Making tails wag since 1996!
3400 N. Monroe St. - Spokane, WA
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Diamonds in the Ruff
Advanced Class Descriptions:
Choose your advanced class based on your needs, interests, or future goals
"We need more practice at basic skills" - "I want to be able to take my dog everywhere" - "We need to calm down and focus" - " We want to have more fun!"
Basic Manners & Foundation Skills:
For all intermediate Prep school grads.
Finishing School
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.
Total Recall!
A fun class for people and dogs. Build a really reliable recall away from distractions and an emergency down for safety. Come when called is one of the most important skills for dogs to learn. This class focuses entirely on teaching a joyful, fast, reliable response on the first cue.
Loose Leash Walking
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. Enjoy taking long strolls through the neighborhood with your canine partner!
More fun and self control:
Dastardly Distractions
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.
Please note: Dogs who are reactive/aggressive toward other dogs or people are not appropriate for this class.
Control Yourself!
This class will provide training challenges to proof and build excellent self control skills.
Build relaxation, focus and attention.
Eliminate barking, chasing, leaping, rushing.
Increase reliability and build impulse control when faced with the doorbell, UPS man, mail man, when things fall on the floor, when cats, kids, deer, squirrels run. Teach calmness around moving vacuum cleaners, brooms, bicycles, etc.
Pre-requisite: Dog should have a solid understanding of stay, recall, wait, leave it.
Please note: Dogs with problems of aggression are not suited for this class.
Pooches in the Park
Practice leash work, stays, recalls, meet and greets and self control surrounded by the distractions of the sights, sounds and smells of public park activities. Learn how to apply your classroom exercises to the real world. Work on building confidence and reliable attention in proximity to temptations and worrisome things.
LOCATION: Week one will be held at the training studio. Weeks 2 through 4 will be held at Corbin or Emerson Park, just a few blocks from the training studio.
Please note: Dogs who are reactive/aggressive toward other dogs or people are not appropriate for this class.
Everything Zen
Ooohhhmmmm!
Zen is the foundation of civilization! A great response to the cue "leave it" is fabulous, but you won't always have your eyes on your dog. The "Everything Zen" class focuses on building self control as a default behavior. This class is structured around Sue Ailsby's approach, where Zen teaches dogs to control themselves to get what they want. Good things come to those who wait - calmly. Earn what you need by offering behavior that works. Hand zen, table zen, dog zen, people zen... the beauty of zen is it can be applied to all the things!
Overly Friendly Over-greeters
Does your super friendly dog believe that every dog and/or every human who happens to be breathing the same air is their new best friend? Do they tackle guests? Drag you to greet people on the street and then launch to jump all over them? Are other dogs offended by their ridiculous excitement? Then this class is for you. We will work on self-control, calmness, good manners, passing politely, four-on-the-floor, saying hello - and then responding to your cue to move on.
Please note: Dogs who are reactive/aggressive toward other dogs or people are not appropriate for this class.
Work on specific goals and put your training to work:
Canine Good Citizen
Taught by one of our AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluators. This class is based around the American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen program. Each covers exercises with the Canine Good Citizen test in mind: Proper greeting and sit for exam, response to cues, loose leash walking, stay, come, manners and control around other dogs and walking through 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 Pet Partners Evaluation.
CGCA and CGCU
CGC Graduates, are you ready to take your skills to the next level? We have two options for you, CGCA and CGCU! We will introduce you to the test items and practice, with an evaluation at the end of class. You can take either or both of these classes, in any order.
Prerequisites: Clicker savvy trainers and dogs must already have a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certificate or title on record at AKC.
From AKC:
The AKC Community Canine (Advanced CGC) testing level is all about responsible dog ownership and having a well-behaved dog in the community. Your role as a responsible dog owner begins the moment you decide to add a new dog or puppy to your family. AKC Community Canine extends the skills learned in CGC to the community, Dogs who pass the AKC Community Canine test are eligible for the “CGCA” (Advanced CGC) title.
https://images.akc.org/akc_community_canine/AKCCommunityCanineOverview.pdf
AKC Urban CGC requires that the dog demonstrate CGC skills and beyond in a setting that includes traffic, crowds, noises, smells and other distractions that are present in a city or town. As with Canine Good Citizen, AKC Urban CGC is a 10-step test of skills that dogs must pass to earn the official AKC Urban CGC title (CGCU).
https://images.akc.org/pdf/cgc/urban_cgc_brochure.pdf
Channel that excess energy - teach focus & problem solving:
Sniffy Games
Come learn about your dog’s amazing sniffing superpower! All dogs benefit from sniffing. It triggers the release of feel-good chemicals which can lower anxiety and stress and builds confidence in dogs of all sizes, from baby puppies to old dogs. It's a great way to wear out energetic dogs in a satisfying way. And it's fun for both of you!
Build confidence and focus in new environments through fun searching games and learn about your amazing dog partner in the process! We will teach them to search for specific toys and find a lost item, such as dropped keys.
Supplies needed: a sniffy dog and lots of good treats! A set of 5-6 bowls (need not be identical). Two different toys, and a ‘lost’ item such as your keys or a glove. Suggested: a back clip harness and long line for large area games.
Brain Games to Banish Boredom!
Boredom and frustration are the root cause of most annoying problem behaviors - like barking and driving other pets and family members crazy with pesky demands for attention. Enrichment can help ease boredom and prevent destructive chewing.
This class will provide you with easy ideas for enrichment activities to make life more interesting and satisfying. Learn how to enrich your dogs' life, keep his mind active, and reduce boredom while incorporating good manners and self control.
Home Helpers
Most dogs enjoy having a job to do, and most people can benefit from a dog who helps around the house! Dogs love routines where they can feel useful. Teach your dog to retrieve dropped/lost 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. Dogs should enjoy picking things up in their mouths. Busy bodies and "thieves" welcome!
Please note: Dogs with problems of aggression are not suited for this class.
Take your training into the real world:
Beyond the Backyard
Does your dog behave perfectly at home, but forget everything the moment you step outside? Does your dog’s impeccable behavior crumble when you no longer have a cookie in your hand? Beyond the Back Yard is for you! This class is based on Denise Fenzi’s book Beyond the Back Yard: Train Your Dog to Listen Anytime, Anywhere! We will use Denise’s systematic approach to teach our dog to work around increasingly difficult distractions, remove the cookies from visibility/our bodies, and add real life rewards. We will show you exactly how to set your dog up to succeed and create a habit of cooperation, no matter what may going on around you in the real world!
Denise’s book is highly recommended as a companion to this class. Purchase at www.thedogathlete.com or www.dogwise.com.
Please note: Dogs who are reactive/aggressive towards other dogs or people are not appropriate for this class.
Tails & Trails - Hiking/Snowshoeing!
Do you 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 toward hiking with your dog off leash.
LOCATION: Hikes will begin at various trail heads around the area. 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.
Specialty Class - $215 / $175 for repeat hikers. Not eligible for Honorary Ruffian discount
CLICK HERE FOR SPECIALTY CLASS SCHEDULE
You will need a Washington State Parks Discover Pass. For the snow shoeing class, you will need your own snow shoes or rent them from REI.
Satisfying Strolls
(Summer & Winter versions!)
Summer Strolls and Winter Walkies! This class is all about getting out and walking with our dogs, in the real world! You have worked hard on your loose leash walking foundations, so let’s take it on the road!
We will be practicing in a variety of locations around the training studio, such as parks, neighborhoods, and busy streets. Gear considerations for walking in hot, cold or rainy weather are important, but most of all, let’s make sure both canine and human partners are enjoying your walks together!
Please note: Dogs who are reactive/aggressive towards other dogs or people are not appropriate for this class.
Fun & Games:
Fun and Games with your dog is a fun way to learn the details of training complex behavior chains, by breaking the trick into segments and training each part. Creative and challenging behaviors increase your connection with your dog. Learn and laugh! Get hooked on trick training and earn some titles.
Build Connection and TEAMWORK!
Fun with TRICKS!
Any dog can learn tricks! Not only are tricks fun for you and your dog to learn and show off, they are excellent for bonding with your dog, increasing your dog’s self-confidence, and building core muscle strength and flexibility. Using the power of positive reinforcement training methods, this class focuses on helping you and your dog learn a variety of the tricks listed under the American Kennel Club (AKC) Novice and Intermediate Trick Dog skills (https://www.akc.org/sports/trick-dog/).
In this class, you can learn tricks solely for fun or work towards AKC Trick titles*. For those pursuing one or more AKC Trick Dog titles, testing with a Diamonds in the Ruff CGC evaluator can be scheduled as part of this class within 45 days of completing the class. Please visit the AKC website to learn more about AKC Trick Dog titles.
Prerequisites for this class: Beginning and Intermediate (prep) classes.
Please note: Dogs who are reactive/aggressive toward other dogs or people are not appropriate for this class.
What is Dog Parkour and why International Dog Parkour Association?
Dog parkour combines elements of human parkour and dog agility to create an accessible activity for dogs and humans alike. Parkour can be done anywhere and is limited only by one’s imagination. It is all about each team’s individual journey and experience together. Because choice is essential to the practice, parkour helps our dogs build confidence and overcome fears, and it is a low impact but challenging activity for any canine athlete.
We appreciate that IDPKA promotes an atmosphere of safely exploring and conquering challenges found naturally in the environment, based on choice and a foundation of confidence. The founders of IDPKA have also trained with the Yamakasi (the founders of human parkour) and have carried that spirit into our dog parkour. Titles are available through International Dog Parkour Association for teams that wish to pursue them, but it is never about competition or showing off, and always about the journey.
Parkour Foundations
Parkour Foundations class is all about creating reliable foundations for each team to build upon as you continue having fun on your journey together. Any flashy movement you dream of someday seeing your dog perform is built on a solid foundation of confidence, choice, and safety at all times. This class will cover the history and philosophy behind the sport, safety and spotting requirements, and introduce Foundation Behaviors that you and your dog will build on as you progress beyond this class. Training topics such as generalization, cue discrimination, and more will be covered, so you will also level up your training skills in this class!
Reactive and aggressive dogs are not suitable for this class, however private lessons are a great option so that these dogs can also enjoy parkour.
Additional Parkour Classes are currently in development and will be added in 2023. So, keep an eye on the advanced class schedule page and have fun building those foundations!
NEW!
Cooperative Care
8 weeks - $325
not eligible for Honorary Ruffian discount
THURSDAYS, MAR 7-MAY 2 (8 week course - $325 - skip Apr 4) 4:00-5:30PM
Cooperative care is beneficial for all dogs! During their lifetime, our dogs will face stressful situations such as vet visits, nail trimming and grooming, getting burrs picked out of their feet while hiking, or having to wear a bandage or cone after a surgery or injury. Cooperative care lets us teach our dogs to feel good about these situations. It gives them an understanding of what will be done to them, builds choice and consent into the process, and results in a more confident, less stressed dog.
We love Deb Jones' approach to husbandry and will be utilizing her structure and protocols for this class. Her book Cooperative Care: Seven Steps to Stress-Free Husbandry is highly recommended as a companion to this class.
The best gift you can give your dog is cooperative care training! At the end of the class, you and your dog will be well on your way to earning your first Cooperative Care Training Certificate. More information on the titling program can be found here: https://cooperativecarecertificate.com/
Whether you want the right start with your new puppy, to work on helping your dog happily wear their harness/gear, or to prepare for cooperative vet and grooming appointments, this class is for you!
Tricks and Moves to Music:
Please note: Dogs with problems of aggression are not suited for this class.
Foundations to Fabulous
Basics, Tricks and Fancy Moves
Would you like your basic training to be really solid? Do you want great attention with varied distractions? Does your dog want to show off some great tricks? How about doing some fancy moves, weaves, direction changes?
Then this class is for you and your dog! With detailed shaping and behavior slicing, lavish reinforcement your dog will love, and some training challenges to keep it interesting, you will find a new level of connection with your dog. So do it! Get signed up! This is a great first step to Canine Freestyle and Rally.
Canine Freestyle
If you love dogs, tricks, and music, this is your class!
Rally Freestyle
Rally Freestyle (Rally FrEe) is a unique sport! It combines fun moves used to change directions with trick behaviors used in Musical Freestyle. Increase your bond and teamwork with your dog! Teach your dog to work on all four sides: left, right, front and behind. Then set it all into a numbered course and move from one exercise to the next. It’s great fun for both you and your dog! This class is great preparation for Freestyle Basics, or can be done as a sport of its own.
Freestyle Basics
Learn the basic moves and tricks of Musical Freestyle! It will keep your dog in great shape, learning to move forward, backward, and sideways. It will build confidence and attention as you string different behaviors together. You can move to the music, or pick a song with a story and tell it with fancy behaviors and tricks. This class might open a whole new world to you and your dog! Whether you are geared for competition or just want to have fun, Freestyle is a great choice.
Have fun and take your training to new heights!
Agility for Fun
Foundation Level 1
Agility Foundations. Polish basic skills, recalls, stays and targeting with movement. This is an outdoor class featuring fun activities and games. 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.
Agility for Fun
Intermediate Level 2
Build great team work, communication and attention skills while having fun sending your dog up, over, around, and through a variety of obstacles. For people and dogs who want to find new ways to have fun together. This is not a competition class.
Agility For Fun -
Advanced Level 3
Putting it all together. For dogs who have achieved the basics of weaves and obstacles. Did you catch the agility bug? Continue building on your foundation behaviors and handling skills.
(Held outdoors in mild weather months.
Please note: Dogs with problems of aggression are not suited for this class.)
Specialty Class - $215 / $175 after dog completes 2 sessions. Not eligible for Honorary Ruffian discount
Agility Classes at DITR are held April through August.
Barker's Barn will be open Oct 2nd for Beginner classes and Oct 3rd for returning students. Address 3162 N. Christensen Rd, Medical Lake, WA
For more information and to register, contact Vicki Barker, 509-954-5423
(These classes are not run through Diamonds in the Ruff.)
Volunteer with your dog in the community
PET THERAPY SKILLS
A therapy dog is a pet trained with its owner to provide comfort, happiness, and stress relief to others in a variety of settings including schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and psychiatric facilities. Therapy animals may also be used as motivators to achieve mobility or cognitive goals. (PLEASE NOTE: A pet therapy dog is not a service or emotional support dog. This class is not designed to help you with the goal of training your dog as a service dog or emotional support animal.)
This course will build upon skills that you and your dog learned in the Canine Good Citizen course. You and your dog will work on new skills by placing your team into what could be stressful situations that you may encounter while visiting a facility, such as crowded petting, hugging, and angry yelling. We will also work on how to advocate for your dog in a therapy session and how to recognize when your dog is stressed and how you, as their handler, can help them recover.
To volunteer in most facilities, therapy teams are required to pass an exam and be certified by one of several recognized Pet Therapy Organizations. The most common of these in the Inland Northwest are Pet Partners (Petpartners.org) and Love on a Leash (Loveonaleash.org). Once certified by one of these organizations, your team will be provided liability insurance during your therapy visits. This class is to help you and your dog prepare for one of these exams.
Specialty Class - 5 weeks - $215
Not eligible for Honorary Ruffian discount
CLICK HERE FOR SPECIALTY CLASS SCHEDULE
The exam is not part of this course and is to be taken separately after registering and completing the proper requirements with one of the above Pet Therapy Organizations.
Course Pre-Requisite:
Must be CGC (Canine Good Citizen) Certified
Dog must be at least 1 year of age
Questions? Contact Allison Miller - allisonwmiller10@gmail.com