Sunday at 3 pm MST: Focus, Targets & Stations at Mountain Elementary School!

Would you enjoy teaching your dog a variety of fun behaviors in a force-free and choice-based outdoor group class? Would you like to strengthen your team's bond? Is your dog working on being around other dogs in a relaxed manner (working through reactivity)? Are you working on your AKC Trick dog or AKC FIT dog titles or would like to be evaluated by an AKC evaluator? Then this class is for you!

Positive reinforcement (R+) is proven to accelerate the learning process and increase motivation to learn. We base our training on the ABC's of learning (antecedent, behavior, consequence) and use markers and targets to develop stimulus control.

Whether a word or clicker, markers make it clear to your dog what we want. Clarity leads to confidence, lowers anxiety, and relaxes the learning process for everyone. Using targets allows your dog to focus before, during, and after a trick or series of tricks. Learning to use a variety of targets allows your dog to feel confident and happy in the learning process. To help your dog understand what we want, we use food and toy reinforcement. Bring a variety of treats and toys your dog really enjoys to this class for motivation!

You can ask me in class or go to www.AKC.org for detailed information on Trick Dog or FIT Dog title requirements. I am an AKC evaluator for all CGC, CGCA, CGCU, Farm Dog, Trick Dog, FIT, and a Fetch! judge for all levels.

WHO CAN COME TO THIS CLASS?
* You sign up have an open spot on the RSVP list.
* You have a dog that is manageable in the presence of other dogs in a distracting environment. This is a great class for recovering reactive dogs!
* You have read all the instructions and will abide.
* You are handling just one dog in each class, unless otherwise approved by Mary Torrano

WHAT DO I BRING TO CLASS?
* A fully-vaccinated dog that is hungry and ready to learn!
* A good attitude.
* Poop bags.
* WAY more treats/toys than you think you will use. Pack a variety of reinforcement!
* Water/bowl to drink from.
* Stationing mat or target you use for training at home. If you don't have one, I'll bring a few to choose from.

WHAT DOES THE INSTRUCTOR EXPECT OF STUDENTS?
We want this to be an enjoyable experience for everyone including the dogs, students, instructor, assistants & spectators! For consistency, safety, and positivity, the following guidelines are in place during our classes:

* Wear comfy, waterproof shoes and plan to move!
* Arrive EARLY to acclimatize your dog! 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. You are being helped, not targeted.
* Respect the space of other dogs and their handlers by practicing "Safe 6". We sometimes have dogs working through reactivity in this class. It does not matter how nice your dog is or how nice their dog is or how well you think they know each other. No dog-dog contact during class. We need to be focused on training rather than being dragged over to another dog team by our dog.
* No off-leash dogs until/unless directed. No exceptions.
* We promote desired behaviors using the Least Inhibitive Functionally Effective (LIFE) model. We 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, intimidation or pain. No physical force such as pushing your dog's butt into a sit. No physical corrections including but not limited to leash corrections (a.k.a., leash pops, leash jerks, leash checks), alpha rolling, grabbing, pinching, pushing, hitting, kicking, slapping, jabbing, poking, shaking, muzzle popping, nose popping, fingernails in mucosal membranes, scratching, biting. No jerk and praise (i.e., "progressive" or "balanced") training. No fear-based startle corrections such as shaker can or squirt bottle. No yelling. No name calling. No intimidation. NO EXCEPTIONS!
* Sometimes people's dogs can be imperfect. Yours too. We do not tolerate trash talking other attendees or their dogs. If you have an issue, talk to me privately.
* Your dog should be able to work comfortably in a group with appropriate distance between teams in the presence of other dogs at a busy park before you come. If you need instruction on focus training, or help with desensitization and counter-conditioning leash reactivity, please contact Mary (916-712-5688).

WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY: By RSVPing for this event, you release Mary Torrano Dog Training and its officers, agents, volunteers, and representatives, the cities of Los Alamos and White Rock from liability for any damage or injury that may be sustained to you or your dog as a result of your participation at this event and thereafter.

Questions? Use the event communication or text Mary at 916-712-5688.