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DOG CLASS SCHEDULES
select below from Obedience Skills, Puppy, Agility, and AKC classes

  • CLASS SCHEDULE  [to see all the classes use the bar on the right to scroll down]

    BAD WEATHER? Please refer to the Buncombe County School Closings.
    If schools are closed we are closed unless you hear from your instructor.


    BASIC MANNERS PROGRAM
    A Good Dog’s Life has designed this Basic Manners Program to answer fundamental questions. Schooling begins with focus work, leash walking, sit, come, go to pillow, stay, leave it, and more. We also give solutions for a range of behavioral problems such as jumping up, nipping, chewing and barking. Our certified trainers understand dog behaviors and practice scientific training methods to help extinguish the undesireable ones. We teach you how a dog learns and we give you the tools to teach your dog behaviors you want! By explaining and practicing proven training techniques you are able to develop the relationship you want while training compliance.

    If you are wondering if this class is a right fit for you, please review students' comments which usually answers some of the most common questions. This course is the next step after our puppy program starting at 4-5 months of age.
    To enroll simply click the Register Now button below.

    START DATES:  THIS CLASS IS FOR OWNERS ONLY. HOMEWORK IS GIVEN AND DOGS COME INTO THE 2ND CLASS WITH MORE ATTENTION AND FOCUS

    DAY-TIME:  JUNE 6 AT 11:00AM-12:00

    TUESDAY, JUNE 25 AT 6:00-7:00PM

    MONDAY, MAY 20 6:00-7:00PM

    FIRST CLASS: INSTRUCTIONAL LECTURE WITH NO DOGS ... JUST OWNERS!    (Bring shot records and final payment)

    SECOND CLASS: BRING WHAT MOTIVATES YOUR DOG (DISCUSSED IN FIRST CLASS) AND YOUR ENTHUSIASM

    LOCATION:
    ON CAMPUS | 33 Hidden Acres Dr., Asheville, NC 28806
    View Map & Directions

    INSTRUCTORS: GAIL HUBBARD, SUSAN WILSON

    TUITION: $95 | 6-WEEK PROGRAM

    Register for a Class... FOR EASY REGISTRATION.  If you have any questions, please contact the administrator.



    MANNERS II PROGRAM [Real Life Training Skills]
    Once you go through our basic manners program and learn how to build value for the behavior you want, you can enroll in this program. It’s important to help your dog move through each phase of learning, so during the Manners II Program we continue training to build relevance and meaning for the behaviors we want. Playing new games and building more value will increase your dog’s success to comply in distracting environments. Performing commands in different environments can be very challenging to most dog owners, but the payoff is huge as your dog builds understanding.

    Through a solid communication system learned in the puppy and basic manners programs we elaborate more on how real life experiences can become wonderful training opportunities. When distractions present themselves we demonstrate how we can guide our dogs through and support the right choices. This program is a great start if you’d like to pass the Canine Good Citizen (CGC), TDI and Delta Society therapy dog test. Refer to www.akc.org or www.deltasociety.org to find out more about these tests.

    To enroll, simply click the Register Now button below.

    START DATES:  TUESDAY, AUGUST 20 AT 7:30-8:30PM

    FIRST CLASS: BRING YOUR DOG, REWARDS (TOY AND FOOD), SHOT RECORDS AND YOUR ENTHUSIASM

    LOCATION:
    ON CAMPUS | 33 HIDDEN ACRES DRIVE, ASHEVILLE NC 28806
    View Map & Directions

    INSTRUCTOR: GAIL HUBBARD

    TUITION: $95 | 6-WEEK PROGRAM

    Register for a Class... FOR EASY REGISTRATION.  If you have any questions, please contact the administrator.


     

    CROSS TRAINING PROGRAM
    Consider this class your dog’s liberal arts education before you specialize in your chosen sport or family lifestyle. It is great for pet dog owners as well as the agility, obedience, rally, nose and water sport enthusiasts, because it is a good time out with your dog!

    It helps any dog develop:
    Impulse control / self-control
    Coping skills
    Mental stamina for working with you
    Body awareness which improves confidence
    Approved attention
    Over-all strength, and confidence

    The games we play will exhaust any dog.

    To enroll, simply click the Register Now button below.

    START DATES:   TBA

    FIRST CLASS: BRING YOUR DOG, REWARDS (TOY AND FOOD), SHOT RECORDS AND YOUR ENTHUSIASM

    LOCATION:
    ON CAMPUS | 33 HIDDEN ACRES DRIVE, ASHEVILLE NC 28806
    View Map & Directions

     INSTRUCTOR: GAIL HUBBARD
     
    TUITION: $95 | 5-WEEK PROGRAM

    Register for a Class... FOR EASY REGISTRATION.  If you have any questions, please contact the administrator.



    SUPER DOGS PROGRAM
    This program expands on your dog's "Real Life Skills" from Manners II Program by meeting in different locations in Buncombe County. Context changes are really important for dogs who are learning how valuable it is to comply with your requests. Making the request clearer by formulating it in different areas, owners will get the results they want.

    Also, the instruction and coaching help owners with their handling skills while in different real life situations. This program is excellent if you’d like to pass the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) and Delta Society therapy dog test. Refer to www.akc.org or www.deltasociety.org to find out more about these tests.

    To enroll, simply contact the instructor below. This lesson is on a pay as you go basis.

    DATES:  Mark your calendars!
    FRIDAY, MAY 31 AT 10:00AMPM @ A GOOD DOG'S LIFE CAMPUS

    FRIDAY, JUNE 14 AT 12:30PM @ CARRIER PARK [we meet at the picnic pavilian]
    FRIDAY, JUNE 28 AT 10:00AM @ BENT CREEK [Rice Pinnacle parking area]

    WHAT TO BRING: WATER, REWARDS (TOY AND FOOD) AND PROOF OF RABIES IN CASE WE ARE QUESTIONED

    INSTRUCTOR: GAIL HUBBARD

    TUITION: $20 | PER CLASS ATTENDED

    ENROLL: Please email instructor directly if you are plan to attend. Thank you!!



    K9 SCENT GAMES
    WOW!  The primary goal of this class is to learn a new way to have fun with your dog.  If you are stuck inside due to the weather, these games will mentally and physically stimulate your dog INSIDE your home!!

    Game playing and hunting is first and foremost, this is a class where dogs get to be dogs. Some dogs have taken this class who have had little experience playing with toys or with their owners, but with several repetitions of the class have been transformed. Owners should not feel discouraged if their dogs do not ‘get it’ right away ... so many other benefits come from the class experience itself. If you are worried about your dog's social skills and over all behavior, stop! This class can be adjusted to accommodate different skill levels (socially and behaviorally). Several students may choose to repeat the class as the level of difficulty will be adjusted as your dog gains better over-all skills.

    This class is GREAT for the newly adopted dogs because the games help them become more confident in new environments. For those that cannot handle a conventional class, this class provides an opportunity for ALL dogs who have trouble working around other dogs and people. There is an over-all awesome opportunity in this obedience and stress free class to see your dog soar to new heights!

    To enroll, simply click the date that works best for you.

    DATES: Mark your calendar!
    SATURDAY, JUNE 1

    TIME: 10:45 - 11:45AM

    FIRST CLASS: BRING YOUR DOG, REWARDS (TOY AND FOOD), SHOT RECORDS AND YOUR ENTHUSIASM

    LOCATION:
    ON CAMPUS | 33 HIDDEN ACRES DRIVE, ASHEVILLE NC 28806
    View Map & Directions

    INSTRUCTOR: GAIL HUBBARD

    TUITION: $15 | EACH CLASS ATTENDED

    Register for a Class... FOR EASY REGISTRATION.  If you have any questions, please contact the administrator.



    OVERCOMING FEARS | DECREASING AGGRESSION
    This program uses behavior adjustment training as well as non-threat calming signals to improve social and coping skills so that you and your dog know how to handle fears and aggressive tendencies. While using environmental consequences to reward socially acceptable choices, this training gives your dog a chance to learn to control the environment through peaceful means and to better understand how to cope with the rush of emotions and feelings certain stimuli create. By means of empowering the dog in low-stress situations this training technique uses functional and bonus rewards, combined with clicker training and systematic desentitization to help dogs make better choices.

    To enroll you need to have a private lesson with Gail Hubbard, the instructor. Note this program uses an operant protocol.
    Please contact the instructor below.

    FIRST PRIVATE: Bring your dog and some motivation (favorite soft treats, toys and your enthusiasm)

    FOLLOW UP:  There are several options. After the first private we can discuss homework and what is best for you and your dog.

    LOCATION:
    ON CAMPUS | 33 HIDDEN ACRES DRIVE, ASHEVILLE NC 28806
    View Map & Directions


    INSTRUCTOR: GAIL HUBBARD  "Please contact me with any questions!"

    TUITION: $85 FOR THE FIRST PRIVATE CONSULTATION

    If you have any questions, please contact the administrator.


    FAST TRACK: CGC PREP CLASS with TEST
    A Good Dog’s Life likes to support and promote responsible dog ownership. Because of this one-going desire we support AKC's Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program. During the CGC test, you'll be asked to sign the Responsible Dog Owner's Pledge before you and your dog take the test. Eventhough responsibility should start the moment you decide to add a new dog or puppy to your family, this pledge will solidify what that means according to the AKC.

    The AKC's Canine Good Citizen program is designed to recognize dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. All dogs will take 10 tests and those dogs that pass will receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club. This test provides an awesome foundation for training in other fun activities such as Rally and Agility.

    CGC PREP CLASS DATES: 
    New classes will start late summer/early fall

    CGC TEST DATE:
    New test will be in the fall

    LOCATION:
    ON CAMPUS | 33 Hidden Acres Dr., Asheville, NC 28806
    View Map & Directions

    CLASS PREP INSTRUCTOR: GAIL HUBBARD

    CLASS TUITION: $15 | One class to prepare you for taking the test.

    TEST EVALUATOR: KATIE SUNDMACHER

    TEST TUITION: $22 | Covers all paperwork and the evaluators time

    Register for a Class... FOR EASY REGISTRATION. Select the FAST TRACK option as your course choice.

  • PUPPY CLASS SCHEDULE    [to see the whole description use the bar on the right ]
    This Puppy Program emphasizes the significance of understanding how puppies learn and how to communicate with them.  Come learn the encouraging language of positive reinforcement that will provide a rewarding, respectful, lifelong relationship between you and your puppy!

    This program is designed for puppies who have received their first or second set of shots and a vet check-up.  We focus on controlled social interactions, discovering new novel stimulus, basic puppy manners that are critical to teach before they hit adolescence, how to channel and manage your puppy's natural behaviors, tips on house training, as well as bond-building games and tricks that will build a solid foundation.

    Your puppy can come in our Puppy Program at any time up to a certain age. Please contact the instructor for more information.

    An orientation is required before the first puppy class. To enroll, simply click the instructor's name and tell her when you want to start building this awesome relationship with your puppy in our Puppy Program.

    OPTION ONE:  START TO FINISH CLASS STARTING
    Orientation: 
    Thursday, June 6 at 6:00-7:15pm

    CLASS START DATE: Saturday, June 8 at 9-10:15AM

    OPTION TWO:  TIME ON-GOING CLASS STARTING
    CLASS DATE AND TIME: 
    Every Tuesday at 3:00PM
    Please register below.  Orientation will be at 2:30 the day that you want to join the class. If you have any questions, please contact Gail or Katie below.

    LOCATION:
    ON CAMPUS | 33 HIDDEN ACRES DRIVE, ASHEVILLE NC 28806
    View Map & Directions

    SATURDAY'S ORIENTATION:
    NO PUPS ... JUST OWNERS!
    Owners need to attend the orientation before your puppy comes to class.

    INSTRUCTOR: Tuesday Afternoons: Gail Hubbard and Katie Sundmacher
    Saturday Mornings:
    Margaret Eckert

    TUITION: $90 | 6-WEEK PROGRAM

    ENROLL: Register for a Class... FOR EASY REGISTRATION.   If you have any questions, please contact the administrator.

  • BAD WEATHER? Please refer to the Buncombe County School Closings.
    If schools are closed we are closed unless you hear from your instructor.

    AGILITY CLASS SCHEDULE  [to see all the classes use the bar on the right]

    AGILITY FOUNDATION
    If you are interested in agility and your dog has been in a class learning basic obedience skills this is the place to start. If you have any questions, please contact the instructor.

    START DATES:
    WEDNSDAY, MAY 22nd AT 11:00AM
    TUEDAY, MAY 28 AT 7:30-8:30PM

    Important:  New day classes will not start again until late fall!

    FIRST CLASS: Bring what motivates your dog (toy and small soft food treats) and your enthusiasm!

    LOCATION:
    ON CAMPUS | 33 Hidden Acres Dr., Asheville, NC 28806
    View Map & Directions

    INSTRUCTOR:   Susan Wilson: Day Class   Gail Hubbard:  Evening Class

    TUITION: $90 | 6-WEEK PROGRAM

    Register for a Class... FOR EASY REGISTRATION.  If you have any questions, please contact the administrator.

     

    AGILITY:   BEYOND FOUNDATION
    After your foundation class series, the group you are in tends to keep going. We encourage you to practice your homework outside of class. It is very important to keep up and enthusiastic for the next series skills. Each 6-week series builds on the other. For an example you will notice levels listed according to the AKC venue. Please contact us if you have any questions.

    DAY-TIME CLASSES:
    MONDAY MORNINGS: 
    10-11:00AM (Novice/Open) &  11:30-12:30AM (Pre-Novice) Instructor Gail Hubbard

    TUESDAY MORNINGS:  9:30 - 10:30 Novice 11:00 - 12:00  (Excellent)  &  12:30 - 1:30  (Open/Excellent) Instructor Susan Wilson

    WEDNESDAY MORNINGS:  9:30 - 10;30 AM (Excellent) &  11:00 - 12;00 (Open/Excellent) & 12:30 - 1:30 (Foundation) Instructor Susan Wilson

     
    THURSDAY MORNINGS:  10-11:00AM (Open) & 12:00 (Foundation Agility) Instructor Gail Hubbard

    EVENING CLASSES:
    MONDAY:  7:30-8:30PM (Open/excellent) Instructors Susan Wilson and Jayne Abbot
    TUESDAY:  7:30-8:30PM (Open) Instructor Gail Hubbard
    WEDNESDAY:  6-7:00PM (Novice/open) &  7:30-8:30PM (Excellent) Instructors Susan Wilson and Judy Chaet
    THURSDAY:  7:30-8:30PM (Pre-Novice) Instructor Gail Hubbard

    LOCATION:
    ON CAMPUS | 33 Hidden Acres Dr., Asheville, NC 28806
    View Map & Directions

    INSTRUCTORS: Susan Wilson, Gail Hubbard

    TUITION: $90 | 6-WEEK PROGRAM

    MULTIPLE DOG DISCOUNT:
    2 DOGS:  $75/DOG
    3 OR MORE:  $65/DOG


    PRIVATE LESSONS:
    If you have a dog that you wonder if they will do well within a class situation or your schedule doesn't work with ours above, please contact us. We offer options, one being private lessons

    If you are needing additional help because of missed classes or if you or your dog needs help with a specific sequence or obstacle, private lessons are a great way to get caught up and work individually on a certain problem area.


    Simply contact your instructor above.

  • AKC OBEDIENCE     |     AKC RALLY     |     AKC TRACKING

    [use the bar on the right to arrow down to see all the classes ]

    COMPETITIVE OBEDIENCE   –   What is it?
    Through competitive obedience training, dog owners can polish and improve their relationship with their dogs. Heel work becomes a ritual of smooth teamwork. Retrieving and jumping are fun exercises for the dog-handler team. Stays become solid and reliable regardless of where they are performed and with whom. But most of all, owners get a big kick out of competing in obedience trials and "strutting their stuff" to earn obedience titles. Obedience competition is offered by several organizations, the American Kennel Club being the most well known. There are many shows in our area in which to compete and titles may be earned at different levels.
     
    BEGINNING / NOVICE OBEDIENCE
    The foundation work for competitive obedience. At this level we will work on developing drive and attention, building teamwork and basic skills. Exercises include:  handler communication skills, dog attention to the handler,  defining heel position, heel work with attention, technically correct sit, stand and down, the front position, finishes, recalls and stays. Plus, we start teaching a reliable retrieve.

    Pre-requisites:  Basic II, SuperDogs (CGC) level of training by both dog and handler: walking on a loose leash, dog responds to sit, down, stay, come when called.

    OUR PROGRAM
    As skills are learned and polished, the student moves through various levels of classes.  New skills are added and old skills are polished to prepare for competition.   All classes are kept small, so there is adequate individual attention for each team.

    ON-GOING OBEDIENCE CLASSES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING LEVELS:

    NOVICE PLUS: 
    Polishing the Novice level skills, ring craft, plus early progressions for more advanced skills. 
    Goal: Companion Dog title

    INSTRUCTOR:  CATHERINE MILLS
    DATE:   On-going class on Thursday afternoon at 4:00 - 5:00pm

    LOCATION:    ON CAMPUS  |  33 HIDDEN ACRES DR. ASHEVILLE, NC 28806
    TUITION:    $90  |  6 lesson PROGRAM

    OPEN:
    Building on the Novice level skills by learning more skills that focus on retrieving, jumping, drop on recall, group stays with the handler out of sight. Plus polishing those heelwork skills.
    Goal: Companion Dog Excellent title

    DATE:    TBA
    LOCATION:    ON CAMPUS  |  33 HIDDEN ACRES DR. ASHEVILLE, NC 28806
    TUITION:    $90  |  6 lesson PROGRAM

    UTIITY:
    Building distance control and confidence needed for exercises beyond the Novice and Open levels.
Focus is on learning new exercises: response to handler's signals, scent discrimination, directed jumping, directed retrieve, moving stand and exam.    
    Goal:  Utility Dog title

    DATE:    TBA
    LOCATION:    ON CAMPUS  |  33 HIDDEN ACRES DR. ASHEVILLE, NC 28806
    TUITION:    $90  |  6 lesson PROGRAM
     
    RALLY OBEDIENCE [An Overview]
    Rally is a form of competitive obedience that is designed to be a little more  "user-friendly" than is traditional obedience. It is a great way to introduce a new dog and handler to the sport of competitive obedience.

    In Rally, the team follows a course along which there are numbered  'stations'.  At each station there is a card giving the team a task to perform. The dog works at heel position, but it does not need to be as exact as for traditional obedience. Points are lost from your score for errors.   Unlike traditional obedience, the handler may talk to and encourage the dog. This keeps things fun for both the dog and the handler as they build some nice teamwork and control.

    Titles are earned at three levels.  Rally Novice is all on leash.  Rally Advanced and Rally Excellent are performed off-leash and there are some more complicated exercises included at those levels.
     
    BEGINNING / NOVICE RALLY
    A 6-lesson introductory course, teaching attention at heel, defining heel position, learning the requirements for the 31 Rally Novice signs. We build up skills for running the courses and learn the more important rules.
    Pre-requisite:  Intermediate (CGC) level of obedience for both dog and handler. The dog needs to  walk on a loose leash, responds to cue for sit, down, stay and will come when called. Only dog- and people-friendly dogs in class, as we do work in close quarters.
     
    ON-GOING RALLY CLASSES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING LEVELS:

    RALLY NOVICE
    The Beginning Rally class continues as a Rally Novice class, to perfect and polish the skills learned.   Handlers learn about running courses efficiently,  more about rules and scoring.  We move to off-leash work and eventually start learning some of the more advanced signs and moves.   Goal: Rally Novice title

    DATE:    FRIDAY'S AT 9-10:00AM
    INSTRUCTOR:  MARGARET ECKERT
    LOCATION:    ON CAMPUS  |  33 HIDDEN ACRES DR. ASHEVILLE, NC 28806
    TUITION:    $90  |  6 lesson PROGRAM
     
    RALLY ADVANCED AND RALLY EXCELLENT
    Often a combined class with bi-level courses, each of these levels will work on all the 'moves' to satisfy both Advanced Excellent courses. Dogs are working off-leash. Courses are fun and challenging.
    Goal: Rally Advanced and Rally Excellent titles

    DATE: TBA
    INSTRUCTOR:  MARGARET ECKERT
    LOCATION: ON CAMPUS  |  33 HIDDEN ACRES DR. ASHEVILLE, NC 28806
    TUITION: $90  |  6 lesson PROGRAM


    AKC TRACKING [An Overview]
    In a nut-shell, tracking tests are designed to test a dog's ability to recognize and follow human scent the dog’s ability to locate and indicate any articles left on the track is what it’s all about. Every dog is born knowing how to follow a scent trail, but the challenge in this sport is getting him to follow only the one that you want him to. This is not a competitive sport; there is no score awarded - simply pass or fail. The handler must be willing and able to work outdoors with the dog in all kinds of weather. Many people start tracking with puppies because it is a non-stressful, instinctive activity for a dog, and no prior obedience training is required. Plus, the activity is relaxing and FUN!!

    YOUR INSTRUCTOR: 
    GAIL HUBBARD | gail@agooddogslife.com | 828.712.4245


    Gail first was introduced to tracking in 1997 at the West Virginia Canine College. Helping to teach bloodhounds to track after “victims” in the woods. In 1998, she moved to Asheville, North Carolina and soon went to Atlantic Beach area to pick up her first German Shepherd Dog. Madison, now 11yo, became Gail’s first tracking dog working with the North Caroline Search and Rescue Dog Association (ncsarda.org). As a public service, Gail and Madison was trained and soon became a highly successful team helping to search, locate and assist with the rescue or recovery of lost, missing or incapacitated persons.

    Important concepts of tracking were drilled and practiced weekly until Madison retired. One of the most difficult concepts to learn, understand and practice is that the dog is the only member of the team who really knows where the track is. Because of this ‘trust-your-dog’ concept, the only choice to do in an AKC test is what the dog says you should do. This important concept is why tracking is completely different from obedience or from hunt tests. The dog is in charge here and you observe and “listen” to what s/he has to tell you.

    Gail also has a Border Collie, Quinn, who does tracking. He started with fun run-outs with NCSARDA and was pretty good at it. After Madison retired, Gail started Quinn with random tracks. It only took a few Fall and Winter seasons to get hooked on the challenge of tracking. He got his Tracking Dog title pretty fast and is well on his way to passing his Tracking Dog Excellent test.

    Gail got a Parson Russell Terrier, Tayt, who began his tracking career on blacktop with Steve White's H.I.T.T. method.

    If you see Gail at the end of a long line with a Weimaraner pulling her down the field, that would be Lake.  This almost 4 year old demonstates the enthusiasm and motivation to find the articles. Her tracking career started with Steve White's H.I.T.T. method and has continued onto grass. Gail is hoping to get her certified and a TD title on her in 2013.

    You should be familiar with the AKC tracking regulations while training. If you are serious about training, you should read these rules while you begin this program. Another tip ... since our area doesn't have the national park systems that other areas do, I'd strongly suggest getting a 12-month pass to the Biltmore Estate. Their fields are easy to access and are great for training!

    To schedule a private evaluation/lesson, please contact Gail Hubbard.
    Also, a GREAT way to get started is come into a workshop. They are fun and an economical way to start tracking.

    ESTABLISHED TRACKERS ...
    GROUP TRACKING DATES:   Mark your calendars!

    Please contact me if you are interested and/or wanting to come.

    SATURDAY, APRIL 13 AT 12 Noon [CANCELLED]  

    WHAT DO I BRING?: Bring what motivates your dog and your enthusiasm!
    For example:  Dog harness, gloves (articles), water, long line ... etc.

    LOCATION: Will be at different places around our area.
    Initial meeting will be AGDL, but after that we may meet at a tracking field. Contact me if you are interested in joining a group training, 828-712-4245.

    COST:  $10 per dog

    FAVORITE PLACE TO TRACK:
    Biltmore Estates if you are serious about tracking, look into an annual pass.

 
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33 Hidden Acres Drive • Asheville, NC 28806
(828) 667-3221