FitHound offers the following classes:
All classes meet for one hour, once a week for seven weeks. The first night is owner orientation and owners come without their dogs.
Level 1 - Puppy Kindergarten (for puppies 8-18 weeks old)
A puppy's primary socialization periods last from approximately 3 to 13 weeks of age. This is the best and most important time to expose your puppy to new people, other dogs and new environments. During this time, a puppy develops the "blueprint" he will use for the rest of his life when encountering new things. We are an Operation Socialization Ceritified trainer and implement the Operation Socialization™ Puppy curriculum for exercises to help him build his confidence, be comfortable in new environments, and develop his social and play skills with other dogs. We will also get him started on his basic manners: such as
learning his name, sit & down, leave it, walking nicely on a leash ,and politely greeting people.
Each week, we will also discuss house training, crating, how to properly deal with puppy nipping and biting and how to install overall good puppy management.
Our puppy classes are open enrollment, so you can start at any time after attending orientation. Your You will have 8 weeks to complete 6 sessions. Puppy K is for puppies 8-20 weeks old at the start of class and who have had their first set of puppy shots at least one week before starting class.
Level 1 - Basic Manners (for dogs 18 weeks and older)
Basic Manners is designed for dog's that have not yet taken a training class, or for puppies who have completed Puppy Kindergarten or dogs that just need a refresher on the basics. Dogs willl learn the foundations for:
- Coming When Called
- Sit / Down /Settle Down
- Off/Leave It
- Polite People Greetings
- Loose Leash Walking
- Attention exercises
Classes are seven weeks, once a week for 60 minutes. For dogs 5 months and older. We accept a maximum of 6-7 dogs per class (depending on location).
Level 2 - Well on our Way! (for graduates of a Level I)
A Level 2 class is for dogs that have successfully completed Level 1 or Puppy Kindergarten, or an equivalent Beginner level class emphasizing improvement on good behaviors learned in Level 1 with more challenges and distractions as well as new behaviors. We accept a maximum of 5-6 dogs per class (depending on location).
Things we will cover in class:
- Stay
- Sits and Downs for Duration and Distance
- Sits and Downs with Distractions
- Loose Lead walking
- Challenging Leave Its
- Polite People Greetings
- Passing Another Dog on Lead
- Recalls with distraction
AKC Canine Good Citizen® Course & Certification (for graduates of Level II)
The AKC's Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) Program started in 1989. CGC is a certification program that is designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. The Canine Good Citizen Program is a two-part program that stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test may receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club. Class will be 6 weeks where we will practice fundamentals to pass the 10-step test. Test will be given at the end of the 6 week course. The CGC class should be considered an intermediate or advanced level manners class. We accept a maximum of 6-7 dogs per class (depending on location).
Out and About! (for graduates of Level II or equivalent)
Is your dog better behaved at home than he is in public? Would you like to be able to take your dog with you when you're out and about? This is the class for you! We’ll meet at public locations every week and work on common, everyday situations. Get real-time feedback and advice on how to improve your dog’s public social skills. Class locations will be in downtown Frederick in public areas. We co-teach this class with Laurie Luck of SmartDog University. Since there will be two certified trainers teaching this class, you and your dog will get more individual attention and we get to know each of you, your dogs, and what specific problems you're facing.
This class is for dogs and people who would like to spend more time in public together, but need to brush up on basic manners. This course is not for dogs who are afraid of or aggressive toward people or other dogs. During the course, we will meet a variety of distractions and real-life situations such as: strollers, skateboarders, joggers, baby strollers, children running, other dogs (who aren’t in class and may or may not be under the control of their owner), strangers who want to pet your dog (and might not ask you first), loud noises, and weather fluctuations. If you think your dog will be afraid or aggressive in any of these situations, Out + About is not the course for you or your dog. In this case, please contact us to discuss enrolling in a more appropriate course. We accept a maximum of 8 dogs in this class.
K9 Nose Work™ (for just about any dog!!)
K9 Nose Work™ is the latest training activity that develops your dog’s natural scenting abilities through fun and games. The sport leverages every dog’s amazing sense of smell and their love of performing a task.
Geared for dogs of all shapes, sizes and ages and temperments, K9 Nose Work™ has found enthusiastic participants seeking a lower impact canine activity that offers great rewards for both handlers and their dogs. By utilizing basic search skills, the sport builds confidence, burns off mental and physical energy, and reinforces the bond between dog and owner. We offer all levels of K9 Nosework ™ classes from beginner to advanced for those just wanting to have fun with their dogs to those that want to compete with their dogs.
Please Note: For K9 Nose Work™ classes, dogs need to be comfortable spending time alone in their crate (out of sight) or in your car while the other dogs take their turn.