Rally, also referred to as Rally-O or Rally Obedience, offers both the dogs and handlers an experience that is fun and energizing. The canine team moves at their own pace, very similar to rally-style auto racing. Rally was designed with the traditional pet owner in mind, but it can still be very challenging for those who enjoy higher levels of competition.

A rally course includes 10 to 20 stations, depending on the level.  A station can be as simple as a “Right Turn” or more complex like a “Halt-Sit-Call Dog to Front-Finish in a Heel-Forward”.  Scoring is not as rigorous as traditional obedience. Communication between handler and dog is encouraged and perfect heel position is not required, but there should be a sense of teamwork between the dog and handler. The main objective of rally is to promote dogs that have been trained to behave in the home, in public places, and in the presence of other dogs, in a manner that will reflect positively on the sport of rally and the relationship between the dog/handler team.  This is a 6 week class, meeting once per week for approximately 1 hour.

“Intro to Rally”

Introduction to the sport of Rally.  Providing the foundation knowledge you’ll need to enter an AKC Rally Novice ring, if desired.  We’ll review the basic rules of the sport, cover the stations you’ll encounter in a novice competition, practice each station and complete at least one course set up each week.  If competition isn’t your goal, this is still an excellent opportunity to build additional communication skills and focus with your dog.  All exercises for this course are on leash, as well as competition at a novice level.

Prerequisites for “Intro to Rally” – are that your dog knows “Sit”, “Down” and a basic loose leash walk on the left; we’ll cover all the requirements of the stations in the class, build upon your teamwork skills and if you decide you’d like to compete, help you get headed in that direction!  You’ll need a 4-6 foot leash and a lot of little treats!

OUR AGILITY PROGRAMS ARE CURRENTLY SUSPENDED

Puppy Agility

Don’t wait, start building confidence in your puppy now!  Puppy agility training is a great way to exercise your young puppy’s mind and body as well as increasing your bond as you begin creating communication and positive experiences.  This program focuses on safely introducing various obstacles such as tunnel, teeter, dog walk, pause table etc.  Many obstacles are “puppy scaled” to ensure your puppy’s success so they can learn in a fun and relaxed manner.  Any breed or breed mix puppy is welcome to attend this 6 week class.  Puppies must be current on vaccinations by a licensed veterinarian, in good general health and between the ages of 12-20 weeks old at the beginning of class. You’ll need lots of small, soft treats, a 6 foot leash (no flexi-leashes) and a a standard flat collar.  Come have fun with us!

Cost – $120

Fun-gility 2

This 6 week course is for the dog and handler team who have had basic obstacle introduction/familiarization experience and are interested in agility just to have fun and/or confidence building, not in preparation for competition.  Emphasis will be on building from the skills in the “Intro” course including behavior shaping, start-line stays, and basic foundation handling skills for agility obstacles with a focus on obstacle safety.  The dogs will be off leash for a lot of this course and they must respond to handler’s cues.  They’ll be given the opportunity to work with minimal interference by doing single runs.  We’ll increase sequencing obstacles, increase the course complexity and adding more handler techniques to enhance teamwork.  We’ll focus on obstacle safety as we continue to increase the dogs’ confidence navigating the various obstacles such as tunnel, chute, teeter, dog walk, tire jump, pause table, weaves, standard jumps, etc.  This is a great way to improve your communication skills with your dog and increase your bond as you team-build!  Also a great class for burning both physical and mental energy in your dog!  This class is ideal for the treat/praise motivated dog.  Class will be limited to 6 teams and must have a minimum of 4 to hold the class.

Cost – $150 per dog/handler team.

“Intro to Scent Games”

Dogs have an amazing sense of smell and a natural desire to hunt/seek. This class focuses on teaching you how to encourage and develop your dog’s natural scenting abilities by using their desire to hunt and their love of toys, food and exercise. It’s a great class for your dog to have fun, build confidence and burn mental and physical energy.  Our approach to teaching dogs to do scent work for fun is based on the foundation skills used in K9 scent detection work. The unique curriculum we utilize in our classes promotes a positive, fun and motivationally-based methodology. Class size is limited to 6 dogs maximum, for individual attention.

“Scent Games 2 -Intro to Odor”

(completion of “Intro to Scent Games” is required)

This class advances the dog’s scent discrimination skills taught in level one. All dogs are taught to identify the same scent, a natural essential oil. Additionally, we introduce techniques and tactics for building better dog/handler teamwork. High food or toy motivation is beneficial for this class.

Next Class Begins July 16!!

“Scent Games 3 – Expanding the Search”

(completion of “Scent Games 2- Intro to Odor” is required)

This class takes your dog to the next level in their searching abilities, using the scent discrimination skills they’ve built up to this point.  Introduction to searching outside and exterior vehicle searches will be covered.  High food or toy motivation is beneficial for this class.

Find out just how good your dog’s nose really is!

WHO – This class is encouraged for and open to all dogs, regardless of size, age (over 4 months preferred), breed or obedience level.  Feel free to pass this info on to friends or family who may want to participate with their dog.  The dogs will not be interacting with each other during class so even some dog aggression won’t prevent them from participating.  However, they will need to be able to be in the same room with people so if your dog has people aggression, please inform us of that prior to enrolling so we can determine if this is the right class for them.
WHAT TO BRING- Bring plenty of treats for this one!  A strong smelling or fresh treat like boiled or baked chicken, turkey, beef, etc. works well.  If your dog has a favorite treat, this is the time to bring it out! A standard 4-6 foot leash and regular flat collar is required, at minimum. Some people prefer to use a wide collar or harness as they progress but it isn’t required.
WHEN- This class will be 5 weeks long, meeting once per week for 1 hour. Please visit our Calendar page for dates and times at http://nkyk9.com/calendar.php.
WHERE- Kenton County Animal Shelter (Adoption side) training room at 1020 Mary Laidley Dr. Covington, KY 41017
HOW MUCH- Cost will be $100 per dog/handler team.  If you have 2 dogs from the same family participating in the same class, the second dog will be discounted 15%.  Because of how this class runs, one handler is able to easily participate with two dogs, if desired.
ENROLLMENT- Contact us to confirm space is available then pay by using the “buy now” button or drop us a check in the mail along with a copy of your dog’s current vaccination records.  It’s that easy!

Come See What Your Dog’s Sniffer Can Really Do!

“Sniffer Maintenance” - Drop In

This class is a drop-in class for those who have successfully completed through our “Scent Games 3 – Expanding the Search” class level.  This is not an instructional class for learning new behaviors but is more focused on maintaining skills already learned and building confidence in the finds with varying complexity and locations.  Because this is primarily a maintenance class, this class will be limited to 8 teams.  This class will change locations so ensure you RSVP!  Check the calendar page for the next one!

Prerequisites:
**Through “Scent Games 3- Expanding the Search” successfully completed.
**A people friendly dog and a happy handler (no aggressive people, please)   ** Your dog/puppy must be in generally good health.     ** Supplies: a lot of small, soft treats, a harness or flat buckle collar and 6 ft leash- no flexi-leads.   ** Current on Vaccinations  **Primary handler must 13 yrs or older.

Cost - is $10 per dog/handler team.  Please ensure you RSVP for this class as the class will only be held when we have at least 3 RSVPs for a class.

So, you’re having a baby and you already have a dog. What’s the best way to introduce the two so that there are as few problems as possible? I’m sure you’ve heard that you should bring home a dirty diaper, or a blanket from the hospital after the baby is born, so that your dog will become accustomed to the scent of the baby. This is a good idea, but did you know there are many things you can do before you have your baby, and not wait until after you give birth, to help smooth the transition of bringing home baby to your family dog? This program focuses on preparing your dog for the arrival of your new baby, including an easy to read booklet that discusses four important, and useful, commands that your dog should master before your newborn comes home.

• How to incorporate those four commands into daily
  activities
• Setting up the nursery
• Introducing baby equipment
• Setting up boundaries in your home
• Appropriate toys
• A “safe zone” for your dog once baby has arrived
• Step by step instructions for the first introduction
  of dog and baby
• the SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT piece of safety advice you
  can receive
• how to make a smooth transition once everyone is home

This class is a 1.5 - 2 hr, lecture-style class offered in a group setting or as a private consultation, in your home. For group class dates, and times please visit our calendar page.

Rate- Group Class – $40 per expectant couple  or Private Consultation – $75

Class Options

Group $40.00 Private $75.00

The purpose of the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen Test® is to ensure that our favorite companion, the dog, can be a respected member of the community because it is trained and conditioned to act mannerly in the home, in public places and in the presence of other dogs. The program is recommended to both purebred and mixed-breed dogs. Canine Good Citizen training is fun and useful. Through it, you and your dog will establish a closer bond, and your dog will have the added benefit of knowing how to please you. This test of your dog’s manners and training is not a competition and does not require that you and your dog perform with precision. The American Kennel Club urges all dog owners to participate in this program, thereby assuring that our beloved dogs will always be welcome and respected members of the community.

Basic Manners: The “Canine Good Citizen” Prep Class

Is your dog a great dog, but doing just a few things that are driving you crazy or perhaps just some repetition training in a varied environment is what you need? Do you just wish your dog would listen better? This class is not for dogs with aggression challenges.

We can help with manners for issues like:

Pre-Registration is Required

This class has a limit of 9 students in the warmer months and 6 students in the winter, with a minimum of 4 to hold the class. To pre-register, you’ll need to complete the following:

1. Contact NKYK9 for dog/handler registration information needed.
2. A copy of your dog’s shot record showing his current Distemper/Parvo records or titer test and Rabies records (if old enough). We also recommend that your dog has the Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccine.
3. Full payment to reserve your place. The fee for the eight week Basic Manners – Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Prep Class is $150.  (If you can show valid adoption paperwork from a county shelter or a 501c(3) Rescue Organization within the last 6 months, at time of pre-registration, your cost will be $100.

You will need the following items at class:

1. A five to six foot leather or nylon leash – class is taught entirely on leash.
2. A training collar (pinch or slip preferred) & a flat collar.
3. A bait/treat bag or baggie of very small, soft treats for the dog such as: cheese, liver, chicken, etc.
4. Clicker or a verbal marker

We recommend:

1. That you wear comfortable clothing (slacks) & tennis shoes.
2. Please Do Not feed your dog before class.

We look forward to working with you and your dog! We will meet at the Kenton County Animal Shelter and hold classes outside. Call for directions. Confirmation will be sent if you have an e-mail address. If you have any questions, please contact us at: Phone: (859) 468-4527 E-mail: info@nkyk9.com

Next class begins May 29 @ 6:30 PM!

Canine Good Citizen Testing

Open to any breed or breed mix of any age. Already have your training in place and ready to test??  We can help you out with that too!  We offer tests a few times per year, sometimes for the benefit of local non profit organizations, as part of a scheduled class or we’ll be happy to set up a personal, one on one testing session with you and your dog.