DESCRIPTION

Building on the dog's basic obedience foundation, we increase the reliability of commands around increased distance and distraction. Exercises include:

• Heel with precision and around distractions
• Off-leash recall
• Long-distance reliability
• Stay with distractions
• Go to bed
• Field trip

Because the ultimate goal of this course is for students to build the skills necessary to progress to advanced off-leash classes, emphasis is placed on precision and reliability.

Note: There is no orientation for this class. Students will bring dogs to first class.

*PREREQUISITE:

If your dog does not meet all of the criteria below, or if your dog previously learned these exercises through traditional training methods (corrections with choke chains, etc.) your dog is not eligible for Intermediate Obedience.

You can have your dog evaluated for the Intermediate Class. The charge for the evaluation is $25.00. If your dog qualifies for the class, the evaluation fee will be applied toward the class.

Dogs must demonstrate the ability to perform the following around reasonable distractions prior to starting class:

• Focus on owner around dogs and other reasonable distractions
• Sit, Down and Stand without treat in hand and without physical manipulation or use of training equipment (choke chain, etc.)
• 'Leave It' - dog leaves item and looks at owner
• Stay/Wait for 30 seconds
• Name recognition (dog must respond to his/her name)
• Heel while focused on owner for up to 20'
• Recall (come when called) from 20' feet away

Owner must have a basic understanding of the principles of how to mark behavior with the use of a verbal marker or clicker and be able to get dog's response without the use of a leash or corrective collar.

Note: This class is not appropriate for dogs who exhibit aggressive behaviors towards other dogs or people or bark excessively. If your dog has a problem behavior, please visit the K911 section.