Our Classes

All group classes require proof of vaccines and a signed waiver (available at class)

Group Training Classes

Puppy Essentials (6 week session)

This is our basic foundations starter puppy class. We will cover:

Engagement
How to be calm (self control)
Potty training
Mat training
Default “leave it”
Recalls
Leash skills (equipment suggestions)
Body conditioning (handling your puppy for grooming etc.)
How to prevent common puppy issues (jumping up, mouthing)
How to prevent other issues (resource guarding, separation anxiety).

Taught by Bonnie Hirst or Victoria Howard

Puppy Essentials Level 2 (4 week session)

This class is a follow up to the Puppy Essentials class. We will cover:

More complex mat games
Recall with distractions
Leash skills with distractions
Emergency stops
Adding distance, duration and distractions to your skills. (3 D’s of dog training)
Discussions regarding your specific dogs needs and issues

Taught by Bonnie Hirst or Victoria Howard

Reactive Rover (4 week session)

This class is for dogs who are fearful and reactive to stimuli (eg. strangers, other dogs, vehicles).

You will learn how to help your dog gain confidence and resilience when in the presence of their triggers. This training will use kind, ethical methods scientifically proven to be more successful for behaviour issues in animals.

This class is limited to 3 or 4 dogs and is held in a controlled setting using visual screens to help the dogs remain calm and ensure that they feel safe.

Taught by Bonnie Hirst

Dream Dogs (6 week session)

This class is designed for older puppies and dogs that need to start with the basics skills but do not need young puppy development content. Appropriate for rescue dogs new to your family or a dog that you have begun training on your own. We will cover:

Engagement
Calm
Mat training
Leave it
Recalls
Leash skills
Emergency stops
Discussions and planning for your specific training needs.
One session walking in the environment (meet in Clinton)

Taught by Bonnie Hirst

Sport Classes

Agility Level 1,2,3,4 ( 4week session)

Option to join our Greenacre Agility club for further practice sessions post classes. Agility at Greenacre is designed to give you the skill you will need to compete or to have fun with your dog at home or at practice with no pressure.

Taught by Bonnie Hirst, Victoria Howard or Natasha Cameron

Hoopers (4 week session)

We will be offering classes in the new sport of hoopers this summer. Hoopers is a fast paced course involving open bottom tunnels, open bottom hoops instead of jumps and moving around barrels. Hoopers is low impact making it ideal for all dogs (puppies and older dogs too).

Rally O (4 week session)

Also new to Greenacre this summer. Rally O combines Obedience skills in a fast moving course that demonstrates the competency of handler and dog in basic obedience exercises.

Nosework Level 1,2,3,4 (4 week session)

Sniffing is the most enriching and emotionally satisfying activity our dogs engage in. This sport is a recreational version of scent detection designed to allow non working dogs to enjoy the challenge of locating a scent and communicating with their handler that the scent has been located.

Taught by Lindsay Joseph

Tricks Class (4 week session)

This fun class will include step by step instructions and guidance to teaching fun tricks to your dog. There will be some games and competitions with prizes held throughout the session. On the final week you will be invited to be evaluated to receive a Greenacre Tricks Title. Open to friendly dogs of all ages.

Taught by Natasha Cameron (Certified Do More With Your Dogs Tricks Instructor and Evaluator)

Recalls/Leash Skills Workshop

Join this workshop to learn foundation skills and engagement games that will help you teach your dog to have a really reliable recall. We will also cover techniques to help make walking your dog more enjoyable and to help your dog understand that exploring the environment can be fun without pulling on the leash.

Private Sessions

1 to 1 sessions are available with Bonnie Hirst on a variety of topics including general training, sport training or behaviour issues (including reactivity.)