Dog/Puppy Essentials: Basic Training and Social Skills
This class shows you how to have a happy, confident, well-behaved dog. It consists of: practical straight-up obedience (don’t get dragged down the street, have a dog that comes when called, etc.), life skills (don’t jump on my friends, chill out, don’t chew on me, etc.), and understanding how your dog communicates.
Along with a simple 4-step approach for teaching your dog almost anything, you'll also get a course booklet and weekly training guides; force-free training; free email/phone support after the class ends; and a student-focused instructor with 20+ years’ experience teaching people and dogs (and a sense of humor).
There are two registration options for this class:
Option 1: Register with your dog
This registration reserves a spot in class for one dog and up to two adult household members (children are permitted to observe only; please contact the instructor in advance).
Option 2: Register Without a Dog
This registration is for one person, or up to two household members, who would like to attend the class without a dog. It’s ideal if your dog isn’t a good candidate for a group class, but you still want to work on training at home with support and information. This option allows you to benefit from the class even if it’s full, your dog isn’t ready for a group class, or you do not have a dog.
Notes:
- Dogs do not attend the first session.
- If your dog has any reactivity/aggression/barking/lunging toward people or other dogs, contact the instructor before registration to discuss.
- Please review all class policies/restrictions: Gold+Star+Dog+Training+Policies.pdf (squarespace.com).
- You will receive an email with further instructions/forms from the instructor prior to class.
- This class is a prerequisite for the Therapy Dog Academy and Beyond Basic classes.
Instructor: Deb Helfrich
Deb is the owner of Gold Star Dog Training LLC, based in Fairfax, VT. She enjoys working with dogs and their handlers to solve their challenges, build a healthy dog-handler relationship, and achieve their training goals. She is highly student-focused, adept at explaining concepts, helping every student feel successful, and creating training experiences that are meaningful and effective. Deb’s sense of humor, enthusiastic teaching style, and ability to work with a wide range of students are what clients seem to like about her.