Specialty Classes

ONLINE Tricks

Length:

1 hour via Zoom

Description:

Do you want something fun to learn and do with your dog over the holidays? Or do you not need a class but want to submit videos for AKC tricks title review? Sue will explain and demonstrate several foundational behaviors and tricks during each class, watch each dog/handler team perform, offer feedback, suggestions and focus on whatever tricks the group prefers to work on.

Sue is an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, so if you are interested in doing tricks towards a title (optional), she can also review, check off and record your tricks during class at no extra charge. If you don't take the class and just want your tricks video reviewed for AKC title submission, pricing will be only $25.

Fees will be invoiced via PayPal to your email. There will be a free pre-class session scheduled to work out any technical kinks and let you practice using Zoom. If interested in either the class and/or AKC tricks title review, please email Susan Solomon at ssolomon@biglittlek9.com.

Note: This is an ONLINE class. This class will not meet in person.

Class Fees:

$20 / week - $80 total ($18 / week - $72 total for Active Members)

Class Size:

Up to 4 students

Age of Dog:

Any

Requirements:

None.

Instructor(s):

Sue Soloman

ONLINE Novice Scent Work (Odor)

Length:

7 weeks, 1 hour via Zoom

Description:

This class is geared towards dogs who have never done Scent Work. We will introduce the 4 Odors that are used in Scent Work Competition and start the process of odor recognition and searching. Students will have to buy supplies such as boxes and scent kits to participate. Also, they will need to be able to video their homework assignments and upload them to a FaceBook Group. A good internet connect is essential.

Contact Steve Bettcher (steve@k9sniffers.com) for more info or to sign up for this class.

Note: This is an ONLINE class. This class will not meet in person.

Class Fees:

$175

Class Size:

Up to 10 students

Age of Dog:

5 months and older

Requirements:

None.

Instructor(s):

Steve Bettcher

ONLINE Novice Handler Discrimination

Length:

7 weeks, 1 hour via Zoom

Description:

This class is appropriate for dogs that have never done Scent Work and those that have done Odor Search training but not Handler Discrimination. We will introduce the process of getting the dog to recognize the Handler's Scent Article over a Stranger's Scented Article. The class is geared towards AKC Handler Discrimination Competition. Students will have to buy supplies such as boxes and Cotton Gloves to participate. Also, they will need to be able to video their homework assignments and upload them to a FaceBook Group. A good internet connect is essential.

Contact Steve Bettcher (steve@k9sniffers.com) for more info or to sign up for this class.

Note: This is an ONLINE class. This class will not meet in person.

Class Fees:

$175

Class Size:

Up to 10 students

Age of Dog:

5 months and older

Requirements:

None.

Instructor(s):

Steve Bettcher

ONLINE Advanced Handler Discrimination

Length:

7 weeks, 1 hour via Zoom

Description:

We will move to the higher levels such as Advanced, Excellent and Master Handler Discrimination. The class is geared towards AKC Handler Discrimination Competition. Students will have to buy supplies such as boxes and cotton balls/Q-tips to participate. Also, they will need to be able to video their homework assignments and upload them to a FaceBook Group. A good internet connect is essential.

Contact Steve Bettcher (steve@k9sniffers.com) for more info or to sign up for this class.

Note: This is an ONLINE class. This class will not meet in person.

Class Fees:

$175 for new students, $150 for students who have completed Novice Handler Discrimination

Class Size:

Up to 10 students

Age of Dog:

5 months and older

Requirements:

Completion of Novice Handler Discrimination class or have competed in AKC Novice Handler Discrimination.

Instructor(s):

Steve Bettcher

Conformation

Length:

Drop-in class (1 session), 45 minutes

Description:

Learn basic conformation handling skills to show your dog in the breed ring.

Class Fees:

$14 ($12 for Active Members)

Age of Dog:

3 months and older

Requirements:

Dogs must be current on DHPP and Rabies vaccinations.

Instructor(s):

Brad Briscoe, Pam Lister

Intro to K9 Nose Work & Intro to Odor

Length:

6 weeks, 30 minutes

Description:

This sport teaches dogs how to focus on searching and gain confidence.

Class Fees:

$150 first dog, $72 per additional dog

Age of Dog:

3 months and older

Requirements:

Dogs must be current on DHPP and Rabies vaccinations.

Instructor(s):

Josette Kimes, Penny Proctor

Continuing K9 Nose Work

Length:

Drop-in, 120 minutes

Description:

This sport teaches dogs how to focus on searching and gain confidence.

Class Fees:

$25 first dog, $12 per additional dog

Age of Dog:

3 months and older

Requirements:

Dogs must be current on DHPP and Rabies vaccinations.

Instructor(s):

Josette Kimes, Penny Proctor

Rally Obedience

Length:

Drop-in (1 session), about 120 minutes
This class is usually held the second Friday of each month.

Description:

Learn Rally Obedience moves and practice running through Rally courses with your dog.

Class Fees:

$14 ($12 for Active Members)

Age of Dog:

6 months and older

Requirements:

For dogs that have completed a Beginning obedience course. Dogs must be current on DHPP and Rabies vaccinations.

Instructor(s):

Dawn Bushong

Foundation Scent Work Part I

Length:

Drop-in (1 session), 90 minutes

Description:

This class is geared towards preparing dogs for competition Scent Work in AKC, NACSW, SDS and UKC.

The foundation Scent Work Class teaches the dog an Alert Indicator such as a down and/or a sit to indicate odor. This is taught before teaching the search so that the dog knows the exact behavior we want when he finds odor. Many methods start with search and leave it up to the dog to figure out how to indicate odor to the handler leading to a variety of problems later such as excessive scratching, biting, barking and unclear alerting. By conditioning the Alert Indication first, we can bomb proof a dog's Alert behavior and improve searching behavior. Once the "Indication" is bomb proof we move to Odor Discrimination.

Class limited to 6 dog and handler teams.

Class Fees:

$25

Age of Dog:

3 months and older

Requirements:

Dogs must be current on DHPP and Rabies vaccinations. Admission to any class must be pre-approved by instructor, Steve Bettcher 510-290-2653, steve@k9sniffers.com. Pre-class paperwork must be completed prior to start of class.

Instructor(s):

Steve Bettcher

Foundation Scent Work Part II

Length:

Drop-in (1 session), 90 minutes

Description:

This class is geared towards preparing dogs for competition Scent Work in AKC, NACSW, SDS and UKC.

Once the dog has mastered the Alert Indication, we introduce Odor Discrimination. We start by adding a blank box and/or tube along with the operant scent box containing a cocktail of odors used in scent work competition. As the dog becomes proficient in this task, we start adding more scent items (boxes and tubes). We also begin working the dog at distance and independently of the handler. At the end of this phase the dog should be finding the odor, indicating with a sit or down from as many as 12 items and working away from the handler off leash. Individual Odors used in NACSW, SDS and AKC are also introduced in this phase of training.

Class limited to 6 dog and handler teams.

Class Fees:

$25

Age of Dog:

3 months and older

Requirements:

Dogs must be current on DHPP and Rabies vaccinations. Admission to any class must be pre-approved by instructor, Steve Bettcher 510-290-2653, steve@k9sniffers.com. Pre-class paperwork must be completed prior to start of class.

Instructor(s):

Steve Bettcher

Scent Work III

Length:

Drop-in (1 session), 90 minutes

Description:

This class is for dogs who have completed Foundation Scent Work I & II. The class is geared towards preparing dogs for competition Scent Work in AKC, NACSW, SDS and UKC. This class begins introducing the dogs to real world searches such as Containers/Luggage, Interior, Exterior and Vehicles.

Class limited to 6 dog and handler teams.

Class Fees:

$25

Age of Dog:

6 months and older

Requirements:

Dogs must be current on DHPP and Rabies vaccinations. Admission to any class must be pre-approved by instructor, Steve Bettcher 510-290-2653, steve@k9sniffers.com. Pre-class paperwork must be completed prior to start of class.

Instructor(s):

Steve Bettcher

Tricks, Platforms, and Clickers

Length:

Drop-in (1 session), about 60 minutes
This class is usually held the first Wednesday of each month.

Description:

A trick is a behavior you teach your dog for fun. Tricks teach your dog to think creatively. Teaching tricks develops the bond between you and your dog. Tricks enhance visits for therapy dogs, provide interest in freestyle routines, burn energy for puppies, and are a relaxed way to keep older dogs learning and busy. The AKC now offers 5 trick titles. SLDTC's trick training teaches you and your dog many tricks you can use to earn these titles.

One tool for teaching tricks is a low platform (made, for example, of Styrofoam or yoga mats). Learning to stand on a rectangular platform helps a dog learn the correct heel and front positions. A round platform (such as an upside-down dog dish) can be used to train pivots (such as heeling turns) and fine tune fronts. Platforms can also be used in teaching your dog to back up, recognize signals, do go-outs, and various tricks. A couple of the optional tricks for AKC titles involve platforms.

Another teaching tool is a clicker. A clicker makes a unique sound that your dog easily distinguishes from your words. You use the clicker to signal your dog he has done something approaching a behavior you want him to learn. Most dogs love the game of figuring out what he can do to earn the click and the treat that immediately follows.

Class Fees:

$14 ($12 for Active Members)

Age of Dog:

6 months and older

Requirements:

For dogs that have completed a Beginning obedience course. Dogs must be current on DHPP and Rabies vaccinations.

Instructor(s):

TBD

Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Test

Length:

One-time test, about 3 - 4 hours
Each individual test takes about 15 minutes
This test is held periodically.

Description:

Take the AKC's Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test with your dog to earn the Canine Good Citizen Certificate.

Test Fee:

$10

Age of Dog:

6 months and older

Requirements:

Dogs must be wearing a well-fitting buckle or slip collar made of leather, fabric, or chain and be on a leash for the test. Also bring the dog's brush or comb to the test. Dogs must be current on DHPP and Rabies vaccinations.

Evaluator(s):

Dee Bogush, Denise Laberee, Katie Tucker