Golden Rule Training

golden retriever

Positive obedience training will enhance the bond between you and your dog. Dogs that have a solid obedience education are a joy to live with, they respond well to household routines, have good manners in the presence of people and other dogs, and they fully enjoy the company of the owner who took the time to provide training.

With that concept in mind, Homeward Bound offers adult and puppy obedience training for all breeds, including beginning and intermediate classes as well as the American Kennel Club's (AKC), Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) preparation class and evaluation. These are all held at Homeward Bound in small groups with 5 to 7 dogs and their owners (all family members are welcome) to ensure personalization for specific training needs!

Beginning Class

This four-week class is held on Saturdays from 9:30 to 11:00. The first hour is dedicated to learning the basic obedience cues, such as: "Focus on me", "Sit", "Sit-Stay", "Down-Stay", "Loose-leash skills", and "Recall". The following 30 minutes are devoted to dog-to-dog socialization and is open to all non-aggressive dogs. Socialization for dogs is critical for a well-behaved and happy dog, and is just as important as teaching obedience!

Intermediate Class

Our intermediate class is a five-week course and is held on Saturdays from 11:30 to 1:00. In the first hour we focus on teaching "settle" and "heel" cues as well as increasing reliability in the basic cues listed above. In addition, we introduce some of the ten requirements for the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen® certification. The following 30 minutes is dedicated to dog-to-dog socialization and is open to all non-aggressive dogs.

Prerequisite: Completion of a positive reinforcement beginning obedience class, or the dog that has already accomplished the basics as listed above.

American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen®
Preparation Class and Evaluation

round yellow and blue with man and dog shaking hands words canine good citizen around outside

Many dog owners choose Canine Good Citizen® training as the first step in training their dogs. The Canine Good Citizen® Program (CGC) lays the foundation for other American Kennel Club (AKC) activities such as obedience, agility, tracking, and performance events. As you work with your dog to teach the CGC skills, you'll discover the many benefits and joys of training your dog. Training will enhance the bond between you and your dog as well as teaching good manners around people and other dogs.

just the dogs cgc class with dogs on leashes

The Canine Good Citizen® Preparation class is a seven-week class and is held on Sundays from 11:00 to 12:30. The first six weeks will focus on practicing for the test, and on the seventh week you will evaluated. All dogs passing the 10 tests may receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club!

Prerequisite: Successful completion of an intermediate obedience class.

For more information see: www.akc.org/events/cgc/training_testing.cfm

Kathryn and friends on the grass

American Kennel Club S.T.A.R. Puppy℠ Class

round yellow and blue with puppy in the middle words akc star puppy around outside

This is new program designed to get dog owners and their puppies off to a good start. The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy℠ Program is an incentive program for loving dog owners who have taken the time to take their puppies through a basic training class.

puppy sitting and getting a treat

The training class is six weeks long and will teach you how to best communicate with your puppy. Organized training classes also provide an opportunity for your dog to socialize with other dogs. In classes aimed at earning the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy℠ distinction, 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.

For more information see www.akc.org/starpuppy/about_the_program.cfm

Training Cost

Beginning, Intermediate, S.T.A.R. Puppy and the CGC Preparation group classes are $90.00 (plus an additional $25 for CGC testing).

Seniors (55 years and older) and active Homeward Bound volunteers receive 50% discount for group classes - $45.00.

Private consultations per session, by appointment - $50.00

Workshops for Reliable Recall and Reactive Dogs - $90.00


To register for class, make a private consultation appointment, or if you have a training question, please contact Kathryn at goldentraining@homewardboundgoldens.org.


Golden Rule Training Library

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