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21212 West Commercial Drive — Mundelein, Illinois 60060
(847) 970-6777                       
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 Dog Obedience Training

 


2008 Training Schedule
 

  June 2008 - December 2008
Course Day Time Start Date Duration Fee
Puppy Kindergarten Thursday 7pm - 8pm 07/10/08 8 weeks $120
Puppy Kindergarten Thursday 7pm - 8pm 10/02/08 8 weeks $120
Puppy Kindergarten Thursday 7pm - 8pm 12/04/08 8 weeks $120
Puppy Parties Saturday 9:30am - 10:30am 09/06/08 on-going FREE
Pet Dog Manners I (Beginners) Monday 7pm - 8pm 06/16/08 10 weeks $150
Pet Dog Manners I (Beginners) Monday 7pm - 8pm 09/15/08 10 weeks $150
Pet Dog Manners 1 (Beginners) Monday 7pm - 8pm 12/01/08 10 weeks $150
Pet Dog Manners II (Intermediate) TBA TBA TBA 8 weeks $120
Tricks & Games (Advanced) TBA TBA TBA 6 weeks $100
Canine Good Citizen
(AKC - CGC)
TBA TBA TBA 8 weeks $150
Private Lessons call for info days/eves available TBD TBD
Pre-registration is required for all courses and Puppy Parties.

Introduction

"Dogs make us laugh. They comfort us when we're sad. They patiently listen to us complain about everything. And they don't care how bad we look in the morning... they still give us a kiss. They give us so much and ask for so little. We owe it to our dogs to train them!"
– Karen Okura, The Anti-Cruelty Society, Chicago, IL

At Doggy Day Camp, Inc., you and your dog will be under the tutelage of a knowledgeable trainer who cares about your relationship with your dog. Good manners are easily handled with a little bit of understanding, a sense of humor, and gentle, consistent training. There is no magic wand or secret pill to instantly achieve canine etiquette. Commitment, cooperation and patience by the owner, along with the guidance of an knowledgeable trainer, are the keys to success. Our trainers have many years of experience helping dog owners communicate better with their canine friends.

Dog Training Method

We cater to families who love having a dog in their lives. We teach a family how to live happily together with their canine friend, using positive reinforcement methods that are conducive to learning and retention.  Unlike punishment-based techniques, which create unwanted side effects such as fear and distrust, a reward-based approach provides the foundation for a confident dog and harmonious relationship within the family.  Our programs are designed to nurture mutual understanding and good relations between dogs and their families.  After all, preserving the human-animal bond is what keeps our canine friends in their homes for a lifetime ---- and fewer pets being abandoned and dropped off at shelters.  
We advocate easy, effective, and enjoyable training methods that are both dog-friendly and user-friendly.  We apply positive motivation and reinforcement techniques, which focus on what the dog does right, not punishing what he has done wrong. The handler encourages the dog to do a behavior and then rewards the dog with food, praise, play, and attention. Experience has taught us that proactive training methods motivate the dog and handler to try new things, translating into an upbeat, enthusiastic attitude whereby the dog and handler enjoy working together as a team.

We believe in providing an educational service at an affordable price so all dogs and their respective families have an opportunity to receive the training they need to live happily together.   Course fees range from $100 to $150, and vary between 6 to 10 weeks in duration (see course descriptions below). Class sizes are small - typically eight students or less - to ensure students receive plenty of one-on-one attention. Advance registration is necessary since classes are small.  

Enrollment Process

Advance registration is necessary. To reserve your spot in a course, please follow these steps:

  1. Check your calendar to be sure you can attend each class. The first class is essential. We do not schedule make-up sessions.
  2. Complete our Student Profile form. Download form here (PDF). Forms may also be picked-up at our facility during normal business hours .
  3. Obtain your dog's vaccine records. Proof of the following immunizations are required at the time of enrollment: DHLPP or DALPP, Bordetella (kennel cough) and Rabies (required after 16 weeks of age). Puppies must have at least 2 rounds of DHLPP or DALPP to attend class. A licensed veterinarian must have administered the most recent vaccine at least one week prior to the start of class.
  4. Submit items 1-3 to our office with your payment in full. We accept cash and check only. You will not be enrolled in a course until you complete all these steps. Course fees are payable at the time of (advance) registration. Course fees are non-refundable. Please read our policy regarding cancellations and refunds. There is a $25 fee for all returned checks.

    NOTE: In order to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants in a class, we reserve the right to decline entry to any dog who presents behavior issues that may be overly dangerous, disruptive, or that may be exacerbated by participation in a group class. If behavior issues are discovered, our trainer will discuss other available options that are in everyone's best interest.

What to Bring to Class

Proof of the following immunizations are required at the time of enrollment: Rabies, DHLPP or DALPP, and Bordetella (kennel cough). For Puppy Kindergarten, proof of 2 rounds of DHLPP or DALPP vaccinations.

Flat collar without tags attached (can be nylon, cotton or leather.)

A five- to six-foot leather lead (no flexi-leads, no nylon leashes, no chain leashes.) The proper width of your lead is important, and we can help you select the proper width for your breed during orientation.

A hungry dog and a variety of your dog's favorite treats, cut into small pieces.

An inexpensive fanny pack to hold the treats you will be using so your hands are free (no plastic baggies of any kind!)

Alternate equipment may be suggested for a dog that requires more control, but each case will be evaluated on an individual basis (i.e., Gentle Leader, Easy Walk Harness, etc.)

Please review our course Guidelines and call us with any questions: (847) 970-6777.

Families are welcome and encouraged to attend. In fact, we encourage anyone who lives with the dog to attend class, it helps with consistency of training. Please read our Children in Class policy.

For everyone's safety, when you arrive for class, please take care around other dogs you encounter, since some may not be good with other dogs.

Course Descriptions

Course:  Puppy Parties
Length:  On-Going ---  Saturday mornings (60 minutes)  beginning September 2008
Requirements:  Open to all puppies under 6 months of age who have received their DHLPP or DALPP immunizations.  Puppies must be at least 8 weeks old to participate. Puppies must be in good health and free from any communicable diseases within the past 30 days.  Bring your pup's veterinary health records and proof of age to each session.  
Description:  Is your puppy howling to share their endless energy with other puppies?  Our FREE puppy playtime sessions provide a fun and safe off-leash environment for your puppy to develop the confidence and social savvy s/he needs for friendly interaction with other people and dogs.........and you get a tired puppy!  Do not keep your pup a secret.  Give your pup the opportunity to enjoy other dogs and people.  When you socialize and train a puppy properly, you will discover that your own social life dramatically improves!
Children:  Dog-friendly (human) children 7 years of age or older who live with the puppy are encouraged to participate.  (Human children under 7 years of age are prohibited from attending. )  An adult must accompany children under 16 years old. 
Dress Code & Valuables:  Since you will be interacting within the puppy playgroup, please dress comfortably and wear rubber-soled shoes.  No open-toed shoes of any kind allowed.  Gym shoes work best.  We do not have a secure place to store valuables, so please leave them at home.
Includes:  Puppy breath, puppy kisses, and unlimited entertainment and laughter!
No fun-wreckers allowed!   :o)
Registration:  Pre-registration is required.   Call to register:  (847) 970-6777.  
Course Fee:  FREE.

Course:  Puppy Kindergarten
Length:  8 weeks (60 minutes each session)
Requirements:  Open to puppies between 8 – 18 weeks old who have received their first two (2) DHLPP or DALPP immunizations.
Description:  This class is 8 weeks of puppy fun! The majority of this course is taught off-lead and includes socialization with people and other dogs, confidence building, bite inhibition (so your puppy develops a soft mouth), an introduction to basic manners and information on family living skills (i.e., house training, chewing, jumping on people, grooming, etc.)  Come without your puppy the first week so we can get in some vital (and fun) human training!
Includes:  Textbook, handouts, homework, and certificate of completion.
Registration:  Advance registration is required since class sizes are limited.
Course Fee:  $120

Course:  Pet Dog Manners I (PDM–I)
Length:  10 Weeks (60 minutes each session)
Requirements:  Open to all dogs 16 weeks or older (no upper age limit), with proof of current Rabies, DHLPP or DALPP, and Bordetella (kennel cough) immunizations.
Description:  You and your dog won’t want to miss this fun, reward-oriented course.   We teach you and your dog the basic skills needed for a mannerly pet dog and how to apply them in your day-to-day routine using methods based on positive reinforcement.  Exercises covered include:  attention, sit, down, stand, back, come when called, loose-leash walking, stay, various hand signals, polite greetings, and more.  Classes are taught on lead at all times.  Come without your dog the first week so we can get in some vital (and fun) human training!
Includes:  Textbook, homework, handouts and certificate of completion.
Registration:  Advance registration is required since class sizes are limited.  
Course Fee:  $150

Course:  Pet Dog Manners II (PDM–II)
Length:  8 Weeks (60 minutes each session)
Prerequisites:  Successful completion of PDM-I or similar course work.
Requirements:  Proof of current Rabies, DHLPP or DALPP, and Bordetella (kennel cough) immunizations.
Description:  "Let's kick it up a notch!" Once you gain a working relationship with your dog, it's only natural to see how far you can excel. This intermediate-level class is for people who want to improve their dogs' manners and overall training. We add to and improve the reliability of commands learned in PDM-I. We'll even help you strengthen your skills as a trainer, and teach you how to polish your dog's stays, recalls and heeling.  Duration, distance and distractions are integrated throughout the lessons.  
Includes:  Homework, handouts, and a certificate of completion.
Registration:  Advance registration is required since class sizes are limited.
Course fee:  $120

Course:  Tricks & Games
Length:  6 weeks (60 minutes each session)
Prerequisites:  Successful completion of PDM I & II, and a great sense of humor!  Dogs must be people-friendly and dog-friendly to participate.
Requirements:  Proof of current Rabies, DHLPP or DALPP, and Bordetella (kennel cough) immunizations.
Description:  Looking for something new and fun to do with your dog? We'll raise the bar on the basics while we intersperse trick training with games, to give both you and your dog a good laugh after a long day.  We take field trips in this class too!  Don't miss this chance to give your dog mental exercise and yourself an evening of laughter and fun!
Includes:  Handouts and lots of dog gone fun!
Registration:  Advance registration is required since class sizes are limited.  
Course Fee:  $100

Course:  Canine Good Citizen (CGC)
Length:  8 Weeks (60 minutes each session)
Prerequisites:  Successful completion of PDM-I and PDM-II or similar course work.
Requirements:  Proof of current Rabies, DHLPP or DALPP, and Bordetella (kennel cough) immunizations.
Description:  The CGC is a certification program initiated by the American Kennel Club in 1989, that was 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 (of any breed or mix) that pass the 10-step CGC test may receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club. The goal of this CGC course is to prepare you and your dog for the Canine Good Citizen Test, which includes the following sections: 1. Accepting a friendly stranger, 2. Sitting politely for petting, 3. Appearance and Grooming, 4. Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead), 5. Walking through a crowd, 6. Sit and down on command and staying in place, 7. Coming when called, 8. Reaction to another dog, 9. Reaction to distraction, and 10. Supervised separation. Participation in this class will enable you to add new skills and build on the basics taught in PDM I & II.
Includes:  Homework and handouts.  The CGC Test is administered in week 8.  
Registration:  Advance registration is required since class sizes are limited.
Course fee:  $150

Course:  Intro to Agility
Length: 8 weeks (75 minutes each session)
Prerequisites:  Successful completion of PDM-I and PDM-II.  
Requirements:  Proof of current Rabies, DHLPP or DALPP, and Bordetella (kennel cough) immunizations.  Dogs must be people-friendly and dog-friendly to participate.
Description:  Dog agility is a sport whereby a handler is given a set amount of time in which to direct a dog off-leash through an obstacle course. It’s a fun way to reinforce the relationship between you and your dog, while learning a new skill. In this course, we take a relaxed, fun approach to dog agility. You will learn the basic commands and equipment used in the sport.  Come without your dog the first week so we can get in some vital (and fun) human training!
Includes:  Homework, handouts, and certificate of completion.
Registration:  Advance registration is required since class size is limited.  
Course Fee:  $150  

Course:  Pet First Aid & CPR (certified by the American Red Cross)  
Date:  TBA
Time:  1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.   
Prerequisites:  Please leave your pet(s) at home.  This class is for the Pet Parent. 
D
escription:   Lessons that could save your pet’s life!  For just $60 you will learn how to recognize symptoms and care for common ailments and emergencies; including how to apply Emergency First Aid, and, CPR and Rescue Breathing.   Information on creating both a “pet friendly” first aid kit and disaster kit are also provided.  Taught by a Certified American Red Cross Pet First Aid Instructor. 
Includes:   "Pet First Aid" -
an 128-page illustrated first aid reference book for dog and cat lovers from the American Red Cross and the Humane Society of the United States.  Provides quick access to instructions for handling common injuries and illnesses. 
Registration:  Advance registration is required since the class size is limited.      
Course fee:  $60

We also offer Private Lessons at a mutually convenient time for the client and trainer  (i.e., lunch time, evenings, and Saturdays).  For more information, please contact Kathleen at (847) 970-6777.

Cancellations

If the minimum enrollment for a course is not met 3 days prior to the first class session, the course will be canceled. We will notify you 3 days before the course was scheduled to begin to determine if you would like to enroll in an alternative class, receive credit toward a future class, or receive a full refund.

Refunds

Please note once you have enrolled in a class, the course deposit/fee is non-refundable. Credit toward a future class may be provided if we are notified of your withdrawal from a course at least 5 days before the first class session. If within the first 3 sessions of a class, a dog is unable to attend due to an injury or illness, you can receive a 50% credit toward a future class. (Veterinary certification of the illness/injury is required for credit purposes.) We regret that we are unable to issue a credit for any reason after the first 3 sessions of a class. There is a $25 fee for all returned checks.

Children in Class

We are happy to have other family members and children attend our classes. In order to make it a fun and safe experience for everyone in the class:

  • Children must remain seated and under parental control at all times.
  • Parents must supervise their children during the entire class.
  • Children should refrain from running and yelling in the classroom.
  • Please explain to your children that all dogs are not socialized to, friendly toward, or comfortable around children, so they should not approach or pet the other dogs in class.
  • If your child wants to meet another dog, please obtain the owner's permission, and only during non-instructional times.
  • Children can get bored during class, so please feel free to bring quiet toys or activities to keep them entertained.

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