fun teaching your dog! Tricks keep active dogs busy, build confidence in shy dogs and are lots of fun to teach. Learn how to break down complex routines through teaching common and uncommon tricks.
Play With Me!:
A one-hour workshop about playing with your dog. Does your dog just stare at you when you throw a ball? Or is his play unpredictable and over-the-top, leading to scary mouthing and jumping? Learn how to build your dog’s interest in playing with you, both with and without toys, and avoid common pitfalls and miscommunications between dogs and their people. Owners should bring treats and a couple of toys to class.
Jogging With Your Dog!
Whether you’re already running marathons or just need a push to start Couch-to-5K, jogging with your canine companion is an excellent way to get cardio exercise. This workshop will teach your dog to keep pace with you, change direction, and speed up and slow down. We will also review important safety information. This is a great supplement to teaching polite leash walking, too.
Happy Howlidays
The holidays are upon us, and they can be a stressful time for both us and our dogs. If you are planning on having guests visit or will be traveling with your dog, you’ll need a plan of action. This workshop will walk you through various potentially tricky situations, such as keeping your dog calm while guests are entering the home, preventing stealing of food from the Thanksgiving dinner table, how to help your dog be a welcome guest in someone else’s home, and more.
Mind Your Manners!
Does your puppy….
Jump up? Pull on leash? Mouth/Chew? Play roughly? Demand bark? Not come when called?
Need help? Come to our drop in workshop “mind your manners.” A specialized workshop for puppies that need help with manners. Workshop is tailored to what is needed on an individual class basis. Stay for our free puppy social after class. All puppies welcomed up to 18 months. No reservations needed.
Creating the Canine Good Citizen
Creating the canine good citizen is a fun class based on the 10 tests for the Canine Good Citizen Certification. In addition to prepping your dog for their canine good citizenship, we will work on creating that fun positive relationship between you and your dog.
Thursday March 8th at 6:30PM
Sunday March 11th at 2:30PM
Thursday March 15th at 6:30PM