We offer both private and group lessons in Greenville, Michigan. Please see below for rules, types of classes offered, and the upcoming schedule.

• All classes offered are outdoors at this time.
• The property is not fenced. A properly-fitted collar, harness, etc., that the dog cannot slip out of or escape from is required. All dogs should wear a collar, even if primarily controlled using a harness, with appropriate identification/phone number.
• Classes move forward rain or shine, but may be canceled during extreme weather. This is at the discretion of the instructor.

 

• Refunds will not be offered for cancelled group class dates, but you will be given the opportunity to 'make up' classes on another date.
• Refunds are available up to 24 hours before the start of group classes. No refunds will be given after the start of the first class.
• If you believe you may miss the first class, please discuss with me prior to signing up.
• Bitches in heat are welcome in all classes, but please be mindful of the other dogs in class and do not allow her to approach other dogs. Do not leave her unattended unless safely secured in a vehicle for any reason.
• If you may miss a class, please let me know so I can send you the appropriate training material for the week. No make up lessons will be granted if you are missing class due to your schedule.
• Please be prepared to devote 15-30 minutes per day to training between class days.
• Dogs with a bite history or dog aggressive behavior are not allowed in group classes. Dog reactive dogs may be allowed in the absence of a bite history, but must have an evaluation prior to signing up for group classes. Any dog acting highly reactive or aggressive during a group class without prior evaluation will be asked to leave.

 

• 4 or 6 foot flat leashes are allowed. No retractable leashes, bungee leashes, or long lines should be used unless specifically called for in that class.
• Please clean up after your dog. Poop bags are available if you have not brought your own.
• All dogs must be up to date on the following vaccines/testing: Rabies, DAP/DHP, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, and negative fecal test within the last year. This is to protect my own dogs, puppies, and all dogs and puppies that come onto my property. Proof of required vaccinations/testing will be required before starting classes. Exemptions may be provided for certain diagnosed medical conditions and puppies still going through their vaccine series.
• Please do not allow your dogs to approach other dogs while on the property unless specifically part of an exercise, including before and after class. 
• Do not bring a sick dog to class. A dog that is coughing, vomiting, has diarrhea, isn't acting like themselves, or has a fever, could be a liability to other pets in class. Dogs that are lame or otherwise painful should not be asked to perform in a class. Make up classes may be provided for dogs that have to miss class due to illness.
• Well-behaved children are welcome in class, particularly if they are actively participating in the class. However, they must be able to control the dog, keep hold of the leash, and pay attention. They must understand they are not to approach other dogs in class unless specifically allowed by the owner. If any of these items are in question, a private lesson would be a better alternative. 
• More than one handler is welcome to come to class, but I ask that the person/persons handling the dogs remain consistent throughout the group course - ie, please do not have one handler present for the first lesson, the second handler present for the second, then the first handler back for the third. The classes can build on each other and having some consistency is important.
• Remember: all dogs learn at a different speed, so don’t get upset if yours seems to learn at a slower pace.
• Don't judge yourself or your dog against anyone else. Everyone learns at their own pace, and some people find training easier than others. If you don't understand something, please ask for further explanation. The most important thing is to help yourself and your dog learn at your own pace.

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Classes Offered

Puppy Class

• For dogs 8 weeks to 5 months at the start of class.
• Must be up to date on vaccinations for the age of the puppy, and I will require updated records as they are obtained.
• Focuses on basic commands (ie sit, down, stay, place, leave it, and recall). 
• Will also include some basic husbandry at the end of each class (feeding, nail trimming, general question and answer session). 

Basic Obedience 1

• For dogs 6 months and older.
• Must be up to date on all vaccinations mentioned in the rules section, with documentation sent to me by the first class.
• Focuses on basic commands (ie sit, down, stay, place, leave it, and recall). 
• Will also include some basic husbandry at the end of each class (feeding, nail trimming, general question and answer session). 

Basic Obedience 2

• Requirements: Basic obedience 1 or puppy class, or a waiver after evaluation by the instructor
• Continuation on behaviors from obedience 1, focusing on loose leash walking, duration and distance of basic behaviors, and very basic sport introduction (agility, shed hunt, rally obedience).

Shed Hunt Introduction

• Introduction to the sport of UKC Elite Shed Dog Series​
• Requirements: Basic obedience 1 or puppy class, or a waiver from the instructor. All dogs will work on a long line when working within the group, so a strong recall is not required.
• For dogs that have not competed and have none to very basic introduction to retrieving shed antlers. If a dog has Working passes but is struggling, they may be considered for this class.
• The goal is for each participant to be prepared to compete at the Working Dog level of UKC ESDS by the end of the course.

Shed Hunt Intermediate

• ​Requirements: Shed hunt introduction, or a waiver from the instructor. A strong recall is required.
• For dogs that have, at minimum, one Working pass in UKC ESDS. Potentially for dogs that have Champion passes but are struggling with aspects of the course.
• Focus is on delivery to hand, handler skills to quickly navigate a course, remembering where sheds have been retrieved, and practice on a fully marked woods course.

Shed Hunt Advanced

• Requirements: Shed hunt intermediate, or a waiver from the instructor. A strong recall is required.
• For dogs that have, at minimum, one Champion pass in UKC ESDS. Potentially suited for dogs that have strong handling and retrieval skills, even if they do not yet have Champion passes, or handlers with other Champion or higher titled dogs.
  
• Focus is on speed around the course, advanced strategies, specific troubleshooting, building drive, etc. Class will be tailored to the participants. Practice will be on a fully marked woods course.