|
|
|
|
|
All dog classes are not the same!
Prepare your pet for real life with you. Whether you are at home or away, your pet should be happy, comfortable and display manners. We help you to train your pet for the real world with practical, common sense training! We are training pets that live in our homes, may go to the farmers market, to sporting events, or perhaps the cottage or vacation get-aways. Pets should also be comfortable, not stressed or nervous and a pleasure to be around no matter where they are!
Results and Pawformance classes encourage you to interact with your pet - not train at it! This program is based on relationships for pets that live with you. Our handling and training implement a gentle hands on, praise reward system with a quiet discipline after training and much practice only if needed to the point your pet acknowledges. Time outs in crates or special places are not recommended!
Treats are given when appropriate. No people or pet junk food treats, please! Treats may be used for housebreaking, puppy leash training, conformation showing and just because when not in an obedience training session!
Note! Treats, toys and/or clickers are not used for teaching these obedience exercises: Sit, Down, Stay or Come! commands.
As learning is never erased, the early experiences and training you allow your pet to learn are important - choose wisely!!
Please consider enrolling in Puppy Class (unless your entry level pet is too old), Obedience & Manners Levels One and Two for the best foundation for a companion dog. If you attend on a regular basis and follow instruction without training ahead of the program, these classes are designed to give you guidance and structured practice to help you develop a well trained, happy and comfortable companion. Attending a group class provides distractions that may help your pup learn manners and good behavior whether you are at home alone or with guests, or away.
Class description links are on my Results Schedule page (link above - click on the blue box). Simply scroll down to the various classes and click on the class name headier link to be directed to more detailed information for each class.
Pets do not attend the first classes of Puppy Class and Obedience & Manners - Level One. Attending the first class is mandartory for the main trainer as there is much information. Household members that can sit quietly (no phones) are welcome to attend. This first class includes homework and handling exercises to begin at home. Just as important is how to interact with your pet in-between the 'on leash training' home practice sessions.
Consistency in handling by household members is important! Please take notes so you may share the information for your household members that are not able to attend. As you and your pet learn exercises, please teach and monitor your household members to help ensure progression each week.
Powerful Results happen when instruction if followed. The main goal is for you to have an enjoyable life with your pet and your pet to have an enjoyable life with you!
Best Results happen if you do not train ahead of the program!
Gentle Leadership Skills - Results style!
My praise reward, non-reactive way of interacting will help develop and enhance mutual respect. This program believes in teaching first, as 'perfect' as possible practice, proofing and then using a quiet discipline - if needed. All classes are taught by myself - cognitive style. Thus, no surprises by a well meaning volunteer or different instructor when you go from one level to the next regarding method.
Cognitive training is employed - not reactive training! Note that very limited treats are used, never for the come, down, stay and watch commands! No clickers - no electronics - no remotes - no luring with toys and balls or pretending you have them! There is no need to have to learn how to use devices for obedience commands only to (hopefully) wean off of them later! Treats are used to begin leash walking for puppies, for crate training and housebreaking - and just because! Treats or toys are rarely used for the come, down, stay and watch (look) commands.
Other program instructors may tell students to bring a 'hungry pup' and treats to help with responses... I will never tell you to bring your pet to class hungry! I have never understood how keeping a pet hungry so it will perform is considered 'positive' training - certainly not from your pet's view!!
Your Praise - for most is simply the best 'Positive' training!
Simply put, when you implement our program and your pet respects you, your praise may be the best positive reinforcement - it works for many! So much better than walking around with a pocket of treats and having your pet 'smile' at your pocket instead of you. Or taking the chance that if a treat is not delivered as expected, your pet will disobey and possibly even sass bark you...or worse. If your pet is in this last category, additional training suggestions may be suggested. Usually I can cover tips in under 10 minutes after class (no extra charge).
If your pet is very sassy, as me (not BCE) about my "Manners Rule!" special. This is a one time class, either in a private, semi-private or given in a small group setting. Only offered with interest for in house trainers that have usually attended a few classes. A more intense handling protocol may be suggested that may last two weeks (?) depending on history and your pet's needs. Inquire if you have questions. A nominal fee will be charged.
Please do not sign up for this class if you desire to use a food/clicker/toy reward system. If you have started this method and wish to attend my class, please give your pet a break from treats for obedience commands for best Results!, tips regarding same will be presented at your first class.
Discipline if needed - should be grounded. If you are too harsh or use a reactive discipline your pet will learn to fear you. Never should a pet be disciplined for a behavior it does not know is wrong - teach and practice instead! More is explained at class(es).
Trainer Fee, Requirements, Hearing, Age and Physcial Strength
Class fee is for one pet and the same handler/trainer that I (the instructor) will be working with throughout the class. If the trainer must miss a class (mandatory attendance at class #1), please advise and arrangements may be made for you to stay after class or come in early to receive highlighted information.
If an adult household member that has been attending previous classes as a guest, s/he may fill in for the main trainer. Training time on the floor with the pet is not shared in between household members unless special circumstances warrant and are approved by the instructor.
Trainers must be age 18 and older. An exception may be made to allow junior handlers depending on age and size and age of pet and if the family has previously attended and successfully passed a class with the instructor. Do not preregister a junior handler (under 18 years old) if an adult is not available to attend every class and continue training if necessary per the instructor as refunds are not given.
Trainers must be able to hear instruction. Trainers must be able to interact with their pets as this is a 'hands-on' method of training - which means bending down and touching the puppy or dog.
To help ensure class flow, trainers MUST be physically able to keep their pets from dragging them to visit other training teams - inside and outside of class. Classes are designed to teach obedience commands and manners in a group setting. If your pet is able to pull you at will, perhaps contacting a different trainer for private lessons will be helpful to you. As training here is offered in a group setting, please do not register. Refunds are not given.
Non-Spayed Female Pets that come into season (have a heat cycle) may not attend class as they may be too distracting to other pets. No refunds are given. See the FAQ below for more information.
Pets that are Not Accepted: Wolf and wolf mixes are not accepted into the program. Nor are aggressive dogs or those which have had security or attack training.
Guarantee? Sorry as I as do not have first hand knowledge of experiences you and your pet have encountered nor do I have control of what happens outside of class, guarantees are not given. Know this program works very well for people that choose to implement it.
For decades the majority of trainers attending were referred and classes often have returning trainers with new pets! Many have told me that they will wait for a class with me rather than attend another that may be starting sooner. If you are motivated and practice, this may be the best class experience you have encountered. There are unsolicited notes of gratitiude listed at the bottom of the News and Referrals page. Take a look, find your pet's breed(s) and see what people have had to say....
NO REFUNDS: Brighton Community Education (BCE) does not give a full refund unless BCE cancels. Read their policy prior to registering and contact their office if you have any questions. Note the staff will not be able to answer training questions about my program, that is what this web site is for. Do follow the recommended steps at the top of the Schedule page to help ensure a terrific class fit so hopefully this will not be a concern for you.
I, Training Director, Mary T. Ratelle reserve the right to help ensure a positive and progressive class for all. Trainers not following direction or posing a concern may be excused per my discretion if realistic goals of the class are hindered. Communication is not just for the pets, but for trainers as well. Please bring to my attention concerns that you may have! I wish all particpants enjoy the 'training journey' as I do. Time spent training here should be special time for you and your pet!
If you enjoy spending time with your pet and desire a wonderful companion, this approach to training may be just what you are looking for! The bonding you and your pet may experience is amazing!
Classes have class minimums and maximums. If you want to join, please preregister early to avoid disappointment.
After basic training is completed, recreational dog sports and advanced obedience are offered for our graduates! We have had much fun with these. To see what others have done past our basic classes, visit the Awards-Titles page. Listed are some of the fun activities trainers have done with their pets. Results - Pawformance Sports offers you and your pet practical, common sense obedience! Also, AKC Canine Good Citizen and Therapy Dog practice, AKC Jumpers with Rally-O style Weaves Recreational Agility, Show and recreational AKC Rally-Obedience, too! With interest - other specials are also offered. Retrieve! and an Introduction to Tracking which is done outdoors weather permitting.
Interested in Joining a Class? Return to the Schedule Page. Detailed class description links are below and at the top of each offering on the Schedule page.
Inclement Weather?
Information will be posted on my SCHEDULE page at your class listing if possible. If a class has to be cancelled, a makeup will be planned.
Brighton Schools If regular school classes are canceled due to weather, bomb threat, fire, etc. - all Community Ed classes are also cancelled!
Do keep your calendar open for a possible make up day. If your regular day is not available for make-up, BCE classes may be held on a Thursday.
Q. I cannot attend the first class, will I miss much?
Especially if you are a new trainer to Results - the answer is absolutely! The beauty of this program is everything melds to provide a stable foundation. Knowing how to handle your pet in between the leash training sessions is just as important as teaching commands on leash during a practice session. Perhaps waiting for a future session is in your best interest when you can attend all classes if you are new to the program. If in Puppy Class, a household member may be able to fill in for you. Handouts are given, note taking is encouraged.
If you are a returning trainer, please do your best to attend. With time, key handling techniques may have been forgotten. I take time to present the information because I feel it is needed. As a past Results staff person with over fifteen years with me said, every presentation she observes, she learned something. This person, "Arleen P." was one of the best trainers and staff people I had the pleasure of working with!
Q. I cannot attend the last class, may I still register for the next level?
If you and your pet have done well prior to the graduation class, you will be considered for next level - be sure to inquire prior to registering for the next level.
Q. I cannot attend the last class, may I still receive a certificate and ribbon?
Your ribbon and graduation certificate, (certificates are given when Obedience & Manners Level One and Two are completed), are available for pick up prior to or after scheduled classes it will be mailed if attendance and progress warrants.
Q. May I observe a class without signing up?
Sorry, no. Observers are often distracting to class participants - people and their pets. I, (the instructor), prefer to keep my sole attention on the class. Additionally, trainers new to the program with untrained dogs usually do not appreciate an audience while they are trying to comprehend the traning and trying to train their pets.
To get an understanding of the dynamics of our program, read all of the information on this web site. Talk to people who have partipated in this program. The majority of people attending are here by referral or returning trainers with new pets. Having been in the community for several decades (literally) the chances are pretty good someone that you know has trained with me.
Q. I have been told not to enter a puppy training class until my pet is six months old, is puppy class really important?
During the four week to four month period, a puppy is like a sponge! It learns at a rapid level during this time. After four months, the window begins to close. As learning is never erased, what handling and training your puppy experiences during it's first four months is never erased! What you allow it to learn during this time can make a lasting impression.
People that attend our structured Results - Pawformance Puppy class get a terrific head start in bonding and training! Yes, a puppy class is important to help develop your puppy! I, (the training director), was fortunate to attend the first puppy class held in MI in 1978 with my "Matt" (Golden Retriever). I had already trained several dogs by this time in my life and had shown as well. The impact it made was incredible - it was well worth the time, money and drive from Brighton to Ferndale every week!
Be careful - a puppy'socialization' class that is nothing more than a play party or tricks for treats type class may actually imprint some puppies in a negative way and encourage poor behavior. My puppy class is structured and socializing is monitored to help ensure a great experience for all particpants.
Q. My puppy is almost six months, may I register it for the Obedience & Manners Class? Other programs teach young puppies the stay command...why don't you?
Puppies under six months are simply not accepted into this level unless you are certain that your puppy is an 'old soul' and will comprehend the training. The maturity needed to comprehend a true stay command is a good example of why puppies are not rushed. The 'Stay' command taught here is *not* a simple wait game for a treat. (See more below). Older puppies and pets will benefit more from a puppy class if the pet is in need of confidence and being able to socialize in a structured setting. Register for the Puppy class to give an excellent base for the next level of training and stage of development. It is not fair to pressure your puppy by putting it into a level of training it may not be ready for. Stays in my program are based on the ability to hold a position with attention to doing same - not the promise of a treat. A pet needs to have maturity to grasp that understanding.
Results Obedience & Manners Level One lessons concentrate more on the mechanics of commands. The pets at this level do not visit with each other until manners are learned and the pets are relaxed. Socializing may be done as we do in Puppy Class in Obedience & Manners Level Two - if they are ready for same and want to be social. Some dogs do not appreciate another dog 'in their face or space'. As long as manners are in place and a pet is comfortable, socializing is not forced. Just like people, some pets simply are not interested. It is important that when visiting, pets do display manners.
Q. My pet is older than six months, and is nervous and shy, may it attend the puppy class?
First read the above answer. If you believe your pet will benefit from the more relaxed atmosphere of the puppy class, and you believe it will not continually bark and growl at the others in class, or scare the other puppies, you may register for the puppy class. Be sure to note your concerns and reason for wanting your older pet in the Puppy class. If your pet may benefit from a class where the activity level is more structured, or may bark and/or growl, the Obedience & Manners Level One program should be attended. Please read the next FAQ.
Q. My pet has developed minor barking and growling issues when it see other pets or people, it needs help, may I register?
If your pet is not truly aggressive, many pets with problems like these are stressed and behavior improves as the pet gains confidence.
For the welfare of your pet, if participation of a (some) group exercise(s) may excite a pet so that class flow is hindered, the activity level of your pet may be limited upon the discretion of the instructor. When training exercises that increase 'drive' may trigger your pet in the early stages of training, the instructor may have you participate to the degree that your pet can be successful and then build on the exercise as your pet is ready.
If your pet does not improve within a reasonable amount of time and it is interrupting class flow, the pet alone may be excused from the class and you will attend without your pet to observe lessons to continue training. It is very unusual for a pet not to improve if instruction is followed.
Q. I read the above FAQ, my pet has behavior issues and I am not sure if I should sign up.
My offerings try to provide an atmosphere and general instruction beneficial for all pets, including a pet that has developed minor issues. Some pets just are not sure what to do with themselves and will act out until thy have proper handling and direction. Following instructions for class and at home (!) consistently help to provide a base your pet may be in need of. Note that a group class has limitations. If your pet needs more help than what our class descriptions imply, perhaps it is best that you do not attend with your pet. With regret, I am no longer doing private lessons. Thus, if you have a pet that is starting to develop issues - or - better yet - a new pet, enroll in a class soon to help ensure a terrific start with you and yours.
Be sure to note that true aggressive behavior per the instructor's evaluation is not acceptable in our group classes and a pet may be excused, with only the owner attending to observe lessons and train with the pet at home. No refunds are given.
Q. Will obedience training ruin my pets conformation ring performance?
Not if you follow instruction! Be sure to share your goals with the instructor, note them on my Trainer Information Form when you join the program. Leash respect and the ability to move in a straight line is desired for the conformation ring. Also, your pet should be holding still when the judge examines your pet, this is very important. Obedience can help teach the discipline your pet may need to hold still when it would rather be visiting.
Cross training for more than one venue is simple if you keep your training clean. It is not desired to have your conformation dog sitting when it should be standing for an examination. Your pet should not heel with attention on you, looking up at you and moving as in obedience with a controlled walk or heel exercise. The conformation show puppy or dog should instead move in a straight line with a forward focus (not on the handler). Body language when traniing as introduced will alert your pet to the performance desired - if you train per instruction. I have much experience in the ring as a handler and I have also judged with return assignments. My observation with trainers that have conformation show dogs sitting in the ring simply are not training clean by accepting and even encouraging sits when handling and training. It can be pretty frustrating for me when handlers refuse to follow directions...
If you are new to showing in the conformation venue, note a Structured Conformation Class is offered as a special on occasion. You may want to consider joining that class or attending drop in classes.
Q. How do you feel about training with buzz or e-collars? (Electronic collars/mt)
I am frequently asked this question by many for various reasons. In some cases, a 'no bark' collar may be useful if you are not present to address the problem. I simply do not use them nor do I instruct how to use them as I lack experience (by choice!). I have attended clinics multiple times for their use - I just cannot bring myself to use one. I simply have never had a need and I would rather do common sense training instead. Too me, even using a light buzz instead of a stronger poke is not what or how I want to train.
Field training used to be a big part of my life. Upland game mainly although I would water train for field titles and because the dogs loved it. I just did not eat duck, didn't like the taste, so I primarily pheasant hunted. I was a founding member of a local club years ago. I have given field clinic and training seminars and was brought back by the clubs ..., (a nice compliment!) multiple times for various breeds. In the past, I often donated time to help newer members until the e-collar people almost caused me to have melt downs whenever I was around them. I don't understand why in the 'heck' a person needs to use an e-collar to teach a retriever how to retrieve?? Or come?? What are they bred for - what do they LOVE to do? Why burn them???
I have never had a need for one! I think they are only to be used in extreme cases with extreme caution. Arguments to use are usually from lazy people that do not want to train or train proper. Use of and especially mis use of one may make a pet anxious and loose confidence in their person.
Q. May my female dog attend if she is in season?
Sorry, as female dogs that are in season (having a heat cycle) are very distracting to other dogs, thus they are not allowed to attend classes while they are in their heat cycle. The ONLY exception is if in a class of all female dogs with panties on. This cycle may last as long as three (sometimes four) weeks. If you register for a class and your girl comes into season, the trainer is to attend without the pet to observe lessons. Training can still take place at home. After discharge and swelling has ended, your pet is to be bathed before returning to class for the remaining classes. Note credit, transfers or refunds are not given. Best Results happen when pets attend class every week so attend when the timing is right!
Q. My pet has had previous training elsewhere, may I register for an advanced class?
Puppy graduates from other programs may enter our Obedience & Manners Level One if old enough. With all due respect for the training accomplished, every trainer and pet too old for Puppy Class must start with our Obedience & Manners Level One. This is to help ensure base training uniformity. Class flow and training progression are important for all. Classes are often hindered when basics are not followed as taught here. It is simply not fair to the other trainers in the class if I need to stop instruction to teach basics covered at entry level.
Our training foundation is referred to as advanced exercises are built on this and an understanding of same by both trainer and pet is important! Note that experienced trainers that are new to our program are usually pleased with the time spent learning our foundation. If after reading this you still believe your pet will do well in an advanced class, inquire. I am always happy to chat and may suggest a move up if both trainer and pet are deserving.
My home office Bark Line: 517. 548. 4536
© copyright 2000-present Results Puppy & Dog Training and Pawformance Dog Sports! All photos, logos, and text are property of Results Puppy & Dog Training, Pawformance Dog Sports! and it's contributors. Any copying is strictly forbidden without written permission of and copy of material produced to Mary T. Ratelle.