Looking for place to train your dog? Jacksonville has plenty of options, and some unusual offerings. We hope this round-up K-9 classes can help get you started! If you want your dog to be a therapy dog, getting the AKC Canine Good Citizen Certification is one of the first steps. Gaining this certification can be tougher than you think, and not all dogs have the temperament for it.Try the Jacksonville Humane Society for the class & Good Citizen Certification. Cost is $100. Do realize that wherever you get Good Citizen Training, it’s not that easy to pass–in a group of ten dogs whose owners think they are ready to pass the test, only five to eight dogs will make it.
Scheurman’s K9 Academy of Dog Training has a website which looks like it was designed in the 1990s, but don’t let that put you off. If you’re detail oriented and want to know exactly what you’re getting, look around, they outline their classes quite thoroughly. The K-9 First Aid Course includes treating your dog for shock, treating injuries, making a doggie splint, what to do in the event of poisoning, and they even have dog mannequin (named Scruffy) that you can practice on for CPR. The catalogue of classes is large, and they offer AKC & UKC standard classes in Novice, Open, Utility and Rally. They also help with aggression problems, offer training in personal protection (at a hefty fee), as well as training for therapy and service dogs.
Check your area PetSmart for general classes. It’s a great way to get a good foundation for your dog (especially at a young age) in a non-threatening environment. We recommend taking puppy kindergarten at one of their stores.
The K-9 Obedience Club of Jacksonville has quite the list of classes. You’ll find the usual obedience classes on their calendar, but you also might find things that are a little unusual, like their Canine Freestyle class (this is a lot like learning to dance with your dog) and their Nose Work class. If you want to get your dog into the AKC ring, K-9 Obedience has plenty to offer you as well. Most class fees range from about $70- $105 for a 6-8 week course. Basic courses offer a discount for dogs adopted from shelters (must have proof of adoption).
Dogwood Park doesn’t just have the largest dog park in the area. They also offer classes for your dogs. This summer, you can take Dock Diving Orientation for $30. The dock diving pool will be onsite for your use this summer, after you take the class. Once you do, a summer pass is $75 for members, $100 for non-members. They also offer agility and basic classes, but they fill very quickly, although you can opt to be put on the waiting list.
Pals & Paws Dog Agility Club in Orange Park specializes in agility training for dogs. You don’t have to be a member to take classes there, but once you do, you can become a member and gain access to the course without teacher supervision.
Bark on Park is a pet boutique, boarding and daycare facility in 5 Points, as well as a nifty shop with baked dog treats and accoutrements. What you might not know is that they also offer dog classes. You can go for the general obedience training for puppies and adults, but they also have an A La Carte class (90 minutes, $125) for more focused work on problem areas or just for tricks you’d like your dog to learn. Choose three from the list: Jumping, Leash Walking, Chewing, Mouthing/Biting, House Training, Leave it, Drop it, Tricks (High Five, Spin, etcetera), Recall, Stay, Off, Separation Anxiety, Resource Guarding, Submissive Urination, Fear/Shyness or Dog to dog reactiveness.
Wherever you choose to take your dog, it’s important to keep in mind that you have to keep working with them on your own at home. Good luck, and have fun!
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