Complete Class List

Getting Started

Basic Obedience

This class will teach the dog owner teams basic obedience skills. For most, it will prepare the dog owner teams to take the Canine Good Citizen test, certifying them with the AKC as possessing basic social skills and manners. It may also be taken as a refresher or 'brush up' course, or as part of a larger socialization plan for a dog that is particularly nervous or adapting to changes at home.

Class Goals:

At the end of the class, dog owner teams should know how to politely greet a stranger, how to walk through a crowd of diverse people comfortably, how to allow handling of the dog's feet and ears, and how to stay reasonably calm and quiet for 3 minutes out of the owner's sight.

Class Prerequisites:

House training

Items Students Must Bring:

For the dog:

Flat buckle collar (on the dog) with her/his rabies tag, license, and ID OR a properly fitting harness that does not impede full movement with license, rabies cert. #, and ID.
4' - 6' nylon or leather leash
Lots of AMAZING treats ("people food" such as cheese or diced hot dogs often works best). I will usually have some you may experiment with as well. I ask for a $1 donation to the "treat fund" if you'll be picking up snacks at class.

For the human:

Socks and close toed shoes with full heel coverage (Crocs with a strap are okay.)
Pick up bags.
Clicker or whistle if used.
A jacket or additional layers (the working area can be chilly).
The desire to be the best pet owner possible.
A strong sense of fun-- this might be work for us, but it's all play to them!

Skills Taught:

Accepting a friendly stranger-- The dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach it and speak to the handler in a natural, everyday situation.
Sitting Politely for Petting-- The dog will allow a friendly stranger to pet it while it is out with its handler.
Appearance and Grooming-- The dog will permit someone to check it’s ears and front feet, as a groomer or veterinarian would do.
Out for a Walk (walking on a loose lead)-- Following the evaluator’s instructions, the dog will walk on a loose lead (with the handler/owner).
Walking Through a Crowd-- This test demonstrates that the dog can move about politely in pedestrian traffic and is under control in public places. The dog and handler walk around and pass close to several people (at least three).
Sit and Down on Command and Staying in Place-- The dog must do sit AND down on command, then the owner chooses the position for leaving the dog in the stay.
Coming When Called-- This test demonstrates that the dog will come when called by the handler (from 10 feet on a leash).
Reaction to Another Dog-- This test demonstrates that the dog can behave politely around other dogs. Two handlers and their dogs approach each other from a distance of about 20 feet, stop, shake hands and exchange pleasantries.
Reaction to Distraction-- The evaluator will select and present two distractions such as dropping a chair, etc.
Supervised Separation-- This test demonstrates that a dog can be left with a trusted person, if necessary, and will maintain training and good manners. Evaluators are encouraged to say something like, "Would you like me to watch your dog?" and then take hold of the dog's leash. The owner will go out of sight for three minutes. The dog does not have to stay in position but should not continually bark, whine, or pace unnecessarily, or show anything stronger than mild agitation or nervousness. Evaluators may talk to the dog but should not engage in excessive talking, petting, or management attempts (e.g, "there, there, it's alright").

Upcoming Classes

Puppy Start Right

Puppy Start Right (PSR) is an early socialization program geared towards 7-16 week old puppies, with curriculum developed by the dog training experts at Karen Pryor Clicker Training Academy.
A new topic -- from vet visits to crate training -- is covered each week to help you introduce your puppy to family life and the world around them.
Puppy socialization, basic commands, training issues and common puppy problems are also covered in this five-week course.

Getting Started:

An orientation video will be sent to you about one week prior
to the start of the class. There are also weekly homework videos that will be assigned.

Items Students Must Bring/Purchase:

6ft flat leash and flat buckle collar or harness
Lots of soft, tasty, small treats
Dog waste bags
Proof of initial puppy vaccines (given 10+ days before start of class) bordetella/kennel cough vaccine recommended.
Proof of negative fecal test.
*Purchase Required* PSR Course Materials pack must be purchased from instructor
- Reference guide with topics for every lifestage of your dog. Available in paperback or Kindle version.
- Also includes access to instructional videos and a training clicker.

Upcoming Classes

Puppy Pre-K

This is a new class for very young puppies and designed to get them started out on the right paw.

It is NEVER too early to start training.

This will be a fun class to get the puppies started out learning

leash walking, a sit, a come, making eye contact, fun games, and especially socialization with other young puppies.

Treats, treats, more treats and constant praise will be the hallmark of this class.

Training will be fun for the pups and their handlers.

Once a pup finishes this class they will be set up for success in the AKC STAR puppy class and the AKC CGC – Canine Good Citizen.

Dogs MUST be 6 months or younger in age. After the hormones start behavior starts to change!

Items Students Must Bring:

Leash and buckle collar or harness
Lots of soft, tasty treats
Dog waste bags
Proof of initial puppy vaccines

Items Students Must Bring:

Leash and buckle collar or harness
Lots of soft, tasty treats
Dog waste bags
Proof of initial puppy vaccines

Upcoming Classes

Bonding Through Trick Training

With the knowledge that all kinds of interaction increase the bond between dogs and their people, the Olean Kennel Club offers a series of classes titled “Bonding Through Trick Teaching.” Although the objectives of the class focus on building and maintaining personal bonds with your dogs through focused fun, the tricks that are taught are ones that could help you pursue AKC titles at the Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced levels. You can read all about the levels on the American Kennel Club website. Testing for titles must be conducted by an AKC Certified tester. For those interested in testing, a test date will be scheduled at the end of the class and an additional nominal fee will be required which is paid directly to the tester. So, if you want to come out for an evening of play with your dog, learn some tricks that are fun and entertaining, and perhaps earn an AKC Trick Dog title, come check out the “Bonding Through Trick Teaching” classes. Sessions are 6 weeks long for 1 hour per week and sign up quickly, there is a 6-dog limit for each class.

Class Goals:

The primary goals of this class are to help you build a bond between you and your dog, learn how to teach your dog tricks, and most importantly – HAVE FUN! For those who wish, you will also be given an opportunity to test for Trick Dog Titles at the Novice, Intermediate, Advanced and Performer levels.

Items Students Must Bring:

Leash and buckle collar or harness
Lots of soft, tasty treats
Dog waste bags
Proof of current vaccines & negative fecal test
A good attitude and ability to have fun!

Class Prerequisites:

Dogs must have basic obedience skills and necessary vaccinations. There are no age limits. Puppies to senior dogs – all are welcome!

Skills Taught:

The particular tricks will vary by class but include such things as fetch, roll over, catch, jump through hoops, wipe your feet, shell game, pray, leg weaves, and many more!

Upcoming Classes

Novice Class

You and your pup will be working on tricks such as find it, high five, jump through a hoop, fetch, shake hands, spin in a circle, touch, and run through a tunnel. If you decide to test for the Novice title and your dog already has its CGC, it need only perform 5 tricks. Those without the CGC title will need to perform 10. Handlers may lure if needed and use toys, treats, or clickers for reinforcers. In addition to playing with your pups to learn new tricks, you will be provided with an article each week to read that focuses on how to build and strengthen your bonds with your dogs. We will begin each new week sharing our thoughts on the readings and demonstrating the tricks practice the previous week.

Novice Class

Intermediate Class

Building on skills learned in the novice class, we will continue to use shape, lure, and capture your pup’s behavior creating an even bigger bag of tricks. A sample of the tricks at the Intermediate level include catch, go to your place, roll over, shell game and sit pretty. Of course, we will also continue to build our knowledge of the importance of the human/canine bond by reading “Love is All You Need: The Revolutionary Bond-Based Approach to Educating Your Dog”. (Prerequisite: Dogs must have completed Novice Class or have earned the Novice title.)

Intermediate Class

Advanced Class

The journey continues through chaining previously learned skills to perform fun and entertaining tricks. A sample of the tricks at the Advanced level include hide your head, cover up with a blanket, get the mail, and pick up your toys. Readings and discussions related to bond building will be included in this course. (Prerequisite: Dogs must have completed the Intermediate Class or have earned the Intermediate title.)

Certifications

AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy

Nine week curriculum is based on the AKC (American Kennel Club) Puppy S.T.A.R. program which emphasizes Socialization, Training, Activity, and Responsibility for pups and their owners. Class will meet for one hour each week.

Class Goals:

To help puppies and their owners get off to a good start by equipping owners with the basic knowledge and skills necessary to help their pups learn while achieving their AKC Star Puppy Certification. We also introduce games and exercises designed to set the groundwork for a lifetime of fun and adventure with your dog.

Class Prerequisites:

Puppies must be nine (9) months or younger on the first day of class. Proof of the initial core/puppy vaccination shots in process or completed is required; as well as a recent fecal sample which is negative for parasite.

Items Students Must Bring:

Puppy should be wearing a plain, flat buckle collar or harness. Leather or fabric leash, 4-5' in length. Plenty of small treats. Additional information provided upon acceptance into class.

Skills Taught:

Being a Responsible Dog Owner
Housetraining and crate training
How to deal with a pup's natural behaviors
Sit / Down / Come
Walking on a loose lead
Helping pups learn to listen to their owners around distractions and other dogs
Basic grooming techniques
Tips for maintaining your dog’s health throughout their lifetime
Basic confidence building exercises

Upcoming Classes

AKC Canine Good Citizen

Seven week curriculum, one hour each week, designed to teach the fundamentals required to pass the AKC CGC test.

Class Goals:

To prepare dog and handler to pass the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Test – which certifies the dog can be under the control of and respond to the handler in the presence of distractions – while building a positive relationship between dog and handler.

Class Prerequisites:

Dogs must be six (6) months and over on the day of the first class. Puppies less than one (1) year old should have successfully completed a Puppy STARS class prior to enrollment; or be assessed for appropriate skill levels by the instructor. Proof of core puppy immunizations / boosters and rabies immunization required.

Items Students Must Bring:

Dog must be on a plain, flat buckle collar or harness. Leash should be 4-5' in length of fabric or leather. Plenty of small training treats. Other information will be provided upon acceptance of enrollment in class.

Skills Taught:

Accepting a "friendly stranger" who approaches
Sitting politely for petting
Allow a “friendly stranger” to briefly examine and brush them
Walking on loose lead – alone and through a crowd
Sit / Down / Stay
Coming when called
Acceptance of other dogs and various other distractions
Ability to wait calmly with someone while owner goes out of sight
Basic confidence building exercises
Handler knowledge / skills will include:
- Recognizing stress signals in your dog
- Basic grooming techniques
- House training and crate training
- Some first aid basics

Upcoming Classes

Dog Sports

Agility (All Levels)

You’ve seen these canine athletes on television having a wonderful time competing for coveted titles. Running obstacle courses in designated sequences with their human partners -agility is the ultimate team activity. Whether you want to compete or just have a lot of fun with your dog; learn this wonderful sport at the Olean Kennel Club.

Class Goals:

Instructors will show you how to safely teach your dog to use various types of agility equipment, and how to guide your dog through an agility course. If desired, this class will prepare you and your dog to compete for titles at agility competitions!

Class Prerequisites:

Dogs must have taken a basic obedience class before enrolling in agility

Items Students Must Bring:

High Value Treats (Soft treats preferred)
Buckle, martingale, or slip collar and leash (Buckle required for intro class)
Water & bowl
Crate (Many crates available onsite, bring bed/drape if needed)
Commitment to a positive, patient training and trust building experience with your dog(s)

Skills Taught:

A-frame

Dog Walk

Tunnel

Jumps

Teeter

Pause Table

Weave poles

Handling

Upcoming Classes

Intro to Agility

You and your dogs can tackle any obstacle as a team! This class introduce dogs and handlers to playing the sport of agility. Focusing on safety, fun/reward-based learning, and bond building. Class will gradually introduce agility obstacles, handling techniques, and skill/stamina strengthening exercises. Coursework will build strong foundation for intermediate agility class.

Class Prerequisites:

Dog must be at least 6 months old.

Dog must have foundation of basic doggie manners (come, sit, stay, down, loose lead walking, and a word/sound for correct behavior such as ‘Yes!’ or ‘Good!’). Dogs must have either completed a basic obedience class or be able to demonstrate basic doggie manners in an evaluation before class (contact instructor to schedule).

Novice Agility

Building on the skills learned in Intro to Agility, this class will increase familiarity with agility obstacles. Owners and dogs will build confidence by navigating simple agility courses. Teams can begin to work toward goal of competing in agility trials, or simply enjoying your newfound talent. Coursework will focus on safe and successful completion of obstacles, building owner's handling techniques, and skill/stamina strengthening exercises. Course may be repeated as desired/needed.

Class Prerequisites:

Dog must be at least 8 months old.

Dog must have completed Intro to Agility or similar coursework, and demonstrate a beginner level of agility knowledge

Advanced Agility

Have you fallen in love with agility? Whether you have just started entering trials, are well-established in the ring, or just want to be the best backyard agility team on the block, this class offers competition-level course navigation. Work on advanced handling techniques, master tricky sequences, and build speed and distance. Course is ongoing. Drop-ins welcome with instructor permission.

Class Prerequisites:

Dog must be at least 1 year old.

Team must have intermediate level skill, will be evaluated prior to joining this class.

Rally Basics

Rally Obedience - RallyO - is a fast growing dog sport where the dog and handler team work together following a numbered series of signs describing various exercises such as, "Sit your dog and walk around them." The exercises are designed to improve the dogs basic obedience skills and ability to work with handlers in a distracting environment, while improving the bond between owner and dog at the same time.

Class Goals:

Introduce dogs and owners to the sport of RallyO. Learn how to properly perform all of the current AKC Novice level exercises. Improve loose lead walking, stays, and other basic obedience skills. Have fun & build a closer relationship with your dog!

Class Prerequisites:

Dogs should be approximately one year or older and have CGC Certification or good basic obedience skills such as sit, down, stay, and come, as well as be able to walk with their owner on a loose lead. Dogs must also be under control and relatively calm in the presence of other dogs.

Items Students Must Bring:

Leather or fabric leash, approximately 6' in length.
Good supply of training treats.
If you already train with a clicker, you may use it in class.

Skills Taught:

36 current AKC RallyO Novice exercises
Proper heel position

Upcoming Classes

Obedience (All Levels)

American Kennel Club Obedience competition is referred to as a Companion Event. AKC Companion Events include obedience, rally, tracking, and agility. These events are open to all dogs – pedigree and mixed breeds.

There are many levels and dogs can earn titles at each level. Dogs can receive titles at all the different levels – beginner novice, companion dog, companion dog excellent, and utility dog. With continued showing you can also be awarded an Obedience Title Champion.

Class Goals:

In Obedience, a dog is trained to perform different activities under the direction of the owner. Things like sit, stay, stand for examination, heel on and off leash, recall, and long sit and long down – either with the owner present or out of sight. Working with your dog with positive training is stressed. Like all activities obedience competition is designed to increase the bond between handler and dog.

Items Students Must Bring:

A proper leash and collar for all levels
For higher levels, things like scent articles, gloves, dumb bells

Upcoming Classes

Seminars

Canine First Aid

Learn how to deal with emergency situations like: choking, bleeding, rescue breathing and CPR.

Private Lessons

Private lessons are available again on a limited basis.

Private lessons tailored around your specific concerns. Lessons available for all levels from basic manners (sit, down, come, leash walking, polite greeting, etc.), to the more advanced Canine Good Citizen or therapy dog skills, or the more traditional canine sports of rally, obedience and agility.Open to puppies and dogs of all ages; handlers under 16 years of age are welcomed, but must be accompanied by an adult.

Lessons held at the Olean Kennel training building.

Olean Kennel Club