Check out my training and problem solving website at  www.poochproblems.com Training Classes Jacksonville, Florida   CGC classes, AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy classes, Group classes and Private Training available NEW ! !   AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Classes    NEW ! !  A new AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy class is ready to begin at the Southpoint training site.  (See directions to Training Site).   WE will begin the next STAR Puppy class on July 28, 2009 at 6:00 PM.     We begin new STAR Puppy class about every eight weeks so keep checking back for new start dates.  You can also call  Penny at 710-0393 or email me at penelope@puppytrain.com for the next start date or for more information.  AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program ( Socializing, Training, Activity, Responsibility)  For young dogs under one year old, I am offering the new AKC S.T.A.R Puppy classes on Tuesday evenings at 6:00 PM.   Puppies that are signed up for the class will be required to attend all six classes to receive their AKC S.T.A.R Puppy award. There will be two additional make-up classes to follow the final class for anyone who had to miss one of the regular classes. Training will cover puppy basics such as socializing with people and other puppies; basic commands such as sit, down, come, stay and the recall (all puppy level); loose lead walking; grooming and handling, etc. Puppies and handlers will be tested and scored throughout the six week program, and you will receive a brochure at the first class explaining the test items and scoring.  More information on the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program can be found on the AKC website at www.akc.org.  Type STAR Puppy in the search box.   Private Lessons I hold private lessons in my subdivision in Pablo Bay, off San Pablo Rd. in Jacksonville, Florida.  We have a beautiful little park with a gazebo for shade and rain protection.  Private lessons give you an opportunity to work on the problems and behaviors that you need to address.  The sessions run from 45 minutes to an hour (more if necessary) and the cost is only $30 a session.  You can have as few or as  many sessions as you feel you need.  Sessions can be held M-F during the day or M, W, Th, F evenings by appointment.  I can also hold training on Saturday mornings between 10am and noon by appointment.  Call me at the number listed above or email me to set up a training time. Competition Obedience or Rally Obedience I will train or coach students in Obedience or Rally by appointment.   Learn great training techniques and ring skills.  Get yourself and your dog "Ring Ready" and prepar to look great  and have a better chance to "be in the ribbons."  Training by appointment in my subdivision in Pablo Bay, in Jacksonville Florida.  NEXT GSDC SPONSORED TRAINING EVENTS  BEGIN ON: Basic Beginning Obedience/CGC Beginning Class - Tuesday, July 28, 2009 (weather permitting).  The Beginning Obedience class will begin at 7:00 P.M.     Scroll down for more class information and schedules.  CANINE GOOD CITIZEN TEST The next  CGC test for 2009 will be held for graduation of the April 2009 class.  It will be scheduled for July 21st.   It will also be opened to the public.  Cost is $15.00 for the test alone.  Email me to be sure of the testing date and time.  Schedules change due to weather.   The Canine Good Citizen preparation generally begins on the 6th week of the 10-week class.    Cost is $25 for the 5 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.   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. General GSDC Basic Obedience Training Schedule: I hold four 10-week all-breed beginning obedience classes each year, sponsored by the German Shepherd Dog Club of North Florida, starting on the 2rd Tuesday of February.   Classes begin in February, April,  July or August and October.  Exact date will be posted on this page or you can contact me for more information.    Beginning classes start at 7:00pm.  The 10 week classes consist of 5 weeks of basic obedience (all positive reinforcement) and 5  weeks preparing for and taking the CGC (Canine Good Citizen Test).   During that time, you will also have an opportunity to experience some agility and rally obedience.  I use this as a way to improve your communication skills with your dog and your dogs attention and focus.  It's fun and amazing how it works to improve all levels of obedience. Cost of the classes is $80 for the 10-week class.  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 either 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)