Foundation Programme
This programme is aimed at dogs over 4 months of age that are happy around other dogs and people, and where we teach basic manners.
TWO OPTIONS IN THIS PROGRAMME
In this programme, we offer two different class formats:
Foundation is a flexible course consisting of one Welcome Class followed by 2 classes/week for 8 weeks, for a total of 17 classes. It teaches nine different behaviours (see below).
Pet Manners is a linear course consisting of 10 weekly classes, one class each week, always at the same time. It teaches six different behaviours (see below).
There is no maximum age - senior dogs are welcome!
CURRICULUM
We offer the classes (Foundation and Pet Manners) in two different formats, and you can choose which one you prefer based on the following criteria:
TO REGISTER
NOTE: Foundation has rolling enrollment (no need to wait for a "course" to begin), whereas Pet Manners may require you to wait for a few weeks for a class time to be fully booked.
In either class, your first, compulsory, class is the Orientation Class (CLICK HERE for schedule). This FREE class introduces you to Cowichan Canine, what we teach and how we teach it. Then, you can decide which course is right for you!
WHEN YOU REGISTER, you need:
- Registration form
- Your dog's vaccination record
- Payment (Visa, MC, Amex, cash or Online Shop)
(Click here for current class fees)
If you register multiple dogs from the same household at the same time, you will receive 10% off your additional dog's registration fee.
Instructor:Student ratio is 1:4.
DETAILS
TRAINING SHEETS
As you progress through your course, you will receive a full set of training sheets, which include complete, step-by-step instructions for all the behaviours that are included in your course.
CLICK HERE FOR A LIST OF WHAT TO BRING TO CLASS
HOMEWORK
You WILL need to practice at home in between classes. THE GOOD NEWS is that, because of the positive training methods that we use, most students only need to practice on average 10-20 minutes effective training time each day!
So long as you do your homework, you should be able to develop a happy and obedient dog that you will be proud to take out in public. You will also have gained a basic understanding of how to continue to teach your dog most basic skills and tricks. These classes are based on the curriculum developed by the Karen Pryor Academy.
TOP-UPS
In the unlikely event that you find that you need more time to complete your course, top-ups of one or several weeks are available for purchase.
Flexibility Comes With Responsibility
If you incur a NO-SHOW, that class still counts as attendance on your record.
If you have any questions or concerns about our programme, please do not hesitate to send an e-mail to info@cowichancanine.ca or call 250-929-1400.
WELCOME TO CLASS!
I enjoyed working with Bev and Laurie. The small classes and individual attention really make a big difference. There were a couple of moments in Foundations when you said "Click!" (and I did - yeah me...) at precisely the right moment for me to 'get it'. As a result, we went from Vita pulling like a fiend to polite walking in literally 2 classes. And getting the mechanics of Leave It/Take It down on my part (thank you again), helped me sort that one out in 3 or 4 sessions at home. We have, as you know, moved on to agility; Vita is having fun and is getting more confident and spirited with each class.
Colleen Hawkey
Ladysmith
My little dog, Tilly and I have completed our Foundations course and I would be remiss if I did not express how wonderful the experience has been. I was so impressed with the organization of the programme and Lisbeth’s knowledgeable and friendly staff. I particularly liked the fact that you could book class times online when they suited you. I adopted Tilly at 5 months and knew that she had had very little socialization and training. For consistency I chose to stay with one instructor, Paula. One can tell that she is very passionate and knowledgeable about her job. I found Paula to be excellent at demonstrating and explaining the tasks at hand and she showed patience and understanding with me as Tilly and I learned together. It also helped that Paula had a good sense of humour and gave us positive feedback and praise when it was often needed. Sadly, there were no “treats” for owners but I would take another course with Cowichan Canine in a heartbeat!
Deb Tustin
Cowichan Bay
