SKILL BUILDING LEVELS CLASSES
$70 per session

Levels class progression:

photo courtesy of Cathy Fox

Finishing School
Behavior basics, cues control, boundary training, and more . . .

Behavior basics, good manners and reliable cue response. Leash work, long line skills,
handling and sit for petting. Learn how & when to increase duration, distance and distractions.
We will also introduce boundary/perimeter training and learn more about dog behavior.
Open to all dogs Prep level and higher.

Loose Leash Walking
No more pulling!

Brush up on your leash work. Good manners. No pulling! We will work step by step
through all the skills your dog needs for leash walking to be pleasant rather than a chore.

Dastardly Distractions
1-2-3, eyes on me!

This class is designed to help you overcome the challenges of working with your dog around
the distractions of every day life. Door bells ringing, children giggling, people eating,
other dogs playing ... what tempts your dog? This class will feature creative ways to proof
your dog's basic training skills while maintaining attention and accurate response.
Open to all dogs Prep level and higher.

Me and My Dog
Fabulous focus outside the classroom

Taught by Vicki & Amy Barker. Polish basic skills, recalls, stays and targeting with movement.
This is an outdoor class featuring fun activies and games. Learn helpful information and foundation
skills for people who are thinking about a future in dog sports, freestyle and more.

Learn techniques to help you create attention and distance control at the park, the lake or a walk around the block.
Teamwork for you and your best friend. This class is open to dogs who are clicker savvy and have basic training skills,
including recall and stay. Dogs who are aggressive toward other dogs or people are not appropriate for this class.

Tim the Corgi earns his CGC!

Canine Good Citizen
Take the CGC test at the end of this class!

Taught by AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator Teri Beeman.
This class is based around the American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen program.
Each week we will cover exercises with the Canine Good Citizen test in mind:
Proper greeting and exam, response to cues, loose leash walking, stay, come,
manners and control around other dogs and when walking in crowds and around distractions.

A CGC test will be scheduled at the completion of the class for those who are ready to take the test!
Getting ready for Pet Therapy? The CGC is a core component of the Delta Evaluation.


Email Teri Beeman for CGC testing


Congratulations CGC grads!

PAW & ORDER
A fun class for people and dogs.
Build a Really Reliable Recall away from distractions!

A combination of free-play and control exercises for dogs who live in the real world.

We will use free-play in different ways for different reasons: it's fun, it expends excess energy, it gets the dogs excited so we can work on settling techniques. We will use play as a reward for good work, as distraction for other dogs while they work. The dogs will learn to come away from play, and then use it again as a reward. Dogs will learn an emergency down for instant control. We will use play for socialization, and reward for owners: the feeling you get watching your own dog playing with others.

• Pre-requisites for this class are: an understanding and application of clicker training.
• Must have completed a blue level class.
• Dogs must have good social skills and appropriate play with other dogs and people.
• The biggest requirement of the class is a commitment to do the homework on a daily basis.

"Paw and Order , SCU, was one of my favorite classes, and I have shared one of the great lessons from the class with all of my dog friends (I hope that is okay!) The lesson that was so helpful for me and all of my dogs is the "Name Game." The change in each dog's response to his/her name was just remarkable. I combined the "name game" with the concept of "fine dining" and now my rescue Teddy (who was completely unsocialized and fearful when I got him) can't wait to hear his name and comes running like Lassie to get his treats....and he is so HAPPY!

What I especially loved about the class was its concentration on building a positive relationship between handler and dog. That carries over to every aspect of dog training and greatly improved my dog Chloe's attention and response to my commands in her agility and rally classes. My only complaint about P & O (and all of us in the class had the SAME complaint Cathy (!)...we wished it was longer or that there was a P & O #2. (Can you hear the whining???) It absolutely was a wonderful class, and I plan to enroll my new Ollie dog when he is ready this fall.

- Judy, Chloe, Teddy, Ollie, and Makita Sweeta Sue"

Photo courtesy of Cathy Fox

Take It On The Road!
For dogs who tend to forget about the human
end of the leash while in the midst of novel situations.

If your dog pulls on lead and loses control when he sees another dog, joggers, playing children,
cats or squirrels, this class is for you. You will learn a few simple techniques to keep your dog
calm and focused and we will practice in city parks with lots of distractions.

You and your dog will learn to walk together as a team. This is not a formal "heel" exercise.
Dogs will be on leash, however, the goal is that the leash becomes superfluous
~ simply a measure of safety, rather than a tug-toy.

The class will also include some recall exercises to
give your dog experience coming in distracting environments.

PRE-REQUISITE: Diamonds in the Ruff blue level or higher.
LOCATION: Week one of each session starts at the Ruff House; week 2 - Corbin Park
(just N. of Washington & Buckeye); week 3 Manito Park and week 4, Riverfront Park.

Tails and Trails!
Taking it "off the road" onto hiking trails.

Enjoy the outdoors? Want your furry friend to join in the fun?

This is the class for you! Learn how to include your dog in your hiking adventures.
Tails & Trails class will focus on helping you teach your dog the behaviors
that are important to have on the trail so that everybody stays safe.

In this class we will work on stays, recalls, and tips to work towards hiking with your dog off leash.

(As an added bonus, we will be going through all the steps to fight off a cougar.)

PRE-REQUISITE: Diamonds in the Ruff blue level or higher.
LOCATION: Week one orientation will be held at the training studio; (people only, dogs stay home)
Weeks 2-4 - will begin at various trail heads (You are responsible for your own transportation.)

Please note: Dogs who are reactive/aggressive toward other dogs or people are not appropriate for this class.

Home Helpers Dogs love jobs! Most dogs enjoy having a job to do, and most people can benefit from a dog who helps around the house! Teach your dog to retrieve useful items, to help with the laundry, and to put away his toys. We'll also work on opening and closing doors, turning on lights, and carrying things for you. Dogs who are looking for things to do for you, are far less apt to be looking for things to get into! Prerequisite: Prep class and a clear understanding of how to free shape a behavior with a clicker.

KEEP CALM & CARRY ON For distracted or reactive dogs who find it difficult to focus Based on Leslie McDevitt's "Control Unleashed" - this class is all about staying calm and focused and is designed for dogs who find it difficult to do so. A trigger is anything that sends your dog over the top. Whether your dog is uncomfortable or just too excited about people or other dogs, we'll cover ways to change your dog's reaction and help get their focus back on you. If you're interested in participating in competitions or just looking for more attention from your dog in distracting environments, this class will also cover getting your dog to choose to work with you on or off leash. Note: Pre-requisites: Must have taken a Prep class at Diamonds in the Ruff and be proficient at clicking for behavior. This class is geared toward dogs who react out of fear or frustration or who check out when overwhelmed. [Please note: Dogs with problems of aggression are not suited for this class.]

Advanced Clicker Training ...............
For thinking dogs & people!

Back chaining and teaching complex behaviors through shaping & targeting.
This is a very technical class for committed trainers who have completed
a green level class and want to learn more about clicker training.
Create and implement a training plan for your personal training goals!

This class is held a couple of times per year, pending interest. If you'd like to be put on a waiting list, email!

photo courtesy of Gerry Krueger
Fritz rolls out the red carpet!

Performing Arts & Rally FrEe
Canine Freestyle ~ Dancing with your Dog!
Open to all dogs green level or higher. (A 4-week course)


DITR instructor Teri Beeman & Anna perform to "Where the Stars and Stripes and Eagle Fly"

If you like music, and you like having fun with your dog, this is the class for you!
Learn tricks and moves to music! Spinning, side passing, weaving and more. Entertain at events! It's a blast!
Click here to see amazing video: Carolyn Scott & Rookie
and to see even MORE amazing videos go here and click on the link to "Clips"

"I don't dance" you say?? Not to worry! The dog is the star in this dance team. We just teach you enough to show off your dog. All you have to do is "step on the beat." Performing Arts students may join our Ruff Revue dance troupe who perform at school functions and nursing homes! RUFF REVUE IN THE NEWS!! Go HERE to read the article!

For more info on Canine Freestyle visit:

The Canine Freestyle Federation

and for even MORE great info, click HERE!

the World Canine Freestyle Organization

Go to
the
schedule!