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3. Fidos on the Farm: We’ re fortunate we are on 80 acres. This popular summertime class takes students on hikes around the farm where we practice good manners behaviors; attention in the presence of horses and wildlife, long-distance recalls( on long lines and off leash for those who are ready), and more.
4. Ice Cream Social: This class meets every week practicing good manners in a different dog-friendly location in Washington County. We used to call it“ Downtown Hound” and then we started holding every class within walking distance of an ice cream shop— so now it’ s Ice Cream Social— and we end each class with ice cream all around.
5. Co-operative Care: Self-explanatory- a class that works on giving dogs agency in husbandry handling protocols.
Solutions for Classroom Challenges:
Voices from the Training Community
By Jamie McKay, CPDT-KSA
Ask 10 trainers a question and you’ ll get 10 different answers! If you would like to contribute a response or a suggestion for a topic to be covered in this series, please email jamiemckay @ optonline. net.
This challenge was suggested by Jamie McKay CPDT KSA: Our club offers group puppy classes and all age manners training. Additionally, offered are advanced manners classes, competition obedience, agility, scent work classes and titling classes including but not limited to canine good citizen and tricks. Classes were paused for months during the COVID pandemic. Once reopened, enrollment skyrocketed with many classes having wait lists. Recently, enrollment has dropped and it seems not just our club as a school in our area( not a direct competitor) just closed its doors. I think there are many factors involved but what ideas can other instructors share to attract students and boost enrollment.
PAT MILLER, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA Director, Peaceable Paws Trainer Academies( Fairplay, Maryland) www. peaceablepaws. com We offer a variety of classes here at Peaceable Paws. Because we are not“ obedience” competition oriented we have long looked for class options for“ regular” dog caretakers. Some of ours include:
1. Clicks for Tricks: Obviously a tricks class, with some students capable of earning Tricks Certifications from Do More With Your Dog.
2. Household Paw Course: Using household objects to create a“ Paw Course” for dogs— crawling under chairs, unrolling a rolled up rug, standing on a stool, jumping over broomsticks and more.
6. Sports Sampler: Each week students are introduced to the basics of a different canine sport. This helps them decide if / which they and their dog would like to pursue.
7. Cognition- of course!
KRISTINA CARPENTER, CPDT-KA Rock Hill | No Leash Needed( St. Louis, Missouri) Here are ideas we have tried to attract clients:
• Demos at rescue and dog sporting events, festivals and farmers markets. A little marketing budget can go to reserving a booth spot, or stage time. For an agility demo our dogs run a course, then we assist spectators and their dogs to try low height jumps, place box and a frame. After a Rally- O demo, spectators get to try out a few signs in a numbered course. We’ ve also done Scent work demos. Sponsor fun games( bubble catching, paw prints painting, recall races) at the event.
• Practice in a public space including parks, businesses where dogs are permitted might attract interest and questions. Carry business cards or if your dog wears a vest advertise on it.
• Offer to teach a class about dog safety at a local school. Leave a card for every kid who has a pet dog at home.
• Photo opportunities offering both digital and physical photos attract people especially with fun or seasonal backdrops.
• Bacon themed events are enjoyed by our clients. Training with bacon snacks, pictures with bacon snacks, special lunches / treats with bacon. You just have to watch your fingers sometimes!
• Offer a bring-a-friend night either just humans to audit class, or a friend with their dog and have them try a few things at the end or beginning of class.
• Add out-of-the-box new ideas to your programs, for example dinner with a trainer or movie night, puppy bowl at your facility or a local shelter.
• Host a public event where invited local first responders discuss dogs in rescue situations and home safety tips for dogs.
44 Better Training Through Education Photo: Adobe Stock