TRAINING

Communication is the start of your training journey with your dog - and it can be a challenge! Humans and dogs don't normally speak the same language but we both can learn to be more effective communicators. Learning to see the world through the eyes of your dog is a good place to start. After all, your home is now his home. Your family is his pack.

To raise your dog to the level of a truly confident, well-trained and mannerly dog, he will need to know where he stands in the "pack." The leader is the one who keeps order all around, who sets rules, defines borders of behavior, and can be counted on in time of trouble. Survival depends on the leader. It's a big responsibility but your dog is looking for the leader every day.

Leadership is a love language for your dog. (The good news is that we teach that language!)

Are you ready to train? Read about our classes in the descriptions below. We'd love to have you in a session soon.

PRIVATE LESSONS are a great way to achieve your training goals! In-home sessions are convenient and a great fit for busy families who care about their dog's training. Whether you need Puppy Aptitude Testing, Behavioral evaluations, Problem Solving and/or obedience training - we have you covered. Click on our link to get started!

NEW!!! Day Training Available. Let us train your dog with daily 30 minutes sessions x 5 days - or more! Teach a skill set to replace unwanted behavior, compliance to offset unruly behavior, or your custom chosen commands. Contact us for more information about our Day Training Program.

Download our description of Wendy's Canine Training Participation Guidelines by clicking here.

KINDERGARTEN PUPPY CLASS

This class is geared toward puppies, 10 weeks to approximately 6 months of age.
Your pet should be in good health with current vaccinations (first 2 sets plus Bordetella).
Command we’ll teach: Let’s Go, Sit, Off, Settle, Front, Down, Leave It, Wait, Touch
Helpful Information Provided on: Housebreaking, Crate Training, Nipping & Biting, Excessive Barking, Loose Leash Walking, Handling, Socialization, Dog Communication, Greeting People
Bring 5-6 ft. Leash (no retractables)
20-25 ft. Lightweight line (no tie-outs or retractables)
Pup treats, toy
Clean up supplies for accidents

Exciting Bonus: Get the opportunity to test for the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program after attending six (6) puppy lessons. Learn more about it at www.akc.org

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BEGINNER OBEDIENCE

This class is geared toward dog approximately 6 months and up.
Your pet should be in good health with current vaccinations (first 2 sets plus Bordetella).
Command we’ll teach: Let’s Go, Off, Front, Sit, Down, Sit/Stay, Down/Stay, Long Down/Stay (30 minutes), Sit/Stay for greeting, Heel, All Done
Helpful Information Provided on: How Dogs Communicate, Establishing and Maintaining Leadership
Bring 5-6 ft. leash (no retractables)
20-25 ft. Lightweight line (no tie-outs or retractables)
Dog treats, toy
Clean up supplies for accidents

Please note: Beginner Obedience or evaluation for its equivalent level of training is required for the Canine Good Citizen class(es).

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INTERMEDIATE OBEDIENCE CLASS/AKC RALLY

A "focus" command so that they will pay attention to you while distracted
Polish beginner skills such as stay, down, and front
A "heel while weaving" and other maneuvers as they can learn to navigate the course
Two different types of "return to heel" commands...and much more!
Helpful Information provided on: AKC RALLY PARTICIPATION as a learning tool
Bring 5-6 ft. leash (no retractables)
20-25 ft. Lightweight line (no tie-outs or retractables)
Dog treats, toy
Clean up supplies for accidents
PLEASE NOTE: There is a minimum number of students required for class to be held. Contact us if interested.

Learn more about Rally by visiting www.akc.org.

CLICK TO REGISTER

Kindegarten Puppy Class

Beginner Obedience

Intermediate

CGC

AKC CANINE GOOD CITIZEN

After Beginner Obedience, we recommend Canine Good Citizen class with Wendy's Canine Training!
Our six-week courses will prepare you and your dog by teaching and reviewing the ten essential skills necessary to be successful in the ten test items addressed in the certification test(s). Dogs who pass the test earn the honor of adding the title “CGC” or “CCGA” to their record at the American Kennel Club (AKC) and show the world your training accomplishments!
All of our trainers are Certified AKC CGC Evaluators. You will have an opportunity to do the actual test in your Week 6 class. Contact us for the schedule and location (we meet in area parks).
Learn more by visiting the AKC website at www.akc.org
Your dog must have an AKC number of one of 3 types (AKC registration number, PAL number, or AKC Canine Partners number). All dogs, including mixed breeds, can get an AKC number - this is how certifications and titles are recorded: http://images.akc.org/cgc/number.pdf
PLEASE NOTE: There is a minimum number of students required for each class to be held. Contact us if interested.

LEVELS OF CGC CERTIFICATIONS

Training classes teach you how to best communicate with your puppy. Our organized Kindergarten Puppy training classes provide an opportunity for your dog to socialize with other dogs and to work on their S.T.A.R. Puppy skills. You’ll be able to get information on all of your puppy-raising questions including housetraining, chewing, and the most effective way to teach practical skills such as coming when called. AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy training is a natural lead in to the AKC® Canine Good Citizen® Program.
AKC Urban CGC requires that the dog demonstrate CGC skills and beyond in a setting that includes traffic, crowds, noises, smells and other distractions that are present in a city or town.
AKC Community Canine is the advanced level of AKC’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program.
AKC Novice Trick Dog (TKN)- Your dog performs 10 skills from the Novice list. If a dog has a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certificate or title on record at AKC, it can do 5 Novice tricks (CGC + 5) to earn the Novice title. See the list of tricks here. Advanced classes added based on interest.
AKC Intermediate Trick Dog (TKI) – Your dog must have the Novice title, plus perform 10 Intermediate tricks. See the list of tricks here.
AKC Advanced Trick Dog (TKA) – Your dog must have the Intermediate title, plus perform 10 tricks from the Advanced list. See the list of tricks here.
AKC Trick Dog Performer (TKP) – In this title, handlers perform a short routine with at least 10 tricks with at least 3 tricks using props. See the requirements here.
AKC Trick Dog Elite Performer (TKE) – In the highest level of Trick Dog, the Elite Performers perform a routine that has a story/script. At least 5 props are used. See the requirements here.
PLEASE NOTE: There is a minimum number of students required for each class to be held. Contact us if interested.

THERAPY DOG AND SERVICE DOG TRAINING

Therapy Dog Training is for individuals and their dogs who desire to serve the community in a special volunteer capacity while visiting hospitals, special needs centers, schools, nursing homes, and other facilities.

Some people think Therapy Dogs and Service Dogs are the same (they are not).

Therapy Dogs will be encouraged to interact with people in a calm, mannerly fashion. Service Dogs are discouraged from such interactions because they have one main job: to connect and serve their owner by assisting with a disability or need.

No special law gives Therapy Dogs access to all public venues, for example. That is a very common misconception. Service Dogs are permitted in public areas by law.

The purpose of Therapy Dog Training is to provide therapeutic visits that provide comfort for young and old, in sickness and in health. It's a high calling, but if you are willing - we can train you!

Pre-requisite: completion of Canine Good Citizen, or evaluation of competence by one of our trainers.
A component of the class is that we evaluate your dog for therapy dog potential.
Your pet should be in good health with current vaccinations (first 2 sets plus Bordetella).
Skills: Waiting calmly for sign in or when with other dogs, being approached and touched from all sides, group sit/stay, recall on long line, visiting a patient, reactions to unusual situations, advanced “leave it” training, meeting another dog, meeting children, chaotic exit through a doorway.
Bring 5-6 ft. leash (no retractables)
20-25 ft. Lightweight line (no tie-outs or retractables)
Pup treats, toy
Clean up supplies for accidents
PLEASE NOTE: There is a minimum number of students required for each class to be held. Contact us if interested.

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT SERVICE DOG TRAINING,

VISIT KNOX SERVICE DOG. Knox Service Dog was founded by Anna & David McAndrews in 2023, continuing in the family traditions of excellence that embodies Wendy's Canine Training. Highly recommended by all of our trainers for their skill and patience in training superior service dogs.

Therapy Dogs

Service Dogs