Dog Obedience Training
If your dog’s behavior is leaving you frustrated, we can put you on the right track. Our dog obedience training classes use proven, scientific-based, positive-reinforcement dog training methods to help you communicate with your dog. We’ll help you get the behaviors you need from your pal. Whether you want basic manners or serious off-leash control, our dog obedience training curriculum is designed for your peace of mind.
At the Zoom Room, we offer dog obedience training with a difference. Our dog obedience classes are designed to get you and your dog working on practical, effective behaviors immediately. You will learn all the basics, plus more, so that getting – and keeping – your dog’s attention, even in distracting environments, becomes second nature.
Our obedience classes emphasize fun and positive motivation, not only for your dog, but for you as well! We incorporate games and challenges to help make obedience less of a chore and way more fun.
In our Obedience 1 class, for example, you’ll even get taste of our Agility and Tricks classes, so you can decide if you’d like to continue on to more advanced obedience (culminating in our Therapy Dog class), or if you’d like to move into Agility or Tricks.
To learn more about dog obedience training at the Zoom Room, please read our Obedience Training FAQ.
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Dog Obedience 1
Description: This basic manners group class is designed to help you and your dog learn and practice basic obedience training like sit, come, down, go to bed, and loose-leash walking. We’ll focus special attention on good manners like not jumping up.
Prerequisites: For dogs six months and up.
Dog Obedience 2
Description: Advanced dog obedience training skills including extra control around distractions and beginning off-leash work. Perfect for a trained dog who has had some obedience work but needs to brush up. A Canine Good Citizen test is given at the last meeting.
Prerequisites: Basic obedience training including sit, stay, down, and heel. For dogs nine months and up.
Therapy Dog Training
Description: You’ve got the basics down. Now learn how to prepare for the Pet Partners temperament test for therapy dogs. This group class is designed to help you and your dog fine-tune your basic obedience skills by focusing special attention on good manners, control around distractions, introduction to hospital equipment, and therapy dog training tricks.
Prerequisites: Canine Good Citizen test, equivalent, or consent of instructor.
Come When Called
Description: Does your dog come when called? If not, this is the class for you. We’ll work on establishing a rock solid recall, getting your dog to turn on a dime when he hears his name. This obedience class is essential for the safety and well-being of your dog. Enrollment includes a whistle and a long line training leash.
Age requirements: Six months and up.
Prerequisites: Basic on-leash control of your dog.
Duration: Three weeks
Leash Walking
Description: Taking your dog for a walk should be a joy, not a hassle. Do you walk your dog, or does your dog walk you? If you’ve got a pup who pulls, balks, lunges, leaps, squirms, and every verb other than walk when on leash, this class is for you. We’ll work on heeling, leash control and response to distractions.
Age requirements: Six months and up.
Duration: Three weeks
Private Obedience Training
Private one-on-one instruction covers basic obedience in and around the house, with on and off-leash control. You will learn how to effectively communicate with your dog and solve basic behavior problems like jumping, housebreaking, barking, and nipping. After on-leash skills are mastered, you will learn voice control over your dog from a distance, hand signals, and distraction control. You can choose single sessions to focus on issues of special concern, or purchase a discounted package of four sessions for more comprehensive training.
Dog Obedience Training FAQ
What dog training methods do you use?
All Zoom Room dog training classes use only positive reinforcement dog training methods, including verbal praise and treats. In addition, some classes use clicker training – a purely-positive form of dog obedience training that is widely considered to be an especially quick, enjoyable and effective learning method.
Do you use clicker training?
Yes, in some of our dog training classes, we do use clicker training. And if you’re already utilizing a clicker a home, you’re welcome to bring and use your clicker in all of our classes.
What if I don’t have a clicker?
No problem. We’ll be happy to give you one to keep, free of charge.
If I train my dog with treats, will he always demand food rewards?
We believe that training with treats is the fastest and most enjoyable dog training method for both owners and dogs alike. And, once your dog is getting into the swing of things, we always show you how to wean your dog off of the treats so that he eventually only listens to your voice without need of further reward.
My dog has a problem with aggression toward other dogs.
Your best bet is to call us for a free telephone consultation. You can give us some more specifics, and we’ll be happy to advise you. We will likely recommend Private Obedience Training. If you know your dog is aggressive, please do not enroll in any group classes. Please contact a dog trainer at your local Zoom Room for further assistance.
My dog is incredibly fearful and hand-shy.
We have a class just for your dog: it’s a special type of obedience training, called Shy Dog, of course. We’ll help you socialize your pup and help him overcome his fears.
My dog is always bouncing off the walls.
Some dogs (and people) have a tough time outgrowing their puppy phase. We understand. That’s why we created a special Calm Down! dog training class. However, please note that knowledge of basic dog obedience is a requirement for Calm Down! classes. If your dog does not yet have basic obedience training, please enroll in Dog Obedience 1 first, and afterwards you can sign up for our next Calm Down! class.
Do you offer off-leash obedience training?
Yes. Dog Obedience 2 prepares your dog for reliability when off leash, and Come When Called is conducted almost entirely off leash with its central emphasis on off-leash control.
My dog listens to me, but not to my spouse. What do we do?
This is called Selective Listening, and it’s a common occurrence. We would strongly urge both you and your mate to come together to classes. However, if for whatever reason it’s not possible for both of you to attend together, then the person who is having the difficulties getting the dog to listen should attend classes with your dog.
After obedience training, will my dog be qualified for Therapy Dog work?
We actually offer a specialized Therapy Dog Training class. This class will prepare your dog for the qualifying test. We will be happy to provide you with referrals to organizations in your area that actually administer the requisite testing.
