Check out my new expanded training and problem solving website at  www.poochproblems.com Training Classes Jacksonville, Florida   Saturday Classes, CGC classes and Private Training now available SATURDAY Training Classes are held at the Beach Boulevard Jacksonville Humane Society on SATURDAY Mornings beginning at 9:00am or 10:00am.  A new class begins each month on alternate hours.  Contact 725-8766, ex 217 for beginning dates and to sign up.  Cost is $80 for 8 weeks. The May 2008 class will begin on Saturday May 3   at 10:00am.  The June 2008 class will begin on Saturday June 7  at 9:00am.   See below for a general overview of the beginning training classes.   The Canine Good Citizen classes at the Humane Society on Saturdays have been temporarily suspended, due to lack of interest.  We need at least 6 people to sign up in order to hold a class.  If and when that happens, we will definitely hold a class.  If you have any interest in having your dog tested for his Canine Good Citizen award, please let the Humane Society know so we can start a list of interested people.   Also, see below, about the CGC schedule with the German Shepherd Dog Club of N. Fla.  We hold three test during the year, and the tests are open to the general public. NEXT GSDC SPONSORED TRAINING EVENTS  BEGIN ON: Beginning Class - Tuesday, July 15, 2008 at 7:00 at the Southpoint training site.  (See directions to Training Site)    Scroll down for more class schedules.  CANINE GOOD CITIZEN TEST The next  CGC test for 2008 will be held for graduation of the April class.  It will be scheduled for the 1st Tuesday in July.   It will also be opened to the public.  Cost is $15.00.  Email me to be sure of the testing date and time.  Schedules change due to weather.   General GSDC Training Schedule: I hold three 12-week all-breed beginning obedience classes each year, sponsored by the German Shepherd Dog Club of North Florida, starting on the 3rd Tuesday of January. They generally begin on the 3rd Tuesday of January, April and July.  Beginning classes start at 7:00pm.  The 12 week classes consist of 8 weeks of basic obedience (all positive reinforcement) and 4 weeks preparing for and taking the CGC (Canine Good Citizen Test). Cost of the classes is $80 for the 12-week class.  The Canine Good Citizen preparation generally begins mid March, June and September.  Cost is $25 for the 4 weeks.  Please call or email me for the exact dates (904) 710-0393. Anyone who has a dog that has had enough training to qualify for the CGC is welcome to come for the test alone.   Cost for the CGC test alone is $15.00.   The CGC tests are given on the 1st Tuesday of April, July and October and are Pass/Fail tests. An outline of the test points are listed on my “Why Train” page along with a link to the AKC for more information. Again, email me or call me for the exact test date.  Anyone taking the test and not passing is encouraged to take the test again at the next test date for NO FURTHER COST. Because of rain-out days the class start dates or the dates of the CGC test can vary.  CALL TO VERIFY. Overview of Training Beginning Obedience Classes Beginning obedience covers all of the basic commands as well as lots of problem solving. Many students come to class to solve problems they are having that obedience classes alone will not solve. My goal is to help solve all of my students’ problems if possible and help them mold a wonderful new family member. My method consists of positive reinforcement at all phases of learning. I encourage clicker training and introduce my students to the proper use of this method. This method of training is readily accepted by new trainers and approached with skepticism by trainers who have previously trained with the older conventional methods of training. Once the conventional trainers see the difference in their dog’s attitude and response to training I usually have an enthusiastic convert. ITS SO MUCH FUN for both trainer and dog. What you Need to Do (Tuesday class only) You can sign up for class on the first night of class. Try to come early. (If you email me your name and address I will send you an information package with an enrollment form included).  Because of the type of training involved, it is very hard to get caught up if you miss the first class.  Please try to be at the first class.  If you really can't make it please contact me to arrange to meet with you early before the start of the second class.  If you get an enrollment package, fill out the registration forms and bring them to the first class. Get a copy of your dogs shot record and bring it to the first class (IMPORTANT). Have a good buckle collar that fits and a head halter for a very strong puller or agressive dog, along with a six foot leash. No chain leashes please and we don’t use choke collars for clicker training. Bring water and a water dish for your dog, especially in hot weather. Wear active clothing and tie shoes for training. Ladies, please don’t wear skirts, flats, sandals or heels - and NO purses (use a fanny pack if necessary) Bring lots of treats and a treat pouch to hold them. (These need to be your dogs most favorite treats).  Also bring his favorite toy to use as a reward.  * Bring your dog and plan to have a good time with him/her. *   Email me at  penelope@puppytrain.com  for more information about classes or to find out the exact start date of the next available class.   You can also call me at 904-710-0393 (cell phone)