Training

Training Methods

At South Paw, we believe in a “no force” approach to training. We teach owners to train their dogs using positive reinforcement or clicker training.

Positive reinforcement is based on the premise that rewarded behavior is repeated. We use a clicker device to produce a sound, to mark the behavior we want. We find that the clicker is distinct and consistent, and the timing is more accurate than our voice. The clicker is a secondary reinforcer that is paired with a primary reinforcer (something the dog naturally likes; food, play, toy or praise). By clicking a behavior we are giving the dog information “I liked that” and you’re going to be rewarded for it! Consequently, the dog will repeat the behavior again to get rewarded (rewards are slowly faded as training progresses).

Instead of forcing your dog to do behaviors with traditional methods (squishing, choking or pulling), you are setting up a win/win situation. Positive reward training helps build a strong trusting relationship with your dog. It also helps make your dog a happy, confident and obedient pooch!

Available Classes

All classes taught by CCPDT certified trainer Tracy Waterfallen

Coaching your Canine

6 Week Introductory Group Training Class

Class meets 1 hour each week for 6 weeks

Limit 6 dogs per class

Tuesdays and Wednesdays @ 6:30pm

Prerequisite – none

Puppies need to have completed vaccination series in order to participate.

New classes begin each month, call for our next available starting date

(AKC S.T.A.R. puppy available for puppies 4-12 months)

Cost: $175

 

This class will cover:

  • How to introduce the clicker
  • Classical conditioning
  • How to get rid of/prevent undesirable behavior
  • What you’ll need and where to go
  • How to greet others and how NOT to jump
  • Teaching “Go To Your SPOT” (Go to your Bed)
  • Cues, releases, non-reward markers and keep going signals
  • How to get a behavior
  • How to work with distractions
  • Reinforcement schedules
  • The Name Game
  • “Off” – Doggie Zen
  • Get your dog to “Relax”
  • Behaviors – Sit, Down, Come, Stay and Walk on leash without pulling

Suggested Equipment:

  • Collar or harness your dog can not slip out of
  • 6 foot leash
  • Long line (30+ feet)
  • Reinforcements for your dog (treats, toys)
  • Mat for your dog to settle on

Complete our enrollment form and reserve your spot today

Continuing Education

i6 Week Intermediate Group Training Class

Class meets 1 hour each week for 6 weeks

Limit 6 dogs per class

Thursdays @ 6:30pm (Offered once each quarter)

Prerequisite – Coaching Your Canine or Equivalent

(Canine Good Citizen, Community Canine

and Urban Canine Testing Available) 

Cost: $150

 

This class will cover:

  • Variable reinforcement / Remote Rewarding
  • Working with distractions, desensitizing and counter conditioning
  • Interactions with other people and dogs
  • Heel position and public manners
  • Challenging sit, down and stay (increasing duration, distraction and distance)
  • Recall with increasing challenges / distractions
  • Supervised separation, crate work and impulse control
  • Proofing “off” and “settle”
  • Best travel practices

Suggested Equipment:

  • Collar or harness your dog can not slip out of
  • 6 foot leash
  • Reinforcements for your dog (treats, toys)
  • Mat for your dog to settle on
  • Long Line (30+ Feet)
  • Container to keep treats/toys for remote reward
  • Grooming brush for your dog

Complete our enrollment form and reserve your spot today

Competition Skills

Ongoing Class

Mondays @ 6:30pm

Prerequisite: Continuing Education or Equivalent

Cost: $60 per month

 

This class will cover:

  • Rally Obedience practice
  • Competitive Obedience Skills
  • Exposure to other dog sports

Suggested Equipment:

  • Collar or harness your dog can not slip out of
  • 6 foot leash
  • Reinforcements for your dog (treats, toys)
  • Mat for your dog to settle on
  • Platform
  • Target Stick
  • Paw Target
  • Item to Retrieve

Complete our enrollment form and reserve your spot today

Trick Dog

6 Week Class

Thursdays @ 6:30pm (Offered once each quarter)

Prerequisite: Canine Good Citizen or Equivalent

Cost: $150

 

This class will cover:

  • Luring
  • Platform – 4 Paws Up
  • Wait
  • Nose Touch / Target Stick
  • Mark – 2 paws up
  • Rear foot Target
  • Jump
  • Take it (Retrieve) / Pull
  • Off / Drop / Leave It
  • Again / Repeat

Suggested Equipment:

  • Collar or harness your dog can not slip out of
  • 6 foot leash
  • Reinforcements for your dog (treats, toys)
  • Mat for your dog to settle on
  • Platform
  • Target Stick
  • Paw Target
  • Item to Retrieve

Complete our enrollment form and reserve your spot today

Coming Soon

Cost:

Suggested Equipment:

Complete our enrollment form and reserve your spot today

Enroll in a Training Class Today