Class Schedule and Registration  | Philosophy  |  Teaching Strategies

Great Dog is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, Association of Professional Humane Educators and the recipient of the Mayor's Small Business Award.  We are pleased to have two Certified Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT), three AKC Certified Canine Good Citizen®™ Evaluators, two Delta Society Pet Partner®™ Evaluators, and three Connecting Canines®™ Team Evaluators. These accredited professionals oversee the curriculum to ensure that the most progressive, effective and humane training methods are utilized in our Canine Education Program. 

Teaching Strategies – positive, innovative and humane
We utilize respected learning theory that addresses both human and canine learners! Our Canine Educators understand how both you and your dog learn. We understand that different dogs have different drives and varied motivation. We know that some class participants are new to the joy of learning with their dog, and others are seasoned dog enthusiasts who are seeking to add to their extensive knowledge base. Share your dreams with us and we can help you chart the course to reach your goals. Classes and private lessons are designed to be fun AND cognitively stimulating for everyone. We provide plenty of time for demonstration, practice and discussion. We vary our teaching activities to include games and problem-solving procedures. We focus on teaching humans and their canine family members how to effectively communicate with one another and the results are happy people and dogs who leave each class with new skills. 

Great Dog uses a mixture of positive elements and techniques to motivate your dog to be the best he or she can be! You will learn now to use reward-based training to get the outcomes that you are seeking. We encourage entire families to take advantage of our small class sizes, experienced and certified canine educators and our supportive environment.  Great Dog classes are offered 7 days a week and at varied times to accommodate your busy schedules. Class sizes are limited to 5-12 dogs each to ensure plenty of individualized attention and efficient use of class time. Each Canine Educator is available via email to assist you between class meetings.  

The increased attention given to dog training by the popular “dog whisperer” may have brought you to a point where you are interested in enrolling your dog in a class or lesson. Good for you! But, be sure you investigate the trainers and their methods before you decide where to go. We suggest that you review the links below for the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) the American Humane Association and the Association of Professional Humane Educators (APHE) to determine what kind of canine education program or professional you should select..Great Dog is committed to following these guidelines and exceeding your expectations.

http://www.apdt.com/po/ts/choose_trainer.aspx

http://www.aphe.org/webdocuments/APHE%20Professional%20Guidelines.pdf

Learn more about our Philosophy at Great Dog!