Training

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Delaware Pet Stuff offers the most flexible group training classes available known as "Levels Training." Levels obedience and manners training is a group program offering flexible training sessions during the period you are enrolled.

With a levels membership, you have flexible scheduling and we can work around your busy schedule to meet your goals.  Check out our schedule to see when each level is offered. Move through all four levels or choose to stay at a lower level until your dog masters their skills. The choice is yours!

• LEVEL 1: STARTING OUT. Level 1 will introduce the basic commands sit, down, watch, and the name game. We'll also work on problem behaviors such as jumping, play-biting and housetraining. All dogs (even those with prior training) start in level 1. Requirements to move to Level 2: Dog responds to watch and can sit and down on command. The dog will respond readily to his name with mild distractions.

• LEVEL 2: MANNERS TRAINING. We'll work on walking politely on a loose leash without pulling, paying attention to the owner while walking and ignoring other dogs. We'll also begin working on come and stay. Level 2 includes problem- solving information for behaviors such as barking, digging, chewing, etc. Requirements to move to Level 3: Dog can walk nicely around the training area with attention on owner (and no pulling) with other dogs 4-5 feet away. Dog will come when called on leash with mild distractions.

• LEVEL 3: ADDING DISTRACTIONS. We'll work on a long-distance come command, stay with distractions, loose-leash walking past distractions, and distance commands. Requirements to move to Level 4: Dog will stay for 30 seconds with mild distractions and owner standing on the leash. Dog will heel past other dogs with loose leash. Dog will come from 20 feet away with moderate distractions.

• LEVEL 4: ADVANCED TRAINING. We'll work on polishing the come command and teaching an emergency come, strengthen the stay command by teaching the dog to stay for longer periods of time at a greater distance from the owner, work on turns and automatic sit in heeling. Level 4 goals: Dog can heel past other dogs and distractions. Dog will stay 10 feet away from owner for 3 minutes with distractions. Dog will come off leash past distractions from 30 feet away.

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Benefits of Levels Training over Traditional Classes:

• Level 1 classes start weekly so there is little wait to enroll your dog in a class.

• All the dogs in each level are at a similar stage in training. This allows instructors to better address the needs of each dog.

• Work at your own skill level for as long as necessary. No falling behind since there is no requirement to move up or time constraint.

• Students can revisit a lower level at any time to brush up on previous skills and to work amongst new distractions.

• Dogs move in and out of each level throughout the training, which provides new dogs as distractions each week.

• Students can take time off if they have a very busy week or go out of town. Just return to class at the same level without fear of falling behind.

• Do you have a dog that you fear may be “socially awkward” in class?  Another benefit of the Levels model is we can give Cautious Canines time to adjust to a training environment.  We can give these pups distance from other dogs as they learn to adapt to being someplace new.  This allows their first level classes to also be a safe socialization experience.  Giving dogs the time they need to learn to navigate such a new experience will teach them not only obedience skills but improve their ability to navigate new situations with new people and dogs. Check out our 2 month Hybrid option for your Cautious Canine. 

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Levels Pricing:

All subscriptions include:

*Flexible class scheduling (reservations required and classes do have a capacity cap)

*Clicker

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Six in-facility private levels/ basic manners sessions $325

One month $150: 4 classes  

Two month $280: 8 classes 

Two month HYBRID $325: 4 private in-facility sessions and 4 group classes

Three month $325: 12 classes 

Four month $425: 16 classes

Five month $510: 20 classes

Six month $610: 24 classes

*Packages are not refundable and do expire 6 weeks after the package duration

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Current Class Schedule:

Levels (1-4):

Tuesday  6:00 pm-6:45 pm 

Wednesday 6:00 pm-6:45 pm 

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*all classes are 45 minutes; class times and availability may fluctuate with season 

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Reservations:

Since Levels offers so much flexibility we do require reservations for all classes.  We  can make a standing reservation for you if you would like to commit to a set of dates in advance.  There is no set attendance requirement which means you and your dog can work at your own pace and if you need time off you can just pick up where you left off your next class (unlike  a traditional class).  We are happy to assist you in making your class reservations.  Reservations help us determine appropriate staffing so we can keep class sizes small.