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Good Manners Classes
We all want to have good obedient dogs and one of the best ways to ensure that is through a structured class environment.
Dog training should be FUN in addition to working toward the goal of having a good,
well-mannered dog. Best Paw Forward is built on relationship and reward based training. We reward the behaviors that like/want. We get those behaviors by using methods that do not use fear, force or intimidation. We reward by using praise, treats, toys, etc. Trust and cooperation are the root of our relationship-based training. Our Good Manners or "obedience" training has a variety of levels to accommodate you as you and your dog progress in your relationship.
We will be closed Saturday, May 27th through Monday, May 29th for the Memorial Day holiday weekend. No classes on Sunday and Monday. Have a safe weekend as we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
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Puppy Kindergarten
For puppies 9 to 15 weeks of age. This six week class teaches you how puppies learn and communicate. You will learn the fundamentals of becoming a benevolent guardian for your dog. Puppy classes include the basics of crate training, house breaking, nipping, chewing, jumping, separation anxiety, basic cues, confidence building exercises and more. There is ample time in each class for the puppies to work on socialization to people, objects, sounds, a new environment and to other puppies, which is a critical part of your puppy’s development. Class size is limited. Do NOT bring your puppy to the first class (humans only for the first class!) The date listed is the start date of the class session. Class meets for 6 consecutive weeks at the same time, location and day of the week. NEW CLASS SESSIONS BEGIN ON THE FOLLOWING DATES:
6 One-Hour Sessions...$170 |
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| HARTLAND LOCATION | PEWAUKEE LOCATION | ||
Sunday, June 18th at 4:00pm (skip 7/2) |
Tuesday, June 6th at 6:15pm (skip 7/4) ...FULL |
Here is what the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior states about when to start puppy classes https://www.bestpawforward.net/resources/PuppySocializationPosition.pdf
The most important part of raising your new puppy is proper socialization. Each dog is different but, in general, the critical socialization window closes somewhere between 12 and 18 weeks of age. Socialization is not the same as exposure. Puppies need to have purposeful, positive experiences with other dogs/animals, handling, noises, people, surfaces and locations/experiences. These experiences need to be safe and happy, and not be rushed. Undersocialized puppies will almost certainly have some level of behavioral problems so please make this a priority for your puppy. The following video will give you more information about why, how and to what to socialize your pup. Socialization Video
If you have children please read our policy on children attending classes.
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Basic Manners
This 8-week course is designed for dogs older than 16 weeks of age. In addition to learning theory being discussed, Basic Manners teaches you to teach your dog the basic skills that will enable you to have a happy household as well as a happy dog. This course covers basic cues including Sit, Down, Come, Stay, Leave It, Drop It, Wait at the Door, and walking nicely on leash without pulling. Boundary training, impulse control and problem solving are also introduced. For those of you who have taken Puppy Kindergarten, the Basic Manners class adds distance and more distractions (like holding stays for longer times with squeaky toys going off and frisbees flying by). Unlike Puppy Kindergarten there are no off leash socialization periods. Class size is limited. This class is not for leash reactive dogs. Broadly speaking, leash reactivity is when a dog reacts in an unwanted manner toward a given stimulus while on a leash. One of the most common examples is a dog that, when leashed, barks or growls as another canine approaches. However, when that dog is not on a leash, it has no problems. In order to help you and your dog learn in a group setting, dogs must be okay on leash around other dogs (i.e. no growling, excessive lunging, or excessive barking). Do NOT bring your dog to the first class (humans only for the first class!) The date listed is the start date of the class session. Class meets for 8 consecutive weeks at the same time, location and day of the week. NEW CLASS SESSIONS BEGIN ON THE FOLLOWING DATES:
8 One-Hour Sessions....$210 |
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| HARTLAND LOCATION | PEWAUKEE LOCATION | ||
Sunday, May 7th at 5:30pm (skip 5/14, 5/28, 7/2) |
Monday, June 26th at 7:40pm (skip 7/3) |
If you have children please read our policy on children attending classes.
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Level 2 Manners
Picks up where Basic Manners left off and concentrates on those hard to train areas. Improved manners and reliability, more emphasis on heeling and automatic sits, preparation for off-leash heeling, more attention exercises to keep your dog focused on you rather than another dog or person, proofing the recall so that it becomes automatic and reliable. All exercises take cues learned in Basic Manners and practice them at greater distances and with more distractions. Go to mat, drop on recall, fronts and finishes are also covered. Level 2 is a great way to prepare for Canine Good Citizen, Therapy Dog, Rally Obedience and Outdoor Adventures. Class size is limited. Prerequisites: Completion of Basic Manners, ability of dog to hold a 15 second stay in the presence of other dogs (not behind any barriers) with mild distractions. The date listed is the start date of the class session. NEW CLASS SESSIONS BEGIN ON THE FOLLOWING DATES:
6 One-Hour Sessions....$165 |
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| HARTLAND LOCATION | PEWAUKEE LOCATION | ||
Wednesday, August 23rd at 11:30am |
Monday, June 5th at 6:15pm (skip 7/3) ...FULL
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The date listed is the start date of class. You MUST pre-register and pre-pay for all classes. All classes meet once a week on the same day and time. Prices and dates subject to change without notice.
Please note: NO Shock collars, prong collars or choke chains will be allowed in any of our classes.
If you wish to cancel out of a class or switch to a different session, we require 72 hours notice prior to its start date or you will be charged for the entire segment of classes. If you are outside of that window you will be charged for the entire segment of classes. We are not responsible for missed classes. Class fees are non-transferable to another class or class session and non-refundable.
Please go to our registration page to download the registration form.
