• Class Descriptions

• Registration and Fees

• Class Schedule
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Brutus, Bogey, and Porter love Pet Academy! See more photos here.

The Pet Academy is designed to train owners to develop good canine citizens and well-mannered family pets. Our courses offer socialization with other people and dogs, as well as training for skills, including how to walk calmly on a loose leash, come when called, sit, down, stand and stay. Our approach to training is a motivational one, using positive reinforcement to achieve success.

Our instructors have been certified through Animal Behavior College and are also approved Canine Good Citizen Evaluators.

For more information on any of our Pet Academy programs, or to register, please contact Melissa at 374-3944 x 121, or e-mail tata@animalprotective.org.

Class Descriptions

For Puppy Pre-School and Basic Manners, the first class is for humans only! We ask that you not bring your dog to the first class so that our trainers can give you an overview of the basic concepts you will be learning. 

• Puppy Pre-School
  This class provides a foundation for good behavior of puppies through socialization and confidence-building exercises. It also addresses issues such as chewing, housebreaking, crate training and more. It is designed for puppies up to 5 months old. Classes run for 6 weeks and are about 45 minutes long each. No dogs at the first class.
   
• Basic Manners 101
  This course is for all dogs five months of age and older. It covers fundamental skills such as walking calmly on a leash at your side, stand/stay, sit/stay, and the basics of good manners with people and dogs.  Classes run for 6 weeks and are about 45 minutes long each.  Dogs must be spayed or neutered to attend. No dogs at the first class.
   
• Agili-O - stay tuned for new session dates!
  A fun and functional class combining traditional obedience with Agility.  Polish your dog’s basic obedience skills while introducing him to the sport of agility. Your dog will learn to navigate basic agility obstacles such as bar jumps, tunnels, and weave poles, while strengthening basic skills.
  
  No experience is needed. However, your dog must know general commands for sit, down, stand, and come, as well as have a solid one-minute stay. Dogs must be spayed or neutered to attend. Cost for 6 week course is $100.
  
  For more info, contact Melissa at 374-3944 ext. 121, or e-mail tata@animalprotective.org.
  
  Please note: this is a beginner's class only.  If you are interested in titles or in competing, please visit www.akc.org/events/agility or www.akc.org/events/rally for more info.
   
• Canine Good Citizen Class
  This course will prepare you and your dog for Canine Good Citizen Certification. Class and test are led by a certified CGC evaluator.  The six week course will conclude with an official CGC test on the last day of class.  $95 fee includes test fee.  Dogs must be spayed or neutered to attend.
   
• Canine Good Citizen Test
  Official CGC tests may be held periodically throughout the year, typically on a Saturday morning. Fee is $10; open to anyone who wishes to test their well-mannered dog.  Please note that this is a TEST ONLY, not a class. Test will be conducted by a certified CGC evaluator.  For more info, contact Melissa at 374-3944 x 121 or e-mail tata@animalprotective.org.
   
• Click here for more information on the Canine Good Citizen Program from the AKC.

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Registration and Fees

To register, first check class availability by calling Melissa at (518) 374-3944, ext. 121 or e-mail tata@animalprotective.org.  Registration may be done at the shelter, over the phone, or via fax or e-mail.

Proof of rabies and distemper vaccination are required. Bordetella vaccine (for kennel cough) is recommended, but not required. Your veterinarian may fax records to us at (518) 346-2120.

Classes are held in the APF’s Humane Education Center, located at 53 Maple Avenue in Scotia. Click here for directions.

Puppy Pre-School and Basic Manners 101 class fees are $85 per course (see discounts below). Canine Good Citizen class and test fees are $95.  Please note that, due to high demand, pre-payment is required to hold your spot in class.

We request receipt of your registration form, payment, and proof of vaccinations no later than two weeks after you sign up for class. We cannot hold your spot in class without the required documents and payment. Since classes are filled on a first come basis, late registrants may be accepted, based on class enrollment. 

Click here to download a registration form.

Special Discounts

• APF dog adopters receive $15 off their first Pet Academy training course. Registration must be within two months of adopting.

• APF Pet Academy graduates receive $10 off their next training course. Registration must be within two months of graduation.

Cancellation Policy

• Full refunds may be granted if cancellation is more than two weeks prior to the start of class.  If less than two weeks, a $10 processing fee will be deducted. 
   

Links

• American Kennel Club (AKC)  www.akc.org/events - for info on Canine Good Citizen, agility, Rally, coursing, earthdog, herding, and other competitive events
   
• Therapy Dogs International  www.tdi-dog.org 
   
• Delta Society  www.deltasociety.org - for info on service animals and the health benefits of pets
   
• North American Flyball Association  www.flyball.org
   
• Pets For Life  www.petsforlife.org - behavioral tip sheets for all pets from the Humane Society of the United States
   
• Animal Behavior College  http://animalbehaviorcollege.com - how to become a Certified Dog Trainer

Please note that the above links are for informational purposes only, and the APF is independent of any other organization.

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2009 Class Schedule
*please call first to verify class availability*

Please note: classes are subject to change, depending on enrollment.
Saturday classes are held in the morning; all others are evening classes.
 

Photo Gallery

            
Gimme Five                       Peek-a-Boo                                  Find It!

        
      Put your toys away...                 ...You too, Porter                      Say your prayers

             
Hug your buddy                           That was fun!

Classes in action...