“Duncan is a very shy, high-strung and extremely energetic dog who is also frightened of almost everything and suffers from extreme separation anxiety – and we adore him and would do anything for him. So that’s why I’m thrilled that he’s been so transformed since coming to Metro Dog. He is less shy around dogs at the dog park and doesn’t try to bolt when too many dogs approach him at once. He is better on the leash and doesn’t growl at every passing dog. He approaches men a little easier and has recently been described as “down-right social”. The best part is that Duncan is actually tired when he comes home from Metro Dog – Amazing!”
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.
Instructor: Janette Rael, CTC
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.
Instructor: Janette Rael, CTC
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.
Instructor: Alison Smith, CTC
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.
Instructor: Joanna Czaja
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.
Instructor: Elissa Cline, CTC
Intermediate Agility:
This course is a continuation of Intro to Agility. Work on running courses, directing your dog more efficiently through combinations of obstacles.
Instructor: Elissa Cline, CTC
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.
Instructors: Joanna Czaja and Kat Soto
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!
Instructors: Joanna Czaja and Kat Soto
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
Instructors: Alison Smith, CTC and Elissa Cline, CTC
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.
Instructor: Jackie Erbe
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.
Instructor: Joanna Czaja
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.
Instructor: Joanna Czaja
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.
Instructor: Janette Rael, CTC
Canine Good Citizen Class
This is the perfect class to practice the essential skills leading to your dog being an ambassador in your community. Exercises in this class are based on the 10 tests for the Canine Good Citizen Certification. See the CGC evaluation details here: http://www.akc.org/events/cgc/program.cfm.
We offer the official CGC test on the last day.
Intructor: Elissa Cline, CTC
Evaluation on May 31st at 8:00PM