Proper training and socialization are part of your dog’s basic needs. Without positive-based training and exposure to new experiences and people, your dog could easily become bored, stressed, and anxious, leading to problem behaviors. Proper training can seem daunting, especially for a puppy who is chewing on everything, barking non-stop, and lunging at other pets and people while out on walks, but with our professional trainer’s help, we can turn your four-legged friend into a wonderful companion. Through dedication and positive reinforcement techniques, you and your furry pal will soon be enjoying all the fun and excitement that comes with training sessions.

Dog training at Liberty Veterinary Hospital

We are fortunate to have a highly skilled dog trainer who teaches classes here at Liberty Veterinary Hospital, making an ideal situation for dogs who are nervous in new places, since they are already familiar with our hospital. In addition to a comfortable environment, you and your dog will have the ease of ensuring he is current on required vaccinations, and is orthopedically and cardiovascularly sound for sport training. Before enrolling your pooch in a training class, contact us to see if he needs any additional vaccinations to stay healthy in such a social environment.

When you enroll your dog in a Liberty Veterinary Hospital training course, you will work with a highly skilled trainer. Jean Smith, of Carousel Critters Dog Training Center, has been part of our team for many years, and uses positive reinforcement during her training classes to help strengthen your bond, and turn your pup into a pleasant companion. If you choose to advance your dog’s training to turn him into a model citizen, Jean—as an AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator—can certify your pooch as a Canine Good Citizen when you’re ready for the exam. To teach your dog the skills he needs for proper manners and fun canine activities, Jean offers a variety of classes, including:

  • Puppy class — Designed for puppies up to 6 months of age, your pup will learn basic manners, such as sit, down, stay, and leave it, and how to walk on a loose leash. House training tips and tricks will also be covered, as this can be frustrating for owners, and challenging for puppies. Ideally, your puppy should begin puppy class at 8 weeks of age, to form a strong foundation for good behavior. Teaching your puppy the proper way to behave from the start is much easier than trying to manage and correct problem behaviors later on.
  • Beginner class — If you’ve welcomed an older puppy into your home, and missed out on the younger puppy class, the beginner class has you covered. Geared toward puppies and dogs older than 6 months, this class is perfect for canines who have not received much training, or are displaying common problem behaviors. In the beginner class, Jean will cover basic manners, such as sit, down, come, stay, and leave it, and how to walk on a loose leash. She also provides guidance to help change unwanted behaviors, including biting, barking, and running away.
  • Intermediate class — After your dog has mastered the basics, he can move on to the intermediate course, so long as he can reliably perform the sit, down, come, and stay commands, without many continued corrections. He must also be able to hold a 30-second stay. During the intermediate course, Jean will add distractions, distance, and duration, to increase your dog’s skills.
  • Advanced class — The advanced class is a stepping stone toward your dog’s Canine Good Citizen certification. During this course, you and your pooch will cover the skills necessary to pass the certification qualifying exam.
  • Rally-o — During a rally trial, you and your dog will navigate a course together, side-by-side. As you move through the course, signage will inform you about the various exercises that need to be completed. The courses are designed with 10 to 20 signs per course, depending on the class level, that include turns, and commands such as sit, down, and stay. This course is all about building teamwork between you and your dog.

  • Intro to agility — In this agility class, you will learn the basics of the equipment commonly seen during agility events, such as tunnels, weave poles, jumps, seesaws, and pause tables. While this introductory class will prepare you for mastering an agility course, you will not run an actual pattern.

Always ensure your dog is healthy, before beginning a training regimen. Schedule an appointment to allow us to perform a full orthopedic exam, and to booster his necessary vaccinations, to keep your pooch healthy.