A staple of Dog Training, walking politely on a leash, is a skill that all dogs and their handlers must master. The leash walk is a bonding exercise that improves the dog-human relationship, and it is of course a safety issue for both dog and walker. We also know the dog who walks politely gets longer walks, which is also mutually beneficial to all involved.

Here at The Academy, we provide multiple opportunities for both dog and handler to improve their leash skills. Our Basic Obedience courses, offered in both group class and private lesson formats introduce leash walking protocols, and our Off-Leash and Behavior Modification Training Camps also include leash walking proficiency skills.

For those who seek only an improvement in their dog’s leash walking behavior we also offer a stand-alone course, Leash Manners 101, which will solve your issues and get your dog walking by your side calmly and reliably.

The Leash Manners 101 course is a private two session course sequence scheduled over two weeks; the first week introduces the requisite skills and protocols, and after practicing for a week we meet again to fine-tune the experience. Major improvement is guaranteed!

Tuition for the 2 week sequence is $195 with corrective collar additional (If Required).

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We also offer Bomb-Proof Leash Walking as a part of our K-9 FUNdamentals seminar series. This 3-Week course is offered in a small-group class format at Wagging Tails Pet Resort in Hadley Massachusetts. Tuition for this seminar is $150.

Call our Director of Training, Greg Riley, direct at 401-332-8669 and get on the road to a drama free dog walking experience!

 

The Academy

Basic Obedience is not only the starting point in Dog Training and on the journey to a well adjusted and well mannered dog, it is also a critical aspect of the deep and respectful bond we all aspire to have with our family pets. Here at The Academy we show you step by step, exactly how to achieve the reliable obedience that fosters that loving & respectful bond.

We offer private “in-your-home” lessons as well as small group classes at Wagging Tails Pet Resort in Hadley MA. We also offer the coveted AKC Canine Good Citizen certification.

All Basic Obedience Training packages result in the establishment of a life-long communication system, an unparalleled education in dog training protocols and Behaviorology, and your dog learning the skills requisite to having a happy life in our human dominated world.

Below is a list of dog training classes offered with The Academy at Wagging Tails Pet Resort. Classes meet once each week for one hour. Classes are offered in a group format at Wagging Tails Pet Resort, 220 Russell Street, Suite #500, Hadley, MA 01035 or can also be arranged as private in-your-home classes for aggressive, fearful or timid dogs or simply for your convenience. In-your-home lessons can be arranged within a 30 minute drive from Hadley MA, or throughout Southern New England for a small Travel (gas) fee.

If you would like to register for a class please call 413-322-3333 or send an email to our Director of Training at gtriley1@gmail.com

AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Training Class

For Pups from 2 – 6 months old

From socialization to bonding and foundational concepts, this information packed class is for puppies.  Get an early start on training and relationship building and learn to inspire your new pup to be a happy and an integral part of your family! Pups learn their name, as well as focus and orientation skills; we play confidence building games and work on some basic obedience skills. Puppy handlers learn about crate training, house-training, bite inhibition, dog handling and the importance of proper play behavior, socialization and more! 

The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy program focuses on all the things every puppy and owner needs to have a great start together.

STAR stands for Socialization, Training, Activity and a Responsible owner and in addition to teaching and testing a variety of owner and puppy behaviors this six week long STAR puppy class, teach the following puppy behaviors and skills:

Allows (in any position) petting by a person other than the owner

Grooming-Allows owner handling and brief exam (ears, feet)

Walks on a Leash-Follows owner on lead in a straight line (15 steps)

Walks by other people-Walks on leash past other people 5-ft away

Sits on command-Owner may use a food lure

Down on command-Owner may use a food lure

Comes to owner from 5-ft when name is called

Reacts well to Distractions-distractions are presented 15-ft away

Stay on leash with another person (owner walks 10 steps and returns)

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AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy prepares pups to move on to the AKC Canine Good Citizen training. For example, in STAR, puppies must walk on a leash in a straight line. In CGC, the task becomes more advanced with dogs walking in a pattern that includes right and left turns and stops.

The skills in AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy classes are practical and functional. Teaching puppies to tolerate grooming, handling, and basic exams of the ears, feet, and mouth will result in well-mannered puppies that veterinarians are happy to see.                   

This class meets once each week for 6 consecutive weeks, from 7pm to 8pm for one hour. And you can bring the kids too as long as they are over 12 years of age, but NO CELL PHONE USE PLEASE!

Tuition: $185/Puppy

In-Your-Home Tuition: $500/6 Lessons

Upcoming Course Dates:

Tuesdays, Beginning June 2nd

Go online or call to schedule today at 413-322-3333 

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AKC Canine Good Citizen PLUS

(Basic through Intermediate Obedience)

This class focuses on improving the bond between you and your dog through effective communication and basic obedience. Through an understanding of K9 Learning Theory and correct and consistent communication, you will learn why dogs do what they do and how best to inspire them to do what you want them to do! And your dog will learn to be a well-behaved member of the family through the use of basic to intermediate commands which will engender confidence, impulse control, focus and proper socialization. For pups with the requisite temperament this class also earns the coveted AKC Canine Good Citizen certification! Bring the whole family, including children over 12 years of age, but NO CELL PHONE USE PLEASE.

The AKC Canine Good Citizen Program teaches good manners to dogs and responsible dog ownership to their owners. The 10-step CGC test is a non-competitive test for all dogs, including purebreds and mixed breeds. It is a prerequisite for many therapy dog groups and some homeowner’s insurance companies encourage CGC testing. There are also an increasing number of apartments and condos that require resident dogs to pass the CGC test.

Per the Canine Good Citizen curriculum, this course teaches and tests:

Test 1: Accepting a friendly stranger

Test 2: Sitting politely for petting

Test 3: Good appearance and grooming

Test 4: Out for a walk (walking on a loose leash)

Test 5: Walking through a crowd

Test 6: Sit and down on command and Staying in place

Test 7: Coming when called

Test 8: Good reaction to another dog

Test 9: Good reaction to distraction

Test 10: Supervised separation

In addition to the above mandated commands (Sit, Down, Stay, Come and Walk on a leash) we will add Touch, The name game or Look, Off, Leave-It, and Go-To-Place!

This class meets once each week for 6 consecutive weeks, evenings from 7pm to 8pm for one hour.

Tuition: $185/dog

In-Your-Home Tuition: $500/6 Lessons                                                                                     

Upcoming Course Dates: ​

Wednesdays, Beginning June 3rd

Go online or call to schedule today at 413-322-3333 

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Beyond the Good Citizen! Advanced Obedience

Bringing you and your pup beyond the Canine Good Citizen PLUS course this class takes it to the next level, deepening the relationship between you and your dog while adding more distractions and allowing for obedience at a distance. Bring the whole family, including children over 12 years of age, but NO CELL PHONE USE PLEASE.

This class meets once each week for 5 consecutive weeks, evenings from 7pm to 8pm for one hour.  

Tuition: $175/dog

In-Your-Home Tuition: $350/4 Lessons                                                                                     

Upcoming Course Dates:  ​

Thursdays, Beginning June 4th

Go online or call to schedule today at 413-322-3333 

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Rally Training Class

AKC Rally is a fun, canine sport whose participation has increased each year since its introduction in 2005. It’s a perfect way for you to develop the focus that is so important between you and your dog, and a great starting point for those who are new to canine sports. If you never want to compete, that’s okay. You’ll have fun learning along the way. If you decide that you would like to compete, we’ll get you ready.
Rally provides a challenging introduction to all AKC Companion Events for dogs and handlers via numbered courses. You and your dog navigate a course, side-by-side, as you guide him/her through a course of 10-20 different signs. Classes are designed for anyone to learn what the Rally signs mean, and weekly drills help you to perfect those skills. There are five (5) levels of AKC Rally, but don’t worry, the first two levels are on-leash. 
Each of the signs provides instructions regarding the next skill that is to be performed at the sign. The dog and handler move continuously throughout the course with the dog under control, at heel, at the handler’s left side. There is a clear sense of teamwork between the dog and handler both during and between the numbered signs, and when it’s done by an enthusiastic team, it’s almost like watching a dance!
Although each performance is timed, having a good race time is not the goal; it’s all about working as a team while performing the skills, with the dog under control. It’s about having fun t-o-g-e-t-h-e-r while learning new skills t-o-g-e-t-h-e-r.
Prerequisites: dog must know basic commands, i.e., sit, down, come, stay. Dogs must be at least 6 months old and provide proof of current Rabies inoculation.
Equipment needed: flat, buckle collar, or a martingale collar, 4 foot clip leash, hard or soft crate, baitbag, tons of tiny treats, lots of handler enthusiasm!

This class meets once each week for 6 consecutive weeks, evenings from 7pm to 8:30 pm.

Tuition: $185/dog                                                                                    

Upcoming Course Dates:  ​

Tuesdays, Beginning June 2nd

Go online or call to schedule today at 413-322-3333 

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Canine Good Citizen Certification Test (CGC) 

Any dog/handler team can schedule and take the CGC test, if you believe you are ready.

For details on the test please follow this link:       https://www.akc.org/events/cgc/training_testing.cfm

Testing is scheduled directly through the Evaluator at 401-332-8669, takes place at Wagging Tails Pet Resort, 220 Russell Street, Suite #500, Hadley, MA 01035,  and the cost for the test is $50.

The Academy

Achieving extremely high level obedience results takes a great deal of effort and a serious time commitment. For those with busy schedules or for whom spectacular dog obedience is desired or required The Academy offers our completely customizable Obedience Training Camps. From basic obedience encompassing name recognition, focus and confidence building games and exercises as well as basic commands to advanced on and off leash obedience under high distraction, with full reliability, The Academy offers standardized Basic, Intermediate and Advanced training camps or will customize a program for your specific needs and desires!

Additionally, through our Obedience Training Camps The Academy offers your choice of the AKC STAR Puppy, Canine Good Citizen, Community Canine and/or Urban Canine certifications.

Dependent upon desired results The Academy offers 5 Day, 12 Day and 19 Day Board and Train as well as “Day-School” programs. All camps begin on Tuesday and culminate with a Saturday “graduation” where the Hoomans are taught the skills and protocols requisite to maintain their pup’s awesome skills and behaviors.

Tuition & Curriculum are as follows:

5-Day Associate’s Level Training Camps mirror our Basic Obedience and Puppy courses.

Tuition starts at $795

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12 Day Bachelor’s Level Training Camps mirror our Basic + Intermediate Obedience courses.

Tuition starts at $1295

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​19-Day Master’s Level Training Camps mirror our Basic + Intermediate + Advanced Obedience courses and includes the AKC Canine Good Citizen certification.

Tuition starts at $1895

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***Our famous Off-Leash Reliability Training can be added to any of the above programs for an additional tuition of $795 plus the cost of an E-Collar ***

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ALL TRAINING CAMP ENROLLMENTS REQUIRE A CONSULTATION WITH OUR DIRECTOR of TRAINING Greg Riley

Greg can be reached directly at 401-332-8669

For clients of Wagging Tails Pet Resort who would like to have their pup’s learned behaviors reinforced, or would like new behaviors taught, or specific problem behaviors addressed and mitigated or solved, we offer our Daycare-Academy Program.

Some examples of behaviors that may be addressed during the Daycare-Academy Program are as follows;

Walking politely on leash

Jumping on People

Door/Guest etiquette

Off-Leash refresher

Basic Obedience Cues such as:

           Sit

           Down

           Stay/Wait

           Go-To-Place

           Off

           Leave-It

           Drop-It

           Or add distraction, distance or duration work to any known cue

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This is a great way to have your pup’s good behaviors reinforced or to have a professional trainer work to extinguish unwanted behaviors.

Daycare-Academy tuition is added to your daycare fee and secures a minimum of one full hour of training.

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Call Greg at 401-332-8669 to discuss your specific needs and/or to book your training sessions today!

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Here at The Academy we offer several Behavior Training Options that address aberrant behavior

The 5-Day Total Immersion Intensive Program,

The 5-Day Behavioral Management Training Camp

&

The Multi-Week Behavior Modification Training Camps

These high trainer-contact advanced dog training programs provide the foundational structure requisite to reliable obedience and are recommended for the control and/or mitigation of aggression & reactivity, stubborn or defiant dogs, and dogs displaying a range of inappropriate and intractable behaviors such as jumping, lunging, digging, counter surfing and a host of behaviors arising from misunderstood hierarchical issues, emotional instability, lack of impulse control and the like.

All of our customized behavior programs employ the gentle softouch K-9 Training™ approach, and the behavior modification programs additionally feature the cutting-edge-science based game centered protocols of E-Motion Therapy™ utilized exclusively in New England by Canine Behaviorist and Trainer Greg Riley. Throughout the chosen course, Greg will work with your dog towards a guaranteed reliable recall, an excellent on leash dog, polite threshold behaviors, customized command protocols and to provide you with the tools requisite to manage your dog’s behavioral problem(s).

ALL BEHAVIOR REHABILITATION and/or MODIFICATION PROGRAMS REQUIRE A CONSULTATION WITH OUR BEHAVIOR CONSULTANT. SEE THE BEHAVIOR CONSULTATION TAB FOR DETAILS!

The 5-Day Total Immersion Intensive Program

Total tuition for the 5-Day Total Immersion Intensive Program starts at $1295 + equipment and MA sales tax and includes five straight days of total immersion training for your dog, which includes a full day of training as well as our proprietary cutting-edge-science based E-Motion Therapy™ protocols; innovative game-based emotional and behavioral re-calibration therapies designed to address the underlying psychological and emotional issues that foster aberrant behavior- this is a high-trainer-contact program wherein our Behaviorist and Trainer spends the entire day, each day, with your dog and it is a highly effective program addressing both behavior as well as the underlying issues that drive it. This program is then followed by one 3-hour training session with you on Day 5, where you are taught the techniques and protocols your dog has learned. This program also includes one follow-up session and lifetime phone coaching consultations. This 5-Day program is offered as a board & train option only.

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The 5-Day Behavioral Management Training Camp

Total tuition for the 5-Day Behavior Management Training Camp starts at $995 + equipment and MA sales tax and includes four straight days of training for your dog, followed by one 3-hour training session with you on Day 5, where you are taught the techniques and protocols your dog has learned. This program also includes one follow-up session and lifetime phone coaching consultations. The 5-Day program is offered as a board & train option, or in the day-school format with your pup returning home each night to sleep in familiar environs.

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The Multi-Week Behavior Modification Training Camps

Total tuition for our multi-week board & train programs start at $1995 + equipment and MA sales tax for the 12-Day program, and $2995 + equipment and MA sales tax for the 19-Day program. These are comprehensive, completely customized programs designed for your dog’s unique issues as well as your individual expectations and lifestyle. These highly advanced programs begin with behavioral modification training utilizing the Softouch K-9 Training™ methodology to address observable issues but also includes our proprietary cutting-edge-science based E-Motion Therapy™ protocols; innovative game-based emotional and behavioral re-calibration therapies designed to address the underlying psychological and emotional issues that foster aberrant behavior. We also address command-based obedience protocols such as “Heel”, “Place with Duration Stay” “Sit”, Down”, “Off”, “Leave-It”, “Wait”, “Stay”,  etc.,  all under high distraction. The tuition for this program includes all the training and requisite equipment, boarding and daycare, as well as all required training/coaching sessions one-one with you and your family, where you are taught the techniques and protocols your dog has learned and we work through the problems you are having in your home environment. This program also includes free lifetime phone or in-person consultations as required!

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During all coaching sessions, Greg will provide the owner with the knowledge and skills required to continue the dog’s training. We will not only focus on the technical side of training but also on the leadership and state of mind aspects. We will teach you how to troubleshoot any challenges that come up in the home and in the future.

Please understand that as these programs are custom designed for your particular dog and the specific problems you are experiencing, and as aggression may be a part of that mix; they are NOT necessarily off-leash programs; Greg will train your dog to recall reliably off-leash, but will advise each client as to the appropriateness of their particular dog being allowed off-leash in public settings.

ALL courses are appropriate for dogs over 8 months of age.

**IMPORTANT**
Please note the difference between the “Day-School” and “Board & Train” formats. Day-school trainings , offered to all students withing a 30 minute ride from Hadley, MA, are conducted  during the day with your pup going home at the end of the day to sleep in familiar environs (best for our timid and fearful friends). Board & Train programs require that your pup stay the duration of the program at our state-of-the-art custom built luxury facility in Hadley MA.

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Pick-up and drop-off valet service is also available free throughout most of Western Massachusetts, or for a small fuel & travel fee throughout the Northeast!

Refund Policy

The total Training fee includes a $200 deposit that is 100% refundable up until 5 days prior to scheduled training. The remaining charges are due at the conclusion of training.

Call Greg direct at 401-332-8669 for a consultation and/or to schedule your pup”s training today!

Be Unleashed!

There is a world of difference between a dog that is off the leash and a dog who is trained to be off the leash!

The most in-demand off-leash K-9 Behaviorist/Professional Dog Trainer in the area, Greg offers this absolutely spectacular program that trains both you and your dog in the skills necessary to enjoy life OFF-THE-HOOK!

There is no gift you can give your best friend greater than freedom, and by doing so, your pup will unleash their primal needs to run and hunt, which in turn will result in a calmer, more well balanced dog; a genuinely happy dog who will reward you with an unprecedented loving bond and overall good behavior.

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** We are now offering a “vibration-only” version of this training for owners who so desire and dogs who are so inclined **

The Off-Leash Associate – This program runs for five (5) consecutive days, culminating in a 2-hour “graduation” with you on day 5, where you are taught the skills and protocols required to control your dog off-leash — This is an off-leash ONLY course, offered in the Board & Train format ONLY and requires that your pup have a proficient recall in place prior to enrollment. The Associate program runs Tuesday thru Saturday, with the graduation happening on Saturday.

Tuition for the Associate Program is $995 plus the cost of an e-collar and includes all training as well as daycare & boarding during the program. Results are guaranteed!

The Off-Leash Bachelors – This training program runs for five (5) consecutive days, culminating in a 3-hour “graduation” with you, where you will be taught the skills and protocols required to control your dog both on and off-leash – ensuring fun, control and safety for all. This program is offered in both the Board & Train, as well as the Day-School format, Usually Tuesday thru Saturday, with graduation on Saturday.

Tuition for this gift is $1195 and includes all training and boarding and/or daycare for your dog daily, and all the fun of hiking the parks, beaches, forests and open lands of the area. Results are fully guaranteed! E-collar and corrective collar are additional.

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Please note that Greg offers the Bachelors training in both the “Day-School” and “Board & Train” formats, and the Associates in the Board & Train format ONLY. Day-school trainings are conducted in your neighborhood during the day with your pup going home at the end of the day to sleep in familiar environs (best for our timid and fearful friends). The board & train option, available for those who prefer, allows your pup to board overnight at the brand new, state-of-the-art Wagging Tails Pet Resort in Hadley MA. Pick-up and drop-off service is available free throughout most of Western Massachusetts, and for only a nominal mileage fee beyond that.

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Call Now at 401-332-8669 and…

BE UNLEASHED!

LIVE LIFE OFF THE HOOK!

Blazing Tails Off-Leash Adventure Club

Beginning in February of 2020 we are excited to announce the formation of the Blazing Tails Off-Leash Adventure Club; an exclusive off-leash pack hiking opportunity offered to daycare and boarding dogs at either Wagging Tails Pet Resort of Hadley MA or Wagging Tails Ranch of Easthampton MA who have been trained to be off leash by Greg Riley or evaluated by Greg as being off leash reliable.

Off Leash adventures can be easily scheduled at the front desk when checking your pup in for Daycare or boarding. For just $20 your pup will practice their off-leash skills while running free with their friends and partners in crime on 30 acres of trails and pastures at Wagging Tails Ranch. Adventures are led by Behaviorist and Master Trainer Greg Riley and will run Monday through Friday for a minimum of one full hour (or two 1/2 hour sessions dependent upon weather).

  This is an exciting opportunity for your pooch to satisfy their primal needs and to have fun doing so in a safe and secure manner!

Schedule your pup’s adventure today!

Coming soon…
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Greg Riley MS, CPDT

Our Director of Training, Canine Behavior Consultant, and lead Dog Trainer, Greg is the area’s foremost expert in canine cognition and emotion as well as one of the most in-demand Dog Trainers in Massachusetts, he is also #1 in humane Off Leash control training! Greg is an Anthrozoologist, an Applied Canine Behaviorist, a Master Dog Trainer and a Master K-9 Aggression Specialist. Greg has been working with dogs for the better part of two decades, and has completed two training apprenticeships and a Master’s Degree in Anthrozoology with a depth of study in Ethology and expertise in Canine Learning Theory and Behavior, Humane Training Methodologies, and Animal Ethics. Greg also stays current on the latest scientific research and developments, participating in courses such as his recently completed advanced education in Dog Emotion & Cognition out of Duke University’s Canine Cognition Center, Animal Behavior and Welfare through The University of Edinburgh, and Advanced Dog Training Principles courses through both The Michael Ellis School for Dog Trainers and AbsoluteDogs Ltd. to name just a few. Further, Greg is a pioneer and instructor in the humane application and use of e-collar technologies, using the micro-level approach of Softouch K-9 Training Systems™; which ensures adherence to a science-based and humane E-Collar teaching methodology that maximizes the human-canine bond while training dogs to the highest levels of off-leash, or as Greg terms it; “OFF THE HOOK!” proficiency. 

Here at The Academy Greg specializes in Positive Marker Training, Game-Based Personality Development Training, Off-Leash Proficiency Training, and Problematic Behavioral Rehabilitation and Training Therapies; all through the employment of humane methodologies. Greg is also a Professional Member of the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP), the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), and is a certified trainer and evaluator for both the American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Good Citizen, and the APDT C.L.A.S.S. Canine Life and Social Skills training programs. Greg also comes recommended by several area Veterinarians for his compassionate demeanor and humane approach to behavioral interventions.

Greg celebrates each animal’s unique characteristics, and will work with yours to give them the specific help & guidance they need. What sets him apart from other trainers is that he takes the time to deeply connect and lovingly bond with your best friend, and all his training protocols are then informed by that bond and tailored to your pet’s unique personality and disposition; this is a personal, boutique style training experience that enhances the human-canine connection and results in dogs who are happy & eager to learn. This is a genuinely fun and joyful training experience yielding spectacular results. Whether you’re thinking about getting a pet, have a new pet, or already love a pet with emotional or behavioral problems; WE CAN HELP!

And remember as Greg likes to point out – “You are not hiring us for the time we spend with your pup; you are hiring us for results, and we get results – GUARANTEED!”

Having lived, traveled, and trained dogs from coast to coast, Greg now makes his home here in the Pioneer Valley with his Partner Michael and his two dogs Thunder (Malamute) and Luna (Samoyed).

AKC Rally Classes

AKC Rally is a fun, canine sport whose participation has increased each year since its introduction in 2005. It’s a perfect way for you to develop the focus that is so important between you and your dog, and a great starting point for those who are new to canine sports. If you never want to compete, that’s okay. You’ll have fun learning along the way. If you decide that you would like to compete, we’ll get you ready.

Rally provides a challenging introduction to all AKC Companion Events for dogs and handlers via numbered courses. You and your dog navigate a course, side-by-side, as you guide him/her through a course of 10-20 different signs. Classes are designed for anyone to learn what the Rally signs mean, and weekly drills help you to perfect those skills. There are five (5) levels of AKC Rally, but don’t worry, the first two levels are on-leash.

Each of the signs provides instructions regarding the next skill that is to be performed at the sign. The dog and handler move continuously throughout the course with the dog under control, at heel, at the handler’s left side. There is a clear sense of teamwork between the dog and handler both during and between the numbered signs, and when it’s done by an enthusiastic team, it’s almost like watching a dance!

Although each performance is timed, having a good race time is not the goal; it’s all about working as a team while performing the skills, with the dog under control. It’s about having fun t-o-g-e-t-h-e-r while learning new skills t-o-g-e-t-h-e-r.

Prerequisites: dog must know basic commands, i.e., sit, down, come, stay. Dogs must be at least 6 months old and provide proof of current Rabies inoculation.

Equipment needed: flat, buckle collar, or a martingale collar, 4 foot clip leash, hard or soft crate, baitbag, tons of tiny treats, lots of handler enthusiasm!

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Linda Friedrich

Linda Friedrich met her match 14 years ago when she adopted a 3 year old Golden Retriever, who she renamed “Kaedra”. Kaedra’s former owner said she was too hard to handle and “untrainable”. In reality, Kaedra was a smart, high energy Golden who needed to channel her intelligence in good directions, via constructive challenges. Linda and Kaedra began training together and became true partners in Obedience, Agility, Rally and Therapy work, earning their CD, (AKC Companion Dog title), CGCA, (Canine Good Citizen Advanced title), RE (Rally Excellent title) and a C-ATCH in agility, (Canine Performance Events Championship title). They also became a licensed Therapy Dog Team, working at hospitals, schools and senior care centers.

Linda now trains and competes in all of these canine sports, as well as in Dock Diving and AKC Tricks, with her two current Goldens, “Laika” and “Jackie O”. At age four, Laika has earned the AKC Rally Master title, the CD (AKC Companion Dog), CGCA (Canine Good Citizen Advanced) and TKA (Trick Dog Advanced) titles, and the CPE Level 3 Agility title. Laika was invited to compete at both the 2018 and 2019 Rally Nationals and holds the “Junior Jumper” title from DockDogs World Wide, as well as the “Senior Jumper” title from Green Mountain Dock Dogs. Laika is also a licensed Therapy Dog and member of K9’s for Kids, Inc.

Linda adopted now eight year old “Jackie O”, a retired breed Golden, three years ago. Jackie O loves her work with children at Shriner’s Hospital and Bay State Medical Center as a Therapy Dog for K9s for Kids, Inc. Jackie O has also earned the Canine Good Citizen Advanced, Rally Intermediate and Trick Dog Advanced titles. She was invited to compete at the 2019 Rally Nationals and LOVES competing in Dock Diving where she holds the “Junior Jumper” title from Dock Dogs World Wide. She loves going to the pool!

Linda and her Golden Girls enjoy working and playing together, and showing others how to enjoy canine sports. A Rally Trainer for 6 years, Linda has also taught Agility and Obedience for several years, is a Certified Pet Tech, an AKC CGC/CGCA and Trick Dog Evaluator, and a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers. She will be glad to teach you how to have fun working with your dog in Rally, Agility or Obedience –- activities that challenge you, the handler, as well as your dog, while strengthening the bond you share with each other.