Services

Classes & Services Offered - Puppy Socialization Sessions - Basic Manners/Obedience Class - Canine Good Citizen (CGC) - Therapy Dog Classes -  Private (In-home) Instruction/Problem Solving

General Class Information/Rules:

-    Class sizes are small, allowing for more individualized attention to you and your dog.

-    Family members are encouraged to attend classes on a space available basis.  Dogs need consistent training from the entire family!

-    Dogs are required to be current on vaccinations/inoculations (age-appropriate).

-    Children aged 12 and up may be permitted to participate if they demonstrate an ability to maintain consistent control of the dog.  This option is subject to the instructor’s approval and permission may be revoked. 

-    Every child under 7 years old must be accompanied by an additional adult and supervised at all times. 

PUPPY SOCIALIZATION SESSIONS:

Puppies up to and including the age of 18 weeks may attend Puppy Socialization Sessions!  We require all attending puppies have completed at least the first two sets of vaccinations and up to date on de-worming.  (Proof required before being admitted to session.)  The main activity of each session is a supervised playgroup in which owners and their puppies get to interact with the instructor and each other.  While the pups are playing and learning, owners are encouraged to ask questions and initiate discussions about topics that are of interst to them!  Since each puppy’s breed, background, and living situations are different, no two sessions are identical!  Supervised socialization sessions give your puppy a head start in life, before or in conjunction with obedience class!  Discussions can include ‘Life with your new dog as you now know it to be’, potty training, crating, handling, grooming, basic nutrition, biting, mouthing, chewing and more!  Cost is $5.00 at the door each session you and your pup attend!

BASIC MANNERS/OBEDIENCE CLASS:

Offered to all dogs current on their age-appropriate vaccinations.  (Proof will be required before being allowed to attend the first class.)  A seven-week program meeting once a week, (first week Orientation is without your dog) focusing on basic obedience commands, such as ‘Watch’, ‘Sit/Stay’, Down/Stay’, ‘Walking nicely on lead’, ‘Heel with Automatic Sit’, ‘Come’, ‘Leave it’ and more!  Problem- solving Q&A during class will be encouraged.  Socialization will be encouraged and discussed at the end of each weekly session in order to experience and illustrate canine body language to humans, and to encourage dogs to interact with unfamiliar dogs and people. 

CGC – CANINE GOOD CITIZEN CLASS:

This class will focus on obtaining the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen certification.  It is  recommended for anyone who would like to be recognized for their skills with their obedient dog!  Your dog does NOT have to be a purebred – just a ‘Canine Good Citizen’.  CGC test dates will be announced and administered shortly after completion of the class.  Criteria for passing the 10-step AKC test include:

THERAPY DOG CLASSES

Given in conjunction with the CGC class, prepares you and your dog to become a Certified Therapy Dog team by getting your dog familiar with walkers, wheelchairs, crutches, loud noises and other distractions!  Testing administered shortly after completion of the class to allow time for success in becoming a Certified Therapy Dog Team!

PRIVATE CLASSES

Group classes are not for everyone, so private instruction may be the solution you need.  This option offers you the opportunity to work individually with a trainer in your own home and is scheduled around your availability and your dog's specific obedience instruction needs.  There are no minimum number of sessions required, and a program can be structured whether you require a quick ‘brush-up’ on basic obedience or a complete training program for a new dog, or want to work on specific behavior issues and solutions such as:

Children and Dog Safety, Therapy Dog Visits, Seminars

Do you have, or belong to a group who would benefit from a ‘seminar’ about dog behavior??  Want to teach a class of children how to be safe around dogs?  Need to have a visit from a Therapy Dog?  We offer: 

• Children and Dog Safety & Dog Bite Prevention program for children – Teaching safety around dogs; what our dogs body language is telling us; how to approach unfamiliar dogs; how to avoid a dog bite.  Presented to groups of children, including Scout Troops,  teachers classrooms or assembly sessions, day camps, etc., we present this program to the group of your choice!  Adults are often surprised at what THEY learn from the session.  No live dogs are used in the program.  Interactive sessions with pictures and audience participation!
• Therapy Dog Visits – Certified Therapy Dog(s) thru Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs are available to make visits to Assisted Living homes, nursing homes, hospitals or to visit your loved one in your own environment.  Call 908-359-9228 or e-mail for more information and details!
• Adopting a dog, Dog Behavior, Canine Body Language, or related topics - We can build a program or seminar based on your needs.  Whether its finding the right dog for your family, local rescue organizations or dog parks, we can help!  We also have handouts explaining behaviors as well as informational topics regarding all things canine – just ask!

TRICKS CLASS 

This class will teach various tricks – no two classes will be exactly the same!  Requests from participants will be honored (within reason) – so be prepared to come and have some fun!  You CAN teach an old dog new tricks, or even a new dog OLD tricks!

PRE-ADOPTION: NEW PUPPY/NEW DOG CONSULTATIONS

Planning on adding a new dog to your family?  Need help in selecting the right breed and personality type for your lifestyle?  Not sure where to start, what to do or how to prepare your home and family?  Let us help set your puppy up to be successful BEFORE you bring him/her home!