Six-Week Basic Obedience Course at The Bark Knoxville

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What to Expect in Class

Each class will be held with a group of 3 to 8 dogs and their owners. This intimate setting allows us to create a comfortable, supportive environment where your dog can thrive in learning new skills and socializing with other dogs.

Guidelines for a Safe and Productive Class

  • Leashes: Please keep your dog on a leash at all times for their safety and comfort.
  • Harnesses Only: To protect your dog’s neck, we require that they wear a harness rather than a collar.
  • Arrive Early: Arrive 5-10 minutes before class begins to help your dog acclimate to the new environment and get prepared.
  • Health Requirements: All participating dogs must be up to date on their vaccinations.
  • No Aggressive Behavior: For the safety of all, we do not allow dogs showing aggressive behavior to participate in our basic obedience group classes.

Supplies to Bring to Class

To ensure a smooth and productive class experience, please bring the following items along with you:

  • Leash: A standard 4-6 foot leash (no retractable leashes, please) to maintain control and keep your dog safely by your side.
  • Poop Bags: For quick and easy cleanup – we appreciate everyone helping to keep our space clean!
  • Training Pouch: A convenient pouch to hold treats and keep your hands free for training.

Having these supplies ready will help you and your dog make the most of each class session. Thank you for being prepared!

Week 1: Foundations

  • Charging the Clicker: Teach the class how to associate the clicker sound with a reward.
  • Name Recognition: Work on getting the dog’s attention when their name is called.
  • Focus: Introduce the “focus” command to build eye contact.
  • Sit: Teach the “sit” command using a lure and reward.
  • Down: Introduce the “down” command, helping the dog lie down on cue.
  • Touch: Teach the dog to target your hand with their nose.
  • Come (Lure): Begin teaching recall using a lure to encourage the dog to come when called.

Week 2: Building Duration and Control

  • Focus (Duration): Work on holding the “focus” command for longer periods.
  • Stand: Introduce the “stand” command as part of Puppy Push-ups (sit-down-stand).
  • Stay: Teach the “stay” command, starting with short durations.
  • Leave It (Treat in Hand): Begin with basic impulse control, teaching “leave it” using a treat in your hand.
  • Come (Treat Toss): Enhance recall by tossing a treat and calling the dog back to you.

Week 3: Introducing Distractions

  • Focus (Distraction): Practice the “focus” command with mild distractions.
  • Loose Leash (Lure Walking): Teach the basics of loose leash walking using a lure.
  • Wait (Impulse Control): Introduce the “wait” command, teaching the dog to pause before proceeding.
  • Place (Send & Auto Sit): Start teaching the “place” command by sending the dog to a designated spot and having them sit automatically.
  • Leave It (Treat in Hand & Floor): Progress the “leave it” command by placing a treat on the floor and reinforcing control.

    • Week 4: Tricks and Polite Behaviors

  • Trick (Spin/Twirl): Introduce a fun trick, such as “spin” or “twirl.”
  • Focus Competition: Engage the class in a focus competition, seeing which dog can hold their focus the longest with a surprise distraction.
  • Sit Politely for Petting (Calm Greetings): Work on sitting calmly for petting, reinforcing polite greeting behavior.
  • Back Up: Teach the dog to back up on cue, helping with spatial awareness.
  • Wait at the Door: Reinforce impulse control by practicing the “wait” command at doorways.

    • Week 5:

    Week 6: