Classes are held in Spring, Summer, and Fall.
Classes take place at the AHPDTC Clubhouse, 676 Kiwassa Lake Road, Saranac Lake.
Both purebred and mixed breed dogs are welcome in class.
Positive training is stressed in all training classes.
Classes (8 weeks) are $90; $40 for Members
Modules (4 weeks) are $45; $20 for Members
SPRING 2025 CLASSES (April 25 to June 19, 2025)
Schedule of classes
Registration Form
Please fill out the registration form and mail it with your payment to our Training Committee as follows:
Make checks payable to:
Adirondack High Peaks Dog Training Club, or AHPDTC
and mail to: Ann Gilbertson, 23 Sweetwoods Farm Way, Lake Placid, NY 12946
A $20 process fee will be retained by AHPDTC in the event of registrants’ cancellation
Advance registration for classed is required.
Classes are filled on a first-come/first-served basis.
Classes are restricted to 6 people unless otherwise noted.
Please bring proof of your dog’s up-to-date vaccinations to the first class.
Questions about our classes?
Contact the Training Committee at ahpdogclasses@gmail.com for information.
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
Puppy:
An 8-week course open to puppies 8 weeks through 4 months who have had their first set of shots. Classes will focus on socialization with other puppies and people as well as an introduction to basic commands. Some of the skills taught are loose lead walking, come when called, sit and down stays, and more. We stress owner education and building a relationship with your puppy. Puppies DO come the first week of class. Limit is 6 dogs.
Adolescent Dog:
This is an 8-week course open to older puppies 5 months through 10 months of age. It is for owners of older puppies who want to teach their dog good manners and learn more about canine behavior. This is also the next step for owners whose dogs have graduated from puppy class and want to reinforce the skills they learned. In this class we review basic commands and add new ones such as waiting at the door.
We incorporate some of the elements of the AKC Canine Good Citizen program.
Dogs DO come the first week of class. Limit is 6 dogs.
Companion Dog 1:
An 8-week class open to all dogs 11 months and older. The class offers basic obedience skills, house manners and learn more about canine behavior. Skills taught: Walk on loose lead, come when called, sit/stay, down/stay, stand, attention, as well as basic dog and people interaction. Positive training is geared to teaching the owner to teach his/her dog in a rewarding, positive, fun manner. No dog is too old for this class.
Dogs DO NOT come to the first week of class. Limit is 6 dogs.
Canine Good Citizen Module:
This 4-session module is designed to prepare the handler and dog to take the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen test (CGC). The CGC program stresses responsible pet ownership and basic good manners for dogs. Dogs that pass the CGC test are considered reliable family and community members. Dogs must have previously taken the Companion Dog 2 (or an equivalent) class. The module will consist of 3 working sessions plus a fourth session when the test will be administered. Limit is 6 dogs.
Canine Community Adventures:
This is a 4 week module that will take place in the community. This class is available for dogs who have successfully completed at least Companion Dog 1 level and/or who have been pre-approved for the class by the instructors. We will visit a variety of community settings including local businesses, parks, and trails. Handlers should be comfortable navigating a variety of terrains. Dogs will have lots of opportunities to practice skills in the real world. Limit is 4 dogs. Instructor approval required.
Companion Dog 2:
An 8-week class open to dogs who have completed the Companion Dog 1 class.
Dogs will learn to respond to signals at a distance and during increasing distractions. Control exercises, loose lead walking and recalls will be further advanced thru games and tricks. Dogs DO come the first week of class. Limit is 6 dogs.
Skills Class for Hiking with Your Dog:
The focus of the class is off lead control of your dog. Some skills covered are reliable recall, stop at a distance, direction. Leash walking skills are covered. The last class is the canine first aid class. The first class is mandatory and without dogs. Instructor approval is required to take the course. This class is not appropriate for fearful or reactive dogs. All dogs will be on a flat buckle or martingale collar. A 6 foot and 25-30 foot long line is required. Limit is 6 dogs.
Dogs DO NOT come the first week of class. Contact Deb at debpica@verizon.net
Introduction to Scent Work:
The focus is the AKC scent work program. The dogs are first taught to indicate and stay on odor before doing any searching. To be successful in the class requires significant training time outside of the class. All dogs will be on a flat collar or a non-restrictive harness and a 10’ lead.
Contact Deb at debpica@verizon.net with any questions. 6 dog limit.
Dogs DO come to first class.
Intro to Rally – Enhanced Skills:
This is a “Get Ready to Rally “course which will Focus on the Skills to do Rally Signs. We will be helping you, the handler, and your dog to fine tune and sharpen the behaviors needed to do Novice Rally. We will be working on enhancing “Attention”, “Heel Position and Halts”, “Sit/Down/Stand with STAYS”, “Fronts”, “Finishes”, “Left & Right Turns” and “About Turns”, “Specific Heeling Segments”, “Pivots”, and more – all with the goal of linking a chain of Rally Signs/Stations (behaviors).
This will be a fun and interactive class with your dog which builds on your basic skills, your relationship with your dog, and prepares you for further training in the sport of Rally. At a minimum, dogs must have completed “Adolescent Dog or Companion Dog 1. For more information go to www.akc.org
Dogs DO come to the first week of class. Limit is 6 dogs.
Intro to Agility:
This 8-week class will touch on many of the aspects of this popular sport.
Jumps, the tunnel, an\contact obstacles will be introduced, as well as sequencing of these obstacles. Dogs DO come the first week of class. Limit is 5 dogs.
Trick Class:
Join us for our 8-week Tricks Class and you can look forward to strengthening your relationship with your dog, learning to communicate more clearly and have fun doing the training!! Once you understand how to train tricks, the possibilities are endless as to what you can teach your dog. Tricks are great for boosting a dog’s confidence and provides excellent exercise. Dogs should have completed a Companion Dog 1 class or Marker Signal (Clicker) Class.
Dogs DO NOT come to first week of class. Limit is 5 dogs.
K9 Conditioning:
Are you are looking for a class that is both relaxing and engaging for you and your dog? This 8-week class will also help improve your dog’s balance and body awareness. Our primary goal is to reduce activity injury and increase confidence. Your dog will learn to engage using fitness equipment and handler assistance to develop balance and strengthen core muscles. The class is appropriate for all ages puppy through seniors. Dogs remain in car for first 20 minutes of first night class. Limit is 6 dogs.
Practical Help for Difficult Dogs:
This 8-week class is for dogs that are reactive or difficult to handle. It is perfect for dogs that are fearful, anxious, or have minor aggression issues towards people or dogs. The instructors will provide practical advice to help you help your dog and use reward-based methods to change your dog’s behavior. Exercises will be customized for each dog, depending on their issues. Focus will be on improving communication between dog and handler, and on increased understanding of your dog’s behavior based on science. Dogs of any age are welcome. Class size is restricted to 2 dogs.
Dogs DO NOT come to first week of class. Class requires instructor approval. Contact Doreen@adknine.com before mailing your registration.