TRAINING, EDUCATION & WORKSHOPS

Our lead trainer, Cameo K. Perry CBCC-KA has been working professionally in the training world for nearly a decade. She utilizes science-based, force-free methods to help you best reach your goals in a family & dog-friendly environment. Cameo maintains multiple certifications and memberships, including a specialty as a behavioral consultant. This, plus her passion for continuing education, help to guide you and your dog towards success.
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We’ve built our program from the ground-up and have several training options whether you’re just getting involved in therapy dog volunteering or just want to have more confidence working with your dog in a variety of environments; we’ve got the training courses for you!

* Pet Connections is proud to offer a 10% discount for veterans

Dog Training

Pet Connections is a leader in the education of dogs and their handlers. Whether your goal is to have a great family dog or a highly-trained therapy dog to work in the community or in your therapy practice, we will provide you and your dog with the tools to achieve your training goals.
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2021 Sessions:

Connecting with Your Puppy - Online Course - TBA

For puppies 16 weeks of age and younger, this online course is designed to prepare you and your puppy for your life together. Throughout this course, handlers will learn about:
  • Socialization – What it is, why it’s important, and how to put it 
  • Body Handling – Developing a lifelong comfort in being touched, groomed, and vetted
  • Brain Games – Increasing enrichment opportunities and confidence 
  • Relationship-Building Games – Teaching foundation manners through teamwork
  • Common Puppy Problems – Weekly discussion of issues such as potty training, mouthing, and jumping.
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Puppies and their handlers that fully participate and successfully complete this course will be better prepared for Level 1: Connecting with your Pet and awarded a diploma. All puppies and their handlers are invited to join us for the next level of training to continue to build on their skill set.

Level One:
Connecting with Your Pet - Mondays, June 28 - July 9. 
7:30 p.m.

This 7-week course is recommended for dogs 16 weeks and older. Here, dogs and their handlers will learn how to:
  • Use basic cues such as “sit”, “down”, and “stay”
  • Walk on a loose leash and develop a strong recall
  • Utilize science-based, force-free training methods
  • Develop their relationship for optimal success
  • Identify signs of stress and calming techniques
  • Strengthen impulse control & work around distractions

Throughout the course, dogs and their handlers will be coached & observed on success of skills as well as other class content. Individualized recommendations for moving forward will be provided and based on each team’s progress and personal goals. 

* Spaces are very limited. 


 
Level Two: 
Connecting with Your Pet & Others - TBA

This course will build on skills acquired in Level One and prepares handler-dog teams to work with people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. Handlers will learn how to empower other individuals with different levels of abilities to direct their dog, resulting in a deeper human-animal bond. Your dog will become more proficient and acquire the ability to perform in different circumstances. 

Dogs and their handlers will gain more complex, advanced skills including: 
  • Clicker training and verbal markers 
  • Animal welfare and the 5 Freedoms 
  • Types of reinforcement 
  • Advanced cues such as “leave it”, “go to your mat”, release words and stand
  • Intro to working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have varying needs 
  • Interacting with children. 
  • Working alongside other dogs. 

Upon completion, dogs and their handlers will be provided individualized recommendations for moving forward will be based on each team’s progress and personal goals. Teams will also be offered the opportunity to test for Canine Good Citizen and/or their Pet Connections Certification evaluation. 


​CLASS Enrollment FORM (REQUIRED)

Please complete the enrollment form and submit your payment below.
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    Upcoming sessions

    Handler Information

    Canine Information

    Pet Connections Agreement

    I understand that attendance of a dog obedience class is not without risk to myself, to members of my family or guests who may attend, or to my dog(s). Some of the dogs to which I will be exposed may be difficult to control, and may be the cause of injury, even when handled with the greatest degree and amount of care.

    ​I agree to hold the instructors of Pet Connections     (and Ontario ARC) harmless for any claims for any loss or injury which may be alleged to have been caused directly or indirectly to any person or things by the act of my dog while in or upon the training areas, or near the entrance thereto, and I personally assume all responsibility and liability for any such claim; I further agree to hold the above parties harmless for any claim for damage, or injury to my dog, whether such loss, theft disappearance, damage or injury be caused or alleged to be caused by the negligence of the above parties, or by the negligence of any other person, or any other cause or causes. I further agree that this Agreement is binding for this and any subsequent classes that I attend.

    No refunds of any kind will be made after the session has begun.

CLASS Enrollment FORM is REQUIRED (see above)