Courses
People Training For Dogs(sm) Course Descriptions
“Don’t be afraid to dream, for out of such fragile things come miracles!”
People Training For Dogs is located in two locations in Valley Cottage, NY. Group obedience classes are held at the Tolstoy Foundation Center on Lake Road and private & semi-private classes at my training studio on Storms Road. Both locations, provide easy access on the ground floor with parking right at the entrance, plenty of space to walk your dog on grass and both are heated & air conditioned. Outdoor training in a fully fenced area available at the Storms Road location in the late Spring through the Fall!
Looking forward to working with you and your dog!
Nancy Strouss
PUPPY/BEGINNER OBEDIENCE CLASSES:
Socialization with other dogs and new people is important for all dogs. This class will provide an environment for your dog to make new friends and learn obedience skills at the same time. This is a structured training class; not a play class. The class begins with an outdoor “meet & greet” in the lovely field in front of the training building, but once inside the class will focus on teaching your dog how to act in the presence of other dogs and unfamiliar people and focus on you while learning to respond to obedience commands. Children are always welcome at classes, but like puppies, must be supervised!
You will learn how to teach your dog to respond to things like sit, lie down, come, stay and walk nicely on the leash. Additional skills like retrieving a toy, waiting at doors and to stand during an exam or while being brushed are covered as well. Information on housebreaking, destructive chewing, stealing, nipping and mouthing, grooming, crate training and management of excessive barking and jumping are also covered. Advice on good nutrition and feeding practices is included. Asking questions is always encouraged! Because fun and energy releasing outdoor exercise is important, I will help you learn how to be in control on walks and learn how to exercise your dog safely on a long line in an unfenced area or off lead in a fenced area through meaningful interaction with your dog.
This course is open to any friendly dog beginning at age three months and up to eighteen months. Older dogs may be eligible. All dogs must be screened during initial telephone interview to determine if this is the right class for you and your dog.
Schedule at the Tolstoy Foundation Center:
6 week course, limited to 6 dogs per class
- Mondays from 7:30 to 8:30pm beginning September 20th (no class 9/27), Instructor: Nancy Strouss
- Mondays from 6:00 to 7:00pm beginning October 4th, Instructor: Nancy Strouss
- Wednesdays from 6:00 to 7:00pm beginning October 13th, Instructor: Nancy Strouss
ADVANCED PUPPY/BEGINNER OBEDIENCE CLASSES:
Includes the AKC Canine Good Citizen training & test; and preparation for the obedience part of the Therapy Dog test.
This is an intermediate level class for dogs and handlers that have completed Puppy/Beginner Obedience. Students will continue to work on the basic training that was started in the previous lessons and gradually increase the skill level of those commands. New commands will be introduced along with learning the exercises needed to pass the AKC Canine Good Citizen test and the obedience part of the Therapy Dog test. The CGC test will be given at the end of the course for those who are ready. Potential therapy dogs will then be referred to the Hudson Valley Visiting Pet Program for the therapy dog workshop and eventual testing.
This course is open to any friendly dog that has passed a beginning level training program.
Schedule at the Tolstoy Foundation Center:
6 week course, limited to 6 dogs per class
- Mondays from 6:00 to 7:00pm beginning TBA, Instructor: Nancy Strouss
- Wednesdays from 7:30 to 8:30pm beginning September 15th, Instructor: Nancy Strouss
Storms Road Training Studio:
Private lessons or Semi-Private Class (2 to 3 dogs) at my private training studio. Six week courses.
- Puppy/Beginner or Adv.Puppy/Beginner Obedience Class: Any friendly dog!
- Advanced Obedience for competition or just for fun: Rally, Novice, Open & Utility ~
- Agility: Beginner & Advanced
Schedule your own class ~ Sign up with a friend or share the time with another student ~ You pick the day & time!
Call today and let’s talk about your dog!
845 358-5121
At the end of each day, ask your dog…..did you have fun today? If you think the answer is no, make a promise for tomorrow!