The Urban Puppy Shop is pleased to announce the appointment of Nina Houghton as our in store trainer. Nina Houghton is a professional dog trainer, graduating from the PCTIA/PPSEC registered International College of Canine Behavioral Sciences(Previously known as North Shore Canine Training Academy) with basic, intermediate and advanced obedience training as well recreational tracking for family pets and canine psychology.

Nina is committed to using friendly, positive reinforcement techniques through a proper balance of praise/play and neutral correction. This provides dog handlers with the opportunity to train their pets in a fun environment without the use of food treats, thereby stimulating the dog's brain and internal motivation rather than its stomach. Nina is a member ofCAPPDT - Canadian Association of Professional Pet Dog Trainers with a commitment to a professional code of ethics and dog friendly training methods.

Nina will coach you on how to teach your dog basic commands by establishing yourself as a good leader and to solve common behavior problems with consistency and patience.

The Urban Puppy Shop's first beginners class starts on October 22,2007 register early space is limited.

PuppyPre-School Obedience – Level 1

$250

Age Group:  3 months to 5 months

(puppy must be up to date with all vaccinations before attending group classes)

Learn the basic fundamentals to teach your puppy good manners and appropriate behavior. 

Package of 4 classes.

First class is a one hour private in home consultation specifically for you and your new puppy. Provides coaching and guidance with your puppy’s developmental stages and to introduce praise/play method of training, leash and handling techniques and giving commands. A value of $75.00

Group Class description (3 one hour group classes at Urban Puppy):  Mondays 7:30 to 8: pm 

Puppy Obedience Workshop – Level 2

$300

Age Group 5 months and above.  Package of 7 one hour classes.  Tuesdays 6:30 to 7:30pm?  

Intro at 6:00 pm sharp for people who have not attended pre-school but want to join puppy obedience.

Class Description

Advancing pre-school obedience with a more intense obedience class to build the working bond and cooperation level of your dog using a praise/play reward system and positive reinforcement rather than food. Using a six foot leash and with distractions in a group setting. Class will consist of review time and Q&A for specific problems and issues and progress with one new command each week. Handouts will also be given to assist with learning process. Handlers will learn:

• Heel and Sit
• Stay at various distances
• Come
• The Finish or Quick Heel
• Down
• Stand
• How to address and troubleshoot any specific behaviour problems such as chewing, jumping up, excessive barking etc.
• Introduce and desensitize to strange sounds and obstacles
• Supervised and appropriate play and socialization in a secure setting with other puppies and people

NB:  People who have already completed puppy pre-school can just go straight into Level 2 class. For people who have not done pre-school and have a puppy from elsewhere, can join Level 2 class.  Register in advance.  I will give full introduction and method of training 30 minutes prior to first class starting.  That way everyone will be on the same page and moving forward from the same point.

• Controlled and supervised play and socialization in a secure setting with other puppies and people (meet and greet)
• Walking on leash
• Sit and release on command
• Recall on command
• Advice on how to deal with inappropriate behaviours such as barking, chewing, nipping, jumping up, toilet training.