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Volunteers Hold leashes while students register for classVolunteers are essential to the success of the training Escort students to assigned “place” as determinedclasses. Volunteers should receive training from theby the head trainerhead trainer and understand the PFL philosophy.Holding a volunteer orientation, specifically for Hold leashes during class as neededtraining class volunteers is most effective. At thisorientation, the head trainer can communicate the Assist in fitting collars and harnesses as neededappropriate code of conduct in class, the language touse and not use, skills to know (e.g. effective defensive Break down of “place” spotsleash handling, class set-up, and maintaining classflow), and all other details necessary to hold safe and Break down of registration tablefun training classes.Volunteers are not to instruct students or give trainingDefensive Leash Handling Hold the leash approximately two feet fromadvice unless specifically requested by the trainer.However, volunteers will often assist students withexercises and instructions given by the trainer.the collar. At this length, if the dog turns onthe handler, the leash is shorter than theClass Detailshandlers arm length and the handler canreact in one motion to keep safe.Class size is determined by the comfort level ofthe trainer and the training space’s size. Because Maintain light tension on the leash at allthe classes are open enrollment, be sure to havetimes so that the handler is aware of wherea plan in case more students show up than can bethe dog is without having to look.accommodated. Designate a specified person to greetany overflow students and collect their information. The handler should loop the leash over theIf a second trainer or trainer’s assistant is available,thumb and through the palm of the hand forhe or she could take extras on a dog walk, do minimaladditional support and strength.training in a separate area, or simply chat with them toreschedule and share basic information. The key isto make everyone feel welcome and to ensure themTraining class tasks for volunteers are:you’ll be in touch for additional training opportunities. Set up registration tableMost trainers and locations will be comfortablewith a class size between 10–25 students. The level Prepare and refill treat bagsof experience with group classes and the qualityof volunteers and training assistants available will Prepare and refill water bowls and setin place around the training areadetermine where in this range your classes shouldfall. Usually an outdoor space will accommodatemore students and have greater options for spacing. Set up “place” spotsHowever, an indoor space is not affected by weatherand is often a more controlled environment. Greet and welcome students152

Regardless of the venue, there should be a clear andorganized set-up for the class as follows:[5] A ll students are advised to keep their dogs close tothem and not to allow their dog to interact with anyother dog. Registration table clearly marked—all studentsshould enter at this location before reaching the[6] The trainer is at the registration table to greettraining area. This allows for the easy interceptionclients, quickly assess the dogs, and assign themand assessment of dogs before they reach the spacea “place” spot. Assignments are made based onto greet each othersize and reactive tendencies. Size related trainingtechniques are relevant because teaching a 12 lb.dog to lay down can be different from teaching a Data collection table60 lb. dog to lay down. If small dogs are grouped Tents/canopies set up over registrationand data collection table (if outside)together, the trainer can instruct them together,which is most effective and efficient. Dogs thatappear to be reactive will be grouped away fromthe other dogs. However, small reactive dogs Chairs for spectatorsshould be grouped with other small dogs ratherthan large reactive dogs. Water bowls for dogs Cones to delineate the training area[7] T raining assistants escort students to theirassigned “place.” “Place” spots in the training area—these should bespaced a minimum of six feet apart. If space permits,[8] Students are advised to keep their dog on/in theassigned “place.”a 12 ft. minimum is preferred.As the clients arrive, the process should be:[9] Volunteers are stationed close by for assistanceif required by a student.[1] Students are welcomed and greeted by volunteers.[10] V olunteers remind students of no dog interaction[2] Students register and fill out necessary paperwork.[3] A ll dogs are checked for a well-fitting collar—welland other safety precautions.Supplies needed for classes:fitted is determined by whether the dog can getfree from the collar. Any too-loose or too-tight “Place” spots—cones, boxes, tape on the floor, etc.collars or harnesses are replaced, as are chains,ropes, wires, etc. At this point, loop leashes, choke,and pinch collars are all accepted. You will have Treat bags (Home Depot fabric tool aprons are cheapand practical)time to individually and thoroughly engage peopleabout the types of equipment to use, but not Voice projection device, if neededduring registration. Tables and chairs[4] Each student is handed a treat pouch filledwith treats. Tents/canopies, if outdoorsCommunity Outreach ToolkitDog Training Classes153

Registration paperwork—data collection forms,Sample Class Rules:sign-in sheet, liability waivers One handler per dog permitted in the training area Training handouts No children under 14 permitted to handle a dog Traffic cones Dogs are not allowed to play with or greet other dogs Martingale collarsunless directed by the trainer Buckle collars Dogs must stay on leash unless directed by trainer 6-foot leashes Focus on your training; don’t excite or play withother people’s dogs Head halters A lways ask the handler’s permission before offering Easy walk harnesses Temporary leadstreats to a dog that is not your own Try to keep conversation quiet and to a minimum; itcan be distracting to people and their dogs Dog waste bags No human food allowed in the training space Water bowls Keep cell phones off and put awayFor the class itself, Basic and Advanced curriculum areprovided at the end of this chapter. If you need to leave the space for any reason, makesure to let the trainer know so you don’t disrupt classAs discussed earlier, every trainer has his or her ownstyle and preference for how to run group classes, but Absolutely no hitting or yelling at any dog in classthe flow for each class generally follows this schedule: Most importantly, HAVE FUN![1] Greeting/welcome[2] Explanation of what will happen during the classIn-Home Training Sessions[3] Class rulesAs a supplement to or instead of group trainingclasses, in-home dog training sessions can be very[4] Curriculum for classbeneficial to your clients. They can help elevate thebond clients have with their dogs to keep dogs in their[5] Games and prizes[6] End of session154homes for life.

In-home training sessions are ideal for:In-home training sessions not only benefit the clientand the dog but provide you with the opportunity to Clients struggling in group classes (with the goalof returning to class)build a trusting, positive relationship with the client.You might also engage clients on spay/neuter andother general wellness topics. When a client sees Clients unable to travel or make it to group classesimprovement in their dog’s behaviors or sees issuesdisappear that have been stressful or overwhelming, Clients with highly reactive dogs (with the goalof eventually attending group classes if possible)not only are you increasing the odds that the dog willremain in that home, but you are setting yourself upto be a trusted resource for any questions or issues Elderly clients who are safer working with theirthat client may have.dog at homeCommunity Dog Walks Clients with two or more dogs (and who are unableto handle multiple dogs at once in class)In addition to or instead of group classes and in-hometraining sessions, your training program can includeThe key to success for in-home training sessions iscommunity dog walks. If you are unable to securestructure and consistency. First, create a schedule thata building or space to hold group training classes,works for both the client and trainer. If sessions everycommunity dog walks can teach skills and improveother week are all that is possible, that’s okay, butthe bond between clients and their dogs. Communitybe consistent. It’s better to have more time betweendog walks are designed to encompass all of the basicsessions than to miss scheduled sessions. Next, haveskills that a client and their dog need to enjoy takinga detailed conversation with the client to identify whatwalks and to address practical and realistic challengesbehaviors are the most important to address. Reallythat can happen every day on walks. Dog walkslisten to what the client is struggling with and whatprovide many benefits to your clients, their dogs, yourwill improve the quality of life for both the human andoutreach program, and the community overall:the dog in the home. Create a timeline for expectedimprovement. As much as possible, include all family Real-life experience for clients and dogsmembers in the discussion, including children. Themore consistent the dog’s experience is, the more Opportunity to practice skills with distractionssuccessful the dog will be. Fun, positive activity for clients and the communityFor the sessions, make sure to take your own treatsfor use in the training and bring equipment that willbe best used in the session in case the owner does Opportunity to meet new pet owners in thecommunitynot have safe, secure equipment. Always providethe owner with written instructions (homework) of Visibility in your area of focuswhat you want them to work on with the dog betweentraining sessions. Don’t limit the sessions to inside the Marketing and promotion for your programhome only. Taking a walk on the street where the clientlives is great real-life practice for the client and theirdog, as well as, a great opportunity to meet otherpet owners.Community Outreach ToolkitDog Training Classes155

For community dog walks, having conversations withOn the walks, staff or volunteers should also havethe participants beforehand is very important and letson hand:you be somewhat selective in who participates. Thesewalks are not ideal for reactive dogs or dogs that are Flyers, business cards, or program informationeasily stressed out. You can always work with certainclients and dogs on skills needed to participate in Treatsthese walks, but the walks must be enjoyable and safefor all involved. Dog waste bagsFor the walks, pick an open area to meet where Deterrent spray, such as citronella sprayinstructions and details can be given to the group.or Direct StopThe meeting spot should be where the walk begins,and the walking route should be a residential “hotspot” in the community of focus. The walks shouldtake place at a time when people are out and about—maybe a Saturday morning or Sunday afternoon. Avoidbusiness streets, major thoroughfares with high traffic,and large organized groups of people, such as eventsat city parks, sporting events, music festivals, etc.Each trainer can tweak the details of the walks. Justmake sure they are fun, informative, effective, andsafe. To ensure safety: A ll dogs need secure equipment. When first meeting,the trainer and volunteers should inspect everydog to make sure their equipment is secure andfits properly. If not, proper equipment should beprovided before the walk begins. There should be one trained staff person orvolunteer for every four dogs. They should bepositioned throughout the group at all times andconstantly surveying the dogs and providingguidance to the clients. A lways have extra leashes and collars on handduring the walk in case a loose dog approaches thegroup or equipment breaks.156 Bottles of water and a dog bowl

Basic CurriculumNine Week ProgramWeek 3: Start with review of the previous week, addduration and distance to all basic obedience learnedWeeks 1–6: Six Weeks of Basic Obedience Trainingso far. Introduce down and down/stay challenges likeWeek 7: PFL Test Weekasking dogs to stay while the handler walks away (onlyWeek 8: Graduation Ceremonyif safe and confident dogs/handlers are ready).Week 9: WorkshopTeach new items, like shaking hands, greeting otherdogs, knocking on wall, etc. Offer prizes for goodWeek 1: Introduce the training philosophy behindwork. Start loose leash walking, pressure and releasepositive reinforcement; the rules of the class;techniques and proper leash handling. Explain andinformation on how dogs learn; equipment studentsassign homework:will need; the layout of the room; and the overallstructure of the training classes. Begin with basiccommands/tasks, such as, getting the dog’s attention,Down and Stayteaching the dog to sit and stay, teaching the dog towalk on a leash. Assign and explain the first homeworkWeek 4: Start with review of the previous week.assignment: Teaching a dog his name and nothing inGet right into distracted sit and stays with durationlife is free. (For details on these assignments, see theand distance (those who are ready should be in downattachments provided.)stays and dropping leash—important: only those whoare ready). Play the “Fastest Down in Town” game withprizes and incorporate loose leash work. Start basicsNothing is Freeof recall and explain and assign homework:Teach Your Dog His/Her NameOffWeek 2: Start with review of the basics from previousWeek 5: Start with review of previous week and thenweek; add duration and distance to keeping the dog’sgo right into loose leash walking around the room withattention with sit and stay. Add distractions to the staythe trainer prompting people with random commandsand greeting exercises. Play a game to see who can getlike sit, down, stay, etc. Recall training should bethe “fastest sit” and start teaching “down.” Introducea significant part of this session. Use games such“pushups” (dogs going from sit to down repeatedly)as relay races, puppy ping-pong, etc. Start leave itand explain and assign homework:exercises and explain and assign homework:Sit and StayLeave and Take ItCommunity Outreach ToolkitDog Training Classes157

Week 6: Review all of the basics that have been taught.Week 8: GRADUATION DAY. Give out sessionAsk the class if there is anything they are stuck oncompletion certificates for those who did not test oror having trouble with—let the students pick whatdid not pass the test and certificates for those whothings to work on. Talk about the Certified Pet Partnerpassed CPP (actual certificates will arrive in the mail(CPP) test the following week, who may be ready, whatat a later date). Most important, be sure to thankspecific people/dogs need to work on, etc. Talk abouteveryone and encourage them to attend the followingthe remaining three weeks—CPP test, graduation classweek’s workshop and offer ways they can stay involvedand celebration, and workshop. Hand out Learningwith the program.Theory sheet and let people know the contents aregood to review and understand before moving forwardWeek 9: WORKSHOP. This can be determined for eachin the next session or Advanced Training.session based on need, availability of speakers, etc.General topics to be covered are spay/neuter, basicHow Dogs Learnbehavior problems, and understanding aggression.Speakers include veterinarians, local trainers, animalWeek 7: CPP TESTING WEEK. This can also be anshelter/animal control personnel and suggestedextra work week for those not testing to try and getpresentations include therapy/working dogs, trickthem ready. This week is open to anyone—currentperformances, and so on. This week should be focusedstudents, previous students who may have failed,on providing information, raising awareness of all thenew people who have done some of their own training,possibilities for trained dogs, providing ideas on jobsetc. Disseminate information on Graduation Dayin the animal welfare field, etc.and Workshop.Between Week 7 and Week 8, there can be testingoccurring during the week to see if anyone can passbefore Graduation Day.158

Advanced CurriculumWeek 4: Start class by playing musical chairs on-leashTrainer must approve participationin the advanced class.and work towards off-leash. Reward the winners withprizes. Set up multiple obstacle agility courses; asneeded, split into two groups so dogs are not sittingaround idle when others are active. The goal is forall dogs to be working off leash as much as possible.Nine Week ProgramHomework: teach dog a trick.Weeks 1–6: Six Weeks of Advanced Training ClassesWeek 5: OFF-LEASH WEEK. Go through all commandsWeek 7: Certified Pet Partner (CPP) Testing Weekfrom previous weeks without a leash. Introduce simpleWeek 8: Graduation Ceremonydetection work; put treats in a can or peanut butterWeek 9: Workshopcontainer and teach dogs to seek them on command.Set up agility equipment as obstacles for dogs toWeek 1: Start off with a review of all basic obedience:navigate while performing commands. Homework:sit, down, stay, and recall. Add distraction andteach dog to seek or find.duration to all commands and begin off-leash down/stay. Homework: master an off-leash down/stay.Week 6: HANDLER’S CHOICE. The trainer should askthe class what they want to work on. Any dog that hasWeek 2: Start class with all dogs in a stay and havenot passed the Certified Pet Partner (CPP) test shouldeach handler drop the leash and shake hands with thework on what is needed to pass and be preparedtrainer when directed. Have the dogs remain in stayto take the test the following week. Incorporatewhile the handler leaves to greet another dog. Othercompetitive games, such as musical chairs, agilitystay challenges to utilize are having the handler leavecourse competitions, longest downs and stays, etc.the room, get objects from a closet, bounce a ball,etc. Start teaching heel on leash and students who areWeek 7: CPP TESTING WEEK. Students who haveready should start working off leash. Introduce weavepassed the CPP test should be encouraged to attendpoles with heel. Homework: master heel.class and assist.Week 3: Start class with all dogs in a down/stay,Week 8: Give out session completion certificates forhave each handler walk to the center of the room andthose who did not pass the test and certificates forturn their back to the dogs. Set up weave poles andthose who passed CPP (actual certificates will arrivehurdles; work obstacles off leash and work on recallin the mail at a later date)

Free dog training class in Durham, NC Chapters 7 and 8. 150 Do not use traditional marketing such as Facebook, TV, radio, etc., as this will ultimately draw clients from outside your focus area. Ask people to share details with others they know who have dogs—word of mouth works.