Street Smart Basic Obedience Canine Communication-Level 1

We have all heard of the 'Dog Whisperer', well in our obedience classes we try to teach you to be the whisperer of your dog. By pointing out how your dog is trying to communicate to you and other dogs we give you a greater perspective on leadership and to recognise what your dogs personal needs are to develop a strong, lasting, bond.

Introduction to basic commands, sit, down, stand, wait in place, heel, recall (come), greeting (go say hello), focus (watch me), this way, walk nicely plus behaviour modification techniques and of course and intriduction to leadership training and canine communication.

Note: to advance to the next supporting class all dogs must have attended and pass the basic obedience level-1 test. *This also applies to students from other training facilities/instructors wishing to participate in our classes.

Course length is 6 weeks (excluding civic holidays), 6 evening classes that are 1.5 hours in length, plus one theory/orientation evening without dogs. The current class schedule is posted here

A maximum of 7 dogs per class provides for lots of one on one instruction!! No one leaves the classes confused or with questions unanswered. Cost is $185.00.

The primary focus of K9 Kinship's Level 1 obedience classes is on training students that the obedience really revolves around pack dynamics, proper communication and canine leadership. Dogs follow direction because they have a competant leader they understand and who provides:

• safety;
• security; and,
• satisfaction of such needs as food, exercise and mental stimulations.

By knowing how to communicate with your dog and providing this leadership your dog understands its position in the pack and holds it's ‘the human leader in high regard.

As a result your dog willingly and enthusiastically follows the fair and consistent leadership of their human guardian without the need of bribery (treats) or threats (corporal punishment).

* If you come from other training disciplines other than K9 Kinship and wish to be tested to see if you could proceed to an advanced class with us we can test you for a fee of $50. The test would be exactly what our basic students students are tested and expected to pass to proceed to the next level.

This test consists of:

• SIT in place for 3 minutes- no treats.
• DOWN in place fo 7 minutes-no treats
• WAIT in place for 5 minutes-no treats
• STAND in place for 1 minute while a stranger pets your dog
• HEEL through a group of dogs while ignoring the dogs and sitting politely at handlers side upon stopping
• WALK NICELY on a loose leash through a group of dogs with no pulling/lunging
• RECALL (come) through and from a group of playing dogs and sit in front of handler, then come into heel position.
• GREETING- say hello to a stranger which handler has directly dog to meet. Dog must sit in front of stranger who has treats without jumping or demanding treat. Then come back to hanlder immediately and sit in heel position.