Xcel Class Descriptions

All dogs that participate in group classes must be able to be controlled by the handler. If the dog causes any type major disturbance, such as excessive barking; biting another dog, teacher, another person or the handler; it will be released from the group class. Private lessons will be recommended until the dog can be controlled in a group atmosphere. It is suggested that a dog of questionable behavior problems be evaluated first before starting any type of group class. There is a $20 fee for evaluation to design the proper training program for you and your pet.

Children 12 years and over are eligible to participate in class. However, they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian 18 years of age or older at all times.

We also offer Private Lessons for those dogs and handlers who have trouble dealing with a class atmosphere. Contact us for more information.

Class focuses on working on the flat (meaning boards on the floor, beginning of handling with no jumps). Teaching the skills necessary for the dog to learn how to turn their bodies properly in order to negotiate turns safely and correctly. Learning come to hand exercises to teach the dogs not to cut in front or behind the handler. 

Dogs under 1 year of age will not be jumping. Jumps will eventually be introduced as class continues for dogs of jumping age. Preparing the dog for jumping and teaching the skills necessary to jump successfully. Teaching targeting for contact obstacles. Learning weave pole entries and all the ways to teach weave pole skills. Intro to tunnel. Dogs will not be on regulation contact equipment in this class unless the contact equipment is lowered. 

Prerequisite: Dogs may be under 6 months and older. At least, one puppy and one basic class or the equivalent. (someone who has done agility before) No matter what age, the dog must have a good understanding of the "come" command. Young dogs need to know their down, sit and the beginning of their stay commands. Dogs must be manageable by handler on and able to be off leash. All dogs should wear a tab (very short leash) with no loop. The tab should come to the dog's shoulder, no longer. Any dog that is consistently out of control will be excused. 

Prerequisite: Agility Fundamentals 1 or equivalent

This class starts dogs on higher obstacles; adding new handling skills for the handler; the beginning of front crosses; rear crosses; blind crosses; tandems; weave poles and teaching the dog how to be more proficient on the obstacles. This also starts the handler on how to analyze a novice course and introducing jumping skills to the dogs such as the broad jump; double jump, triple jump and working around wing jumps. 

RODEO DOG

For class descriptions and events go to:  rodeodog.weebly.com

Prerequisite: Agility Fundamentals 2 or equivalent

These classes will focus on the beginnings of sequencing and learning handling skills. Dog and handler must be able to work together as a team off leash. The advanced class will focus on harder sequences and longer sequences. It will also focus on the aspect of handling for the dog handler and will give them experience that will be needed for competition.

This class is for 6 months and older dog that has not had any formal obedience training. Any problems or bad habits will be addressed in this class. Proper dog etiquette will also be addressed. You will be taught sit, down, stand, come when called, leave it command, beginning of the stay command, the wait command, walking on a loose leash and addressing suggestions on how to stop your puppy from jumping up on people. Beginning preparation for CGC (Canine Good Citizen) and TDI (Therapy Dog International) testing will be taught. 

Prerequisite: puppies 3 to 6 months of age w/ DHPP/DAPP vaccines

Please check with your veterinarian if you have the proper immunizations to start class and what age to start for your breed. THIS IS NOT A PUPPY KINDERGARTEN/PLAY CLASS this is an "Obedience" class. You will learn the following in this class: sit, down, stand, come when called, leave it command, beginning of the stay command, the wait command, walking on a loose leash and addressing suggestions on how to stop your puppy from jumping up on people. Any problems or bad habits will be addressed in this class. Proper dog etiquette will also be addressed. This class is taught at a slower pace than Basic Obedience. 

In this class your dog will be taught how to identify and find novel odor. Birch, anise, and clove essential oils are all taught as scents that will be identified. You will start on containers and gradually move up in degree of difficulty to test the dog's capabilities. The foundations of how competitive searches are held, how air flow works, and how to read your dog will all be covered. You will also learn how to build hunt drive in your dog, correct reward protocol, and how to pattern search. 

Prerequisite: Beginning Scent Work or equivalent

Intermediate Scent Work will continue to build on the foundation skills you have learned. More difficulty will be added to container searches as well as learning other elements such as interior, buried, vehicles, and exterior. You will be focusing more on having your dog indicate they have found the scent and learning to read and direct your dog. Cypress & other odors will also be introduced to cover the different scent organizations.

Prerequisite: Intermediate Scent Work or equivalent

Multiple hides, unique container searches, inaccessible hides, advanced handling skills, toy & food distractions, larger search areas, and increased difficulty in hides will all be worked on in this class. This is for handler and dog teams that have strong odor obedience, a designated alert, and are ready to compete at high levels of scent work competitions.

To pre-register for drop in classes email Deb Cecotti at collies157@gmail.com

Prerequisite: Basic Obedience or equivalent

You learn the beginning, novice exercises for competing in Rally or to refine your heeling technique in obedience. Your dog should have a good idea of where heel position is and should know its’ down, sit, stay and heel relatively well. Good attention is also an asset. 

To pre-register for drop in classes email Deb Cecotti at collies157@gmail.com 

Prerequisite: Basic Obedience or equivalent

You will learn the advanced exercises need to compete in a show atmosphere. Sit, down, stay, recalls, teaching fronts, finishes, mild distractions, set ups, ring knowledge, handling. Prerequisite: Basic obedience class or more, handler has trained other dogs in the past either at Xcel or another training facility. The interest to compete or to desire a higher level of training for your dog. 

Prerequisite: CD or CDX title or equivalent

The dog will learn dumbbell hold, take, retrieve. Jumping skills, drop on recall. Advanced stay exercises. For utility The dog will learn, run outs, articles, moving stand, glove retrieves, directed jumping.

Prerequisite: Dog should have at least 1 basic obedience class

Teaching students how to shape behaviors using positive reinforcement to make simple tricks fun for students and dogs.  Using clicker or voice and food rewards as lures in the beginning to help the dog learn the desired trick.  Trick 1 title usually can be achieved after 1 session.

Prerequisite: Basic Obedience or equivalent recommended

This class will focus on preparing you for the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) & Therapy Dog International (TDI) tests. Your instructor will take you through each exercise required to pass the tests and help you prepare for obstacles you may face while working as a TDI volunteer. Long stays, heeling politely around other dogs and people, coming when called, and working your dog without food are all skills you will learn. During the last class you will test for your CGC under our certified instructor. TDI tests are normally on Tuesday evenings and are typically done in Spring, Summer and Fall every 8 weeks. These testing dates are normally on the home page of the website and also on our Schedule Page. Pre-registration is suggested for the CGC testing. TDI pre-registration is required.

As you work with your dog to teach the CGC skills, you’ll discover the many benefits and joys of training. You’ll enhance your bond with your dog, and dogs with basic obedience training are a joy to live with—interacting well with other people and dogs and responding well to household routines.

The CGC program offers many practical advantages too. The CGC award is a prerequisite for many therapy dog groups. Some homeowner’s insurance companies encourage CGC testing, and an increasing number of apartments and condos require that resident dogs pass the CGC test. The tagline of the CGC program is, “Responsible Owners, Well-Mannered Dogs,” and that is what CGC is all about.

Therapy Dogs International (TDI®) is a volunteer organization dedicated to regulating, testing and registration of therapy dogs and their volunteer handlers for the purpose of visiting nursing homes, hospitals, other institutions and wherever else therapy dogs are needed.