Curlious Chinese Cresteds

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Training Classes

Classes are vitally important for both you and your dog. Not only will you learn how to teach your dog to behave properly, you both will benefit from the one-on-one time together, and help develop your bond.

There are a lot of places out there that offer training classes, from your local pet supply store, a training club, to the guy down the street. So how do you choose which class to take?

Visit a class – listen for clear instructions, see if there is time for individual practice time in class, and see if the instructor(s) offer occasional one-on-one assistance.
Ask for references - ask students if they like the instructor, if they find the class useful, and if they notice a difference in the dog's behaviour. That is the most important question: do the techniques being taught actually work?
Ask Questions! Most importantly, ask what you and your dog will learn in the class. All classes should have some sort of exam or final test during your last session, to ensure you have perfected the skills taught in your class.

Class Standards

The International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) offers standards for three levels of family dog training, Puppy, Basic, and Advanced. Refer to the outlines below, and compare them to the classes you are considering. Upon completing your class, you and your dog should be able to perform up to the following standards:

Puppy Class - for dogs 10 to 20 weeks old

Sit, Down, Recall

Puppy will sit from a stand or down, using command or signal
Puppy will down from a stand or sit, using command or signal
Puppy will come from distance of 20 feet.
Recall ends with sit, which may be done on command.
Assistant may hold the puppy at a distance of 20 feet.

Walking Nicely on Leash

Puppy will remain with handler on 30 yard/metre walk containing two stops.
Leash will remain loose 80% of the time (4 out of 5 attempts) without any lunges.

Stay, Leave it/off, Handling

Puppy will hold stay (sit or down position) for 30 seconds.
Puppy will leave an attractive/tempting object alone when asked.
Puppy accepts gentle handling of feet, ears and mouth.

Basic Class - for dogs older than 16 weeks

Sit

Dog will sit from a stand or down, using a single command or signal.
Minimum reliability: successful on 4 out of 5 attempts.

Down

Dog will down from a stand or sit, using a single command or signal.
Minimum reliability: successful on 4 out of 5 attempts.

Stand

Dog will stand from a sit or down, using a single command or signal.
Minimum reliability: successful on 4 out of 5 attempts.

Recall

Dog will come from distance of 50 feet.
Recall ends with sit, which may be done on command.
Assistant may hold dog’s leash at a distance of 50 feet.
Minimum reliability: successful on 4 out of 5 attempts.

Walking Nicely on Leash

Dog will remain with handler on 100 yard/metre walk containing two stops.
Leash will remain loose 80% of the time (4 out of 5 attempts) without any lunges.
Heeling is permitted but not required.

Stay

Dog will hold a stay (sit, down or stand position) for one minute.
Handler will stand 6 feet from the dog during the stay.
The only movement permitted is a shifting of feet to maintain balance during a stand/stay.

Leave It/Off

Dog will leave an attractive/tempting object alone when asked.

Sit for Examination

Dog will allow the tester to gently pet him on the head and shoulders while holding a sit/stay beside his handler.
The dog will not show any resentment.

Advanced Class - for on and off leash work

Sit

As with Basic.
Minimum reliability: successful on 7 out of 8 attempts.

Down

As with Basic.
Minimum reliability: successful on 7 out of 8 attempts.

Stand

As with Basic.
Minimum reliability: successful on 7 out of 8 attempts.

Recall

Dog will come from distance of 50 feet.
Recall ends with an automatic sit, with no additional command.
Dog will come from sit/stay position.
Minimum reliability: successful on 7 out of 8 attempts.

Heeling, On leash and Off Leash

Dog will complete a heeling pattern, including left, right and about turns.
Heeling pattern will include 3 changes of pace (slow, fast, and normal).
Heeling pattern will include two stops with automatic sits (no command).
Heeling pattern to be repeated off leash.
Dog will not venture more than a leash-length away from the handler.
Dog will not miss more than one automatic sit.
OPTIONAL: Heeling position not necessary, but dog will complete the above pattern while staying within three feet of the handler for both an on leash and off leash walk.

Stay

All stays to be performed at a distance of 6 feet or greater.
Dog will hold a sit/stay for 2 minutes.
Dog will hold a down/stay for 4 minutes.
Dog will hold a stand/stay, from a distance of 6 feet, for one minute.
During the stand/stay, the dog will be handled.

Leave It/Off

Already established

Stand for Examination

Dog will accept handling from a stranger while maintaining a stand/stay at a distance of 6 feet.