What Is A Life Skills Class?
Life skills are the behaviors dogs need to thrive with their human companions; commonly these are referred to as obedience classes, however at Summer Creek Animal Clinic we find these skills should encompass both obedience behaviors and give pets the ability to thrive in all aspects of life. These skills include common basic obedience skills, socialization and social skills, cooperative care, and more! Your Fear Free Certified trainer will teach you how to teach your dog these necessary skills. Puppy class is designed for puppies 10 weeks to 5 months of age; dogs 6 months of age or older will attend adult beginner class.
What Does This Life Skills Class Include?
- Sit, down, stay, leash manners, leave it, drop it, polite greetings, coming when called, and other common basic manners.
- Active participation and comfort in routine handling for home, grooming, and veterinary care.
- Socialization through careful exposure to common sights, sounds, scents, textures, and other sensory perceptions.
- A strong, positive association and familiarity with the hospital for both pets and pet parents.
- ...and more!
How Does Life Skills Class Work?
You and your dog will attend a one hour group session once weekly at Summer Creek Animal Clinic. Each session will have a set lesson plan and homework handouts will be sent home so you know what to practice during the rest of the week. During the lesson, your trainer will coach you through how to teach each behavior, understand your pet's body language, working at your pet's pace, and creating reliability. Your sessions will be at the same time and date every week for a total of six weeks. At the end of the course, you and your dog will have earned a diploma in basic life skills, provided all classes have been attended.
I Don't Think a Group Class Is For Me. Do You Offer Private Training?
At this time, Summer Creek Animal Clinic does not offer private training sessions outside of cooperative care training. For private training sessions, we have a list of recommended trainers in the area whose methods, education, and skills align with our core values and humane training standards. Please continue to inquire with us as this may change moving forward.
My Dog Already Knows The Basics. Do You Offer More Advanced Group Classes?
At this time, Summer Creek Animal clinic does not offer intermediate or advanced life skills training, however we do offer cooperative care training (training for medical and grooming care) as both private and group classes. For intermediate and advanced life skills training, we have a list of recommended trainers in the area whose methods, education, and skills align with our core values and humane training standards. Please continue to inquire with us as this may change moving forward.
Puppy/Beginner Life Skills Class Sign-Up Sheet
