| Shadowland Obedience |
Shadowland offers a range of obedience and agility classes. We have been teaching classes professionally in Oskaloosa since 1993. Our Beginner Obedience classes have evolved over the years to develop a comprehensive and challenging class that sets the owner and dog up for success each step of the way. Through positive reinforcement, 'Marking' and Rewarding Behavior the dog becomes secure in his place in the home while building the human/canine bond. Knowing what to do when behavior issues occur allows owners to reinforce good behavior while fading undesirable behavior. Helping to keep dogs in their homes forever is one of our primary goals! Julie McVay heads the Instruction of classes with Lead Instructor: Shannon De Penning. Julie is an APTD Member and continues her education in training methods and new techniques. We also have an experienced core of Assistants who sometimes help with classes or teach additional classes. Shadowland Kennels is also home to Shadowmyst Labradors. Shadowmyst Labradors compete in several performance events including Obedience, Agility, Hunt Tests and Conformation. |
Goals: Our Beginners class is an 7 week course designed to meet 4 primary goals by the end of the 7 weeks. Walking on a loose lead (not pulling), coming when called, staying when told to stay and leadership. These are the four basic tools an owner needs to have a well behaved dog. Our class uses many exercises, motivational, reward based concepts to help attain these goals. Leadership, rewards, behavior marking and connected energy are emphasized as the foundation for building a balanced relationship with your dog. |
| For class informational packet, including registration form, please access our information on the right of this page. If you cannot access this information by internet, call or email us and we can email or snail mail the information. |
| All dogs must be up to date on vaccinations and parasite free (have a negative fecal exam) prior to coming to class. |
Read General Instructions for the class. |
Read information about Housetraining |
Word document- Registration form |
| Intermediate Obedience: Shadowland also offers an Intermediate Level Class periodically. This class is a continuation of Beginners class and designed to get more control with your dog and develop a working relationship beyond basics that includes teaching TRICKS and incorporating play. You must have graduated from beginners and/or be able to pass a series of test exercises to go into Intermediate. Figure 8's, finishes, turns in place, off leash stays and recalls are some of the exercises covered. We also teach TRICKS in this class as a way to reward and motivate the dog. This is a good class to attend if you are interested in competition obedience or just improving your dogs on and off leash control as well as have a blast training. We highly recommend this for dogs that thrive on training and/or need a continuation of routine training. This class is usually a 5 week session and the cost is $75.00. Please email Julie to add your name to the email list for notification about upcoming Intermediate Obedience Classes and Agility sessions. We also offer 4 week Rally Obedience Classes occasionally. This class is a great equivilant to an Intermediate class! Email to Join us! Check our Class Schedule! |
| Methods: The class is a step by step, positive, motivational approach and each week lays the foundation for the next week's lesson. Progressions are easily accepted by dog and owner since they are gradual and the owner can always go back a step if necessary. Marker words, food, play or toy rewards, games, praise and release are used to help the dog quickly grasp new exercises. Because exercises are broken into sequences and small steps, the dog and handler are put in a position to succeed. Confidence, respect and trust grow mutually between dog and handler each week as we emphasize the human/dog connection. The end result is a dog that respects and trusts his owner, understands the exercises and an owner who knows what to do if the trained dog ignores a command. Class packet is given at first session and added to each week. Dogs should come to class on a snugly fit, flat buckle collar and a 6 ft leash. When: Beginner sessions are held 4 times per year. Normally we have classes beginning in January, March or April, June, and September. Our usual schedule is Tuesday night classes. |
Class Size, Ages and Cost: Class size is limited to about 12. Puppies as young as 8 weeks can attend classes. (as long as they have had a vet visit, current vaccinations and deworming) Upon finishing the class, you will receive a certificate of completion. 7 week Beginners Class is $120.00. THIS CLASS USUALLY SPLITS INTO TWO SESSIONS. One at 6:30 and one at 8:00. We encourage owners to begin classes as soon as possible. Your dog is learning as soon as you bring them home and it's always best to start the right way! |
Want to get started before the Beginners class with your puppy? We sometimes offer puppy classes -Check the class schedule! This fun, social class is a great way to give your puppy a head start before coming to the Beginners class OR may be all you need to get off on the right foot with your new puppy. Puppies must be under the age of 5 months at start of class. (if you have a very small breed, you may register up to 6 months of age.) Please email Julie for registration and other information packet about this class. |
NEXT BEGINNERS CLASS : OUR SUMMER Session will be a Shortened version of 5 weeks for our Beginners Class. These will NOT be consecutive weeks. Please check the class schedule for dates to be sure you can attend. Class size is limited! You may attend the first night's K-9 Basics Seminar only (without dogs) for $30.00/family. 5 Week class-$100.00 THIS SESSION WILL NOT BE SPLIT INTO TWO SESSIONS - WE WILL ONLY HAVE ONE CLASS AT 7 PM. PLEASE EMAIL JULIE FOR INFORMATION IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE DATES AND SHE WILL SEND A SUMMER SESSION COVER LETTER WITH THE DATES. You will need to email Julie to get a Registration form for this class since it is not our regular 7 week session. |
Our K-9 Basics Seminar is the format for the first night of Beginners. K-9 Basics is a 2 hour demo and lecture seminar. No dogs this night. All the stuff you need to know to get started now! Biting, chewing, jumping, housetraining and the first week of Class homework. Make a connection with your dog! Learn how to build a conditioned response to look at you when you say their name. Learn how to make them want to listen! Cost is $30.00 if you attend this night as a stand alone session. Otherwise, it is included as the first night of Beginners. Class Packet Included. |
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