Star Dog Training offers Puppy Preschool and Dog Show Handling Classes as described below. See which one best suits your needs!

Puppy Preschool   Beginning Handling   Intermediate Handling   Drop-In Handling  

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Puppy Preschool: Studies have shown that the optimal time for socialization of puppies is between 8 and 16 weeks of age. Puppies well socialized during this time frame have shown more confidence and problem solving skills as adults than their less socialized littermates, making them better competition dogs and more suitable companions. Puppy Preschool Class is designed as a socialization and confidence building class that also covers basic house manners such as sit, down, come when called, walk on leash without pulling, don't jump, don't bite and leave it.  We meet for approximately 1 hour each week for 6 weeks, and the class cost is $100 per puppy.  Puppies must be between 8 and 20 weeks old on the first day of class. Weekly handouts include all work done in class, plus "extras" on things like Housetraining, Nail Trimming, Responsibilities of Dog Ownership and more.  If you have a group of at least 5 puppies, this class can be tailored to suit your needs, and will meet in Simi Valley. If you would like more information, click here to send me an e-mail. 

Beginning Dog Show Handling: This class is a 6 week series designed for those handlers with little or no show experience, or new dogs with little training. Each week builds slowly on the previously learned exercises. Dogs are gradually taught to gait in a straight line, stand reliably for examination, and free stack on a verbal command. Handlers are taught to properly stack and present their dogs, execute all gaiting patterns, show their dog's bite, fill out entry forms, read show schedules and more. Good Sportsmanship is stressed, and the importance of knowing your breed standard is covered and reviewed. Also covered are proper ring attire and etiquette, and the true purpose of the handler. By the end of the series, handlers will feel comfortable using Drop-In style handling classes to sharpen their skills and improve speed, and will be ready to enter matches to test their team's skills. Classes are held indoors in Canoga Park at the J9sK9s Training Facility at 7pm on Friday evenings. One entire wall is mirrored for stack/free stack practice. Classes run 1 hour each week, and the 6 week series costs $75. Class size is limited to no more than 10 teams, and advanced reservations are necessary. If you'd like to make a reservation or audit this class (without your dog), click here to send me an e-mail. Next new class will start on June 6th, 2008. Reservations are now open and space is available.

Intermediate Dog Show Handling: This class is a 6 week series designed to be the next step for those finishing the Beginner Class, or more experienced handlers with a new dog who needs polishing. Teams gain speed and finesse through use of various drills. Ring skills and confidence are improved through discussion and practice of techniques utilized for gaiting patterns, examinations, and free stacks at the shows. Proper execution of gaiting patterns, how to train the dog to perform reliably, and Good Sportsmanship in and out of the ring are all stressed in class. Tips specific to each individual dog are given, and the concept of developing a strategy for each dog is discussed during class. Classes are held indoors in Canoga Park at the J9sK9s Training Facility at 8pm on Friday evenings. One entire wall is mirrored for easy checking of the stack/free stack. Classes run 1 hour each week, and the 6 week series costs $75. Class size is limited to no more than 10 teams, and advanced reservations are required. If you'd like to make a reservation or audit this class (without your dog), click here to send me an e-mail. Next new class starts on Friday June 6th, 2008. Reservations are now open and space is available.

Drop-In Style Dog Show Handling: This class is a come-as-you-need-it type class. It runs for 1 hour, at a cost of $5 per handler. Handlers are welcome to split their hour between multiple dogs. Run-throughs of frequently used ring procedures and individual drills help teams to work on speed, smoothness and reliability of performance. Tips specific to each individual team are given, and the concept of developing a strategy for your individual dog is discussed during class. Class is held outdoors at 7pm on Wednesday evenings in the parking lot of the Simi Valley Courthouse, weather permitting. If weather is in question, call to check on possible cancellation of class at (805) 581-1726 on Wed after 6pm - the outgoing message will specifically advise if class is cancelled. Any further questions regarding this class can be directed to me by calling or by clicking here to send me an e-mail.