Classes
Click on a topic or just scroll down the page to learn about how we operate and the classes we offer.
Overview
 Everyday Dog isn't your typical dog obedience school, and our goal isn't just to prepare your dog for obedience competitions. Our courses are designed to help you prepare your dog to become an active member of your family. Having a dog that participates in your family life is a joy beyond description.
Our regular classes are taught on an on-going basis, and designed so that new students can enroll at any time. In fact you do not need to attend consecutive classes; you can follow a flexible schedule that meets your needs. You can also drop in for a refresher class at any time.
If a class isn't scheduled at a time that's convenient for you, please let us know so that we can discuss your particular needs. Also, each of our classes is offered in the form of a private lesson, and private lessons are available to meet your special training requirements.
Keep an eye on our Calendar for classes, outings, and other dog-related events. Or better yet, sign up for our Newsletter and we'll keep you up-to-date!
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Tuition and Health Requirements
All classes taught by Everyday Dog instructors are just $10 per class, with the exception of Rally, which charges by the run.
Multi-Class Discount: Pay $100 for a package of 10 classes, and get a free class or evaluation!
Pricing for Guest Instructor Classes is indicated along with each class description, below.
All dogs attending our classes must be current with their immunizations as prescribed by their veterinarian.
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Required Class for New Students
Introduction to Training
This is one-time private lesson and evaluation required for all new students. You will learn how to communicate with your dog, the basics of how we train, and why we train the way we do.
Sessions typically last about 30 minutes. During the session we will talk about your goals, discuss training options, and formulate a training plan to get the two of you started.
Prerequisites: none
Tuition: $20 - Includes a clicker and personalized training plan
Schedule: By Appointment
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Social Skills
Social Skills Overview
Our Social Skills courses are based on three Canine Life and Social Skills (C.L.A.S.S.) courses:
1. Puppy/Beginner Social Skills (B.A.) is based on B.A. for Dogs
2. Intermediate Social Skills (M.A.) is based on M.A. for Dogs
3. Advanced Social Skills (Ph.D.) is based on Ph.D. for Dogs
These courses are designed for your typical family dog. Well, maybe not so typical! They are for one that you will be proud to show off to your friends. A dog that is polite to your visitors, a great travel companion, and a whole lot of fun to be around. Check the course descriptions below to see the real life skills, such as loose leash walking and stay, taught in each course.
The three courses progress in difficulty. Each course not only introduces new behaviors, but also adds distractions, distance, and duration to behaviors.
As with most of our classes, Social Skills classes are available on a drop in basis. Students will typically be ready for evaluation in 6 to 8 weeks.
Puppy/Beginner Social Skills (B.A.)
Real life skills learned include:
1. Wait at the Door
2. Come and Leashing Up Manners
3. Loose Leash Walking and Attention
4. Meet and Greet
5. Leave It
6. Wait for the Food Bowl
7. Stay
8. Settle
9. Give and Take
Upon completion of the course, students will be prepared to pass the C.L.A.S.S. B.A. for Dogs certification. See B.A. Test Descriptions for details.
Prerequisites: none
Optional Certification: $10 - For graduates wishing to receive a C.L.A.S.S. certificate of completion
Schedule: Tuesday 7:30 to 8:30 pm
Intermediate Social Skills (M.A.)
Real life skills learned include:
1. Wait in the Car
2. Pass by Other Dogs
3. Wait at the Door
4. Come and Leashing Up Manners
5. Sit, Down and Stand
6. Handling
7. Loose Leash Walking and Leave It
8. Stay
Upon completion of the course, students will be prepared to pass the C.L.A.S.S. B.A. for Dogs certification. See M.A. Test Descriptions for details.
Prerequisites: Puppy/Beginner Social Skills or ability to pass certification for B.A.
Optional Certification: $10 - For graduates wishing to receive a C.L.A.S.S. certificate of completion
Schedule: Tuesday 7:30 to 8:30 pm
Advanced Social Skills (Ph.D.)
This is where we turn good family dogs into great family dogs. Real life skills learned include:
1. Loose Leash Walking
2. Back Up
3. Stay
4. Come and Leashing Up Manners
5. Meet and Greet
6. Attention
7. Table Manners
8. Do You Really Know Sit?
Upon completion of the course, students will be prepared to pass the C.L.A.S.S. B.A. for Dogs certification. See Ph.D. Test Descriptions for details.
Prerequisites: Intermediate Social Skills or ability to pass certification for M.A.
Optional Certification: $10 - For graduates wishing to receive a C.L.A.S.S. certificate of completion
Schedule: Tuesday 7:30 to 8:30 pm
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Obedience
Did you ever dream of having a perfectly trained dog? Or do you have a trained dog and are looking for a good place to practice obedience? This class is based on AKC style obedience competition. The following are some of the behaviors covered in the class that you would see at an AKC obedience trial:
• Heel
• Sit Stay with Recall
• Finish to Heel
• Three Minute Sit Stay
• Five Minute Down Stay
• Figure Eight
• Fetching a Dumbbell
• Jumping Jumps
Prerequisites: Introduction to Training or equivalent with evaluation
Schedule: Tuesday 6:30 to 7:30 pm
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Rally
New to rally? This is a great class to learn the ropes. Three different courses will be set up during this 2-hour time period, each a different level of difficulty. Pre-enroll via e-mail, and we'll let you know approximately what time your course will be set up.
Prerequisites: Introduction to Training or equivalent with evaluation
Tuition: $5 per run or $10 for 3 runs
Schedule: Wednesday 6:30 to 8:30 pm
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 Obstacle Course
Obstacle course is similar to agility, but the "agility course" uses smaller equipment. It's a great confidence builder for insecure dogs, and lots of fun for both of you.
Beginner Obstacle Course
In the beginner course, the dogs stay on their leash and the equipment is very low.
Prerequisites: Introduction to Training or equivalent with evaluation
Schedule: Thursday 7:30 to 8:30 pm
Obstacle Course
In this course the dogs work off-leash, so they must demonstate good control before enrolling.
Prerequisites: Introduction to Training or equivalent with evaluation
Schedule: Thursday 6:30 to 7:30 pm
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Playgroups
Playgroups Overview
So many training issues are created by a lack of socialization that we've created playgroups to address the problem. And we're not just talking about puppies, but dogs of all ages.
Our playgroups are fun for all, and emphasize proper socialization with other dogs and people. They are the perfect time to get your questions answered about potty training, crate training, walking loose leash, or whatever's on you mind.
Give us a call if you need help deciding which playgroup will be best for your dog.
Puppy Playgroup
This playgroup is for puppies under four months old, though older, shy dogs are also welcome in the playgroup.
Prerequisites: Puppies must be current in their puppy immunization series as prescribed by their veterinarian.
Schedule: As needed; please let us know if your are interested and we'll let you know when we schedule a class.
Teenage Playgroup
This playgroup is for puppies from five months to one year old, though older dogs with compatible temperaments are also welcome in the playgroup.
Prerequisites: Puppies must be current in their puppy immunization series as prescribed by their veterinarian.
Schedule: As needed; please let us know if your are interested and we'll let you know when we schedule a class.
Wild & Crazy Playgroup
This playgroup is for wild and crazy dogs, dogs that like to play rough and have fun! While it will be a fun time for all, some attention will be given to ensure that the dogs also know how to have a "quite time."
Prerequisites: none
Schedule: As needed; please let us know if your are interested and we'll let you know when we schedule a class.
Small Dog Playgroup
This playgroup is for dogs weighing less than 20 pounds. For those who have both small and large dogs, larger dogs are welcome after a preliminary evaluation.
Prerequisites: none
Schedule: As needed; please let us know if your are interested and we'll let you know when we schedule a class.
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Behavior Workshops
Hush Up!
Hush Up! is for noisy dogs that are too distracting for our other classes. The class includes instruction in some of the basics, such as sit, stay and come. But the primary focus is on learning ways to control the noise and redirect your dog's attention. The goal of this class is to transition into one of our regular classes as soon as possible.
Prerequisites: None; we'll take your word for it!
Schedule: As needed; please let us know if your are interested and we'll let you know when we schedule a class.
Kids 'n Dogs
Socializing dogs with kids and kids with dogs, this class is for children and their friendly dogs. The class is only 30 minutes long to limit boredom and frustration. Each week we learn a fun new trick and behavior. Parental supervision and interaction are required.
Prerequisites: Introduction to Training or private lesson, pre-registration required
Schedule: As needed; please let us know if your are interested and we'll let you know when we schedule a class.
Loose Leash Walking
Is your dog still pulling? Heeling with a loose leash can be one of the most difficult behaviors for the Everyday Dog to learn. Come in for a refresher anytime it's needed.
Prerequisites: Introduction to Training, pre-registration required
Schedule: As needed; please let us know if your are interested and we'll let you know when we schedule a class.
 Therapy Dog Prep
This class focuses on the skills necessary to earn the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen (CGC) title, as well as preparing you and your dog to pass therapy dog evaluations as given by therapy dog organizations. Certificates are given to those who meet the CGC requirements in the evaluation. Field trips are scheduled to locations such as The Home Depot, a park or mall.
To learn more about therapy dogs and find a local therapy dog organization, visit: www.TherapyDogOrganizations.net
Prerequisites: Introduction to Training or equivalent with evaluation, pre-registration required
Schedule: Please see our interactive Calendar while we prepare to post our 2012 schedule here.
Practice Makes Perfect
Does your training need a little fine-tuning? Has it been awhile since you were in class and you could use a little brushing up? Join us for a practice session and we'll work on anything you need help with.
Prerequisites: Introduction to Training
Schedule: As needed; please let us know if your are interested and we'll let you know when we schedule a class.
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Fun and Games
Everyday Dog Drill Team
Everyday Dog Drill Team will be performing at special events. They could be something as informal as performing in Esther Shore Park adjacent to the Vancouver Farmer's Market, or center stage at Pet Expo! Class attendance is required for all drill team participants.
Prerequisites: Evaluation for heel, sit, stay, come, and resistance to distractions
Schedule: As needed; please let us know if your are interested and we'll let you know when we schedule a class.
 Tricks
Every dog will enjoy this class! Tricks are an excellent way to mentally exercise your dog, improve his focus, and have fun impressing friends and family. Learning tricks is also an excellent way for a timid or fearful dog to build its confidence. And if you've got an Einstein on your hands, learning tricks will provide the mental challenge necessary to meet your dog's needs.
The class is open to dogs at all levels of tricks training, and your dog will learn tricks appropriate to its skill level. Tricks will include everything from the basics (sit pretty, shake, roll over) to the advanced (opening and closing cupboards, handstands and tightrope walking). Requests to learn particular tricks are welcome.
Remember to bring plenty of tasty treats to class, and to keep it fun! And for some inspiration, take a look at what one of my students has done: www.DogTricksVideo.com
Prerequisites: Introduction to Training or equivalent with evaluation
Schedule: As needed; please let us know if your are interested and we'll let you know when we schedule a class.
Jackpot
This class is great for people who enjoy the socializing of a training class, but don't have a direct focus. It's also a great way to learn about different venues that may interest you or your dog. Each week we play games, learn tricks, and learn about the different competitive and just-for-fun dog events in the area, including:
• Rally
• Agility
• Obedience
• K9 Nose Work
• Barrel Racing
• AKC Canine Good Citizen
• Therapy Dog Work
Check the Calendar to see what's planned for the next class! It's also a great class for a well-trained dog that is getting bored at home, which can lead to destructive behaviors and barking. Learn how to teach your dog just about any trick you can imagine. Just a few of the basic tricks taught in the class are:
• Fetch
• Sit Up (Beg)
• Back Up
• Roll Over
• Play Dead
Prerequisites: Introduction to Training or equivalent with evaluation. Dogs must be friendly to other dogs and people.
Schedule: As needed; please let us know if your are interested and we'll let you know when we schedule a class.
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Guest Instructor Classes
Conformation
Professional dog handler Erin Winton will take you through all the steps you need to learn to show your dog in the ring like a pro. You'll learn to:
• Stack your dog
• Stand to let a judge examine your dog
• Walk/run and navigate your way around the ring
• Show your dog in the best possible way
This is a drop-in class, and provides experienced handlers the opportunity to practice before a competition. Beginners and experienced handlers alike will enjoy fine-tuning their performance in the ring.
Prerequisites: none
Tuition: $10 per class
Instructor: Erin Winton
Schedule: As needed; please let us know if your are interested and we'll let you know when we schedule a class.
Introduction to TTouch
TTouch is a training and healthcare approach that has been proven to calm animals and alleviate their pains, fears and tensions. It is based on cooperation and understanding that promotes optimal performance and health without fear or force. TTouch can deepen the bond between you and your dog.
Prerequisites: none
Tuition: $50 for two classes
Instructor: Terry Johnson
Contact: terryjohnson99@earthlink.net
Schedule: As needed; please let us know if your are interested and we'll let you know when we schedule a class.
What's That Smell
Looking for something fun to do with your dog? Your dog has such an amazing sense of smell that man has yet to fully understand it. In fact, your dog can smell quite well without taking a class! The trick is to have your dog find what you want it to, and to tell you when it does. This class serves as an introduction to tracking, searching, and some really fun games, all based on the sense of smell.
Prerequisites: Introduction to Training or equivalent with evaluation
Tuition: $10 per class
Instructor: Liz Gulker
Contact: 360-798-2669 or gulkerl@yahoo.com
Schedule: As needed; please let us know if your are interested and we'll let you know when we schedule a class.
Lights, Camera, Action!
Have you got a future TV or movie star sitting at your heels? This class helps train your dog to perform for TV, movie and print work. Here are just a few of the behaviors your dog will learn:
• Go to mark
• Follow a stranger (actor)
• Look in a certain direction
• Walk through a crowded area
• Head down, looking sad
• Walking with a limp
• Growling on queue
All behaviors are taught with hand signals, so you can silently direct your dog off-camera.
Prerequisites: Obedience and Rally
Tuition: $10 per class
Instructor: Liz Gulker
Contact: 360-798-2669 or gulkerl@yahoo.com
Schedule: As needed; please let us know if your are interested and we'll let you know when we schedule a class.
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