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Getting sass? Sign up for a 'Results' class and relax!!
Note: These group classes are held at an elementary school and are not for aggressive pets or pets with serious behavior issues.
Obedience & Manners - Level One
Pet Age: Six months and older up to 8 years, however there is no old age limit if your pet is comfortable!
Pets DO NOT attend the first class! For puppies and dogs a mature six months and older at the start of class. (Younger pets may be accepted that are Results Puppy Class graduates, contact the instructor for consideration.) The first class is training for you and mature household members. The presentation covers how to get the most out of the session as training and handling in between training sessions is important!
Trainers must be age 18 and older.
This is a excellent hands-on, praise reward with a quiet discipline training program. Instruction includes how to use gentle leadership skills. Special attention is given to drives and signals. We do not use treats or clickers for obedience reinforcement. These are structured classes so attendance, training and practice by the main class trainer is important. Mature family members are encouraged to attend to observe!
Covered in class: wait, get-it for polite treat taking (not used to reward obedience commands!), sit, down, steady which is a relaxed stand, manners and come! Added are various exercises to improve handling, move, off (no jumping or counter surfing), the stay, leave-its, and controlled walking - normal and slow paces!
No fluff or tricks - this on-leash class concentrates on the basics to help you develop your pet into a pleasant and happy companion. You will take time to build a strong foundation at this entry level class! Note - if your pet has had exposure to a food based program and you are not happy with the training, consider starting over at this base level using praise and gentle leadership skills. Tips to transition are presented at the first class.
For best Results - start your pet early! Learning is never erased and your pet is learning lessons that it will remember for life. Every day is a teaching opportunity - what are you letting your pet learn?
As a hands-on method is used for some of the exercises, you must be able to physically guide your pet into positions in early training, at class and at home. For some of the exercises it is best to be on the floor next to your dog. Thus, you need to be able to bend down to reach your pet. Please wear comfortable clothing and practical shoes. Heels or platform type shoes or boots are not recommended.
Trainers must be able to interact with their pet, hear and follow verbal instruction.
Trainers MUST be physically strong enough to be able to keep their pet under control. No dragging the trainer to visit other training teams while on the training grounds - inside and outside of class. Due to an automobile accident injury in the past, the instructor may be experiencing limited ability to handle strong pets. Thus, please be sure your pet cannot drag you as this will be strictly endorsed. Thanks!
Equipment: Information along with examples shown will be given at the first class. If you have Q's, please ask after discussion at the first class.
A second set of training equipment for class use will be suggested in addition to your pet's exercise 'every day wear' wear. Harnesses are recommended in addition to a collar for pullers and especially for pets with a risk of throat injury. Again, this second leash and collar for polite walking training done in class will be discussed at the first class. Basics are used here, no surprises and nothing pricey. If you have additional equipment that may be suitable, you are welcome to bring it to the second class when pets attend for me to view and consider after meeting your pet.
Aggression issues? If you have a pet in need of serious behavior help, this class may not serve your needs. If your pet has shown concern, but has not bitten, discuss your pet's behavior with the instructor. Some trainers have mistaken general puppy sass biting as serious aggression. And others have deemed serious issues per the instructor's take as being behaviors typical and may be are ignored. Pets usually do not outgrow poor behaviour, it is likely to get worse. The instructor does not believe in using band aids to correct issues. It is important to recognize everything melds and address it early before serious issues happen!
If recommended, please be open to using a muzzle. In most cases, I suggest a soft muzzle (not wire) that allows pets to breathe without difficulty. Before the class begins, your pet should be acclimated to wearing it at home and treats are used if possible per suggestion. If the trainer(s) are attentive, muzzles are usually removed as your pet acclimates to the class.
If your pet has bitten, be considerate and do not put others at risk. Especially if your pet may not be safe in a group environment. With regret, private lessons and phone consultations for serious behavioral issues are no longer available. You may wish to contact the breeder of your pet, the person or organization you received it from for help. Do not register it for our group classes. Contact the instructor if you have questions. (Email is below.)
Trainer Information Forms. Please help me help you by providing answers for all questions. No dogs are perfect (same as people!) but usually are trying. Note past training at home or in a class. List what your pet truly knows and what you desire help with. Bring this form with you to your first class. Be honest and contact the instructor if you have questions. Sometimes dogs do not understand expectations if miss communication (or none) has or is happening. There have been numerous pets that have shown improved manners when handling by the trainer is improved. Links for this form are on my Schedule Page.
Due to the limitations of a group class, please be sure to read the class description and FAQs before registering your pet. If your pet is in the program and extra help is needed, do inquire. An email link is below. Include your best phone number if my reply may require more than a quick answer.
Submissive wetter? Please bring a roll of paper towels. Hopefully, this will end with regular attendance!
NOT ALLOWED: For the safety and comfort of you and your pet: No chain leashes, choke collars, head halters, (un)gentle leaders, or retractable leashes. These items are not allowed to be used on the training grounds and are not suggested for home use for the safety of your pet.
QUESTIONS? Contact the instructor (not Brighton Comm. Ed.)
Home office Bark Line: 517. 548. 4536 or email:
Obedience & Manners - Level One Extra!
For returning recent Results graduates, this offering consists of the O&M One classes #4, #5 and #6. Terrific for pets that are in need of a little more practice at this level. Great as a brush up or if you were on break and more practice before attending O&M Two. Some sessions are a stand alone offering and others join an existing O&M One.
New as a regular offering (not an instructor special)! To join this three week offering register with BCE. See dates, time and location on the schedule page, scroll down to the O&M One listing. Pets attend all classes. Bring equipment from the last class.
To inquire about the class, contact the instructor, not BCE.
Questions? Use the email link here:
OR Call my home office Bark Line: ( 517) 548 - 4536
Obedience & Manners - Level Two
Prerequisite: Same Results returning trainer and pet graduate within two months of Obedience & Manners - Level One or recent O&M One Extra! and/or instructor permission.
Pets attend every class. See schedule page for number of weeks and current fee.
Bring: Your regular training equipment used in the last class.
A 10' - 20' long line will be used for pets ready for same - No wire cables, retractable leashes or chains.
What is taught: This offering builds on the foundation set in Obedience & Manners (O&M) Level One - the floor activity increases setting up great practice as well as new instruction. Participants will be working on immediate response with greater distractions and distance on long lines as pets are ready.
Added are some of the exercises included in the AKC Canine Good Citizen test along with many walking drills, finishing the figure 8, hand walk, sit and down signals, and whistle (at home) signals. Many of the exercises started in O&M - Level One are kicked up a notch or two depending on the class flow! Included are park-its, more practice with the 'leave it' from O&M One, variations of heel and come drills. Structured socializing for pets as ready for same. (Socializing, as in my Puppy class is not a wild pet party!)
There is much content offered at this level and this class may be repeated. Returning O&M Level Two graduates may register for O&M Two Plus! This offers a price break, too. Themes may be offered depending on class flow and interest.
Past have been AKC Rally-O intros, AKC Beginner Novice (BN) exercises and Retrieve! (When the weather does not allow). Our current Oct. '21 class is doing a structured "Watch" w/o food and AKC CGC run throughs as two trainers will be entering tests soon!
Taking a break? Consider returning to O&M Two for a Brush Up!
Sign up your Results O & M Level Two graduate within six months if your pet in need of a brush up of skills and social manners. Note, if your last O&M Two class was more than six months ago, contact Mary T. before registering if you are not sure if O&M One may be a better fit for your pet.
Obedience & Manners - Level Two Plus!
Pre-requisite: O&M Two Grads with instructor permission.
Pets attend every class. See schedule page for number of weeks and current fee.
Loyalty perk - reduced fees for this and other advanced classes!
If more practice in O&M Two is needed before moving up to Results Pawformance Sports! AKC Rally-Obedience OR if you and your pup enjoy a night out together, this offering is for you! There is much presented in O&M Two and many choose to repeat this class to keep advancing their skills. Another attraction, dynamics are usually different every session as trainers move in and out of this level. If making progress, it may be possible to train towards off leash. Varied distractions are offered during stay and "Come!" training to provide challenges as pups are ready.
You and your pup have an option to practice 'independent' personalized training, inquire!
AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Note that very good training and test prep is offered here, but testing is not. For various reasons I chose to discontinue my AKC Evaluator ranking. For those interested in testing, group practice is offered - inquire! (More info under the next Therapy paragraph). I encourage trainers in my program to participate in an off site testing opportunity. There are many in the SE Michigan area, inquire! Here is a link that explains the base requirements:
The American Kennel Club CGC Test.
Therapy Dog Training Interest?
Participants with therapy (not service dog) interests will have opportunities to practice skills needed with continuing obedience offered at this level. Due to various possibilities, (hospitals, nursing homes, reading programs at schools/libraries, etc.), please provide me (Mary T.) information regarding your interest along with the requirements needed and location if known for planning at the first class so I may better help you to meet your goals.
The trend of 'fake' therapy, emotional and service dog endorsements do not take the place of solid training and testing. Some food based programs do not teach a pet manners around food and treats. Be considerate, while accidents may happen with any dog, please do not expose others to a food driven pet that may forget manners and self control around food, treats or toys. Pets that have had training elsewhere with these issues may resort to past behaviors, even after training here. Young and older people (especially those that do not have experience around these types of pets) may be at greater risk. Please be considerate.
Tip! Testing at a facility other then where a dog has attended classes regularly will give a better example of how a dog may respond when 'in the field'. There are many AKC clubs in the SE MI area that offer testing.
Some training facilities offer free testing at graduation with the instructor doing the testing and using a distraction dog that are known to the dog being tested. Is this a true evaluation? I think not! When I was an evaluator (both CGC and Therapy), I was asked for 'favors' - to evaluate and pass pets without solid training...nope!!
Please do not undermine the decades of work to provide people with a genuine interest in volunteering to make the world a better place for those truly in need. I will not participate or support the purchasing of 'fake' or certifications which exploit the system. There are stories we all hear and read about in the news of not qualified pets causing disturbances and even injuries...so sad.
Results Pawformance Sports! AKC Beginner Novice (BN)
Prerequisite: Same Results returning trainer and pet graduate within two months of Obedience & Manners - Level Two or Two Plus and/or instructor permission.
The following AKC Beginner Novice (BN) cards and exercises are explained in the prerequisite clinic and handouts are given for reference.
Heel on Leash - a varied pattern with fast, slow, right, left and about turns with a sit/halt.
Figure 8' with two halt sits.
Sit for Exam - on leash stay in front of pup, 'judge' goes up to pup,, walks away and you return.
Recall - leave dog, go 25' away and call dog to front.
Sit Stay - drop leash at pup's side and walk around the ring.
If you are interested in AKC BN competition to acquire a title, inquire! This class will have you prepared for the requirements. It is your responsibility to practice and social smart - more at class! A link to the AKC is below.
Drop In & Pay - Extra Practice for all Results - Pawformance Sports! Puppy* and Obedience & Manners Level One* and above Trainers
*When offered, currently enrolled trainers that have attended Week 4 of their Puppy or O&M One class and all others currently registered or recent grads in the program are welcome to attend.
Attend to practice obedience and social graces with extra training outside of their group class. Quick questions pertaining to current class level will be answered. New exercises are introduced in regular classes, not during floor time. Serious behavior issues are not covered in this offering. Note it may run concurrent with Rally-Obedience. Current dates available are noted at the top of my Schedule page.
What Comes Next? Results - Pawformance Sports! AKC Rally-Obedience! Practical or show - this class offers advanced obedience. Pets may be off leash as they are ready for same. Socializing for both you and your pet plus a terrific way to get some exercise!
Results - Pawformance Sports! AKC Rally-Obedience! Interested? Mention same when you and your pup are in O&M Two Plus class to ensure you get the AKC Rally-O introduction.
Link: Results - Pawformance Sports! AKC - Rally-Obedience
or
Results - Pawformance Sports - Recreational Agility Level One Prerequisite: Instructor permission with AKC Rally-Obedience to help ensure a smooth transition from Rec. Agility One into Rec. Agility Two. Minimum O&M Two and/or Two Plus for Agility One may be possible - inquire!
This 'for fun' class offers a variety of jumps and the tunnel. Great exercise for both you and your pup! This class is offered in Howell on a rubberized floor with A/C. Offered year round!
Link: Results - Pawformance Sports! Recreational Agility One
Warning! This next class may be habit forming - pets and people have fun!