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Lucky Dog Sports Club in Jupiter
Positive, rewards-based
dog training
October 2009
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Greetings!
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What is Rally?
Most people have no clue, but when they find out it's a fun sport you can do with your dog and your dog only needs to know a solid sit, down, stay and walk by your side, they are game to learn more. First there is a series of signs indicating a specific exercise, such as serpentine, or about turn. In class, you are taught how to perform each sign and then they are put together in a numbered course. How much fun is that!? Sign up. There are only afew spots left in the class that begins October 19th (lucky you, it was pushed back a week!). Here's a video that gives you an idea of what Rally is all about. Click here.
It's really easy to read this newsletter online. Click the link at the top of the page. |
| BARKING! Make it stop! |
If there is one complaint that ranks right up there in annoying dog behaviors, I think it's barking.
There are several reasons that dogs bark, once you've decided what kind of barking your dog does, you can address the issue. These include watchdog barking, demand barking, barking when alone, spooky barking and boredom barking.
Watchdog Barking
The goal is to teach your dog the meaning of the words "bark" and "quiet" (or whatever words you choose to use as your cue). If you first teach your dog to "bark" on command, you can then teach him to "quiet" on command. When teaching the "bark" trick, use something you know will make your dog bark such as the doorbell. First teach the dog a reliable bark using the following sequence:
1. Give your "bark" command
2. Ring the doorbell (or other prompt)
3. The dog barks
4. Praise: "good boy!
5. Treat
Continue doing this until he will bark on command without the doorbell. Fade the doorbell by giving the command and waiting for about 10 seconds, then ring the bell. Eventually he'll bark without the bell.
Once you have a reliable "bark" on command in different places and under different circumstances, begin teaching the "quiet" command using the following sequence:
1. Give your "bark" command
2. Ring the doorbell (or other prompt)
3. The dog barks
4. Praise: "good bark!"
5. Give your "quiet" command, with an obvious treat in your hand - he'll be distracted from barking by the treat
6. Praise his silence lavishly for 3-5 seconds
7. Give him the treat if he's been quiet 3-5 seconds
8. Repeat the above sequence, gradually lengthening the duration of the silence up to a minute.
Do this over and over until the dog understands the "quiet" command. Eventually he'll quiet on the first command without a visible treat (although you still give him a treat -- it's just hidden). If he interrupts a "quiet" with even one bark, say "Too bad! You missed it!," wave the treat under his nose, and start over with the command.
The most common mistake is trying to use your "quiet" command in a real-life situation before
the dog is ready.
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Contact Information:
Mindy Cox, Training Director
561-427-6700 phone
561-748-3699 fax
Any suggestions or comments? Please email. I value your feedback.
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Obedience Class Schedule
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For complete description, fees and registration form click on the class name or
click here to go to our website. These are 6-week classes.
Focus Foundation is one of our most popular classes. This class teaches or improves obedience skills such as sit, down, stay, come, loose leash walking, leave it, and no jumping. It  also improves attention, focus and impulse control. We will work at your pace to improve what you already know of teach you and your dog some new skills. As with all of our classes, this is a positive, rewards-based class. No jerking, pulling, or reprimands, only positive reinforcement for being successful!
This is also a great class if you want to move on the fun sport of agility or rally.
New class open for enrollment (6-week sessions):
Monday, October 19th at 6 p.m. Ends December 7th with no class on November 2nd and 9th (instructor vacation).
This class fills fast, so sign up now to ensure a place in class. More info
Rally-O is a really fun obedience sport to do with your dog. Give it a try! Maureen Parsons is an awesome instructor!
Class begin Monday, October 19th to November 23rd.
Beginner class starts at 7:15 p.m.
Click here for a short video to learn what your dog needs to know to begin the Rally class (it's a lot less than you think!).
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Puppy Socialization & Training Classes
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 For complete descriptions, fees and registration form click here to go to our website.
Ideal Puppy I is your puppy's first class, almost like Kindergarten. Your puppy must be between 9 and 20 weeks at the start of class.
Why should all puppies go to school? By five months of age much of your puppy's personality has been determined, so it is very important to begin a class prior to this age. Early puppyhood is a critical time for socialization and learning. This time will set the stage for the rest of your puppy's life. You will train and socialize your growing puppy. It is never too early to start them off on the right paw.
UPCOMING CLASS (total of 8 weeks for Ideal Puppy I & II):
All 8 classes are from 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. Ideal Puppy I: Begins Thursday, October 22nd. Ends November 12th. Ideal Puppy II: Begins Thursday, November 19th. Ends December 17th (no class on Thanksgiving, Nov. 26th)
Most folks sign up for both Ideal Puppy I and II for 8 weeks of great training and socialization, and $50 in savings.
Puppy Agility Fun!
Just graduated from Ideal Puppy class and want more fun, learning, and bonding time with your growing, energetic bundle of fur? Puppy agility teaches confidence and helps build your partnership with your dog. You will continue to work on obedience as your pup begins to learn the skills and balance required for agility. This class is for puppies between the ages of 6 to 12 months. You'll love this fun class!
The next class has not been scheduled. Email if you are interested. |
| Agility Class Schedule |
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Puppy Agility Classes
 Check out these fun classes in the section above, or on our website.
More info
AGILITY FOR THE GROWNUPS, dogs that is. (One year of age and older):
Intro to Agility
Wednesday, September 16th at 6:15 p.m. Ends Oct. 21st.
The next class is not yet scheduled. Please email if you are interested and you your place will be held and you will be contacted when the date is set. This class is for dogs around a year of age and older. If your dog is younger, please sign up for puppy agility.
Advanced/Masters Agility Handling & Skills
Monday, November 9th to December 14th. Three classes: 6:00 p.m., 7:15 p.m., & 8:30 p.m. Space if very limited so sign up early!
Want to Start Your Dog in Agility?
The Intro to Agility class is your first agility class at Lucky Dog. But before you begin, you need to aks yourself if you and your dog are ready. Does your dog have a good sit/stay and down/stay? Does your dog come when called? Does he or she work well and pay attention to you when there are other dogs around? If you cannot answer yes to these questions, then your first stop is the Focus Foundation class. Good obedience skills are the backbone of any dog sport. In the Focus Foundation class your dog will learn attention, focus, better obedience, and impulse control. And you will learn how to be a better trainer and handler. If, however, you happily answered yes to those questions, congratulations! You have been working diligently. The next Intro to Agility class begins September 16th (or if your dog is less than a year old, check out Puppy Agility Fun!
Still Don't Know What Agility Is?
Don't know what agility is but would like to find out? There's a video that I think explains it well. Check it out. |
| Agility Special Events |
Get in on the action and have some fun!
2009 DATES
Sunday, November 29th
Sunday, December 20th
(These dates subject to change.)
TIME: Gates open at 5:00 p.m. and first dog will be ready to run by 5:45 p.m.
CRATING: is indoors in climate-controlled comfort (or outdoors if you prefer).
EXPERIENCE: All levels (Novice class students and up if training at Lucky Dog) are welcome to practice this nested course (novice/open and excellent). After everyone runs the first course we will reverse it and run again after walking the new course. The lighting and footing are great. Toys and treats are welcome and encouraged to reward your dog.
REGISTRATION: To sign up, email us your name, and your pet's name, breed, jump height, and level (novice or excellent). You must sign up in advance. More info |
| News You Can Use |
Responsible Dog Ownership Fun Day
The Jupiter Tequesta Dog Club is hosting a fun day of dog events in Jupiter, including all kinds of demos, games and a parade. It's scheduled for Sunday, October 11th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information visit their website, www.JTDC.org.
Mutt March
Humane Society of the Treasure Coast Mutt March will be held on Saturday, October 24, at Halpatiokee Park in Stuart. More info.
Dog Events in Palm Bay
Dog Paws Agility Fun Run
Saturday - October 31st (costumes optional) in Palm Bay.
Jumping Workshop
Instructor Kellie Verrelli will be teaching her interpretation of Susan Salo's jumping method. This 5 week class will begin October 28th from 6-8 p.m. in Palm Bay. Email Dalyce Brell for info on either of these two events.
Small dogs rule!
If your dog is 17" or less at the withers, one year old or more, and trained on agility equipment, come on over to the Treasure Coast Humane Society where Little Laughing Dog Agility will be hosting its second Teacup Dog Agility Association test of skill on Saturday October 31, 2009 & Sunday, November 1, 2009. Email Carol Bowling for info. AKC Obedience Match
Sponsored by the Jupiter Tequesta Dog Club, this "A" match is scheduled for Saturday, October 31st at 9 a.m. at the FAU Jupiter Campus. Contact Maureen Parsons for more information.
Run for the Animals 2009
This is the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office 3rd annual event and it will be held on Saturday, November 21st from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. It benefits Greyhound Pets of America, A Second Chance Rescue, and, one of my favorites, Busch Wildlife Sanctuary. Contact Barbara Masi for more information.
Interested in Dog Massage?
Mark your calendar. Rocky Mountain School of Animal Acupressure & Massage has scheduled more classes at Lucky Dog. Level 1 begins in February, 2010. Contact them for more information or check out their website.
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| Special Mention |
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 Congratulations to Tamara Aull and her super dog Angel. Angel is a 7-year old border collie. She and Tamara recently passed the Delta Society test for therapy dogs. Besides visiting the sick, Angel and Tamara also do agility. We are proud of you both!
Six year old American Eskimo CeCe, owned by Linda Sartori, just passed her Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test held at Lucky Dog Sports Club. Nice job! The test consists of 10 steps, including accepting a friendly stranger, coming when called, reacting appropriately to distractions and other dogs, and calmly enduring separation from the owner. The AKC CGC test is open to mixed breed dogs as well as purebreds. Want more information about this test? Click here.
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FAQ |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do you have an at-a-glance way to see classes and events?
A: You betcha! Our class calendar is now better than ever. If you are a Lucky Dog member organizing your practice times, you can now tell if a class is inside or outside. It is color coded by type of class (such as agility, obedience, puppy). The first class will have START to indicate the beginning.
Q: How do I register for a class or event?
A: Find the class you want on the Schedule page. For events, go to the Events page.
Click the Sign Up button beneath the class description and fill out the registration form. Or you can call 561-427-6700 and I will sign you up over the phone.
Payment can be cash, check, or credit card.
You can mail your form, email it, drop it off in our secure drop box to the left of our front door, fax it, or you can sign up by phone. Go to our Contact page to find all this info (or find the info in this newsletter in the above right column.
Q: What training philosophy do you use?
A: We only use positive, reward-based, dog-friendly training methods at Lucky Dog. No jerking, pulling, ear pinching or other aversive methods are used. We introduce the training clicker into many of the classes so your dog has a quicker and clearer understanding of what you are teaching.
Q: Do I need a club membership to take a class?A: No. Becoming a club member and taking a class are two separate things. But as a member you have access to Lucky Dog and can practice whenever you want (when there is no class scheduled).
Q: What are Lucky Dog's hours?
A: At this time there are no regular hours when you can drop by, but if you'd like a tour just give us a call and we are happy to accommodate you. Someone is always there when a class or event is scheduled.
Q: Do you only do group classes or can I schedule a private lesson?
A: We are happy to schedule a private lesson at Lucky Dog. We offer obedience and agility private lessons. | |
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