Good Manners Obedience Training Classes

These 6-week sessions, delivered in a group context and using reward-training techniques, are designed to help you teach your dog the key commands that will make him/her a great pet in your home and will promote appropriate social interactions when you are away from home.

The Jock River Kennels Good Manners program consists of a Puppy Class, Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 classes, all with a focus on socialization and the development of the following:

  • The SIT command (to teach them how to focus)
  • The DOWN command (to teach them how to relax)
  • The STAND command (particularly useful for veterinary visits)
  • The COME command (to teach them to stop what they are doing and return to you)
  • The HEEL command (to teach them to appropriately walk on and off leash)
  • The OFF command (to teach them appropriate greetings)
  • The GIVE command (to teach them to release articles they may not want to part with)
  • The LEAVE IT command (particularly useful to avoid potentially harmful items)
  • The PLACE command (particularly useful for family mealtime)

As you and your pet advance through the levels, you will be reinforcing and increasing the reliability with which your dog responds to the commands by increasing duration, distance, and distractions.

Puppy Class

When your puppy leaves the comfort of its mother and litter mates to be welcomed into their new home, they require socialization to be comfortable in new environments and to keep them confident in new situations. This class allows puppies that are 8 to16 weeks of age (before they are fully vaccinated) to be exposed to new places, new people and other dogs in a safe environment. They will learn appropriate play interactions, bite inhibition, impulse control and be introduced to dog obedience commands.

Good Manners – Level 1

This class is intended for dogs over 16 weeks of age, who are fully vaccinated, and are without previous dog obedience training. Much like the Puppy Class, this session will promote socialization and introduce your pet to dog obedience commands.

Good Manners – Level 2

This class is intended for graduates of the Puppy Class or the Good Manners – Level 1 class, or dogs over 16 weeks of age, who are fully vaccinated, and with previous dog obedience training.  This session is for dog owners who are looking to develop and continue to improve their dog’s response to obedience commands.

Good Manners – Level 3

This class is intended for dog owners who wish to participate in dog obedience trials sanctioned by the Canadian Kennel Club to achieve a Pre-Companion Dog, Companion Dog or Companion Dog Intermediate title. The classroom setup will emulate that of a competition ring. Participants will learn the rules and hone the skills required to successfully meet the criteria established for the Pre-Novice, Novice or Novice Intermediate obedience trial competition levels. Classes will consist of practicing the following exercises:

  1. Heel (on or off leash, depending on the competition level)
  2. Figure 8
  3. Sit for examination
  4. Recall
  5. Group sit
  6. Group down

To learn more about the requirements related to each of the competition levels, please consult the Canadian Kennel Club’s Obedience Trial & Rally Obedience Trial Rules & Regulations.

Upcoming Classes

Location: All classes take place at the Munster Community Centre, 58 Dogwood Drive, Munster Hamlet

Cost: $145 + HST = $163.85

Schedule:

  • Puppy Class: Tuesdays – February 17 to March 31, 2026 – 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. (No lesson on March 17.)
  • Good Manners – Level 1: Tuesdays – February 17 to March 31, 2026 – 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. (No lesson on March 17.)
  • Good Manners – Level 2: Thursdays – February 19 to April 2, 2026 – 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. (No lesson on March 19.)
  • Good Manners – Level 3: Thursdays – February 19 to April 2, 2026 – 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. (No lesson on March 19.)
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