Fountains Out & About: Canine Good Citizens, Therapy Dogs, and Service teams!

Your dog should have some basic training, preferably a CGC title, and be under control around unfamiliar people and dogs. This class is designed for those teams currently working on their CGCA, CGCU, therapy dog control, or service dog public access evaluation to gain exposure, build skills, and reinforce great behavior in a public setting.

We all need to feel relaxed and safe for learning to happen. Force-free and choice-based R+ training helps you communicate clearly with your dog about what you want. This lowers anxiety and relaxes the learning process for everyone.

We practice promoting desired behaviors using the Least Inhibitive Functionally Effective (LIFE) methods. We all learn best through play, so using a variety of reinforcers like treats, toys, praise, and access to the environment grows understanding. I actively advocate for choice-based, force-free training and will not allow the use of any techniques, tools, or equipment whose purpose and/or intent is to interrupt or punish behavior by using fear, force, or pain (e.g., shock, prong, pinch, alpha-rolling, yelling, or leash corrections).

WHO CAN COME TO THIS CLASS?
* Your team is approved to work in a public setting by Mary
* You have registered and have an RSVP on attendance list.
* You can manage your dog under highly distracting conditions in the presence of other dogs and people inside and outside busy stores.
* You can pay attention to directions in a highly distracting environment and help your dog at the same time.
* You have read all the instructions and will abide.

WHAT DO I BRING TO CLASS?
* A fully-vaccinated dog that is hungry and ready to learn!
* A good attitude.
* Poop bags.
* WAY more food reinforcement than you think you will use in SMALL and easily ingested pieces. Include a variety of values (kibble, meat, cheese, etc.)
* Water and a bowl to drink from.
*Mat or bed if desired during stationing exercises.
* 4 foot lead, or longer lead adjustable to 4 feet for public access.

WHAT DOES THE INSTRUCTOR EXPECT OF STUDENTS?
We're going to have fun! Training must be an enjoyable experience for everyone: dogs, people, instructor and assistants! For consistency, safety, and positivity, the following guidelines are in place during all classes:
* You must be 100% focused on your dog for the full class. Shop later unless directed to pretend to shop.
* Arrive EARLY!!!! The walk to and from the training site is as important as what you do in class.
* If you need help, ask for it! If you are getting coached without asking for help, it means you need the coaching. This is a time for me to help your team improve.
* Respect the space of other dogs and their handlers. Dogs will not greet each other during class. It does not matter how nice your dogs are or their history. We need to be focused on promoting handler focus rather than being dragged over to another team.
* No off-leash dogs until/unless directed. No exceptions.

WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY: By RSVPing for this event, you hereby release, waive, discharge and hold harmless any organizer of this meetup group, Mary Torrano Dog Training, as well as the City of Loomis, Roseville, Rocklin, Orangevale, Citrus Heights, Sacramento, Meadow Vista, Applegate, Granite Bay, Penryn and its officers, agents, volunteers, and directors from any and all liability, claims, and expenses whatsoever arising out of or related to any loss, damage, or injury, that may be sustained to you or your dog as a result of your participation in this event and thereafter.