| From January until mid November, CDTS offers a 6:30 Tuesday evening, humans-only, orientation class that many students say is as valuable to them as their classes with the dogs. Even life-long dog lovers and trainers usually pick up some new pointers. The class is required for all new CDTS students but is also offered to all prospective students at no obligation and no cost.
The 60 to 90 minute class is based on the theories of dog training that CDTS has embodied for almost 25 years. Those theories stem from the combined knowledge of a nucleus of instructors who continually study, read, and attend seminars all over the country on animal behavior and training. In addition to explaining why we teach the way we do, the class covers specific exercises to make the humans the leaders of the pack in their households. These exercises give owners insight into the way dogs learn and specific strategies to handle issues such as biting, discipline, and, for puppy owners, housebreaking. There is opportunity for asking questions and discussion of individual problems. Students who plan to enroll for a course are asked to bring their dog's shot records and payment to orientation, thereby making things easier for instructors on the first night of class. The orientation class is usually taught by Marti Touchstone and it is held in a classroom across from the inside stairs that lead to the training room, Tuesday nights at 6:30 pm. |
