Class Descriptions

To view the complete calendar of classes click on any of the below “Click Here For Class Schedule” links.  Use the arrows to move the calendar forward & back between months. See a class you like? Double-click on the event for further details & directions for the Registration Form to reserve your spot.

 Puppy Kindergarten:  4wks (Designed for puppies 6-16wks in age)  A heavy emphasis on socialization, both dog-people as well as dog-dog.  Learning techniques to build: coming when called & good leash manners into adulthood, as well as “leave it” “puppy sits”, & door manners.  Discussion of:  breeds, dog body language, & mouthy behavior.  EQUIPTMENT:  buckle collar,4-6ft leash, favorite dog cookies. NOT ALLOWED: training collars, harnesses, chain leashes, flexi-leads. Click here for class schedule

Puppy Parkour:  4wks (Designed for ages 2-9mo a great substitute for Puppy Kindergarten if one is not available that works with your schedule)  The human sport of Parkour has “gone to the dogs”!  Also known as “Urban Agility” this puppy version is about increasing confidence as a team as well as strengthening your luring skills!!   A back-snap harness is recommended to help you be able to spot your dog when balancing on unstable obstacles close to the ground, check out Ruffwear for harness options with a handle on the back!  This takes the concepts of Parkour & combines with the dog exercises used in K9 Cardio on a smaller “puppy” level.  The focus of this class is helping dogs learn how to walk on different surfaces, try new things, & learn body awareness.  Click here for a schedule of classes.

 Basic Obedience:  6wks (for any dog over 16wks of age) Coming when called, walking on a loose leash, sit & down on command, Sit/Down for lengths of time & with distractions.  Any dogs under 1 year of age will be eligible for the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Certification.  EQUIPTMENT:  buckle collar,4-6ft leash, favorite dog cookies. NOT ALLOWED:  harnesses, chain leashes, flexi-leads. Click here for a schedule of classes.

Intermediate Obedience:  4wks (for any dog over 20wks of age who has been through Big Moose Basic Obedience class)  Utilizing Brenda Aloff’s “Get Connected” protocol & your dog’s natural body language to build your bond with your dog.  Getting & keeping your dog’s attention, “layering” sits & downs for solid-stays.  EQUIPTMENT:  buckle collar,4-6ft leash, favorite dog cookies. NOT ALLOWED: harnesses, chain leashes, flexi-leads.  Click here for a schedule of classes.        

Rally 4 Fun!:  4wks (for any dog over 20wks of age who had been through Big Moose Basic Obedience class) Created by Charles “Bud” Kramer, Rally Obedience is an agility/obedience high bred.  This class is JUST for fun!!!!  An explanation of Rally signs & courses, an AKC sport utilizing all of the things you learned in Basic.  Each class will be working different RallyO courses to solidify the skills you learned in Basic or to prepare you for entering a RallyO show.   Click here for a schedule of classes.

Advanced Games:  4wks (for any dog over 20wks of age who has been through Big Moose Basic Obedience class.)  Intermediate &/or Rally are recommended pre-reqs but NOT required)  The whole class is about playing games with our dogs for the hour!!   The secret (trick) is all the games build on the obedience classes you have already taken & what you have already learned! Click here for a schedule of classes.

K9 Cardio:  4wks (for any dog over 20wks of age who has been through Big Moose Basic Obedience class)  An exercise class for you AND your dog combining: cardio, strength, & basic obedience.  A great way to get in shape & bond with your dog.  A fabulous opportunity to practice getting & keeping your dog’s attention and focus all while immersed in a highly distracting environment.  Great “cross-training” for agility & rally competitors.  This is a busy advanced class that you need to have completed Big Moose Basic Obedience as well as have a dog that is able to handle lots of physical & visual stimulation simultaneously while working in close quarters with other moving dogs.  There will also be medium impact jumping for your dog so this class may not be appropriate for dogs with knee, elbow, back, or hip issues; please discuss with your veterinarian if you have ANY concerns about your dog’s fitness level prior to signing up for class. Click here for a schedule

Trick Training:  4wk (for any dog over 4mo of age who had been through Big Moose Basic Obedience class.)  A fun 4 week class focusing on teaching your dog new tricks!  The last day of class your dog has the opportunity to earn AKC Trick Dog Titles!  Not just for AKC Purebred dogs unregistered breeds as well as mix breeds can participate too!  Get an AKC # for your UN-registered pure bred dog HERE  Get an AKC # for your mixed breed dog HERE Each class you you will learn how to teach your dog specific tricks. More importantly, you will learn the foundation of how to train your dog tricks, how to break down complicated tricks into specific parts, and how to put back together to complete a trick. Once you understand how to train tricks, the possibilities are endless as to what you can teach your dog!  Benefits include:  Get out of the house and do something fun with your dog, Being able to “exercise” your dog in addition to your daily walk, Show off to your friends and family, great for improving your bond with your dog as well as building confidence of shy dogs! Once you start trick training, your dog will be able to learn faster.   Pre-Req:  Basic Obedience & dogs must be at least four months in age.  School Supplies:  comfortable clothes, leash, buckle collar, your dog’s favorite treats, Clicker & props optional  Click here for a schedule of classes. 

Parkour:  4wk (for any dog over 7mo of age who has been through Big Moose Basic Obedience class.  Trick Training &/or Rally are recommended pre-reqs but NOT required)  The human sport of Parkour has “gone to the dogs”!  Also known as “Urban Agility” the whole class is about increasing confidence as a team as well as exploring the world around us for the hour while building on everything you learned in Big Moose Basic!!   The ONLY class that a back-snap harness is recommended/required, check out Ruffwear for harness options with a handle on the back so you can help you spot your dog!  This is a traveling class that will have a new outdoor “classroom” every week so dress accordingly.  In the case of weather non-conducive for an hour outside class will take place at the location listed in the class description & FitPaws equipment will be used to Parkour inside.  Click here for a schedule of classes.

 Big Moose Explorers: 4wk (for any dog over 4mo of age who had been through Big Moose Basic Obedience class. Advanced Games &/or Rally are recommended pre-reqs but NOT required) We will meet at a new public location every week to practice ALL of the skills you have learned in Big Moose Basic, a nice stepping stone from Basic to Excursions as we WILL NOT be entering stores.  Week #4 you will have the option to test for your AKC CGC.  This is an outdoor class so dress accordingly.  **NOTE CGC Testing is NOT included in the class price** Click here for a schedule of classes.

Big Moose Excursions: 4wk (for any dog over 4mo of age who had been through Big Moose Basic Obedience class. Advanced Games &/or Rally are recommended pre-reqs but NOT required) We will meet at a new public location every week to practice ALL of the skills you have learned in Big Moose Basic.  Week #4 you will have the option to test for any of the 3 levels of AKC CGC Testing.  **NOTE CGC Testing is NOT included in the class price** Click here for a schedule of classes.

Canine Life And Social Skills C.L.A.S.S.  Class (APDT Program) Level: BA: 6wk (for any dog over 1 year of age who had been through Big Moose Basic Obedience class. Trick Training &/or Rally are recommended but NOT required) An Association of Professional Dog Trainers program that recognizes & rewards responsible dog owners as well as foster & rescue groups that incorporates  training programs into finding dogs a forever home!  www.mydoghasclass.com for more details.  Each class will focus on preparing you for the 11 C.L.A.S.S. Items, Week #6 will be the BA Level Test.  Prior to testing each team must register for an APDT C.L.A.S.S. Team Number.   Testing can also be set up by appointment. Click here for a schedule of classes.

Canine Good Citizen C.G.C. Class (AKC Program): 4wk (for any dog over 1 year of age who had been through Big Moose Basic Obedience class. Intermediate &/or Rally are recommended pre-reqs but NOT required) An American Kennel Club program that recognizes & rewards responsible dog owners!  www.akc.org for more details    Each class will focus on preparing you for the 10 CGC Items, your dog does NOT need to be purebred or papered to participate.  Week #4 will be the CGC Test.  Testing can also be set up by appointment. Click here for a schedule of classes.

NO REFUNDS GIVEN AFTER THE FIRST WEEK OF CLASS.