WOOF UNIVERSITY LLC
Education for Both Ends of the Leash
THE BASICS, PLUS
More than just an Obedience Class, this course gives dogs valuable life experience which makes them more resilient and better able to cope with life's stressors. Dog owners learn to understand their dog better and communicate with them more clearly.
ABOUT THE COURSE
This 6-week course is designed for dogs of all ages to learn how to be the best version of themselves, and for pet owners to learn how to be The Best Guardian.
The focus is on Real-World skills to keep your dog SAFE and WELL-MANNERED. Dogs gain coping skills that make them more resilient to stress and change. Attending group classes even changes the physiology of your dog's brain!
Learn to communicate more effectively with your dog, get their cooperation, handle unwanted behavior, and have a more satisfying relationship.
Stop Jumping
Come when Called
Walk Nicely on Leash
Focus around Distractions
Be Calm around other Dogs
Leave It and Drop It
...and more!
To Register
Call Seven Oaks Park
803.772.3336
SCHEDULE 2024
Tuesdays 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Seven Oaks Park
200 Leisure Lane
Columbia SC
January 2 - February 6
February 13 - March 19
March 26 - April 30
May 7 - June 11
July 9 - August 13
August 20 - September 24
October 1 - November 5
The first class is Orientation for people only to get all the information you'll need for class.
Classes are limited to 8 dogs to give each team individual coaching.
Classes are all on-leash and working. Dogs do not meet. They are learning how to focus with distractions and that they don't get to play with every dog they meet.
Proven effective reward-based training that makes dogs happy to work for you, and no shocks or painful physical corrections.
We teach you how to get the best behavior from your dog. You will learn new skills along with your dog, and it is up to you to practice them outside of classes. We don't live with them. You do!
Weekly online written guides to keep your training on-track, and informative articles that help you understand your dog better.
How to handle common behavior concerns like jumping up and puppy biting.
How to apply the skills in real-life situations.
Email support if you have questions or concerns outside of training sessions.
A framable certificate on completion for all your hard work!
Reduced rate for Family Dog Mediation because of the foundation skills acquired.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Sneak Peek from Week 5
This was the best dog training class I have ever seen or attended. Everything taught in class was done to provide handlers with the knowledge, training, and confidence to keep their dogs safe in real-life situations.
Barry K.
Benefits of Group Classes:
Association between Puppy Classes and Adulthood Behavior of the Dog
Training Classes and Dog's Fear of Loud Noises
Impact of Pre-Adolescent Training on Canine Behavior
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How old does my dog have to be to attend classes?
Classes are for dogs of all ages. We recommend starting ASAP, before behavior problems develop.
What vaccines are required for my dog to attend classes?
Rabies (if older than 20 weeks)
Distemper/Parvo
Kennel Cough (Bordetella) within the last year, not 6 months.
Puppies too young for the Rabies vaccine may attend after their second Distemper/Parvo vaccine.
How many dogs are in the class?
Class is limited to 8 dogs
My dog is uncontrollable around other dogs. Can they still attend classes?
Yes, with a head collar for safety. It is a Beginner course, after all. We wouldn't expect you to have a fully trained dog for a Basic course ;)
Should I bring my dog to classes or do private training instead?
There are so many benefits* to group training that we recommend attending classes if you can. The exposure to real-life situations, practice going out in public, novel sights sounds and smells, learning how to handle themselves with manners in public in a controlled environment, etc. None of that can be duplicated at home. Dogs with typical behavior problems like jumping on people or pulling on leash, or puppies who have not yet developed these issues, benefit most from group classes.
Dogs with bite or fight histories or too fearful to come to class need private training instead. Or, if your schedule simply doesn't work for group classes. Private training can be tailored to your schedule.
What happens if I miss a class?
If you miss one class, you miss a lot because so much is covered in a short amount of time. The first class is mandatory. If you miss that one then you cannot attend the course, and there are no refunds after the course begins. The second class is the first one with dogs and sets you up for success in the rest of the course, so it is best not to miss that one. Four of the first five classes are required to earn a graduation certificate. To keep up with the rest of the class, email us for the password to your written practice guides for the week.
Can I make up a missed class in another session?
No. There are only 8 spots available in each class, and they always fill up. There is no room in another session for an extra dog to make up a missed class. It is also disruptive to the other dogs to introduce a new dog in the middle of a session. If you miss a class, email us for the password to your written practice guides for the week.
Can I get a refund?
Refunds will be given up to 7 days before the course begins. After that, there are no refunds. This is to prevent "holding" a spot from another dog who needs it and dropping out at the last minute.
What training methods do you use?
We follow the LIMA standard which stands for Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive. We use food rewards to teach new behaviors because it is the fastest way to train any animal. We do not use fear or pain to suppress behavior or use any method that causes mental or emotional distress for your dog.
What are your qualifications?
Woof U has led training classes since 2009. Dawn led training classes for Thoughtful Paws for 20 years prior to that. We attend professional training to keep up-to-date with the latest science on training and behavior. Dawn and Kelly are AKC CGC Evaluators. Kelly has certification in training for Aggressive Dogs and is a Family Dog Mediator. You can read more about us on the About Us page.