Green Acres Kennel Shop

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Our Training Team: Knowledgeable and Certified

Green Acres boasts a training staff that includes five Certified Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT-KA), who collectively possess over fifty 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, BFRAP, CDBC, CPDT-KA. He is a past Chair/President of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), the world’s largest dog training and educational organization. All of Green Acres’ training staff 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 typically 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. We do not use the dominance construct or punishment in our training programs and encourage you to read our Position Statement on the Use of Dominance and Punishment for the Training and Behavior Modification of Dogs which can be found on our web site.

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 you have a rewarding life together.

We Teach You:

1. Canine Behavior – What is normal, what is not, and what is needed for your companion to be healthy and happy
2. Clicker Training – The most effective and humane training method available
3. Communication – What your dog is telling you and how your dog percieves your response.
4. 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.

We Make Training Fun for You and Your Dog!

• Dog Friendly! – NO pain, intimidation, dominance, alpha rolls, scruff shakes, prong, choke or shock collars.
• Small class sizes, individual attention.
• Relaxed, supportive atmosphere.
• Family attendance encouraged.
• Scientific, proven, effective training methods for all dogs and breeds.
• Program supervised by Certified Professional Dog Trainers and Professional Members of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.

Puppy Headstart

This course is designed to help you and your puppy start off on the right paw. It is a four week course that includes time for play with others and discussion of the following topics; how dogs learn, canine language, management, housetraining, play biting, chewing, jumping, socialization, nutrition and handling. This class has open enrollment with a new class starting every week, so give us a call and join the fun. Puppy Headstart is limited to puppies under 16 weeks of age, unless preapproved by the instructor. 

The fee for Puppy Headstart is $60.00. If you enroll in Basic Manners at the same time you will receive a $15 discount on the Basic Manners class.

Basic Manners

Our introductory level class, Basic Manners, is designed for dogs over 16 weeks of age, or younger dogs that have completed our Puppy Headstart class.

The first class is our Introduction to Dog Behavior and Clicker Training seminar, a three-hour orientation session which you attend without your dog. During this session we will teach you the fundamentals of canine behavior, how your dog learns and communicates, and the basics of dog training using reward based methods. Each enrollee will receive our comprehensive course handbook, Best Friends for Life.

The remaining seven sessions will be 45 to 50 minutes in length. We will teach you how to train your dog to respond to visual and audible cues for Attention, Sit, Down, Come, Walking Politely, Take It and Leave It. Socialization will be strongly encouraged and specified areas of concern will be addressed. The fee for Basic Manners is $125.

Introduction to Dog Behavior & Clicker Training

This class is a three-hour seminar for people only. In this course we will introduce you to the fundamentals of clicker training, canine behavior and canine communication. Class book and materials are not included, but may be purchased for an additional charge. The fee for this class is $25.

Introductory Dog Training Schedule of Classes

	2012 START DATES
CLASS	MON	TUE	WED	THU	SAT
Intro to Dog Behavior & Clicker Training $25	1/16, 3/26, 6/4, 8/13, 10/29 6PM	N/A	1/4, 3/14, 5/23, 8/8, 10/17 6PM	7/12 6PM	1/28, 4/7, 6/23, 9/1, 11/3 9AM
Puppy Headstart $60** (4 to 8 students)	N/A	Open enrollment, call for details 6PM	N/A	N/A	Open enrollment, call for details 8AM
Basic Manners $125 (3 to 5 students)	1/16, 3/26, 6/4, 8/13, 10/29 6PM,	N/A	1/4, 3/14, 5/23, 8/8, 10/17 6PM, 7PM	7/12 6PM, 7PM	1/28*, 4/7, 6/23, 9/1, 11/3 9AM, 10AM, 11AM
	*No 11AM class offered in this session. ** Sign-up for Basic Manners when you sign-up for Puppy Headstart for $170, a $15 discount.

 

Please Note: Dogs that are fearful or aggressive are typically not appropriate for group training classes. They are unlikely to succeed in a class setting and there is a high probability of their reactive behavior getting worse.  We can still help you, and will use the same methods, but would suggest you talk to us about our behavior consultation and private training services. Should you enroll in a group class and we determine that your dog is overly reactive, we will credit the remainder of any class fees for a behavior consultation or private training. If you are concerned that your dog may be reactive in a class setting, please contact us for an evaluation, prior to registering.

 

We Make Training Fun for You and Your Dog!

• Dog Friendly! – NO pain, intimidation, dominance, alpha rolls, scruff shakes, prong, choke or shock collars.
•  Small class sizes, individual attention.

• Relaxed, supportive atmosphere.

• Family attendance encouraged.

• Scientific, proven, effective training methods for all dogs and breeds.

• Program supervised by Certified Professional Dog Trainers and Professional Members of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.

Every dog and handler will have achieved different results after the completion of our Basic Manners class, depending on their individual skills, the time they had available for training, and their selection of priority behaviors. Our Level 2 classes have been designed to allow you to choose the areas where you would like to concentrate your efforts. The first week of class is a one hour orientation for human handlers only, followed by five weeks of 45 minutes of instruction for handlers and their dogs. If you have any questions, please talk to your Basic Manners instructor, as they may be able to guide you towards the workshop that is most applicable for your individual situation. You may take one or both of these workshops, and need not take them in any specific order.

 

 

Out and About: Training the Advanced Recall and Heel

This workshop focuses on two of the most important behaviors you can teach your dog:

• coming when called, and
• staying close by your side while out for a walk

Building on the foundational skills you learned in your Basic Manners class, you and your dog will practice recall and walking politely amidst a variety of tempting distractions. Also covered at an advanced level in this class are the leave it and attention behaviors. Weather permitting, considerable amounts of class time will be spent outside, so that skills can be repeatedly practiced in real world environments.

 

 

Glad to See You: Training the Stay and Polite Greeting Behaviors

 

This workshop focuses on two foundational obedience behaviors:

• stay/wait, and
• greeting other people and dogs in an appropriate, calm manner

Working as a team, you and your dog will learn and practice both the down and sit stay behaviors. A variety of distractions, both human and environmental, will be provided to help your dog achieve success in diverse circumstances. You and your dog will also practice polite greeting behaviors: learning to anticipate, manage, and conduct calm, appropriate interactions with individuals of various genders, sizes, and energy levels. We’ll practice polite doorway etiquette skills; additionally, you will learn how to help your dog wait patiently when they’re not the center of your attention. Weather permitting; considerable amounts of class time will be spent outside, so that skills can be repeatedly practiced in real world environments.

Level 2 Class Schedule

	2012 START DATES
CLASS	TUE	THU	SAT
Out and About: Training the Advanced Recall and Heel $90*	5/1 7:00PM 7/31 7:00PM	N/A	4/7 1:00PM 9/8 1:00PM
Glad to See You: Training the Stay and Polite Greeting Behaviors $90*	1/17 7:00PM 9/25 7:00PM	1/19 6:00PM 3/15 6:00PM	6/23 1:00PM

* Sign up for both Level 2 classes at the same time for $170, a $10 discount.

We bring dogs into our families as companions to share our lives. How much of our lives they can fully share is ultimately determined by their level of training and their habituation to different situations and environments. The American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Good Citizen (CGC) and the APDT C.L.A.S.S. certifications are solid baselines of a “good-mannered” dog that is able to join us in most aspects of family life. Even if you do not aspire to take either test, we encourage you to train yourself and your dog to this level so that you can both enjoy your relationship to its fullest.

 

Canine Good Citizen Workshop

This five week workshop focuses on preparing you and your dog for the AKC CGC test (http://www.akc.org/events/cgc/). It will also help prepare your dog for the Therapy Dogs International (http://www.tdi-dog.org/) evaluation. Key behaviors practiced in class include sit and down stays, polite greeting, acceptance of strangers and other dogs, recall, walking politely, handling, and supervised separation.

To enroll in a CGC workshop, dogs and handlers must have completed Green Acres Basic Manners course, at least one Level 2 workshop and have been successfully evaluated by the Green Acres Training staff as being able to consistently perform the following behaviors:

• Remain focused and under control in distracting environments
• Sit and down on a single cue
• Perform 20 second sit-stays and 60 second down-stays in low levels of distraction
• Leave food/objects on the floor upon request
• Recall from 20 feet with minimal distractions
• Walk politely for 40 feet while performing right, left, and 180 degree turns 

If you have not previously attended a Green Acres Kennel Shop training class but believe that you and your dog can perform the aforementioned behaviors, please call us at 945-6841 and ask to talk to our training staff for class entry details.

The fee for this class is $65.

 

APDT Canine Life and Social Skills (C.L.A.S.S.)

This five week workshop is a new offering this year at Green Acres and focuses on preparing you and your dog for the C.L.A.S.S. evaluation through the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) (http://www.apdt.com). There are three levels of certification for dog/handler teams in the C.L.A.S.S. program. The primary goal of C.L.A.S.S. is to promote caring relationships between dogs and their owners through the use of reward based training. This program allows for the demonstration of real life skills of dogs as well as the owner’s understanding of basic dog handling and care. Key behaviors practiced in class include loose leash walking, recall, meeting and greeting, leaving items upon request, giving and taking, settling on cue, and staying and waiting patiently. As the dogs advance, they will practice stand, handling, targeting, and backing up. 

To enroll in a C.L.A.S.S. workshop, dogs and handlers must have completed Green Acres Basic Manners course, at least one Level 2 workshop and have been successfully evaluated by the Green Acres’ Training Staff as being able to consistently perform the following behaviors:

• Remain focused and under control in distracting environments
• Sit and down on a single cue
• Perform 30 second sit or down stay in low levels of distraction
• Leave food/objects on the floor upon request
• Recall from 10 feet with minimal distractions
• Walk politely for 20 feet while performing 180 degree turns

If you have not previously attended a Green Acres Kennel Shop training class but believe that you and your dog can perform the aforementioned behaviors, please call us at 945-6841 and ask to talk to our training staff for class entry details.

The fee for this class is $65.

Level 3 Class Schedule

	2012 START DATES
CLASS	TUE	SAT
CGC Workshop $65* (4 to 5 students)	3/13 7:00PM 11/6 7:00PM	6/23 2:00PM
C.L.A.S.S. Workshop $65* (4 to 5 students)	6/19 7:00PM	2/4 11:00AM 9/8 2:00PM

* Sign up for both CGC and C.L.A.S.S. at the same time for $120, a $10 discount.

We Make Training Fun for You and Your Dog!

• Dog Friendly! – NO pain, intimidation, dominance, alpha rolls, scruff shakes, prong, choke or shock collars.
• Individual attention designed to meet your individual situation
• Relaxed, supportive atmosphere.
• Family attendance encouraged.
• Scientific, proven, effective training methods for all dogs and breeds.
• Program supervised by Certified Professional Dog Trainers and Professional Members of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.

Help! Now!

This is a one-time training session for those who:

• Have recently obtained a new dog that is too old for the Puppy Headstart class but are in need of immediate assistance for puppy behaviors that they find frustrating and problematic;
• Have adopted an older dog and are experiencing some minor transition difficulties;
• Are anticipating major life changes, such as a move or the addition of a child and are trying to minimize the impact on their dog;
• Have yet to adopt their dog and are just looking to be prepared and step off on the right paw!

We will help you with common areas of concern such as housetraining, chewing, jumping, and general rowdy behavior. We will discuss the role of management, brain games, establishment of reasonable expectations and how to set your dog up for success. A Help! Now! Session is tailored specifically to your individual dog and your individual situation. This program is not designed to assess or deal with serious issues such as separation anxiety, fear or aggression.

The cost for Help! Now! is $30 for half an hour, after which $15 is added for each subsequent 15 minutes. This class is scheduled on an individual basis by calling us at 945-6841.

 

Private Sessions

Private lessons are available for those who would rather work individually with a trainer or for those who may wish to teach a specific behavior that is not covered in classes or work on a certain behavior that they are finding a bit more challenging. Private sessions may also be more appropriate for those dogs or people that find a class setting to be overwhelming, but still need to learn the basics. In private training sessions the focus is to work on the training of specific behaviors such as sit, down, recall and walking using the clicker method. Please note that as with the Help! Now! This program is not designed to assess or deal with serious issues such as separation anxiety, fear or aggression.

The cost for Private Training is $30 for half an hour, after which $15 is added for each subsequent 15 minutes. This class is scheduled on an individual basis by calling us at 945-6841. Our Introduction to Dog Behavior and Clicker Training Seminar is a pre-requisite for all private training sessions, unless pre-approved by the instructor.

 

 

Selecting the Perfect Pet

This is a unique, one time question and answer session for people who are contemplating getting a pet and are unsure of whether to get a dog or a cat, or which breed will best match their family and lifestyle. In this free program, we will answer your questions and help you determine which pet will make the best match for you. Selecting the Perfect Pet is scheduled on an individual basis, so give us a call at 945-6841.

HELP! NOW!

This is a one-time training session for those who:

• Have recently obtained a new dog that is too old for the Puppy Headstart class but are in need of immediate assistance for puppy behaviors that they find frustrating and problematic;
• Have adopted an older dog and are experiencing some minor transition difficulties;
• Are anticipating major life changes, such as a move or the addition of a child and are trying to minimize the impact on their dog;
• Have yet to adopt their dog and are just looking to be prepared and step off on the right paw!

We will help you with common areas of concern such as housetraining, chewing, jumping, and general rowdy behavior. We will discuss the role of management, brain games, establishment of reasonable expectations and how to set your dog up for success. A Help! Now! Session is tailored specifically to your individual dog and your individual situation. This program is not designed to assess or deal with serious issues such as separation anxiety, fear or aggression.

The cost for Help! Now! is $30 for half an hour, after which $15 is added for each subsequent 15 minutes. This class is scheduled on an individual basis by calling us at 945-6841.

Introduction to Dog Behavior & Clicker Training

This class is a three-hour seminar for *people only*. In this course we will introduce you to the fundamentals of clicker training, canine behavior and canine communication. Class book and materials are not included, but may be purchased for an additional charge. The fee for this class is $25.

Lead Instructors

Don Hanson, BFRAP, CDBC, CPDT-KA

Don's Credentials | Don's CV | Don's Publications | Don's Speaking Engagements

Don Hanson is the co-owner of the Green Acres Kennel Shop in Bangor, Maine, where he is also the Director of Behavior Counseling and Training. As a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC), Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) and Bach Foundation Registered Animal Practitioner (BFRAP), Don assists guardians and their dogs and cats with everything from minor training issues to serious behavioral problems such as separation anxiety, fear, and aggression. Don is also a certified evaluator for Therapy Dogs International, testing dog and guardian teams who wish to bring canine companionship to nursing homes and hospitals.

A member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) since 1995, in 1998 Don was recruited by Dr. Ian Dunbar to serve on the APDT's Education Committee. As a member of that committee, Don was one of 20 nationally known dog training professionals and behaviorists selected by the APDT to research and develop the first comprehensive written certification examination for professional dog trainers. He became one of the first trainers certified by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers in September of 2001.

In 2001 Don was elected to the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) Board of Directors. He was elected to a second, three year term on the APDT Board in the fall of 2004. Don served the APDT as Vice President in 2005 and 2006 and President in 2007. In 2009 he was appointed to lead the APDT's new Education committee. He was again elected to the APDT Board of Directors in 2011 and is currently serving as Board Chair and chair of the Education Committee.

Don also served on the Maine State Animal Welfare Advisory Council (AWAC), representing licensed kennels, from 2006 through 2011.

Committed to educating others, Don has presented seminars on pet behavior, dog training, pet nutrition and Bach Flower Remedies in Canada, the Caribbean, Japan, and throughout the US. Don has been the host of "The Woof-Meow" show, a weekly radio program on WVOM-FM/WVQM-FM, since 2005. He also writes articles for the DownEast Dog News and other pet related publications.

Don's interests go well beyond training to nutrition and holistic and complementary health care for pets and people. Committed to continuing education, he attends as many as 18 days of seminars annually, on topics as diverse as animal behavior, nutrition, homeopathy, herbal medicine, and flower remedies. To see a list of recent seminars he's attended, click here.

In November of 2003, Don completed the coursework necessary to become the first Bach Foundation Registered Practitioner (BFRP) animal specialist in the United States.

Don is a certified member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), a professional member of Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), and the Association of Animal Behavior Professionals (AABP), and a member of the Dog Writers Association of America (DWAA), the Pet Care Services Association (PCSA formerly ABKA), and Truly Dog Friendly (TDF).

In early 2008 Don was asked by the American Boarding Kennel Association (ABKA) and the Canadian Association of Professional Pet Dog Trainers (CAPPDT) to give a presentation on his career in the pet services industry. A companion article to those presentations, Trends in Training – The Evolution of a Pet Care Professional, can be found by clicking here.

Don and his wife share their lives with two dogs (Tikken – Golden Retriever and Dulcie – Cairn Terrier) and three cats (Batman, Thelma and Louise).

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Kate D., CPDT-KA

Kate joined the Green Acres staff in 1992 and was our Kennel Manager until she returned to her studies at the University of Maine in 2002. In the fall of 2008 she became our Operations Manager. Kate is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and is qualified to teach all of our group classes. She also does private training sessions. Kate works with Don on pet behavior consultations, assists with therapy dog testing and is a regular co-host on the Woof-Meow Show. Having worked the retail side of Green Acres for many years, Kate is also very knowledgeable about our products and pet nutrition. Kate and her family share their lives with Lizzie, a Hound mix and Emily and Guido their cats.

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Becky R., CPDT-KA

Becky first walked into Green Acres in January of 1999 after adopting her first dog, a 10 month-old Sheltie she named Lady. Becky and Lady enrolled in Green Acres Basic Behaviors class in March of 1999, and Becky has been training dogs ever since. Since officially joining the Green Acres training staff in August of 1999, Becky has earned her Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) accreditation and attended Bob and Marion Bailey's infamous "chicken camp" for animal trainers. Today she is our Senior Lead Instructor. Becky says the best things about teaching dog training classes is "seeing the joy and increased companionship that results when dogs and their guardians truly "get" the clicker training method." Becky and her family share their home with four dogs, Lady, Caspian, Narnia, and Minnie. Becky admits she has a special fondness for rescue dogs. She teaches Puppy Headstart, Basic Manners classes and our Level 2 and Level 3 Workshops.

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Angela A., CPCT, CPDT-KA

Angela joined the Green Acres team in 2001 as a Certified Pet Care Technician, when she was still in High School. It was soon after that she became involved in our training program as an assistant. A nurse by day, Angela became a Lead Instructor in 2007 and a Certified Professional Dog Trainer in 2008. She teaches Basic Manners, Puppy Headstart and our Level 2 and Level 3 Workshops. Angela and her husband share their home with their dogs Elaine and Vito.

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Adam M., CAPCT

Adam worked at Green Acres has a Pet Care Technician in 2000 and then worked for us as Kennel Manager from 2002 until the fall of 2006. During that time Adam started working as an Assistant Instructor and became a Lead Instructor in 2005. Adam teaches Basic Manners classes when he's not working his other job in grocery management. Having worked the retail side of Green Acres, Adam is also very knowledgeable about our products and pet nutrition. He and his family share their home with Roxie, a Lab and Pepper, a Standard Poodle. Adam is a Certified Advanced Pet Care Technician.

Assistant Instructors

Some of our instructors started as students in our classes and others started as pet care technicians working with our boarding and daycare guests. As part of their instructor training, they will rotate through various schedules working with all of our lead instructors.

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Hilary W., CPCT

Hilary joined our kennel staff in the fall of 2008 where she cares for our boarding and daycare guests as a Certified Pet Care Technician. She quickly developed an interest in training and is now working as an assistant instructor in training while completing her studies at the University of Maine in Augusta. She shares her home with her dog Gemma.

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Lori C.

Lori became an assistant in the fall of 2007 after attending several of our classes with Labrador Retrievers Zephyr and Phoebe. Phoebe and Lori became a TDI Therapy Dog team in 2008. Both also enjoy retrieving competition. Lori's an administrative assistant at SVH Rehab by day. During her free time, Lori enjoys hiking and camping with her dogs as well as her husband, Aaron who is also an assistant trainer here at Green Acres.

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Tracy H., CPCT

Tracy joined the Green Acres team in February of 2007, working with our boarding and daycare guests as a Certified Pet Care Technician. An Animal Sciences graduate from UMO, she joined our training team late in 2008 and is now an assistant instructor in training. Tracy shares her home with her dog Romey.

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Selecting a dog training instructor and class is an important decision. The wrong decision could traumatize you or your dog and set learning back extensively. We recommend you use the following criteria for selecting a dog training instructor.

1. Select a trainer and class that is Dog-Friendly. A Dog-Friendly instructor will NOT use or recommend any methods or tools that work on the principal of intimidation or coercion or that have been designed to cause the dog physical, mental or emotional pain. That means they will NEVER use or recommend shock collars, choke collars, prong collars, squirt bottles, scruff shakes, alpha rollovers or other inhumane tools and techniques.
2. Select a trainer who complies with the American Humane Association's Guide to Humane Dog Training. Such trainers will rely on teaching methods that use positive reinforcement for good behavior rather than punishment for unacceptable behavior.

3. Verify the trainer's credentials. Ideally they will be a Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT) accredited by the Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers (CCPDT) or will work under the supervision of one so qualified.

   In order to become a CPDT, a trainer must first have 300 hours of experience teaching dog training classes. They must also take and pass a written examination that covers instructional skills, animal husbandry, ethology, learning theory, and training equipment.

   The CCPDT is the first and only organization in the world to offer a standardized certification program for dog trainers. While some trainers may say they are "certified," if it is not by the CCPDT it may not mean much. You can find a list of trainers certified by the CCPDT at http://ccpdt.org/rstr/index.html

   Be advised that just because a trainer has the CPDT accreditation it does not mean they are Dog Friendly. A CPDT has demonstrated that they have the requisite knowledge to train dogs, but you will need to ask and verify their training philosophy.

4. Ask if the trainer is a member of any of the following organizations; TrulyDogFriendly.com, the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), or the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). Dog training is an evolving profession and those who are committed to it are members of one or all of these organizations in an effort to stay current in the field.

   Members of TrulyDogFriendly.com are devoted to the type of dog-friendly training we practice at Green Acres. While the APDT and IAABC have statements on dog friendly training, they are statements of goals for their members and not requirements, so you will still need to screen carefully.

5. Observe a training class without your dog. Are the dogs and people having a good time? Talk with a few participants and see if they are comfortable with the trainer's methods. If someone won't let you observe a class, don't enroll.
6. Look for trainers who treat people and dogs with respect, rather than an "I'm the boss" attitude. Remember, you will be the one actually being taught by this person, not your dog.
7. Ask the instructor about their methods for teaching people. Do they provide comprehensive written materials? Do they demonstrate how to teach a behavior? Do they assist you as you practice with your dog? Are they available for questions outside of class?
8. Avoid trainers who offer guarantees about results. These trainers are either ignoring or do not understand the complexity of animal behavior.
9. Look for classes with at least one instructor for every 8 to 10 students. At Green Acres a typical class of 5 to 6 students will have two instructors.
10. Avoid trainers who object to using food as a training reward. Food is an acceptable positive reinforcement training tool. Just like us, our dogs do things because there is something in it for them, usually food. (If the trainer insists that dogs should work for praise only, ask him/her if you can take their classes for free if you tell him/her how good it is.)
11. Run away from trainers who insist you use a choke chain or pinch collar. The new style harnesses and head collars are humane alternatives to choke chains and pinch collars.
12. A good instructor will take care to protect your dog's health in a group setting. Ask if dogs and puppies are required to be vaccinated prior to class and, if so, which vaccines are required. Make sure you and your veterinarian are comfortable with the vaccination requirements.

Once you start a dog training class remember the following:

1. Do not allow a trainer to demonstrate with your dog unless they tell you first exactly what they plan to do.
2. Do not be afraid to tell a trainer to stop if s/he is doing something to your dog you don't like.
3. If a trainer tells you to do something that you don't feel good about, do not do it! Do not be intimidated, bullied or shamed into doing something that you believe is not in your dog's best interest.
4. And last, but certainly not least, have fun while training your pet!

Please fill out and sign registration form.  Submit to:

Mailing Address

Green Acres Kennel Shop
1653 Union Street
Bangor, ME 04401-2204

Phone Number

207-945-6841

Fax Number

207-942-6768

Download Registration Form (DOC)

Download Registration Form (PDF)

 

Why is training a dog so important?

Dogs are a separate species from people and as such have their own special needs and natural instincts. They communicate differently than we humans do, and many of their normal behaviors are counter to our own. When we bring a dog or puppy into our homes and our lives we are asking them to change much of what is natural about their existence. We not only need to teach them how to fit in but also teach ourselves about their needs so that we can learn to accommodate them and adjust our expectations to make the best possible situation for both species; dog and human. If we do not take the time to train our dogs and educate ourselves we will both be frustrated and not nearly as happy as we could be.

What is the best way to train my dog?

First and foremost you want to make sure you train your dog in a manner that is “Dog-Friendly.”

What is “Dog-Friendly” training?

There are several training groups and individuals that talk about “dog-friendly” training and as a result there are several different definitions. At Green Acres “dog-friendly” training is all about understanding and meeting the needs of our dogs as their own unique species, while keeping in mind that each dog is an individual and training them with methods and tools which are humane, gentle, kind and effective.

“Dog-Friendly” training means we encourage behavior we like with frequent and high value rewards and either prevent or ignore behavior we do not like. We do not use or recommend any methods or tools that work on the principal of intimidation or coercion or that have been designed to cause the dog physical, mental or emotional pain. That means we never use or recommend shock collars, choke collars, prong collars, squirt bottles, scruff shakes, alpha rollovers or other inhumane tools and techniques. We do not base our training on the dominance construct which has been refuted by scientific research. (see Dominance: Reality or Myth and Position Statement on the Use of Dominance and Punishment)

Organizations which share our view on “Dog-Friendly” training are; TrulyDogFriendly.com and the American Humane Association (www.americanhumane.org) which established clear criteria for humane training in their 2001 publication Guide to Humane Dog Training.

In their position statement on the use of punishment in animal training the American Society of Animal Behavior states “…punishment (e.g. choke chains, pinch collars, and electronic collars) should not be used as a first-line or early-use treatment for behavior problems. This is due to the potential adverse effects which include but are not limited to: inhibition of learning, increased fear-related and aggressive behaviors, and injury to animals and people interacting with animals. You can read their entire position statement at: http://tinyurl.com/yuab2f

What is the best way to train my dog in a “Dog-Friendly” manner?

The first step in training your dog is to educate yourself on the principles and methodology of teaching desired behaviors. You can do that by reading books, watching videos or attending a class. Just be careful and make sure you select books, videos and classes that are truly “Dog-Friendly.” You can find a list of recommended books and videos by clicking here.

I suggest people start with a good “dog-friendly” training class and supplement their learning with books and videos.

Why do you prefer dog training classes?

There are several reasons I prefer “dog-friendly” classes over any other method of dog training. The first is that you have an instructor of whom you can ask questions. Good dog training instructors recognize that individual students may learn differently. Some learn best by reading, some by observing and some by doing. The best classes will provide you with ample written instructions, a demonstration of how the instructor would train the behavior, and then an opportunity for you to practice the behavior while the instructor observes and assists you. Additionally, group classes form a valuable social function, providing an opportunity for puppy and dog guardians to share frustrations and more importantly successes. They also meet part of the dogs need to be socialized with other people and dogs.

At what age should I start training my dog?

The best time to start training a dog is when they are a young puppy, which is why we start dogs in our Puppy Manners class when they are between 9 and 16 weeks of age. It is never too late to start training, but the earlier you start the easier training will be because neither you nor your dog will have acquired bad habits which will require “untraining.”

Does a puppy need to wait until they have completed all of their vaccines before starting a training class?

Sadly, this is still one of the biggest misconceptions that people have about training classes. While it is important that your puppy be started on vaccines that you and your veterinarian determine are necessary, it is absolutely critical that you start training and socialization before those vaccines are completed. In a letter to all veterinarians, Dr. R. K. Anderson, Professor and Director Emeritus, Animal Behavior Clinic and Center to Study Human/Animal Relationships and Environments at the University of Minnesota states: “Experience and epidemiologic data support the relative safety and lack of transmission of disease in these puppy socialization classes over the past 10 years in many parts of the United States.  In fact; the risk of a dog dying because of infection with distemper or parvo disease is far less than the much higher risk of a dog dying (euthanasia) because of a behavior problem.” You can read Dr. Anderson's to his colleagues by clicking here. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior also emphasizes the importance of starting a puppy in class before they have completed all of their vaccinations. The position can be reviewed at: http://tinyurl.com/5wvtd2

What types of classes does Green Acres offer?

Green Acres classes focus on training your dog to be a fun, well-mannered companion. We offer two introductory classes; a Puppy Manners class for young dogs (9 to 16 weeks of age when class begins) and a Basic Manners class for dogs older than 16 weeks of age when class begins. We also offer Level 2 and Level 3 classes for people that want to take their dog beyond the basics.

What will my dog and I learn in a class?

In Puppy Manners or Basic Manners we will teach you how to train your dog to pay attention, sit, and lie down when given a visual or verbal cue. We teach you to use visual cues or hand signals before verbal cues, because that is our dog’s primary means of communicating. We will also teach the dogs how to take things and to leave things when asked and how to be comfortable being handled by yourself and others. Preventing undesirable behaviors through proper management will also be discussed as ways of dealing with jumping up on people, chewing and play biting. Lastly we begin the process of teaching the dogs to walk nicely on a loose leash and to come when called. Both of these are more complex behaviors than sit or down and run counter to the dog’s natural instincts, so they will take longer to train.

What is clicker training?

Clicker training is a positive, motivational training method based on the scientific principles of learning theory and operant conditioning. The basic principle of clicker training is that behaviors, which are rewarded, are made stronger and occur more frequently. A small mechanical clicker is used to mark the precise instant your dog is performing a behavior as requested and then is followed by a reward, usually a tasty treat. Clicker training makes our dogs active partners in the training process. By having to think about what we want, dogs generally learn quicker, retain lessons better and have more fun doing so. Once a dog has learned a behavior such as “down” we will associate it with both a hand signal and a word cue and start to phase out the use of the clicker.

So what is it about the clicker that makes it work so well?

There is nothing magical about the clicker. It is just utilized to make a sound which is used as an event marker to indicate to the dog the precise instant it has done exactly what we wanted. The trainers at Sea World use a whistle as an alternative to the clicker, and I know trainers that have used a flashlight to train deaf dogs and even goldfish. What makes these event markers work so well is that they mark the animal’s behavior precisely and with no emotional baggage. The animal learns that the flash of light or click means they have done a good job and will be rewarded.

Will clicker trainer work with all dogs?

Yes! Clicker training, or more precisely positive reinforcement training with an event marker, will work with all species of animals. The same techniques we use in our classes at Green Acres have been used to successfully train killer whales, tigers, cats, cockroaches, and even people. There are unfortunately a few “old-fashioned” trainers out there that say clicker training does not work on all animals simply because they do not understand the science behind clicker training and operant conditioning.