Make Up Policy: If you miss a
class, we will do our best to schedule you to attend another
class on a different day (IF there
is the same class running) or in a
subsequent session. Due to limited class size (because of social distance rules) it may not be possible to accommodate a make up session.
Refund Policy: No refunds
after the attendance of the first
class.
Currently, all classes are either Virtual, Hybrid or Outdoors. We look forward to adding more in person classes as the Covid number decrease and vaccinations increase.
What do you need for class?
- Bring your dog on a flat collar or harness and a 4 to 6 foot leash (not a retractable leash).
- No correction collars (choke, prong or shock) allowed.
- Bring LOTS of soft training treats such as Zukes or Liver Treats. Real chicken or cheese sticks (yes, cheese) work well too.
- If class is close to meal time, you may want to only feed your dog half the meal.
- For Puppy Class, bring your vaccination records. Puppies must have at least one Distemper Combo shot. Worried about vaccination status? Here is the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) Position Statement on Puppy Socialization.
WALKABOUTS! (in person_)
Group Walks with other dogs at different locations in the South Shore. We will practice Loose Leash Walking, Recalls, Stays and Polite Greetings!
This class is for dogs who have graduated from a Basic Manners, Puppy Class or who have already worked privately with Donna. This is not a class for reactive dogs.
You must register by 6:00 p.m. the night before a scheduled walk.
Schedule: Sunday, March 14 @ 12:30 p.m.
@ Wompatuck State Park Hingham. We will meet at the info station near the Union Street entrance.
See the Services Page for Private and Day Training options.
Hybrid CLASSES
Puppy 101: Hybrid (Virtual with playtime)
Puppy 101 is a Virtual Puppy Class for pups 8-20 weeks with the option of Puppy Playtime once a week. You and your puppy have so much to discover together. You will learn how to train successfully in a positive way, while building your communication skills and good habits!
Early socialization is crucial to your puppy’s development and Covid restrictions make it difficult to meet people and other puppies. This class is a combination of 6 virtual classes over Zoom and the option to drop your dog off for 30 minutes playtime once a week and you can watch your pup over Zoom. 6 weeks, $180
Start Date: Tuesday, March 23, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. on Zoom
Zoom Puppy Play Saturdays at 11:30
Hybrid Puppy 2: Curbing Adolescent Antics
Virtual and In Person outdoors
For dogs 5 to 18 months
Do you find yourself saying, "He used to be so cute" or "He just doesn't listen anymore." Welcome to doggie adolescence! During this period of time your dog is going through many physical, mental and emotional changes and you have signed up to take the ride as well. This class will address all issues involving self control: curbing jumping when greeting people, leave it, stay, recalls and walking on a loose leash.
3 lessons virtual via Zoom & 3 lessons in person outdoors.
6 weeks, $180
You need to wear a mask, practice social distancing (6 feet apart)
Check out Donna's Puppy K Class on Channel 5's "Chronicle"
When In person classes resume later in 2021, Donna will offer the classes below:
PUPPY KINDERGARTEN
Get your puppy off to a good start with Puppy Kindergarten. Your pup will learn basic obedience, such as sit, down, stay, recalls, leave-it and loose leash walking. More importantly, your new best friend will be able to socialize with other puppies the same age. We will discuss housebreaking, chewing, nipping and all the ups and downs of puppy parenthood.
At the end of each session, all pups are eligible to take the American Kennel Club's S.T.A.R. Puppy Exam. Your pup can earn his first title. For more information go to http://www.akc.org.
Puppy Class is 6 weeks, $180
Check out Donna's Puppy K Class on Channel 5's "Chronicle"
More Obedience
Basic Manners
Whether you and your dog are just starting out in life together or you need an old dog to learn new tricks, this class teaches the fundamentals of obedience. We concentrate on the basics: sit, down, stay, recall, walking on a loose leash and polite greetings.
5 weeks, $155 Class size is limited
You need to wear a mask, practice social distancing (6 feet apart) and we request that only one person per family attend. There are 4 dogs per class.
A second person can wait in your car and switch handlers during class.
Advanced Obedience
Does your dog have Basic Skills but you are ready to take your training to theNext Level?
We solidify the skills you learned in Basic Manners or Puppy 2. We will work on solid greetings, loose leash walking with distractions, polite greetings, bomb proof stays and more!
You need to wear a mask, practice social distancing (6 feet apart) and we request that only one person per family attend. There are 5 dogs per class.
A second person can wait in your car and switch handlers during class.
5 weeks, $155
Canine Good Citizen
The Canine Good Citizen Program that stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. It's a 5 week training program and a 10-step test, showing they can be polite to strangers and other dogs, come when called, stay, walk on leash and be left with a stranger. All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test may receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club.
It is the first step toward becoming a Therapy Dog and a Competition Obedience career. In addition, some homeowner owner insurance policies may require the certification.
SPORTS & FUN!
Agility for FUN!
Want to have some fun with your dog? Agility is a great for exercise and building a partnership between you and your pooch. This course is not for those who want to compete professionally, but for those who want to have a good time! Your dog should be able to perform basic obedience and attention. 4 weeks, $125.00
Little Champions!
Donna believes small dogs have big potential! Sometimes the wee ones can be shy or feel stressed in class or with larger pups. This class will combine aspects of basic obedience, socialization and agility to bring out the BEST in your Little Champion! Open to all ages under 25 pounds.
Start Date: Sunday, September 27, 2020 at 10:00 a.m.
5 weeks, $155
Intro to Nosework
Inspired by working detection dogs, K9 Nose Work is the fun search and scenting activity for virtually all dogs and people. This easy to learn activity and sport builds confidence and focus in many dogs, and provides a safe way to keep dogs fit and healthy through mental and physical exercise.
K9 Nose Work starts with getting your dog excited about using his nose to seek out a favorite toy or treat reward hidden in one of several boxes, expanding the game to entire rooms, exterior areas, and vehicles. As your dog grows more confident with his nose, target odors are introduced, and competition skills are taught.
· No prior training is required and no obedience is needed
· In classes, dogs work one at a time and be kept separate between searches so reactive dogs can enjoy the activity, too
· Shy or fearful dogs build confidence and overactive dogs put their energy into fun searches
· Stronger bond between dog & handler as handler learns to observe, understand, and rely upon his dog.
Start Date: TBD
Nosework 2: Intro to Odor
Now that your dog is proficient at searching for food in containers, we will pair the food with scent of Birch. We will also expand our search areas away from containers. 4 weeks, $125
Location: Donna's in Norwell
Start Date: TBD
Clicker Tricks!
Whether you want to learn to teach your dog to ride a skateboard, play dead or just jump through a hoop, this class is full of new and fun things for dogs and handlers. You can also earn your AKC Trick Dog Title! Follow this link for details on the title: http://images.akc.org/pdf/trick_dog_novice.pdf
Start Date: TBD
5 weeks, $155
The Big 3! Stay, Come and Loose Leash Walking
Three weeks of small outdoor classes at Donna’s in Norwell. Learn the basics of Stay, Coming when Called and Loose Leash Walking. 3 weeks, $95 Size is limited and social distancing practiced.
Schedule TBD