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
... 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
... 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
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
... 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
... FOR EASY REGISTRATION. Select the FAST TRACK option as your course choice.









