Training at Green Acres Kennel Shop “Helping You and Your Pet Become Best Friends for Life”

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Download a copy of material below as a PDF (Listen/Download a podcast of The Woof Meow Show that discusses class offerings at Green Acres Kennel Shop) How We Teach You to Train Your Dog Our Training Team: Knowledgeable and Certified Green Acres boasts a training staff that includes six Certified Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT-KA), who collectively possess over sixty-five years of combined training experience. To be eligible for certification as a CPDT-KA, trainers must accumulate 300 hours of instructional experience, submit a written reference from a veterinarian, colleague, and training student, and pass a written exam. The exam content covers the science of training, canine behavior and health, and elements of successful human/canine instruction. Green Acres’ training team is led by Don Hanson, past President of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), the world’s largest dog training and education organization. All of Green Acres’ training staff, both lead and assistant instructors, are members of the APDT and as such are committed to continuing their own education within the field of dog training. Each of our introductory training classes has no more than five students and is co-taught by a lead and assistant trainer, thus ensuring you’ll receive ample individual support and assistance. Our Philosophy: Understanding and Kindness At Green Acres we believe that dogs are family members and not simply “property.” We also stress that because dogs are a distinct species, not furry little humans, they have their own set of needs that may not always be compatible to the lifestyles that we ask them to live. It is our goal to help educate you about normal canine behavior, canine communication, and management strategies in an effort to bridge this human-canine divide, so that you can more effectively work together as a team in training and sharing your lives. Green Acres prides itself in using only dog friendly methods to help our canine companions learn to reside peacefully in our homes. Not only is this the most effective, humane training method, it also allows for a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Because our style is one of teaching with kindness and compassion, we encourage all family members, including children, to become involved in the training process. (We do require however that the primary handler is at least 14 years of age.) Our Methodology: Clicker Training Green Acres uses only scientifically proven training strategies founded on the work of noted behaviorist B.F. Skinner. Clicker training has become the predominant training method used by humane animal trainers around the world for training everything from dolphins to dogs. Green Acres was the first facility to bring this methodology to northern Maine when we held our first clicker class in 1997. While terminology can become complex, the underlying principle of clicker training is very simple: behaviors that are rewarded tend to be repeated. Dogs already know how to do almost everything that we want to teach them. The trick is getting them to perform these behaviors when we ask them to, in a variety of different situations. Beginning in our Basic Manners Class, we will educate you in the skills of prompting and “clicking” these behaviors, putting these behaviors on a visual and voice cue, and setting you and your dog up for lifelong success. Once your dog has mastered the cue, the clicker is no longer necessary. Our goal is that all of our students leave Green Acres’ classes with a better understanding of their canine companions and the tools necessary to help them have a rewarding life together. We Teach You: Canine Behavior – What is normal, what is not, and what is needed for your companion to be healthy and happy Clicker Training – The most effective and humane training method available Communication – What your dog is telling you and how you are responding Management – The importance of preventing unwanted behavior and setting your dog up for success   Class Requirements & Registration The primary handler in our classes must be at least 14 years old, or have been pre-approved by the instructor. All dogs attending our classes need to be current on vaccinations for distemper, rabies and canine cough (bordetella). You will need to provide a copy of your pet’s most recent vaccination record before the first class. Due to their age, puppies are not expected to have been vaccinated for rabies. Classes are held indoors at Green Acres. We also hold some classes outdoors when the dogs are ready for extra distractions and as the weather permits. Our classes are small and fill very quickly, so we suggest you register as soon as possible. To reserve a place, fill out the appropriate registration form, sign the waiver of liability on the back, and return it with the class fee. Please indicate your second choice for class dates and times, in case your first choice is not available. If you would like to observe a class before registering, please give us a call at 945-6841 to make arrangements. Your registration will be confirmed as soon as we have payment. You may withdraw from a class and receive a refund (minus a $15 handling fee) anytime up until 14 days before the first class. After this time your registration fee becomes non-refundable. Please call 945-6841 if you have any questions.

Last Updated March 8, 2010
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