Training your dog can be a rewarding experience for you and your pet. Increased communication lessens frustration and creates a positive relationship based on trust and understanding. For some people a beginning class like my Pet Dog Manners class is adequate. But many dog owners become enthusiastic about training and canine activities. For these people a great way to continue training is a class called Canine Life and Social Skills, or C.L.A.S.S. for short.
C.L.A.S.S. is a three-level evaluation for dog owners to demonstrate the real-life skills of their dogs, as well as a knowledge assessment of the owners’ understanding of basic dog handling and care.
The three levels of the program are named after human university degree programs: the B.A. for Dogs™ (Bachelor’s level), the M.A. for Dogs™ (Master’s level), and the Ph.D. for Dogs™ (Doctorate level). The skills in each level vary in the level of difficulty and distractions. For example, at the B.A. level, we allow the use of treats as rewards after the completion of an exercise, and some of the “real life” skills that are assessed are waiting at the door, drop it, and settle. In the M.A. level, dogs are asked to walk past several dogs of different sizes, breeds and genders, to wait in the car before exiting, and to allow the student to handle various parts of their body. And in the Ph.D. level, students must carry everyday objects such as a cardboard box or paper sack while walking their dogs on a loose leash, ask their dogs to back up, and have their dog demonstrate table manners during a simulated dinner session. Each level also allows for two “bonus rounds” that students may elect to try or not with their dog.
I like goal oriented training. Just teaching your dog to sit is not enough. I want them to be able to sit at the door, sit by the table and sit in the face of distractions. C.L.A.S.S. gives dog owners an opportunity to work toward definable goals in a positive manner.
