Training

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Club K-9 offers private lessons and group classes for all levels of training, from beginning classes for puppies to AKC’s Canine Good Citizen® certification program for adult dogs.

Amber Hammond’s passion for working with dogs started when she took her mom’s Dalmatian through an obedience class while in the 5th grade-after which she joined the local 4-H group. She has worked in the animal care field being a doggy daycare and boarding attendant (at two facilities), dog trainer, kennel manager, dog bather, and large animal caretaker since graduating high school.  Prior to taking over Club K-9 she worked as a train on Veterinary Technician at a 24 hour veterinary hospital for several years.  Amber earned her BS in Zoology from Washington State University in 2006 with an animal care option.  While running the training program at one of the daycares she developed a love for learning about dog behavior and enjoyed working with the more difficult dogs, which proved to be very helpful working in the veterinary field.  Amber achieved her training certification through Animal Behavior College in 2021, graduating with Honors. She is also a certified AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator.

Our training programs combine practical training techniques and canine education to prevent and solve behavioral problems in dogs. We use reward-based methods that have proven effective among dogs to ensure that the relationships between pet owners and their furry friends are fun, loving, and fabulous.

TRAINING RATES

PRIVATE LESSONS AND BEHAVIORAL CONSULTATIONS

Private lessons and behavioral consultations are provided in the convenience of your home, where we can handle everything from the basics to the most severe behavior issues while working at your own pace. We can give you all of the tools you need to raise a new puppy, establish a healthy relationship with a newly adopted dog, or even get you back on track when you’re at your wits’ end with your canine companion. We know that each person and each dog is unique; one size does not fit all, and we’re happy to create a custom program just for you!

We’re available seven days a week for private lessons and behavioral consultations.*

GROUP CLASSES

Group Classes** are currently offered on weekends only.

              We will be conducting our classes following APDT’s C.L.A.S.S. program; this is a program/system of training classes created by the Association of Professional Dog Trainers that stands for Canine Life and Social Skills.  This is a set of four classes progressing from beginner/puppy through advanced adult and work to encourage continued training on your part as an owner to help your bond as a pair and create a dog that is well rounded and able to maintain their composure out and about in the real world.  It works on the obedience skills most people look for while also helping you work through “problem/nuisance” behaviors that might arise.  We use Positive Reinforcement techniques to encourage a “want” to work rather than being “forced” to work.  Dogs, like humans, respond better when things are fun and enjoyable and are much more likely to repeat a behavior when it is rewarding.

Our Beginner Class (High School) meets the requirements for AKC’s STAR Puppy program and our Basic (Bachelor’s Level), Intermediate (Master’s Level), and Advanced (Ph.D. Level) classes meet the requirements for AKC’s Canine Good Citizen program.  Amber is a certified evaluator for these programs through AKC and can set up testing when there is interest. 

Summary of C.L.A.S.S. Skills

 There are four C.L.A.S.S. levels: H.S. (High School Level), B.A. (Bachelor’s Level), M.A. (Master’s Level) and Ph.D. (Doctorate Level) Students progress to higher levels as they graduate from each level.  If your dog has already done training elsewhere or you are not sure which class would be the best fit, please contact us and we will help you get you placed correctly; an in person evaluation can also be conducted if needed.

Beginner (H.S.) Level Skills

• Sit & Down • Come & Collar Grab • Off-Leash Heel • Basic Stay • Confidence Course • Name Game • Comfort Around Food Bowl • Meeting Strangers • Body Handling

Basic (B.A.) Level Skills

• Wait at the Door • Come & Leashing-Up Manners • Loose-Leash Walking & Attention • Meet & Greet • Leave It • Wait for the Food Bowl • Stay • Settle • Give & Take

Intermediate (M.A.) Level Skills

• Wait in the Car • Calmly Pass by Other Dogs • Wait at the Door with Distraction • Come & Leashing-Up Manners with Distraction • Sit, Down & Stand • Body Handling • Loose-Leash Walking & Leave It (Figure 8 Configuration) • Stay with Distraction & Distance • Out of Sight, Out of Mind (with Hand Targeting)

Advanced (Ph.D.) Level Skills

• Advanced Loose-Leash Walking • Back Up • Advanced Stay • Advanced Come & Leashing-Up Manners • Meet & Greet with Body Handling • Attention During High Distraction • Table Manners • Do You Really Know Sit?

*If you live more than 20 minutes from Club K-9, a travel charge may apply. We charge $150 per hour for aggression cases.

**Classes are only for dogs that enjoy being with people and other dogs. Discussions cover basic issues confronting most doggy families. If your dog doesn’t get along well with others or you’re experiencing more serious problems with your dog, please call us and ask about our private lessons.

**If you don’t see the type of class you are looking for on the above list, please call us. We’re always adding new and exciting classes to our schedule.