Dog Training Classes in Asheville
WNC K9 CLASSES
Investing in a class can build a bond like no other, increase sociability and avoid problem behaviors. A majority of owned dogs have no formal training and since we share lives in tighter and closer communities, it is more important than ever that every dog be given a good canine education.
Class Cancelation Policy Due To Winter Weather Conditions:
If Buncombe County Schools are closed, classes are typically cancelled.
You should get an email. If you have questions, please call me at 828-712-4245 or email: gail@wnck9.com
Puppies come into this program typically around 10-11 weeks of age and top out of the program around 16 weeks of age. Our Puppy Program emphasizes the significance of understanding how puppies learn and how to communicate with them. Come learn the encouraging language of positive reinforcement that will provide a rewarding, respectful, lifelong relationship between you and your puppy!
NEW PROCEDURES: There is limited capacity and extra safety protocol in place for your safety - PLEASE SIGN UP FOR THIS PROGRAM. It is not neccessary to wear face coverings, since the proper distancing will be upheld. Please stay 6 feet distance from people while walking your puppy around AGDL campus. If you do get closer, please put your face coverings on and do not stand near anyone longer then 8-10 minutes.
Class Days and Times:
No Classes On: September 5; September 19; October 3, 17
Classes held EVERY Saturday unless it is a major holiday or there is another conflict.
Saturday morning class starts with an orientation at 9:00am - class starts at 9:30am and lasts an hour.
You are welcome to come to puppy class until your puppy ages out and/or a K9 Manners - Level 1 class opens up.
If this is your first class you must come to orientation!
Please email me if you have any questions, text or call: 828-712-4245
Instructors:
Gail Hubbard [828-712-4245]
Sub-Instructors:
Natalie Boone
Location: A Good Dog's Life Training Center, 33 Hidden Acres Drive, Asheville, NC 28806
What to Bring:
- your puppy
- harnesses are recommended
- 6 foot leash (no retractable)
- shot records
- favorite toy
- small soft food treats
- enthusiasm and joy!
Cost / Payment Style:
$22 / pay per class cash or check (payable to: WNC K9)
$22 / thru Venmo @Gail_WNCK9
$25 / thru PayPal now or after class
This program is priced per week, giving you the flexibility to join other classes when age appropriate. (i.e. K9 Manners - Level One)
WNC K9 Manners Levels Program starts at level one - Basic Manners. This is the level that our Puppy Program puppies come into after their puppy experience. This class is perfect for the 4-5 month old puppy as well as the dog who may be older but has never been in a class held at AGDL Training Center.
During K9 Manners - Level 1: Schooling begins with focus, attention, and name recogition; without that you do not have much. Then we go on to leash walking, positions (sit and down), come, stay, leave it. We also give solutions for a range of behavioral problems such as jumping up, nipping, chewing, and barking. As I help you teach the behaviors you desire we also talk about how to extinguish the undesireable ones. Your lifestyle with your dog will suddenly make sense and be easier with a handful of guidelines to live by for the life of your dog.
Level 1 is where dog owners priorities are developed. Each K9 team can have different needs. Because of this, I make myself available during these 6 weeks to answer as many questions as possible. If I think a private coaching session would be best, I will mention that option.
NEW Class Schedule with limited capacity and safety protocol in place.
If you are interested and have questions please call or text Gail at 828-712-4245
Class Details: K9 Manners - Level 1 (Basic Manners)
6-Weeks of FUN with 8 dog teams in 4,800 sq. ft.
Cost: $115
Cash or Check (Payable to: WNC K9)
PayPal (fee added ... $119)
Instructor: Gail Hubbard
New Class Start Date: Tuesday, September 22nd (No class Tuesday, October 13 )
Target End Date: Tuesday, November 3rd
Time: 9:00am - 10:00am
or...
This Class is FULL Start Date: Saturday, September 12 (No class Saturday, Sept. 19 and Oct. 17)
Target End Date: Saturday, October 31
Time: 11:15am - 12:15am
or ...
New Class Start Date: Tuesday, October 6th
Target End Date: Tuesday, November 10th
Time: 6:15pm - 7:15pm
Location: A Good Dog's Life Training Center, 33 Hidden Acres Drive, Asheville, NC 28806
What to Bring:
- 6 foot leash (no retractable)
- proof of rabies
- NO DOG during the first class lecture - your dog comes for the 2nd class
- 2nd class - bring favorite toy
- 2nd class - bring small soft food treats
- enthusiasm and joy! AND plenty of food rewards.
Sign Up Now
After completing Level-1, you are encouraged to move on to K9 Manners Level-2.
With the Schooling Model in mind, as you get better with your training mechanics and your dog gets better listening to you, Level-2 continues seemlessly and is suggested, even before you enter a sport class.
This class builds on the basics you learned in Level-1 while introducing the flirt pole as a method to increase your dog's arousal. K9 Manners Level-2 class lasts 6-weeks and includes meeting out and about when the weather permits.
During this class, you will be encouraged to purchase a lunge whip for your flirt pole if it is appropriate for you and your dog. You can purchase them anywhere that sells horse supplies. Once you get one, choose a toy you would like to use as your target toy and bring it to class
If you are not sure if this class is for you.
Please call Gail at 828-712-4245.
Class Details: K9 Manners Level-2 (details above)
6-Weeks of FUN
Cost: $125
Sorry. This Class is Full Start Date: Monday, August 31
Target End Date: Monday, October 5
Time: 9:00am - 10:00am
or ...
Sorry. This Class is Full Start Date: Tuesday, September 8
Target End Date: Tuesday, October 13
Time: 11:00am - 12:00am
or ...
Sorry. This Class is Full Start Date: Wednesday, September 9
Target End Date: Wednesday, October 14
Time: 6:15pm - 7:15pm
The first class will be held at: A Good Dog's Life Training Center, 33 Hidden Acres Drive, Asheville, NC 28806
Classes locations will be discussed during the first class.
What to Bring:
- your dog
- 6 foot leash (no retractable)
- proof of rabies
- favorite toy
- small soft food treats
- enthusiasm and joy!
After successful completion of Level-1, you are encouraged to move on to K9 Manners - CGC Prep if you are wanting to move toward therapy dog, service dog training, and/or passing the CGC test and in Level-4 the UCGC test. Level-3 also helps a sport dog before getting into a sport.
K9 Manners - CGC Prep introduces new ways to increase your dogs arrousal while working on compliance. Classes are always based on the foundation of how to properly handle and effectively communicate with your dog learned in the Level-1 program. The goals are to go deeper into what you personally want and need as your dog's life 24/7/365 is the most important to me.
This class builds on the basics while introducing more and more distractions into the environment.
K9 Manners - CGC Prep class lasts 5 weeks and includes field trips if appropriate for the class.
K9 Manners - CGC Prep welcomes your input. Your feedback becomes priority as classes are geared towards your specific needs and situations as much as possible. Classes are always based on the foundation of how to properly handle and effectively communicate with your dog, because a Schooling Model is essential. In this level-3 program the goals are to go deeper into what you personally want and need with the CGC test in mind.
During this class it will not be unusual for me to give one person more homework in one aspect of their relationship, and another may have a totally different focus. When we come together it is your opportunity to work on your individual relationship with your dog with guidance from me.
K9 Manners Level-3 - AKC CGC PREP CLASS
- Accepting a friendly stranger
- Sitting politely for petting
- Appearance and grooming
- Walking on a loose leash
- Walking through a crowd
- Sit and down on command and staying in place
- Coming when called
- Reaction to another dog
- Reacting (or not reacting) to a distraction
- Supervised separation.
To pass the CGC test dogs must pass all 10 items of the test.
If you are no sure if this class is for you. Please call Gail at 828-712-4245.
Prerequisite: If you are not coming from a K9 Manners Level-2 class, a private lesson must be scheduled [$85] to enter into this class.
During each private I evaluate and give essential homework to move forward with your desires.
Class Details: K9 Manners Level-3 (Details above)
3-Weeks of CGC Prep (There will be a 1 to2 field trips during this class. Oh Yeah ... this class is FUN!!)
This is a holiday version, so it is shorter then normal.
Cost: $70
New Class Start Date: Tuesday, December 3
4-Weeks of FUN: December 3, 10, 17
Time: 6:15pm
Location: A Good Dog's Life Training Center, 33 Hidden Acres Drive, Asheville, NC 28806
What to Bring: Bring what motivates your dog (toy and small, soft food treats) and your enthusiasm!
This class builds upon level-1 offering extensions to the learning environment by meeting in different locations in and around Buncombe County.
We review and focus on the CGC test items from the CGC Prep class and the CGCU test items below. At times people take this class several times because it is fun watching their dog learn and review important aspects of life. Everyone taking this class may be at different levels of understanding when it comes to the CGC items. Know that we will review and help you through all aspects with Schooling Model in mind.
SAMPLE URBAN CGC TEST ITEMS
1) Exit/enter doorways with no pulling in dog-friendly buildings.
2) Walk through a crowd on a busy urban sidewalk.
3) Appropriate reaction to city distractions. This includes movement, noises, and walking on a variety of surfaces.
4) Crossing street: Stop at corner, stand or sit to wait and cross with no pulling.
5) Ignore food on sidewalk.
6) Approaching a person walking up to greet and pet your dog.
7) Public building control: Walks under control in building. Down stay in lobby or outdoor area while you are there.
8) Stairs, steps, or elevator control.
9) Housetrained for apartment, condo, and also in public buildings, or have observed in training classes.
10) Transportation control.
To pass the CGCU test dogs must pass all 10 items of the test. For more information go to the AKC website.
Prerequisite: If you are not coming from a K9 Manners Level 1 or 2 class, a private lesson must be scheduled [$80] to enter into this class.
Class Details: K9 Manners - UCGC Prep
5-Weeks of FUN (We meet at different places each week)
Cost: $120
New Class Start Date: TBA
Target End Date: TBA
Time: TBA
Locations: i.e.Outlet Mall (Field & Stream) / Carrier Park / Lake Julian / Sweeten Creek Brewery / Downtown Asheville (Pack's Tavern) / Home Depot or Lowes
Bad Weather Days: AGDL Training Center
What to Bring: Bring what motivates your dog (toy and small, soft food treats) and your enthusiasm!
Class Details: Introduction to Dog Sports
5-Weeks of FUN to introduce the fun of a dog sport. This class will mentally challenge you and your dog.
This 5-week class is highly recommended for folks new to any dog sport scene. We want all our students to get all they can out of their interactions with their dog. Dog sports are FUN and this class is designed to prepare owners for navigating and controllying their dog in any sport class. It also teaches you more fun things to do with your dog at home ... mentally stimulating them with fun games as well as simple physically challenging them. Sport classes are generally more stimulating then average dog training classes and so the types of things you will learn over and above learning new sporty activities are:
- Learn the art of shaping where the dog thinks and is more involved in the games we play
- Learn tricks for foundation skills in treibball, agility, and scent games
- Work on happy crate training techniques so that your dog loves any crate - especially at the vet office
- Learn how being a team player in the class can enhance your experience and learning
- Wellness fitness and conditioning games
The sports that we review are: Agility - Treibball (Urban Herding) - Scent (The Nose Knows)
Cost: $105
Instructors: Gail Hubbard
New Class Start Date: Wednesday, October 21
Target End Date: Wednesday, November 18
Time: 6:15pm - 7:15pm
Location: A Good Dog's Life Training Center, 33 Hidden Acres Drive, Asheville, NC 28806
What to Bring: Bring what motivates your dog (toy and small, soft food treats) and your enthusiasm!
Interested? Simply click the "Sign Up Now" bottom below.
Class Details
Since teamwork between dog and human is the cornerstone of agility, this class focuses on the relationship between you and your dog. Using a non-conventional way of training (or shaping) dog owners are challenged to team up with their k9 companion in a way they have perhaps never done. It is fun and the outcome is mind blowing as you get your dog to do things that you never could imagined them doing.
This class is an on-going experience. After this 6-week experience the class continues on with beyond foundation skills which leads to more and more agility.
It is often exciting to watch the process and journey of each and every dog team.
Read a story from a student and her scottie.
To build a successful agility team and have fun in agility, please take a K9 Manners class at A Good Dog's Life Training Center before signing up. If you have any questions, please contact me.
Cost: $115 for 6-weeks of FUN and Learning!
Instructor: Gail Hubbard
Start Date: Thursday, March 5th class will start back up after Memorial Day ... June 4th
Thank you for your patience. I will be in touch with all the students in this class very soon.
Typically interested foundation - beginning basic dog teams move onto Beyond the Basic Foundation and learn more and more skills until they are running a whole course.
Time: 6:00-7:00pm
Location: A Good Dog's Life Training Center, 33 Hidden Acres Drive, Asheville, NC 28806
What to Bring: Bring what motivates your dog (toy and small, soft food treats) and your enthusiasm!
**This series will continue on through several levels. Typically it takes several months before students are running larger sequences and/or thinking about competing. Locally we have AKC and USDAA shows ... both are fun and both are right here in WNC.
Agility classes are for the dog who has completed the foundation - beginning basics 6-week class. Private lessons are for anyone interested, who has timing conflicts, or a difficult dog and wants to prepare the dog for a class situation.
Preparing for larger sequences and competition typically takes several months of the next step - Agility Beyond The Basics. Once you have finished your foundations, you tend to stay with the group class you are with for several months. Each month's skills builds on the one before until you are running longer sequences with more and more obstacles. Safe obstacle performance for the dogs and accurate handling techniques for the owner is the concentration after you finish your foundation 6-week course. People tend to get the fever of competition and start to trial in the local shows once prepared and ready. Some do not want to compete, they come to the weekly class loving the bond agility creates with their dog.
Read a story from a student and her Scottie!!
Class Location: A Good Dog's Life Training Center, 33 Hidden Acres Drive, Asheville, NC 28806
What to Bring: Bring what motivates your dog (toy and small, soft food treats) and your enthusiasm!
Cost: On-going classes are $75 / month (4 weeks)
If you are going to miss any classes during a given month, please let us know. $60 for 3 weeks. $45 for 2 weeks.
Instructor: Gail Hubbard
Please contact me if you have been in other agility classes and you'd like to join in the appropriate level class below.
The On-Going Class Schedule:
Thursday ... 8:30am - 11:30am ($20/ class paid monthly)
Divided by jump height. Each week students work on different aspects of the game of agility.
Please call or text me if you are interested to join.
Contact: Gail Hubbard | 828-712-4245
Thursday ... 6:00pm ($20/ class paid monthly)
Agility — Each week students on different aspects of the game of agility. If you are interested to join, please call or text me.
Contact: Gail Hubbard | 828-712-4245
Thursday ... 7:30pm (On-Going $75)
Agility — Beginnnig Novice | Open / Excellent
Contact: Gail Hubbard | 828-712-4245
Lesson Details: An Introduction to Urban Herding - Treiball
Control and keeping your dog's engagement is the name of the game with all sports, but really relevant to urban herding. This fun sport will mentally challenge you and your dog. An introduction to this sport typically starts with a private lesson, but it isn't necessary for this 5-week introduction course. During the private lesson games will be played to enhance your dog's focus and enthusiasm to play treibball. Just like all dog sports your relationship will improve as well as your dog's impulse control. Please contact Gail Hubbard with any questions.
Cost: $105
Class Length and Start Date: 5-Weeks of FUN Starting February 3rd
Time: 1:30 - 2:30pm
Contact: Gail Hubbard
Location: A Good Dog's Life Training Center, 33 Hidden Acres Drive, Asheville, NC 28806
What to Bring: Bring what motivates your dog (toy and small, soft food treats) and your enthusiasm!
Interested? You can click the "Sign Up Now" bottom below and let us know the best time to call. Carolyn typically schedules her privates on Fridays or the weekends.
In an hour private lesson, I introduce you and your dog to the scenting games by using your dog’s choice of motivation — whether it’s high value treats or a high value toy. Your dog is taught to search in easy to learn steps.
Challenges can be quickly added to the game - a multitude of objects and varying heights. This initial private lesson is held indoors and will give you insight to mentally challenge your dog by using his/her nose - developing your dog’s searching skills. Teaming up with other 'scent team' is popular after this your private lesson.
Details: Please contact me if you are interested, or register for a private below.
Private Cost: $85
Instructor: Gail Hubbard | 828-712-4245
Location: A Good Dog's Life Training Center, 33 Hidden Acres Drive, Asheville, NC 28806
What to Bring: Bring what motivates your dog (toy and small, soft food treats) and your enthusiasm!
To Schedule A Private: Click here to register for a private lesson!
If you want to keep your dog strong and healthy, join this conditioning and body awareness class. The flow yoga-like approach behind each game will teach you how you can properly keep a self-paced, force-free routine workout with your dog’s fitness level in mind. The dogs use their own body weight and movability to condition and build body awareness and strength.
This class will safely improve your dog’s fitness through conditioning and body awareness exercises — ultimately preventing injuries, even if your sport is hiking or running around in the back yard.
Other benefits are:
- increased body awareness
- increased confidence
- improved attitude
- added flexibility and balance
- helps with weight loss
- increases over-all strength
After attending Robert J Porter, CCRP "It’s Possible” Conditioning Workshop, I have gained a better understanding of the benefits of using a force-free approach. This class includes some of the safest and effective ways to strengthen your dogs body for the typical movements the 21st century dog does on a daily basis. I’m soooo excited to say, IT IS POSSIBLE to keep your active dog healthy.
There will be a “Declaration of Pet’s Health” each dogs team will sign after the first class of this 5 class series. This class does not take the place of any recommendations or guidelines established for your dog by a veterinary professional (i.e., veterinarian, rehabilitation practitioner, veterinary chiropractor, etc.) Your pet should be free of internal and external parasites, any communicable diseases, and should have received appropriate vaccinations.
If at any time you feel the class isn't for you and your dog, you can pull out with a prorated refund. But I assure everyone that the exercises we go over will enhance your dogs existence for the better. I think you really will enjoy this approach to a healthy force-free K9 fitness workout for your dog.
Details: 5-Weeks of a Force-Free K9 Fitness Program
Cost: $95
Instructor: Gail Hubbard and Natalie Boone
Class Dates: Friday, June 7, 14, 21; July 12, 19
Time: 9:00am
Location: A Good Dog's Life Training Center, 33 Hidden Acres Drive, Asheville, NC 28806
What to Bring: Bring what motivates your dog (toy and small, soft food treats) and your enthusiasm!
Workshop Details: Introduction to the dog sport -- K9 Disc and UpDog Competitions
Cost: $50 per team (handler + dog), $20 for each additional dog
Instructors: TBA
Workshop: TBA
Time: 11:00 Noon - 3:00pm
Competition: TBA
Time: 10:00am - until finished
Location: A Good Dog's Life Training Center, 33 Hidden Acres Drive, Asheville, NC 28806
What to Bring: A chair ... $ for disc (one will be given for attending workshop) ... Appropriate clothes for an outdoor event
Interested but have questions? Contact the instructor above.
During a Behavior Problem Solving session, I try to assess and evaluate the problem behavior and give homework using animal learning theory, desensitization, counter-conditioning and other proven techniques to start to modify behavior. The use of many methods to intervene in helping the dog feel safe and count on their owner for support and guidance.
I take into consideration the environment, the family support, and the consistency of a low drama (conflict-oriented) living situation.
I like to focus a little on the effects of understanding the causes. I feel that the owner has more compassion when they can see and understand a bigger picture. To see things from the dogs perspective is a very healthy part of that process.
We look at limited socialization and other environmental experiences that may be altered some associations. Usually we want puppies to learn that the world and objects in it are all good. A more confident puppy is what you want, rather one associating bad things and thinking things novel in nature are harmful.
Confident puppies are not born, they are made. They are not made by going to puppy play groups, they are made with an understanding of what true socialization really is. Get in to a good puppy program that not only plays with other puppies but teaches you how to socialize your puppy and build a confident puppy.
I speak of puppies, because it is this phase of life where we can do some good by going over some preventative games. Even though we need to also talk about genetics, how breeder can help, and that some breed differences take charge in some cases, we can benefit greatly with understanding and showing some compassion.
Starting with a private coaching session is a healthy way to start any new relationship with your dog, no matter if problem behaviors are surfacing.
Here are ways to connect with me:
- Call / Text Me — 828-712-4245
- Schedule a Consult
- Send an iMessage — @wnck9DOGtraining
- Post an Instagram Pic — https://www.instagram.com/wnck9
- View YouTube Videos — WNC K9 Dog Training