The Brandywine Valley Dog Training Club offers several levels of training classes. All mixed and purebred dogs are welcome.
The Kindergarten Puppy Training (KPT) program is designed for puppies 8 to 15 weeks of age. The goals of this course are socialization, temperament training, and the introduction to obedience training. The course uses motivational techniques and positive reinforcement such as food, toys, and praise. The puppies have the opportunity to play and romp with each other. As they play, they learn "dog manners." Given this opportunity, puppies mature to be friendly and comfortable with other dogs. The classes also involve pleasant interactions with adults and children to help the puppies develop positive attitudes toward people.
Basic Obedience Classes (Beginners)
Dogs four months of age and older are eligible for Basic Obedience Classes (Beginners). In these classes, one handler, usually the dog's owner, trains with the dog throughout the entire course. The instructor teaches heeling, sits, stays, downs, and recall commands. The instructor includes some advanced obedience classes as the dogs and handlers progress in their training. These sessions not only help make your dogs enjoyable family members, but will get them started toward earning a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) title.
Novice/Advanced Training
Upon completion of the basic obedience course, you and your dog have the opportunity to join the BVDTC and continue training in the Novice/Advanced Training program. Novice classes include instruction in figure-eight heeling, long sits and downs, long-distance recalls, different versions of heeling on and off lead, and standing for exams. This course prepares you and your dog for competitive obedience matches or trials, and can help your dog earn the AKC CD (American Kennel Club Companion Dog) title.
Our Advanced training courses offer open and utility training to prepare you and your dog for advanced obedience titles, such as the AKC CDX (American Kennel Club Companion Dog Excellent) and UD (Utility Dog) titles.
*All of our courses are intended for basic or competitive obedience training only and are not meant to solve any behavior problems a dog might have. If you suspect your dog has a specific behavior problem. Please consult your veterinarian or an animal behavior specialist.
