Canine U
Welcome to the Canine U
Canine U Training Classes - designed to be effective, efficient and fun!
Our Training Philosophy:
Our Canine U trainers strive to keep their knowledge and techniques current through obtaining and maintaining membership with the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and certification as Certified Pet Dog Trainers. We want to promote and environment of continued learning and growth, creating the best class experience possible. We believe in teaching you and your dog as a team, helping you read and understand your dog, clearly communicate your expectations and motivate your pet. We use the Least Invasive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA) training philosophy to obtain efficient and effective results, and use reward-based techniques. Any time you and your dog are together you are both learning and training - let us help you make that process quick, easy and, most importantly, fun!
Group Classes Offered:
Specialty Classes
- CARE Seminars Free Seminars on various behavior and training topics.
- PeeWee Play Small Dog Playgroup and positive play education.
- Dogs and Storks - Prenatal classes for expecting families with dogs
Schedule, Registration and Frequently Asked Questions:
- Canine U Schedule
- Register For A Class
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Our Library of Dog Behavior Fact Sheets
The Complete Puppy
The first few months of a puppy's life are the most important for learning good manners and developing good social skills. We'll help you establish a foundation for your puppy and get your relationship with your dog off on the right foot. Topics include: housetraining, common puppy problems like mouthing and chewing, and how to start teaching the basic behaviors like sit, down and come when called. The emphasis is on socialization and learning to communicate and motivate your new dog.
- Age group: Small/medium breeds (dogs likely to be under 40 lbs as an adult) age 8 weeks to 4 months at the start of the class. Large breeds (dogs that will be 40+ lbs as adults), 8-14 weeks at time of class start.
- Class length: 4 weeks (4 one-hour sessions on the same day and time as the class starting dates listed below)
- Cost: $65
- Required Vaccinations: Distemper Combination & Bordetella, Rabies as age-appropriate
- Required Equipment: a 5-6 foot leash, a variety of small treats, and a basic collar (please NO choke chains, pinch/prong or skip collars)
Better Dog One
For continuing puppies and beginning dogs of all ages. This class focuses on teaching you how to tell your dog what you want and motivate them to want to do it. We'll cover basic manners such as no jumping and classic behaviors including sit, down, stay and walk nicely on a leash. Breaking bad habits and shaping your dog into the well-mannered companion you've dreamed of is what this class is all about. Communication and motivation are the focus in this positive and fun class. The first day of class is a lecture for humans only.
- Age group: 4 months and up. Complete Puppy graduates welcome at any age.
- Class length: 6 weeks (6 one-hour sessions on the same day and time as the class starting dates listed below)
- Cost: $85
- Class prerequisites: None
- Required vaccinations: Distemper Combination, Rabies & Bordetella.
- Required Equipment: a 5-6 foot leash, a variety of small treats, and a basic collar (please NO choke chains, pinch/prong or skip collars)
Better Dog Two
Do you and your dog need a little more work on basic manners? Is your dog still acting like a sled dog on leash or jumping all over visitors? Or maybe he just can't seem to settle or stay for more than a few seconds at a time? Build on what you learned in Better Dog 1 and add a few new behaviors including settle, targeting, listen and respond in distracting situations, and improved leash manners. Anyone completing Better Dog 1 can move on to this class.
- Age group: 5 months and up
- Class length: 6 weeks
- Cost: $85
- Prerequisites: Better Dog One or instructor's approval.
- Required vaccinations: Distemper Combination, Rabies & Bordetella.
- Required Equipment: a 5-6 foot leash, a variety of small treats, and a basic collar (please NO choke chains, pinch/prong or skip collars)
Better Dog Three
You and your dog have finally made it to college and all that hard work is paying off. This is the class that covers the stuff you've always wanted to learn. You will refine and perfect the skills covered in Better Dog 1 and 2, and focus on handling your dog in real-life situations. Hands-free/off-leash work is emphasized and we will show you how to function even in the face of the worst distractions (like a delivery person at your door). You'll have the best dog on the block!
- Class length: 6 weeks
- Cost: $85
- Prerequisites: Better Dog Two or instructor's approval.
- Required vaccinations: Distemper Combination, Rabies & Bordetella.
- Required Equipment: a 5-6 foot leash, a variety of small treats, and a basic collar (please NO choke chains, pinch/prong or skip collars)
Canine Good Citizen Testing
Is your dog a Canine Good Citizen (CGC)? CGC is a certification program from the American Kennel Club that is designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. The Canine Good Citizen Program is a two-part program that stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test can receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club.
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- Class length: The test is given by appointment only. Typically, the test takes about 15 minutes but please be prepaired for testing to take longer.
- Cost: $10
- Learn about the test on the AKC website.
- To Register please Call or E-mail Kate at (952) 894-5000 or katea@mvhspets.org
CARE Seminars
An in-depth look at common behavior problems and/or items of interest to pet lovers. CARE Seminars occur every other month and are free of charge.
in August:
Doggie Detectives: An introduction to Search and Rescue
Date: Sunday, August 15th - 6-7:30 pm
Location: Minnesota Valley Humane Society
1313 E. Highway 13
Burnsville, MN 55337
NOTE CARE Seminars last approximately 1-2 hours. Seminars are for people only - bring your questions, not your pet. Suggested minimum donation is $5 per person.
Reservations are necessary. Please email or call Kate at katea@mvhspets.org or (952) 894-5000 ex.30 to register.
PeeWee Play
Dogs are very social animals and PeeWee Play makes it possible for your small breed dog to romp and wrestle with someone his/her own size. PeeWee Play is an off-leash, supervised play class for small and mini breed dogs 20 lbs and under. This is not a formal training class, but a play group with our Canine U trainers on site to supervise and insure appropriate interactions and teach you how to recognize and encourage positive play.There are some changes to how we've done the play group in the past - there will now be 2 shorter play sessions with a break in between. This is to allow more players access to the group and to make sure we do not overwhelm your pup.
RULES:
* Dogs and puppies must be 20 lbs or less.
* You must arrive at the shelter by the start time in order to play - late comers will not be allowed into a play session.
* Shy and semi fearful dogs are welcome - please do not bring dogs that are aggressive towards other dogs. All dogs are allowed to play at the discretion of the trainer.
* Dogs must be current on al vaccinations. On your first visit we'll need to see proof of Rabies, Distemper and Bordetella vaccinations and sterilizations (see below
* Unspayed/unneutered puppies are welcome up to 10 months of age. Older puppies and dogs must show written proof of spay or neuter from your veterinarian. Females in heat cannot participate.
* One dog per adult
* No children under 6 years old. For both the children's safety as well as the safety of the dogs, all children must remain seated and quiet with the parent or legal guardian at all times. Children who are unable to comply will not be allowed to attend future session and may be asked to leave.
* You must sign a Canine U liability waiver when you come for your first session
* Owners are responsible for their dogs actions at all times - please keep an eye on your dog during the play session. The trainers may interrupt your dog's play temporarily at any time, or ask for you to hold onto or pick up your dog.
Location: Minnesota Valley Humane Society
No registration is required - just bring your vet records the first time you come. Play sessions occur on a first-come-first-serve basis; no more than 10 dogs are allowed to play in any session. Should the early session fill, overflow dogs will have priority for the second session. Dogs will be allowed to attend both sessions in any given evening at the discretion of the instructor and as space allows. There is no charge if fewer than 3 dogs attend a session.
2 Play Sessions Sundays November through April.
No PeeWee Play on Sunday, April 4th - Easter
PeeWee play will be closed for the summer - last spring session will be on April 25th.
Fall PeeWee Play will resume in November of 2010 - check back this fall for details.
Early Session 5:30-5:50 - Late Session 6:00-6:20pm
(Cancellations due to weather will be posted on the homepage of our website by 3pm)
COST: $5 per session
If you have questions, please email or call Kate Anders at KateA@MVHSpets.org or call (952) 894-5000 ex.30.
Dogs & Storks
The perfect prenatal workshop for expecting families with dogs!
This 2-hour seminar is for people only, so plan on leaving your dog(s) at home. Dogs & Storks is ideal for families in the 2nd trimester (although families at any stage, even the planning stage, are welcome). We feel it's important to educate the WHOLE family, so parents, grandparents, caregivers are all welcome and the $50 registration fee is good for up to 4 adults (please contact us if you would like to bring additional participants).
Topics covered include:
- Preparing dog for baby
- Including dog in family life
- Dog body language basics
- Attention seeking solutions
- Handling the homecoming
- Safety, safety, safety
- Support, resources and more!
Registering for Dogs & Storks? Please fill out the information about your dog(s) on the enrollment form even though your dog will not be joining us in class.
Schedule for Dogs & Storks
Register
Want to know more about the national program or read the Dogs & Storks Blog? Check out www.DogsAndStorks.com
Questions? E-mail or call Kate at katea@mvhspets.org or (952) 894-5000 ex.30 to register.
