Training Classes
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Training classes are open to all. You do not need to be a member to take CRDTC classes.
- Directions: From Route 95/128 (heading north or south) take Exit 26, Route 20 Weston/Waltham. Follow signs to Route 20 West towards Weston. After 1.3 mile, turn left onto School Street at traffic light. After 0.3 mile, turn right onto Alphabet Lane. After 0.2 mile, turn left at the traffic circle. Take 3rd left into side parking area for the Weston Community Center, a large brown-red barn building. Additional parking is in front of the Weston Community Center and at the adjacent Field School parking lot.
Classes are held indoors at the Weston Community Center, 20 Alphabet Ln, Weston MA 02493. Attendees must follow the COVID guidelines for the Town of Weston, www.weston.org/159/Board-of-Health
- The puppy classes are specifically designed for young dogs.
- Topics covered include: handling and environment exposures; targeting, basic positions (sit/down/stand), recall games, leash walking and more.
- Puppies must be on a schedule of routine vaccinations and have had vaccinations appropriate for their age. It is recommended that pups have a series of two vaccinations by the start of class, however, check with your veterinarian.
- Class size is limited to 8 puppies and this course often fills. Pre-registration is required. Fee $165.
Check class schedule for next start dates.
Print a registration form and mail with payment. Online registration is not currently available. - For all classes, please wait outside until the instructor comes to let in the group.
- Please potty your dog before class and pick up after your dog. Buckets will be available to dispose of waste.
- Please be aware that classes will not be held on some Monday holidays.
- Companion obedience training for handlers to learn how to teach their dogs, and for dogs to learn foundation behaviors and life skills that will make them great companions.
- For new dog owners, beginners, veteran dog owners with new dogs, and handlers who want to practice fun, positive teaching techniques with their dogs.
- Meets once per week for 6 weeks.
- The first class is for humans only. Updated learning theory and positive reinforcement techniques to build trust and produce long lasting results will be presented. Methods including use of a clicker or verbal marker will be explained. Shaping will be described and class members will participate in exercises to learn and improve timing.
- Weekly assignments for practice at home.
- Instructor plus an experienced assistant to provide individual attention.
- Limited to 10 dog/handler teams.
- Course fee $165, includes a clicker. You must pre-register for this course.
- Check class schedule for start dates. Print a course application form (PDF format) and mail with payment. Online registration is not currently available.
- Dogs should be at least 1 year old, with all vaccinations up to date.
- Usually for one handler per dog, however, additional family members may attend and work one at a time with the dog. Handlers should be at least 15 years old.
- Please leave your dog at home on the first night of class.
- For all classes, please wait outside until the instructor comes to let in the group.
- Please potty your dog before class and pick up after your dog. Buckets will be available to dispose of waste.
- Each class will focus on two or more of the ten CGC exercises. The exercises include:
- Accepting a friendly stranger, sitting politely for petting, and allowing light grooming
- Walking on a loose leash and through a crowd with distractions
- Sitting and lying down on command and staying in place
- Coming when called
- Behaving politely around other dogs
- Remaining calm with a stranger while the owner is out of sight
- The Advanced CGC (CGCA) and Urban CGC (CGCU) also will be discussed. Some of these additional exercises will be demonstrated and practiced in class.
- You must pre-register for this 5-week course. Class size is limited. Course Fee: $100 for Non-Members, $75 for CRDTC Members.
- Check class schedule for next start date. Print a course registration form (PDF format) and mail with payment. Online registration is not currently available.
- For all classes, please wait outside until the instructor comes to let in the group.
- Please potty your dog before class and pick up after your dog. Buckets will be available to dispose of waste.
- For first time handlers and advanced beginner dogs.
- Focus on teaching attention heeling and also the skills needed for novice and advanced obedience.
- Each class includes both active and stationary exercises to keep things lively and dogs are taught using a variety of of engaging activities building on dog-handler physical interactions and relationship, food, and toys.
- Also may include some tricks, heeling to music, play engagement, and proofing.
- Optional sit stay and down stay practice following class.
- The goal is for dog and handler to be able to complete the AKC Novice exercises which include:
- Heel on Leash, Heel Free, and Figure Eight - dog watches its handler and adjusts its pace to walk at the handler's side.
- Stand for Examination - dog allows hands-on touching such as that by a veterinarian or groomer.
- Recall - dog immediately comes when the handler calls.
- Long Sit - dog sits on command and remains in a sit position for 1 minute and until released by the handler.
- Long Down - dog lies down on command and remains in a down position for 1 minute and until released by the handler.
Class Schedule: start date to be determined
- Beginning Competition Skills Workshop, Sept 9 - Oct 6, 2022
Meets for 2 hours each week for 5 weeks. Geared toward handlers and dogs who have basic obedience training skills (beginning heeling, recalls, stays), but are not yet ready to compete in Obedience or Rally Trials. Teams will learn and refine the skills needed to start making these basic skills "ring ready" using positive and fun techniques. This workshop would be a good fit for those new to competition, for teams who have had some Novice Competition training previously, but could use a refresher, and for more experienced handlers with new dogs.
Limited to 8 teams with CRDTC Members given preference until August 25. To register contact Anne Stoma at astoma@comcast.net - Training Parties for members and applicants only - ongoing
Held at several different commercial training locations, usually about once per month. Sometimes includes a special workshop on a specific training issue. Generally includes obedience and rally run-thrus. - CGC Testing - Monday, April 11, 2022 at 6PM.
Limited entry. Fee is $20.00. To register, please send an email to Anne Stoma astoma@comcast.net and include your name, phone number, name of your dog and breed. You will be assigned to an approximate time slot.
For more information about the test, please visit https://www.akc.org/products-services/training-programs/canine-good-citizen/
For owners wishing to receive an AKC CGC Title once their dog passes the test, they will need to complete the title application form which is provided by the evaluator. In order to complete this application, the tested dog will need to have a registration number which can be either an AKC/FSS Registration number, Purebred Alternative Listing (PAL) or Canine Partners (CP).
Dog must not be wearing any type of management collar or harness during the test. They may wear either a flat buckle or martingale collar.
The owner/handler should bring the dog's brush or comb to the test. No food rewards may be used during the test. - Scent Games - Thursday April 28, 2022 and May 5, 2022, 6:30-8:30pm
at the Weston Community Center.
Ronni is offering two special sessions of some fun ways to play a great game with our dogs. That’s right – Scent Games!
Ever wish you had something fun to do with your dog when the weather turns nasty, is too wet, cold, icy or icy. Even on a “I’m really tired today.” How about playing a game that is so natural and enjoyable for our dogs to learn? This class will give you the basics to helping you help your dog learn to use its nose. Who knows some of you may turn yourself and your dog into an Elite Nose Work dog? It is an awesome sport for young and old dogs as well as an awesome sport for young and old handlers! Most of all it is a great game to just play with your dogs anywhere, anytime, indoors, or out!
No age limit required for dog or human. Each session is ONLY $10.00 per handler and dog.
You must pre-register with Anne Stoma at astoma@comcast.net and please include Scent Games in the Subject line. Include the your name and phone number, and breed and age of your dog. - Introduction to Tracking - May 3, 10, 17, 2022
Instructor: Roseann Mandell.
For Beginners only. Set of three classes on Tuesday evenings.
Classes will be held in the Concord/Sudbury area.
Each class runs 60 - 75 minutes and includes a handout, discussion, and field exercises for the dogs. There is homework assigned each week. Your dog should be comfortable staying alone in your vehicle when not working.
Limited to 5 with preference to CRDTC members. Course fee is $65 for members, $85 for non-members. Registration opens April 15.
Some resources: A Beginner's Guide and information about AKC tracking events.
FMI and a registration form: crdtc@yahoo.com
| Puppy I
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Puppy II
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Rally |
| Foundation Obedience Skills | Canine Good Citizen Skills | CGC Testing
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| Novice Obedience Skills
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Competition Obedience
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Special Classes |
| Training for Therapy Dogs |
Tricks!
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Puppy Classes
Mondays 5:00pm: Puppy I (Puppy Kindergarten) - for puppies 8 weeks to 6 months of age
Meets once per week for 6 weeks at the Weston Community Center. Instructor: Ronni Dalton, assisted by Susan Stock
Additional information:
Questions? Please email Ronni Dalton at hsif130@aol.com
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Companion Obedience Foundation Skills Course
Schedule:
Thursdays, 6:30pm and 7:30pm. Meets at the Weston Community Center.
Instructor: Wendy Marcks, assisted by Diane Hagelstein.
Please note: The first class meets at 7:00PM for 90 minutes and both the 6:30 and 7:30 classes join this first session. This first class is required to participate in the subsequent classes. No dogs at the first class. Additional information:
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Companion Obedience Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Skills Course
Instructor: Wendy Marcks, assisted by Diane Hagelstein.
For those who have completed the Obedience Foundation Skills course or Puppy II course at CRDTC, or the equivalent course at another facility.
Course content: Provides review and further work in companion obedience and the AKC Canine Good Citizen exercises.
For detailed descriptions of the CGC exercises, see the AKC Participants Handbook.
Additional information: |
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Novice Skills Obedience
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CRDTC offers rally as a special activity several times a year.
Rally run-throughs are generally available at member training parties.
Rally
Tricks training is incorporated into both the Foundation Obedience Skills classes and the Novice Skills classes.
Testing for the AKC Tricks titles is often offered in conjunction with CGC Testing. Upcoming tests in the area are posted at crdtc.org/cgc.
Tricks!
Do you have a potential therapy dog? Dogs that do therapy visits must have excellent temperament. They should be calm, relaxed, confident, outgoing, friendly, patient, gentle, and enjoy physical contact with all types of people. They should be tolerant of other dogs and completely non-aggressive. Behaviors can be modified with training, but a dog's basic personality and disposition is unlikely to change.
In addition, therapy dogs should be well trained, obedient, and have good manners. They should work nicely on leash with their handler in new surroundings and remain under good control despite distractions. Dogs should be healthy, current on all vaccinations, clean and well groomed, free of parasites, and have short/smooth nails.
Dog owners and their therapy dogs make a commitment to do regular volunteer visits at a designated nursing home, assisted living or special needs facility, senior daycare center, rehab center, or hospital. These visits can spark conversation, provide comfort and companionship, and renew fond memories of a person's previous pets. Some therapy dogs participate in reading with children programs at libraries and schools.
The specific requirements for certification vary by therapy dog organization but generally include successfully completing a basic obedience dog training course and passing the AKC Canine Good Citizen test, taken when the dog is at least one year old. Some organizations have additional requirements and their own tests for certification.
The CRDTC Canine Good Citizen Skills Course is based on the CGC exercises. Each class focuses on two or more of the ten CGC exercises, so all ten are covered over a five-week cycle. Training for the Advanced CGC (CGCA) and Urban CGC (CGCU) tests is also discussed in this class. The specific CGC exercises are described in the AKC Participants Handbook.
Please note that therapy dogs are not considered assistance dogs or service dogs and thus do not have the access rights of animals assisting the blind or disabled.
For more information and a partial list of local and national therapy dog organizations see the
CRDTC therapy dog page
Training for Therapy Dogs
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Special Classes/Workshops
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Starts Sept 12, 2022
Foundation Obedience
Starts Oct 13, 2022
CGC Skills Course
Oct 20, 2022
