We will be closed Saturday September 4-6 for Labor Day
Group Classes Starting Now:
Puppy (8-16 weeks old) Wednesday at 7pm, Saturday at 10am
Basic (16 weeks and up) Tuesday at 8pm, Saturday at 11am
New Classes Starting!
Limited Enrollment-reserve early! Must sign up by August 23rd!
Agility Class
Starts September 23rd 7pm. 7 weeks. $200
Waggin Woofers Agility
Starts September 23rd 8:15pm. 7 weeks $200. This class is agility for dogs who bark at other dogs while on leash.
Waggin Woofers Outdoor Class
Starts September 8th 5:45pm. 7 weeks $200. No dogs first class, owners only at The Paw Pad
STUDY SUGGESTS POSITIVE METHODS MORE EFFECTIVE
A recent study [1] published by the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare found that reward-based methods were significantly more successful for training certain tasks, and for no task was punishment-based training most effective. Dogs trained using only reward-based methods were reported significantly more obedient than those trained by other means, identifying reward-based methods to be the most effective overall training method.
Another noteworthy finding was the link between punishment-based techniques and problem behaviors, suggesting that punishment may result in the dog experiencing anxiety or conflict, a leading cause in behaviors such as aggression, separation anxiety and phobias.
[1] Hibey, E.F., Rooney, N.J. and Bradshaw, J.W.S. (2004), Dog training methods: their use, effectiveness and interaction with behaviour and welfare, Animal Welfare , 13:1, 63-69
Training your dog
Our training method is fun and easy for the whole family. No harsh corrections, hitting or yelling at your dog. Simple, quick training to teach your dog what you want them to do. We have been training the same way since 2003 and now it is the preferred training method endorsed by the American Veterinary Behavioral Society. We stay ahead of the trends by learning all we can about dogs and behavior.
No chains, spray bottle or abusive techniques. Our trainers use methods that have been scientifically proven to work better, show results quicker and have longer lasting effects than traditional training. With over 20 years training experience we know what works best and why.
Dogs that are positively trained are better members of the family. They love being trained to do what you want and love you for helping them!
It is never too late or too early to start training your dog to be your perfect family pet.
To sign up for any class you must bring in your vet records and fill out an application.
All of our group classes are held at our indoor 6,000 sq. foot facility located at 2575 Rt 22 West in Union, NJ.
Not all trainers are created the same. We are Certified Pet Dog trainers who take continuing education every year. We learn about behavioral issues and how to spot them before they get bad. From the dog park to the zoo we observe behavior and develop the best way to get your dog trained.
Why Levels classes are great!
Level 1 (Basic) and Puppy classes begin every week. Check the calender for current start dates. You get to start as soon as you are ready instead of waiting for a new class to start.
You get to advance at your own pace in a 3 month time span. There is no worry of falling behind. You may take as few or as many classes as you like.
All dogs are in a similar training stage in each class which enhances their overall progress.
You get to work with new dogs in your class every week. This helps with distractions and increases social skills.
Our Group Classes
We deal with everything from house training to aggression. Group classes do not provide a lot of one-on-one attention. If your dog needs personalized attention please sign up for a private training session. If you put your dog in group class and it is disruptive you may be required to receive private training before returning to the group class.Obedience/Manners Classes
Puppy Class
Open to puppies 8-16 weeks old upon enrollment. Puppies must have at least one set of shot and have been seen by your vet at least 7 days before attending their first class.
Dogs can learn sit, down, stay or come at any time in their lives but some things must be taught before adolescence starts at about 18 weeks old.
Start any time you see Puppy on the calender and attend for 5 sessions. If Puppy is offered more than one day a week you can come anytime you see Puppy. You do not have to stick with one day/time. Dogs will not be allowed in class once they turn 18 weeks old.
By 18 weeks old your puppy must learn how to stop biting, how to properly socialize with people and dogs, in addition to what is ok to chew on. Owners will learn how to prevent aggression, separation anxiety and resource guarding. Having a puppy that just meets people in their own house is not enough; you need to get your dog out in public.
Basic manners such as sit, down, wait, stop jumping are also covered. In addition we will go over nutrition and house training issues.
Classes are offered Wednesday at 7pm and Saturday at 10am.
Start any time you want!
Basic Obedience
This is for any dog over 16 weeks old. No dog is too old to learn how to have manners.
Your dog should not be people or dog aggressive to enter into any group class.
The following are the foundation for all good manners both at home and out in public:
-Attention
-Sit
-Down
-Target
-No Jumping
-Go to your place
-Wait
You can start any time you see Level One on the calender and come for the next 3 months anytime your level is scheduled.
Level One is offered every Tuesday at 8pm and Saturday at 11am. Start anytime you want!
Intermediate
Open to any dog over 4 months old who has graduated from basic class. Intermediate is Level Two. You can start any time you see level three on the calender.
-Come
-Walking nice on a leash
-Stay
-Heel
-Leave it
-Front
-Side
So instead of just having your dog walk nicely near you, they will heel right next to you. Instead of having your dog just come to you they will come to you with other dogs in the way.
Level Two Intermediate is offered Tuesday at 7pm and Saturday 12pm
Advanced
Open to any dog who has completed Intermediate.
In this class we expand the dogs distractions and add novel new environments. It is fun for both the dog and humans in the group.
We work on heeling in difficult environments, recalls during play and many more everyday difficulties.
-Heel-Stand
-Distractions
-Distance
-Watch
Level Three Advanced is offered Wednesday at 8pm and Saturday 1pm
Rally-O is a fun way to build your advanced skills. Open to any dog that has passed intermediate class. This class is both on and off leash. Dogs must know how to heel upon coming into class. Must pre register for class.
A cross between traditional obedience and agility, we set up a course for you and your dog to follow. Every week we will teach new behaviors and then you will have time to go thru the course both on and off leash.
Please call if interested in this class.
Agility
Whether you want to compete or just have some fun with your dog, this class is for you. Open to all dogs and ages. Must pre register this class.
Classes are offered once a week.
We cover
-Dog Walk
-A Frame
-Teeter
-Weave Poles
-Tunnel
-Chute
-Jumps
Lots of fun for both you and your dog!
Next class starts September 23rd 7pm. Please pre register for this class by September 13th.
Open to any dog, any age. Must have at least some clicker experience. Good for trainers from beginning to advanced.
Shaping is the process of breaking down complex behaviors. We reinforce behaviors that are all ready happening so that the dog performs them more often.
Call about this class
Tricks
Open to any dog, any age. You can come with some tricks you already want to teach or we can give you tricks. Kids are welcome but must be accompanied by parents We go over:
-Spin
-Play Dead
-Look sad
-Put your toys away
-Beg
-Say your prayers
-Speak
-Turn the lights on and off
-Object discrimination
If interested please call to be put on a list.
Outdoor Adventures
This is a fun class for both dog and owner alike. We practice some basic skills in the classroom first and then we take the dogs to different places. We may go swimming, to the park, into town to eat and have a scavenger hunt!
Let us know if you are interested in this class!
Heel!
This is great for the dog who does not walk nicely on a leash. We will cover attention, distractions, focus and dog position. This is not for dogs who are dog or people aggressive on leash. Please see Waggin Woofers for that class.
This is a 5 week intensive class to get your dog walking nicely with you on leash.
Waggin Woofers
Does your dog bark when he sees other dogs? Does he even lunge? Would you like to see their manners improve? These classes are for you. If you are embarrassed by your dog's manners we can help and the class is full of non judgmental people who are frustrated just like you. End it now.
This is a 7 week class, you must pre register and have at least one private session with our trainer before starting. No dogs the first session.
Outdoor Waggin Woofers Starts September 8th 5:45pm
Agility Waggin Woofers Starts September 23rd 8:15pm
No dogs the first class-owners only at The Paw Pad
