Here at The Academy, we have several trainers who each specialize in all manners of dog training. Mel and Hallie run all of our classes, obedience training, tricks, and specialty courses. And we are lucky enough to have contracted with Greg Riley, a local behaviorist, trainer, and Master Aggression Specialist with Off the Hook Dogs, LLC, who handles all of our off-leash training and behavior interventions. Learn more about Greg here.
A staple of Dog Training, walking politely on a leash, is a skill that all dogs and their handlers must master. The leash walk is a bonding exercise that improves the dog-human relationship, and it is of course a safety issue for both dog and walker. We also know the dog who walks politely gets longer walks, which is also mutually beneficial to all involved.
The Leash Manners 101 course is a private two-session course sequence scheduled over two weeks; the first week introduces the requisite skills and protocols, and after practicing for a week we meet again to fine-tune the experience. A major improvement is guaranteed!
Tuition for the 2-week sequence is $195 with corrective collar additional (If Required).
Call us and get on the road to a drama-free dog walking experience!
The Academy
Basic Obedience is not only the starting point in Dog Training and on the journey to a well adjusted and well mannered dog, it is also a critical aspect of the deep and respectful bond we all aspire to have with our family pets. Here at The Academy we show you step by step, exactly how to achieve the reliable obedience that fosters that loving & respectful bond.
All Basic Obedience Training packages result in the establishment of a life-long communication system, an unparalleled education in dog training protocols and Behaviorology, and your dog learning the skills requisite to having a happy life in our human dominated world.
Below is a list of dog training classes offered with The Academy at Wagging Tails Pet Resort. Classes meet once each week for one hour. Classes are offered in a group format at Wagging Tails Pet Resort, 220 Russell Street, Suite #500, Hadley, MA 01035 or can also be arranged as private in-your-home classes for aggressive, fearful or timid dogs or simply for your convenience. In-your-home lessons can be arranged within a 30 minute drive from Hadley MA, or throughout Southern New England for a small Travel (gas) fee.
If you would like to register for a class please go to the Book Now button and set up your profile in our customer portal or call 413-322-3333 or send an email to info@waggingtailspetresort.net
AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Training Class
- Allows (in any position) petting by a person other than the owner
- Grooming-Allows owner handling and brief exam (ears, feet) Walks on a Leash-Follows owner on lead in a straight line (15 steps)
- Walks by other people-Walks on leash past other people 5-ft away
- Sits on command-Owner may use a food lure
- Down on command-Owner may use a food lure
- Comes to owner from 5-ft when name is called Reacts well to Distractions-distractions are presented 15-ft away
- Stay on leash with another person (owner walks 10 steps and returns)
The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy program focuses on all the things every puppy and owner needs to have a great start together.
STAR stands for Socialization, Training, Activity and a Responsible owner and in addition to teaching and testing a variety of owner and puppy behaviors this six week long STAR puppy class, teach the following puppy behaviors and skills:
AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy prepares pups to move on to the AKC Canine Good Citizen training. For example, in STAR, puppies must walk on a leash in a straight line. In CGC, the task becomes more advanced with dogs walking in a pattern that includes right and left turns and stops.
The skills in AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy classes are practical and functional. Teaching puppies to tolerate grooming, handling, and basic exams of the ears, feet, and mouth will result in well-mannered puppies that veterinarians are happy to see.
This class meets once each week for 6 consecutive weeks, from 7 pm to 8 pm for one hour. And you can bring the kids too as long as they are over 12 years of age, but NO CELL PHONE USE PLEASE!
Tuition: $195/Puppy
In-Your-Home Tuition: $900/6 Classes
AKC Canine Good Citizen PLUS
This class focuses on improving the bond between you and your dog through effective communication and basic obedience. Through an understanding of K9 Learning Theory and correct and consistent communication, you will learn why dogs do what they do and how best to inspire them to do what you want them to do! And your dog will learn to be a well-behaved member of the family through the use of basic to intermediate commands which will engender confidence, impulse control, focus and proper socialization. For pups with the requisite temperament this class also earns the coveted AKC Canine Good Citizen certification! Bring the whole family, including children over 12 years of age, but NO CELL PHONE USE PLEASE.
The AKC Canine Good Citizen Program teaches good manners to dogs and responsible dog ownership to their owners. The 10-step CGC test is a non-competitive test for all dogs, including purebreds and mixed breeds. It is a prerequisite for many therapy dog groups and some homeowner’s insurance companies encourage CGC testing. There are also an increasing number of apartments and condos that require resident dogs to pass the CGC test.
Per the Canine Good Citizen curriculum, this course teaches and tests:
- Test 1: Accepting a friendly stranger
- Test 2: Sitting politely for petting
- Test 3: Good appearance and grooming
- Test 4: Out for a walk (walking on a loose leash)
- Test 5: Walking through a crowd
- Test 6: Sit and down on command and Staying in place
- Test 7: Coming when called
- Test 8: Good reaction to another dog
- Test 9: Good reaction to distraction
- Test 10: Supervised separation
In addition to the above-mandated commands (Sit, Down, Stay, Come and Walk on a leash) we will add Touch, The name game or Look, Off, Leave-It, and Go-To-Place!
This class meets once each week for 6 consecutive weeks, evenings from 7 pm to 8 pm for one hour.
Tuition: $195/dog
In-Your-Home Tuition: $900/6 Lessons
Canine Good Citizen Certification Test (CGC)
For details on the test please follow this link: https://www.akc.org/events/cgc/training_testing.cfm
Testing is scheduled directly through the Evaluator at 413-923-7034, takes place at Wagging Tails Pet Resort, 220 Russell Street, Suite #500, Hadley, MA 01035, and the cost for the test is $100
Agility Training Class
Dog agility is a popular canine sport in which a handler directs a dog through a variety of obstacles such as a tunnel, teeter-totter, tire jump, weave poles, pause table, and standard jumps. During competitive agility events, handlers attempt to navigate dogs through a course as quickly and as accurately as they can.t 413-322-3333
Please check our events page
To schedule please click here
or call to schedule today at 413-322-3333
