School’s in Session!

Whether its puppy building blocks, real world manners, how to come when called or classes just for learning how to walk politely on leash, Faithful Friends offers people- and dog-friendly opportunities for learning. Effective, FUN! easy to understand exercises help you establish an appreciation for your dog and all that he or she brings to your world.

Group Class and Private Coaching Safety Precautions

It’s still a wild world out there, so let’s put a little training fun, structure and safety back into your not-so-normal life with your dog! In order to keep you, your dog and your fellow classmates safe during group classes, private one-on-one coaching, assessment/consults, and day training, we’ll still practice smart safety protocols. Attendance in group training classes requires that you are vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19. Additionally, facial masks are recommended but not required while attending class. If you are not vaccinated, we can discuss options for private one-on-one training. Hand washing and hand sanitizing are encouraged. Please inform me prior to our training session if you or anyone in your family is not feeling well, and/or if there has been any close contact with someone who has been ill. Learning can still be fun while staying safe and healthy!

Group Class Safety Protocols:

  • Group class size limit is five dog/handler teams unless otherwise noted.
  • Participants must be vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19.
  • Total number of participants, including the instructor, is ten for group classes. If you are considering bringing a guest/family member, please indicate that on your wait list or registration form.
  • Some classes – Out on the Town Hounds, Recall-COME and Leash On/Walk On, for example – will be held primarily outdoors (weather permitting) but will still require a mandatory Zoom orientation session.
  • Social distancing of 6+ feet will still be implemented whether indoors or out.
  • Facial masks are recommended but not required while attending group classes or one-on-one private training.
  • Hand sanitizer will be provided when you arrive for your session and again before your departure.

One-on-One Private Coaching & Day Training Safety Protocols:

  • One-on-one private coaching is available at the training facility, at a local park or in your home. Only two people per household may participate in a coaching session whether the session is held at the training facility (inside or outside at the Second Street Studios environs) at a local park or in your home.
  • If the coaching session is inside your home, masking is required.
  • Participants must be vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19. Please notify me if you are not vaccinated.
  • Hand sanitizer will be provided when you arrive for your session and again before your departure.

Behavioral Assessment/Consult Safety Protocols:

  • Assessment/consults may be conducted online, at the training facility, at your home or at a local park. Please contact me for more information.
  • If the assessment/consult is in your home, masking is required.
  • In-person assessment/consults require that you are vaccinated for COVID-19.
  • Assessment/consult services are also offered via Zoom or phone conferencing. This is the best option for fearful, shy, reactive or aggressive dog behaviors. We will “meet” in the safety of your own home. Zoom or phone conferencing helps in keeping your dog under-threshold and there are no worries about traveling with your fearful or reactive dog.
  • Less is more!

The Digital Dog© – Tele-training and Beyond!

  • Live, online tele-training individual sessions and classes are fun, fast, efficient and give you solutions to your dog’s behavioral challenges from the comfort of your own home.
  • Online tele-training sessions and classes have no limit to the number of family members who can attend!
  • A great option for pups who have not yet received their second set of vaccinations; for those excitable teenage pups; and for dogs who display fearful, shy, reactive or aggressive behaviors.
  • Easy scheduling, video review, and supportive materials are part of your comprehensive behavior change plan, group class curriculum, and/or individual coaching session.
  • Camaraderie and your own in-home cheering squad provided!
  • Your dog’s attention is on YOU versus what the dog next to him is getting for a treat…
  • Pet parents who would like more individualized attention love tele-training.
  • The “original social distancing”!

Sign Me Up! Group Class Registration

Ready to get started? Choose a class and fill out the registration form – a link to the form is located at the end of each class description. If the class you are interested in is not currently available/scheduled, go ahead and fill out a wait list form – I’ll contact you as soon as the class is available. Don’t forget to hit the submit button! 

Class registration fees may be paid via cash, check or credit card at the first session with your dog.

Group training classes may be cancelled or rescheduled due to low enrollments or for reasons deemed necessary by Faithful Friends Dog Training. Students enrolled in group training classes will be contacted via email a minimum of 24 hours in advance to the start of the class to confirm that the class will meet, is cancelled, or will be rescheduled at a later date.

* Please note – As a general rule, make-up classes are not automatically available. Absences/emergencies will be reviewed on an individual basis.

Please call 505-660-9097 or email dmoody28@comcast.net today regarding questions on class content, schedules, and which class is right for you and your dog.

Faithful Friends Dog Training, LLC. shares a bright, clean and spacious training studio with Deborah Tolar of Santa Fe Dog, LLC., bringing you innovative and fun group classes, private training sessions, special topics classes, and events. While we function as our own dog training businesses, it makes sense to offer our services in one easily accessible location!

Location

The training studio is located at Second Street Studios, 1807 Second St., #42.  

Go past Back Road Pizza; turn right into the next entrance where you see a yellow stucco building with a wavy-rusted metal fence (the old Cloud Cliff Bakery); come in this entrance and we are #42 on the left just before the large parking lot. Look for four large blue pots out front, and a blue sign with a metal dog and #42 on it to the right of the front door. Our business signs are located on the front, back and side of the building. If you come to Lena Street, you’ve gone one entrance too far – please turn around! Click here for a handy Google Map.

WAIT! I need a class!

If the class you are interested in is marked full or isn’t scheduled yet, please indicate your preference in the Wait List section of the registration form, fill it out completely and click on the submit button. I’ll contact you as soon as that class is scheduled. Hope to see you and your dog soon!

Check back for topics classes & short workshops, too!

Leash Dragging

Don’t force, REINFORCE!©

Current Class Offerings

If you are interested in a class(es), but the day/time does not work for you,

please fill out a wait list form and I will get back with you ASAP about the next available class.

It shouldn’t be long! Thanks for your support! 

P1 – Puppy Building Blocks – 6 weeks; class is limited to 5 puppies; Wednesday’s, 5:30-6:30 pm; *3/27 (Zoom orientation), 4/3, 4/10, 4/17, 4/24 & 5/1. *CLASS IS FULL!

For puppies 8 – 16 weeks in age at start of class with pups on 4/3; small breed puppies over 4 months in age may attend with instructor approval. If your puppy is at or older than 16 weeks in age at the start of the class, the Puppy Elementary class is recommended instead. *First class (3/27) is your one-hour Zoom orientation. Class registration fee: $280.00 includes tax

Location(s) – Class is held at the training studio.

Start here! This fun, play-and-learn class focuses on socialization and life skills in a safe and supervised environment. Research has shown that a puppy’s developmental period is the most sensitive and impressionable before 16 weeks of age. Each and every minute, your puppy is learning whether you like it or not! This kindergarten-style class will help you understand common puppy challenges such as nipping, rough play, chewing, barking, and jumping up. Puppies will be exposed to novel stimuli, through sounds, sight, and surfaces. Your homework will include select, safe socialization exposure and experiences and exercises. Online discussions will include tips for managing your puppy’s environment while you are away from home, crate training, bite inhibition, house training, and the importance of early socialization. Through rewards-based techniques, your puppy will be introduced to basic manners such as name recognition, sit, down, polite greetings, puppy Zen (handling and cooperative care), and beginning leash walking. A great way to lay the foundation for you and your pup to develop good habits together! Age appropriate vaccination schedules will be discussed and reviewed at orientation. *Puppies who participate in the Puppy Building Blocks class should have a fecal flotation test no less than one week prior to the first class with puppies. Pups must have received their second set of vaccinations no less than one week prior to the first class session with puppies. Click here to register or to fill out a wait list form.

P2 – Puppy Elementary – 6 weeks; class is limited to 5 puppies; Thursday’s, 5:30-6:30 pm; *3/21 (Zoom orientation), 3/28, 4/4, 4/11, 4/18 & 4/25. *One space left!

For pups 4 – 7 months at start of class with pups on 3/28. This class is also a good choice for pups who missed P1 – Puppy Building Blocks (kindergarten) and/or for those who still need age-appropriate socialization. *First class (3/21) is your one-hour Zoom orientation. Class registration fee: $280.00 includes tax. 

Location(s) – Class is held at the training studio.

The next step after Puppy Building Blocks! The goals for Puppy Elementary class are continued focus on socialization, management of arousal biting and nipping, settling and handling, preventing attention seeking behaviors, incorporating age-appropriate exercise, and everyday home challenges (house training; jumping; crate training; chewing). Expand your puppy’s basic manners skill set and focus (sit, down, wait, leave it/drop it, beginning recall and leash walking) through exposure to more distractions in a fun and challenging environment. Proof of current vaccinations or titer testing must be provided prior to start of class. Click here to register or to fill out a wait list form.

P3 – Tweens 1.0 – 6 weeks; class is limited to 5 participants; Wednesday‘s, 12:30-1:30 pm; *3/27 (Zoom orientation), 4/3, 4/10, 4/17, 4/24 & 5/1. *CLASS IS FULL!

For dogs 6 – 24 months at start of class with dogs on 4/3. *First class (3/27) is your one-hour Zoom orientation. Class registration fee: $280.00 includes tax.

Location(s) – Class is held at the training studio.

Don’t skip this step! NOW is the time to enroll your teenager in a training class – learning doesn’t end with puppy kindergarten. While the age that your dog will enter adolescence and come out the other end as an adult depends on the breed and his own individuality, what is abundantly clear is that you have a “Tween” on your hands! No longer a puppy and not quite an adult, your Tween seems to have the attention span of a gnat and is forever busy barking, digging, chewing, marking, and playing. Tweens may now be cautious or fearful of seemingly benign people, places and things. NOW is the time for real world guidance, patience and relationship-building!

This class will emphasize the importance of continued socialization, learning how to build attention and focus, improving your verbal and visual cues, and understanding how to make distractions work for you. Basic manners will be re-energized through fun games and exercises. Impulse control behaviors such as Leave It, Wait/Stay, Drop It, Polite Greetings, and Relax On the Mat will help your Tween make good choices. Restore your faith in your pup! Proof of current vaccinations or titer testing must be provided prior to start of class. Click here to register or to fill out a wait list form.

P4 – Tweens 2.0 – 6 weeks; class is limited to 5 participants; Wednesday’s, 2:30-3:30 pm; *3/27, 4/3, 4/10, 4/17, 4/24 & 5/1. *CLASS IS FULL!

For dogs 6 – 24 months at start of class on 3/27. *No Zoom orientation – bring your dog to all sessions. Class registration fee: $280.00 includes tax.

Location(s) – Class is held at the training studio.

Not ready for the Big Dogs yet? The Tweens 2.0 is the next best choice for your teenage dog! Keep up the good work, communication and relationship building that you’ve established with your Tween – onward through the fog! We’ll start adding even more distractions, distance and duration, and begin proofing those behaviors that will help your Tween improve his/her life skills.

Prerequisites: For those who have completed the introductory Tweens 1.0 class or with permission of instructor. Class is not recommended for fearful dogs or leash reactive dogs – those who lunge, snap or bark at people or other dogs. Your dog must be people- and dog-friendly. Click here to register or to fill out a wait list form.

P5 – Tweens 3.0 – 6 weeks; class is limited to 5 participants; Friday’s, 2:30-3:30 pm; *3/29, 4/5, 4/12, 4/19, 4/26 & 5/3. *CLASS IS FULL!

For dogs 6 – 24 months at start of class. *No Zoom orientation – bring your dog to all sessions. Class registration fee: $280.00 includes tax. 

Location(s) – Class is held at the training studio.

Prerequisites: For those who have completed Tweens 1.0 and Tweens 2.0 classes or with permission of instructor. Class is not recommended for fearful dogs or leash reactive dogs – those who lunge, snap or bark at people or other dogs. Your dog must be people- and dog-friendly. Click here to register or to fill out a wait list form.

Real World Manners I – 6 weeks; class is limited to 5 participants; day/time TBA. Fill out a wait list form and I will connect with you shortly!

For dogs 6 months and older. Those younger than 6 months in age may enroll in Real World Manners I if neither the Puppy Elementary or Tweens class is available or if you have a scheduling conflict. *First class is  your one-hour Zoom orientation. Class registration fee: $280.00 includes tax. 

Location(s) – Class is held at the training studio.

Through fun training games and exercises, learn how to use behaviors such as sit, down, go to your mat, eye contact, wait, polite greetings, recall (come), and loose leash walking, so that your dog can be successful at home and out in the real world. Recognize how to prevent jumping up on guests, leash reactivity, destructive chewing, counter-surfing, excessive barking, and more. Learn what motivates your dog and how to use it to train for the behaviors you want! This valuable, on-leash class is for dogs with no previous training experience or for those needing a real world manners review. Pet guardians must show proof of current vaccinations or titer testing results prior to start of class. Click here to register or to fill out a wait list form.

Real World Manners II – 6 weeks; class is limited to 5 participants; day/time TBA. Fill out a wait list form and I will connect with you shortly!

For dogs 10 months and older. *No orientation – students meet with their dog for all sessions. Class registration fee: $280.00 includes tax.                    

Location(s) – Class is held at the training studio.

Prerequisites: Dog/handler team must have successfully completed a Real World Manners I class or similar basic obedience class. Class is not recommended for fearful dogs or leash reactive dogs – those who lunge, snap or bark at people or other dogs. Your dog must be people- and dog-friendly.

Improve your dog’s impulse control, focus and reliability through fast, fun and rewarding exercises and games. Learn how to achieve a greater level of training success by utilizing “life rewards”. Control your dog’s resources instead of trying to control your dog! With an emphasis on duration, distractions and distance, build on basic skills such as wait, relax on the mat, sit, down, leave it/drop it and come when called, while improving your relationship and communication with your dog. Focus will be on rate of reinforcement and improving handler cueing skills. A great class to practice for your Canine Good Citizen™ test! Pet guardians must show proof of current vaccinations or titer testing results prior to start of class. Click here to register or to fill out a wait list form.

Reactive Rover I – 6 weeks; class is limited to 3 participants; day/time TBA. Fill out a wait list form and I will connect with you shortly!

Reactive Rover II – 6 weeks; class is limited to 4 participants; day/time TBA. Fill out a wait list form and I will connect with you shortly!

Reactive Rover III – 6 weeks; class is limited to 3 participants; day/time TBA. Fill out a wait list form and I will connect with you shortly!

Reactive Rover IV – 6 weeks; class is limited to 3 participants; day/time TBA. Fill out a wait list form and I will connect with you shortly!

Reactive Rover II, III & IV are on-going classes – each class segues into the next. For Reactive Rover I, the first class is your one-hour mandatory Zoom orientation. Class registration fee: $395.00 includes tax. 

Prerequisites: Reactive Rover classes are for dogs who are leash reactive (fearful and/or shows frustration towards other dogs while on leash), but are not for dogs who are aggressive towards people. These classes are also not appropriate for those dogs who have seriously injured another dog while on- or off-leash. Please contact Faithful Friends for an behavior assessment and private one-on-one training if your dog displays aggressive behavior towards people.

Your dog harmoniously lives with other dogs. Your dog goes to doggie daycare and has lots of friends. Clip on a leash, and enter the world of barking, lunging, whining, spinning, pulling and a plethora of other “-ing” words when your dog spies another dog. What gives?! Whether it’s fear, frustration or a combination of the two, leash reactivity is stressful and downright exhausting for you and your dog. Maybe you’ve toyed with the idea of not walking your dog; you already spend your time together trying to circumvent any sightings of or interactions with other dogs.  How many times have you seen a dog pulling their person from across the park heading straight for you, while hearing the ubiquitous, “Don’t worry! My dog is friendly!” Sigh… You just want to walk your dog in peace!

Reactive Rover focuses on foundation handling, timing and mechanical skills for you and your dog, in a calm, controlled, stress-free environment. Learn how to gain your dog’s focus and reinforce alternate behaviors – be proactive, not reactive!

Dogs will have their own “space” behind an ex-pen (exercise pen) with sheets draped over the pen to limit visual access to the other dogs/handlers in the class. We will utilize the pens/sheets in each session until we determine that the dog/handler team is able to be aware but not reactive to the stimuli in the training facility. All exercises will be performed in their “safe space”. Let’s set you and your dog up for success!

Strict protocols for entering and exiting the training facility will be employed.

This class can help you:

  • Gain an understanding your dog’s limitations and preferences – and respect them.
  • Show your dog how to make appropriate choices and decisions that earn reinforcement.
  • Learn how over-managing your dog is not helpful.
  • Remove “Band-Aids” so that the reactivity can heal.
  • Attain peace at both ends of the leash – why is the leash such a lightning rod?
  • Set your dog – and you – up for success.
  • Choose the right equipment for the right mindset – human and canine.
  • Understand triggers, thresholds, and body language.
  • Make micro-adjustments in your dogs reactivity. “Less is more” will be your new motto!
  • Administer behavior “vaccinations” for dogs and their people.
  • Recognize that your dog’s reactivity doesn’t define him/her. Or you!

Proof of current vaccinations or titer testing must be shown prior to start of class. Click here to register or to fill out a wait list form.

Out On The Town Hounds© – 6 weeks; class is limited to 5 participants; day/time TBA. Fill out a wait list form and I will connect with you shortly!

Out On The Town Hounds 2.0© – 6 weeks; class is limited to 5 participants; for those who have already participated in Out On the Town Hounds© or with permission of instructor; day/time TBA. Fill out a wait list form and I will connect with you shortly!

For dogs 4 1/2 months and older. *First class is your Zoom orientation. Class registration fee: $315.00 includes tax.                                                      

Location(s) – Class is held at local parks (weather permitting); we will determine weekly locations during orientation.

Prerequisite: Dogs must have already completed a basic manners class, or with permission of instructor.

It’s time to take your training on the road – literally! Let’s get out-and-about in the greater Santa Fe area and practice your dog’s polite social skills and manners in the real world. Yikes…that woman wants to pet my dog and I know he’ll jump on her…. Uh-oh, there’s a squirrel! Hmmm…here comes a bicyclist on the sidewalk… Is that an off-leash dog headed right towards us? Learn how to set your dog – and you – up for success in a variety of environments and real-life distractions while practicing social distancing! Leash handling skills and techniques as well as safety, management and prevention tips will be discussed and applied during the weekly outings.  Practice leave it, wait, and polite greeting skills; learn how to exit the car calmly, focus on you while moving past people, and safely pass by barking dogs in their yards. We’ll visit local parks and hiking trails, downtown neighborhoods and streets, and dog-friendly businesses and restaurants. Pet guardians must show proof of current vaccinations or titer testing results prior to the start of class. Your dog  must be people- and dog-friendly. This class is not the best option for reactive rovers! Click here to register or to fill out a wait list form.

Leash On – Walk On! – 6 weeks; class is limited to 5 participants; day/time TBA. Fill out a wait list form and I will connect with you shortly!

For dogs 4 1/2 months and older; dogs younger than 4 1/2 months with permission of instructor. *First class is your one-hour Zoom orientation. Class registration fee: $315.00 includes tax.       

Location(s) – Class is held at local parks (weather permitting); we will determine weekly locations during orientation. 

Does walking your four-legged friend feel more like a drag than a walk? This six-week class will concentrate on the best walking management practices so that you and your dog have FUN! Which equipment to use; how to reinforce calm and polite behaviors before and during walks; focus and attention skills when passing people, dogs, and other enticing distractions; and how to reward and reinforce your dog’s good leash walking behaviors. Orientation and one session will be on Zoom to polish our foundation skills. The last three classes will be held at locations around town to practice the skills you learned in your Zoom session – we will coordinate meet-up times for the outdoor practice sessions. Class is not recommended for leash reactive dogs – those who lunge, snap or bark at people or other dogs. Pet guardians must show proof of current vaccinations or titer testing results prior to the start of class. Your dog must be people- and dog-friendly. This class is not the best option for reactive rovers! Click here to register or to fill out a wait list form.

CGC: Canine Good Citizen – 7 weeks; class is limited to 5 participants; Friday’s, 12:30-1:30 pm; *3/29, 4/5, 4/12, 4/19, 4/26, 5/3 & 5/10. *CLASS IS FULL!

For dogs 6 months and older. *First class (3/29) is your one-hour Zoom orientation. Class registration fee: $350.00 includes tax and your test fee.

Prerequisites: Your dog must already have participated in a manners/obedience class prior to enrolling in CGC, whether or not you take the test on week 7.

The Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification program was developed by the American Kennel Club to recognize those dogs who demonstrate good manners and behavior, both in the home and out in the community.

Please note – Dogs who have passed the CGC Test should not be confused with service dogs. Service dogs help people who have disabilities. While CGC dogs do not have the same access to public places as service dogs, CGC training is a good first step for teaching your dog to be a therapy dog. Therapy dog programs can certify you and your dog to volunteer in nursing homes, schools and hospitals. Passing the CGC test lays the foundation for other activities such as competition obedience, agility, tracking, and performance events.

Most of all, training for the Canine Good Citizen test is fun, useful, and will help you and your dog establish a closer bond and understanding!

Week 1 – Orientation

 Week 2

  • Accepting a Friendly Stranger – Test Item #1
  • Sitting Politely For Petting – Test Item #2
  • Appearance and Grooming – Test Item #3
  • Out For a Walk (Walking On a Loose Lead) – Test Item #4

Week 3

  • Sit and Down on Cue & Staying In Place -Test Item #6
  • Coming When Called – Test Item #7

Week 4

  • Walking Through a Crowd – Test Item #5
  • Reaction To Another Dog  – Test Item #8
  • Reaction To a Distraction – Test Item #9

Week 5

  • Supervised Separation – Test Item #10

Week 6

  • Review/Practice

Week 7

  • Test

PLEASE NOTE: Dog/handler teams may participate in the class just for fun and practice, and choose not to take the test on week 7. This class would not be a good fit for dogs who are not people- and dog-friendly.

Pet guardians must show proof of current vaccinations or titer testing results prior to start of class. Click here to register or to fill out a wait list form.

Four on the Floor! (No Jumping) – 5 weeks; class is limited to 5 participants; day/time TBA. Fill out a wait list form and I will connect with you shortly!

For dogs 4 1/2 months and older at start of class. *First class is your one-hour Zoom orientation. Class registration fee: $265.00 includes tax.

I jump! You jump! We all jump for…any reason! It’s hard to fathom, but did you know that jumping is a normal, albeit annoying canine behavior? This information- and action-packed class will help you learn how to reinforce Four on the Floor by understanding why dogs jump; how to respond when they do; learn management and prevention tips and exercises; why what you’ve been doing doesn’t seem to be working; how to teach your dog alternate behaviors in replacement of jumping, and more! We’ll incorporate real world scenarios such as greeting a friendly stranger on a walk; front door greetings; walking past other dogs; and in-home environments.

Prerequisites: Dog must know how to Sit without handler having to repeat the cue over and over…! Class is not recommended for fearful dogs or leash reactive dogs – those who lunge, snap or bark at people or other dogs. Your dog must be people- and dog-friendly. Proof of current vaccinations or titer testing must be shown prior to start of class. Click here to register or to fill out a wait list form.

Recall – COME! – 6 weeks; class is limited to 5 participants; day/time TBA. Fill out a wait list form and I will connect with you shortly!

For dogs 18 weeks and older. Dogs younger than 18 weeks with permission of instructor. *First class is your one-hour Zoom orientation. Class registration fee: $315.00 includes tax.

Location(s) – Class is held at local parks (weather permitting); we will determine weekly locations during orientation.

Does your dog think her name is COMEBELLACOME? Do you want your dog to come when you call her name the first time? Would you like to learn ways of getting her attention even when there are distractions nearby?  Does repeating her name over and over not seem to work? This class is based on games and exercises that lay the foundation for fun and motivation for both you and your dog! Orientation and the first session with your dog will be held via Zoom to learn about and practice the fundamentals of recall. Remaining three classes will be held around town at city parks and/or the individual use parks at the Santa Fe Animal Shelter. When at city parks,we will utilize long lines for safety and security. This is a homework intensive class! At-home exercises will require off-leash practice. Pet guardians must show proof of current vaccinations or titer testing results prior to the start of class. Class is not recommended for leash reactive dogs – those who lunge, snap or bark at people or other dogs. Your dog must be people- and dog-friendly. This class is not the best option for reactive rovers! Click here to register or to fill out a wait list form.

Advanced CGC: Community Canine – 7 weeks; class is limited to 5 participants; day/time TBA. Fill out a wait list form and I will connect with you shortly!            

For dogs 6 months and older. *First class is your one-hour Zoom orientation. Class registration fee: $395.00 includes tax and your test fee.    

Location(s) – Class is held at local parks (weather permitting); we will determine weekly locations during orientation.

AKC Community Canine is the advanced level of AKC’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program. As with CGC, Community Canine has a 10-step test of skills that dogs must pass to earn the official AKC Community Canine title. All skills on the test are tested on leash.

While Canine Good Citizen tests are simulations of real world skills, the goal of AKC Community Canine is to test the dog’s skills in a natural setting. For example, rather than the dog being tested in a show ring, in AKC Community Canine, the “walks through a crowd” test item will involve the dog walking through a real crowd on a busy sidewalk.

Test items include:

  1. Dog stands, sits or lies down and waits under control while the owner sits and has a snack or visits with another person (e.g., at a park).
  2. Walks on a loose leash in a natural situation and does not pull. Demonstrates a left turn; right turn; stop & fast and slow pace.
  3. Walks on loose leash through a crowd.
  4. Dog walks past distraction dogs present; does not pull.
  5. Sit-stay in small group (3 other people with dogs).
  6. Dog allows person who is carrying something (backpack, computer bag, etc.) to approach and be petted.
  7. Dog walks by food and follows owner instructions, “Leave it.”
  8. Down or sit stay — distance (owner’s choice).
  9. Recall with distractions present (coming when called).
  10. Dog will sit- or stand-stay (owner’s choice) while owner enters/exits a doorway or narrow passageway. Owner calls dog through door when ready.

Prerequisites: To earn the AKC Community Canine title, dogs must already have a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) award or title on record at AKC, and must have an AKC number of one of 3 types (AKC registration number, PAL number, or AKC Canine Partners number). All dogs, including mixed breeds, can get an AKC number. Your dog must already have participated in a manners/obedience class prior to enrolling in Community Canine, whether or not you take the test on week 7.

PLEASE NOTE: Dog/handler teams may participate in the class just for fun and practice, and choose not to take the test on week 7. This class would not be a good fit for dogs who are not people- and dog-friendly.

Pet guardians must show proof of current vaccinations or titer testing results prior to start of class. Click here to register or to fill out a wait list form.

On The Spot Location Dog Training & Thinkshops©

Faithful Friends Dog Training is on the move! We’re coming to a spot near you for short, fun, fast, and effective training sessions for you and your dog. A dog park; a parking lot; a sidewalk; a hiking trail; the rail yard; an elevator! On The Spot Location Dog Training© is a great way to get your dog out-and-about, using easy to learn, rewards-based exercises and games. Can’t make it to a traditional multiple-week class? On The Spot Location Dog Training© fits into your busy lifestyle!

On The Spot also offers informative, topic-specific “thinkshops” – there’s no work involved! Join us for for the next On The Spot thinkshop.