Last updated May 16th, 2013
Class Schedule
(Mouse over each class for the time and a short description. Click on the class for more detailed information)
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Workshop Coming Soon!
The Barker Shop is delighted to offer a fun, yet educational, doggie workshop for kids and their parents – Puppy Love for Kids- and all to benefit The Barker Shop rescue dogs.
Date and Time To Be Announced
This one hour workshop will focus on helping children and teens understand the complexity of the relationship we have with the dogs in our lives. A portion of the class will be dedicated to safety around dogs as well as communicating with dogs. The rest of the class will focus on teaching a dog a new behavior through operant conditioning and positive reinforcement.
We are grateful to have 3 behavior experts on hand: Julie Buesser, Kym Iffert, and Danielle Burns, all donating their time. These 3 “Dog Whisperers” not only have a passion for dogs, but a passion for kids. They all have dogs and kids themselves, even some with disabilities. Their experience comes from real life! Don’t miss this very special event.
Dogz ‘N Harmony Classes
To register for a Dogz ‘N Harmony class or for more information, please contact Aimee Busse at (630) 992-9200
Puppy Classes:
Puppy 101 (8 weeks to 4 1/2 months)
Tuesdays, 7-7:45pm or Thursdays, 7-7:45pm
Open Enrollment – Start Anytime (6-week class)
Start your puppy off on the right paw with our unique 6-week series off-leash puppy class. This class focuses on teaching the most urgent priority: safe socialization with people (especially strangers, men, and children) and puppies. We cover “gentle jaws,” vet and grooming handling, off-leash control, household manners, sit, down, stand, come when called, leave-it, and much more! All family members are welcome and encouraged to participate!
Puppy 201 (4 1/2 to 6 months)
Tuesdays, 8-8:45pm or Mondays, 7-7:45pm
Open Enrollment – Start Anytime (6-week class)
For all puppies over 4 1/2 months, graduates of Puppy 101, equivalent, or no training. It’s all about creating and shaping that great family dog. In this 6-week class, you will strengthen all the behaviors learned in Puppy 101 with continued socialization, proofing verbal cues, hand signals, and off-leash control. We will also cover on-leash and off-leash walking and heeling, rock-solid stays, drop-it, calm/settle, and much more. Puppies receive the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy certificate upon successful completion of the class and the 20-part test.
Puppy 301
Tuesdays, 8-8:45pm
Open Enrollment – Start Anytime (6-week class)
Intermediate level pre-adolescent puppies continue on and off-leash socialization skills along with extensive and more advanced attention/focus exercises with planned distractions. More emphasis is placed on obtaining reliable sit-down-stand-stays, walking politely on leash, coming when called, emergency recalls, and more.
Basic and Beyond Classes:
B.A. Canine Life and Social Skills
Mondays, 7-8pm,
Starts April 29th (6-week class)
This class goes well beyond the same old basic obedience skills. Taught using fun games and exercises, this course develops practical skills for everyday real life, including coming when called, loose leash walking, focus/attention, polite greetings, leave-it, stay, and more! You and your dog can earn your Bachelor’s Degree (B.A.), Master’s Degree (M.A.), and/or Doctorate (PhD) by registering and participating in a C.L.A.S.S. (Canine Life and Social Skills) evaluation and assessment. C.L.A.S.S. is an educational program developed by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) designed to promote training focused on using positive reinforcement and to strengthen relationships between humans and their canine companions. No prerequisites. Perfect for the newly adopted dog or any canine in need of basic manners or brushing up on rusty skills.
B.A. C.L.A.S.S. Evaluation and Assessment
Date and Time TBA
Teenage Survival (6 months-2 1/2 years)
Mondays, 8-9pm,
Starts April 29th (6-week class)
Do you feel like your adolescent dog is on a different frequency? Tuning you out? Has the puppy “cuteness” worn off? This unique, fun class will help you and your teenage dog get back on the same wavelength. We’ll address and resolve teenage hyperactivity, impulse control, jumping, barking, leash pulling, counter surfing, better reliability, socialization, and more!
Advanced Classes:
Focus! Distractions!
Mondays, 8-9pm,
Starts April 29th (6-week class)
This advanced class is designed for dogs that listen well most of the time, but tune you out when there are distractions present. We will work on getting your dog to focus on you, all while having fun! This unique advanced class will also help you and your dog work through various real-life distractions, with an emphasis on loose leash walking and off-leash skills. We’ll also work on proofing sit-stays and down-stays. We will challenge you and your dog through fun, interactive games. Martini Challenge Night is always a class favorite! A portion of the class will be devoted to the AKC Canine Good Citizen test (accepting a friendly stranger, sitting politely for petting, walking through a crowd, coming when called, etc). This class is designed to be repeated with fun new exercises, games, and distractions each week. Prerequisite: Teenager, Basic Obedience, or Equivalent.
Special Classes:
Fun Nosework
Fridays, 7:30-8:30pm,
Open Enrollment – Start Anytime (6-week class)
Catch the nosework fever! This class is a great outlet for you and your dog as you participate and learn this fun and addictive new dog sport. Instructor Patti Walotka coaches humans to encourage their dog’s natural scenting ability, and to independently find a specific scent/odor. This class gives your dog a specific task and job to do, providing excellent mental and physical stimulation while building confidence. Any breed, any age, any size dog and any ability can participate in fun nosework. It is also an excellent class for shy, reactive and high energy dogs. “Lotsa” fun for humans too! This class does not have any prerequisites, however basic manners are encouraged. Since this class works dogs one dog/handler team at a time, your dog should be able to handle short periods of hanging out. This class can be retaken many times as the level of difficulty will be adjusted as your dog gains better skills. Dogs are worked in various environments, indoors and outdoors (weather permitting), including vehicle searches. For those of you who love to compete, this class will help you prepare for the new competitive dog sport K9 Nose Work®.
Rehab: Leash Reactivity
Date and Time TBA – Please inquire for new class/start date (6-week class)
Does your dog bark, growl, snap, or lunge at other dogs (and/or people) on leash? Rest assured you are not alone. Dog reactivity is a common, but serious issue that can be managed and changed with your commitment and “Mikki’s Way,” our unique reactive dog program that utilizes force-free methods and techniques. We have extensive personal and professional experience in assisting people to humanely manage and change their dog’s view, feelings, and response to their world. We are here to help! Please call (630) 992-9200 to discuss whether this class is a good option for your dog and for more information.
Workshops:
Extreme Leave-It/Counter Surfing
Date and Time TBA (2-week workshop)
So many applications! Are you getting tired of constantly asking your dog to “leave-it” without results? Does you dog get into the garbage can or try to pick up forbidden items, food, or any nasty things on walks? Or got a counter-surfing dog? Then this is your workshop! We will discuss management techniques as well as give you the necessary practical tools and “lotsa” practice with your dog to end this unwanted behavior. We will simulate real-life scenarios in class using high value food and objects.
Who’s Walking Who?
Mondays, 7pm,
Starts April 8th (3-week workshop)
Has walking your dog become a drag? Tired and frustrated? Learn why this is such a common problem and how to enjoy a nice loose leash walk with your dog using positive techniques so you can relax and enjoy taking your dog for a walk.
Walk On
Mondays, 7pm,
Starts April 29th (3-week workshop)
Taking loose leash walking to the next advanced level. Continue problem solving techniques and practicing loose leash walking with the addition of planned distractions. This class will prepare you for many real-life situations like the skateboarder zipping by, busy squirrels, or passing by other dogs.
Jumping Beans
Mondays, 7pm,
Starts June 3rd (2-week workshop)
Got an exuberant, overly friendly dog jumping to greet you or your guests? Stop unwanted jumping the humane way! We’ll give you positive tips and techniques to stop embarrassing and potentially dangerous jumping behavior. Dogs also get “lotsa” time in this workshop to practice their new, polite behavior!
Come Here! + Emergency Rocket Recalls
Date and Time TBA (3-week workshop)
Can you call your dog off a skunk? Or from running into a busy street? We’ll teach you how! We will also provide tips as well as practice getting your dog to come to you when calls every time, even with distractions present!
Howlywood Tricks
Date and Time TBA (4-week workshop)
Teaching tricks to dogs is more than just fun and games. This workshop is a great way to beat the winter blahs while improving behavior and diminishing your dog’s mental and physical energy. It’s fun, motivating, and a great way to show off to your friends, neighbors, and family! It is also a great workshop for teaching focus around other dogs.
Dogosophy Classes
To register for a Dogosophy class or for more information, please contact Kym Iffert at (855) 596-3647
Basic and Beyond Classes:
Canine Conduct (5 months and up)
Wednesdays, 7-8pm,
Starts April 3rd
For dogs young and old who could use a refresher course in good manners. This six-week class will teach owners how to “direct, not correct” their dog to help build a relationship and establish acceptable behaviors. Learn how to control the walk, encourage polite greetings, and eliminate door dashing and counter surfing, as well as instilling basic obedience skills. This class is open to all ages and breeds.
Dogs must be non-reactive and have proof of up-to-date vaccinations prior to start of classes
Advanced Classes:
Canines in Command (Canine Good Citizen therapy dog prep class)
Wednesdays, 8-8:45pm,
Starts April 3rd
This class is for the owner/dog team that has some basic skills, but is looking for more. Thinking about working as a therapy dog team? Learn what a typical visit looks like and what circumstances your dog will need to be prepared for. Hoping to fine-tune your obedience skills? Learn how to teach your dog to sit while a friendly stranger is approaching, to stay for longer periods, and build your pup’s confidence when you leave the room. This class focuses on heightening basic obedience and building confidence in new situations. Dogs can prepare for and take the Canine Good Citizen 10 item test during the final week of this class to earn the American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Good Citizen title and certification.
- New workshops/classes are added regularly.
- Need help but don’t see the right class? Call the trainers-we are happy to create a class to help fulfill your needs!
- Fees vary based on the skills and duration of each class or workshop
- Please ask about special rates for “new” rescues!
About the trainers
Aimee Busse and Kym Iffert both believe that in order to live a happy life with our pets, building a relationship of mutual trust is the basis for all training. Using only humane, positive reinforcement methods, results are achieved by understanding the behaviors and teaching consistency with our methods.
Aimee has been a professional dog trainer and behavior specialist for over a decade. She holds a BA in Communications, is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge and Skills Assessed, an AKC STAR Puppy and Canine Good Citizen evaluator, and a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. Aimee currently shares her life with her Siberian Husky, Java, and Leonberger, Kozi. Together they have participated in various therapy dog, rally-o, and agility programs.
aimee@dogznharmony.com
(630) 992-9200
www.dogznharmony.com
Kym lives with her husband, three daughters, and three dogs, Dino, Sugar, and Chopper. She is the Humane Education Coordinator for the Hinsdale Humane Society, where she and her dog, Dino, are involved in all three Therapy Dog programs. Kym is a graduate of Purdue University and a certified dog trainer through Animal Behavior College, a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, a Pet Partner certified therapy dog evaluator, and also a licensed Family Paws and Dogs & Storks presenter.
dogosophykym@aol.com
(855) KYM-DOGS ~ (855) 596-3647
www.dogosophy.info
