AKC Fit Dog Training: Level 1
Six-Week Course (1-hour classes)
Taught by AKC FIT DOG Certified Instructor, Wendy MacKenzie CPDT-KA
Created for dogs who have already taken Puppy or Beginner Obedience
$250
A fitness-focused class that helps healthy, active dogs get into better mental and physical shape.
Bark-A-Bout’s AKC Fit Dog: Level 1 Training Class will teach proper form and safety while doing various fitness exercises aimed to improve your dog’s balance, flexibility, stamina, and overall body fitness.
Improvements within these areas can help your dog prevent future injuries, and many exercises taught in class also double as cute crowd-pleasing tricks!
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Attending Bark-A-Bout’s 6-week Level 1 Fit Dog Training Class makes your dog eligible for points towards their AKC FIT DOG Titles!
Developed by the American Kennel Club, the AKC Fit Dog Program is taught by Bark-A-Bout’s AKC Certified Fit Dog Instructor, Wendy MacKenzie, CPDT-KA, with over 20 years of dog training experience.
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Physical Benefits:
Strength & Flexibility
Improved muscle strength and flexibility for better physical performance.
Cardiovascular Health
Enhanced heart health and endurance through cardio exercises.
Balance & Coordination
Better spatial awareness and movement control from balance training.
Injury Prevention
Reduced risk of injuries by building strength and flexibility.
Longevity
Promotes a healthier, more vital life as dogs age.
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Emotional and Behavioral Benefits
Strengthens the Owner-Dog Bond
Mastering exercises together builds self-assurance, boosts confidence and enhances trust.
Improves Emotional Well-Being
Through physical variety and mental enrichment we prevent monotony, reduce stress, and build confidence.
Supports A Balanced Behavior
Minimizes unwanted behaviors due to boredom by providing an outlet for energy.
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ENROLL IN OUR AKC FIT DOG TRAINING: LEVEL 1 CLASS TODAY!
AKC Fit Dog: Level 1 FAQ’s
How old does my dog have to be to enjoy an AKC Fit Dog: Level 1 Training Class, and are there pre-requisites?
AKC Fit Dog Training Classes are tailored to dogs 5 months and older.
Each dog must have already taken a Puppy or Beginner Training Class. Dogs and humans must already know about training with treats and positive rewards using luring, capturing, and shaping techniques and be able to focus during class. Dogs must be friendly showing no sign of reactive/aggression! This class is designed for healthy, active dogs. This class IS NOT for dogs in need of rehabilitation or physical therapy, or dogs with prior injuries, post-surgery or in pain.
If you have questions as to whether a Fit Dog Training Class is right for you and your pup, please call Bark-A-Bout at (586)566-8900.
What physical and emotional benefits will my dog gain from Bark-A-Bout's Fit Dog: Level 1 Class?
Physical Benefits:
Strength & Flexibility
Improved muscle strength and flexibility for better physical performance.
Cardiovascular Health
Enhanced heart health and endurance through cardio exercises.
Balance & Coordination
Better spatial awareness and movement control from balance training.
Injury Prevention
Reduced risk of injuries by building strength and flexibility.
Longevity
Promotes a healthier, more vital life as dogs age.
.
Emotional and Behavioral Benefits
Strengthens the Owner-Dog Bond
Mastering exercises together builds self-assurance, boosts confidence and enhances trust.
Improves Emotional Well-Being
Through physical variety and mental enrichment we prevent monotony, reduce stress, and build confidence.
Supports A Balanced Behavior
Minimizes unwanted behaviors due to boredom by providing an outlet for energy.
What does Bark-A-Bout's Fit Dog Training Class cover, and what will we learn?
FIT DOG TRAINING 6-WEEK CLASS ITINERARY:
Bark-A-Bout’s Fit Dog Training Class is a fun and fitness-focused class that helps healthy, active dogs get into better mental and physical shape!
Each class includes a warm-up exercise, a cardio component, two or more strength exercises, and a cool down. We begin by training each skill to fluency on a flat surface. Once mastered, we increase the level of difficulty by challenging different parts of the dog’s body by using fitness props. Teaching any new skill to a dog will target their mental fitness, and by navigating new equipment we boost dog’s confidence and proprioception skills.
WRITTEN HANDOUTS:
7-Page Owner’s Manual, Behavior Handouts and Weekly Homework handouts
SKILLS LEARNED:
Nose Touch
Tuck Sit
Front Paw Targeting
Shake Paw
Cookie Stretches
Kick Back Stand
Spin Left / Right
Fold Back Down / Stand
There will be an evaluation of all skills learned on Week 6. Upon successful completion of the evaluation, your dog will earn the AKC Fit Dog: Level 1 Certificate.
Is a classroom setting appropriate for my dog?
We understand that dogs may be unpredictable when placed into new environments. Please use your best judgement to determine if your dog will be comfortable in a classroom setting surrounded by new dogs and new people. If your dog is very fearful, anxious or vocal, our classroom setting may not be the best choice for your training needs.
How do I register my dog for Bark-A-Bout's Fit Dog Training Class?
PLEASE CLICK ON AN AVAILABLE CLASS LISTED ABOVE. A pop-up will appear with directions. Please create a Customer Portal if your dog does not already have one, and be sure to sign all waivers in the portal. Once you have created a Portal for your dog and signed the waivers, please call up Bark-A-Bout to give FULL PAYMENT for your class. A Bark-A-Bout receptionist will be happy to help you and complete your payment transaction.
NON-NEGOTIABLE REFUND POLICY: Full payment is due at the time of class registration. In following social distancing guidelines, limited student count is required. Due to tight restrictions on class size, full refunds will only be issued for cancellations made more than 24 hours prior to the start of class. For cancellations made within the 24-hour window prior to the start of class, $60 will be deducted from your refund. Once class starts, no refunds will be issued.
About Bark-A-Bout's Trainer, Wendy MacKenzie, CPDT-KA
Wendy MacKenzie
Proudly uses ONLY positive, rewards-based training methods.
Wendy believes all pets should enjoy the training process. This will lead to a happier, more confident and well-adjusted pet.
Wendy’s Accreditations & Certifications:
– Dog Obedience Trainer (20 years)
– Educated 4,000+ dogs/owners of all breeds/ages, including blind, deaf and special-needs dogs.
– Association of Pet Dog Trainers – CPDT-KA Certified
– Pet Professionals Guild Member (Fear-free, Pain-free, Force-free group)
– American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Evaluator (AKC/CGC)
– Owned her own Obedience Training facility (3 years)
– Learned about dogs internally as a Veterinarian Surgical Assistant. (3 years)
What vaccinations are required for my dog?
To ensure the safety of all dogs participating in class, each dog is required to be vaccinated for the vaccines listed below. To ensure your dog has met all vaccination requirements, we require you to submit all vaccine documentation prior to the start of class by either uploading them to your dog’s Customer Portal, emailing them to medical@barkabout.net, or faxing them to (586)685-7040. Please include your pet’s full name and your contact information.
Required:
— Bordetella (Click here for non-negotiable waiting period requirements)
— DHLPP (Puppies are required to have a minimum of 2 in the series before beginning class)
— Rabies (By 6 months of age)
— A negative Fecal Screening
— 2 Influenza bivalent vaccines
What do I bring to class?
WHAT TO BRING TO CLASS:
1.) PROOF OF PURCHASE OF CLASS:
If you have a receipt or print-out of your proof of purchase of the class, please bring it with you to class.
2.) AGE-APPROPRIATE VACCINATION RECORDS:
To ensure the safety of all dogs participating in class, each dog is required to be vaccinated for the vaccines listed below. To ensure your dog has met all vaccination requirements, we require you to submit all vaccine documentation prior to the start of class by either uploading them to your dog’s “Customer Portal“, emailing them to medical@barkabout.net, or faxing them to (586)789-9711. Please include your pet’s full name and your contact information.
Required:
— Bordetella (Click here for non-negotiable waiting period requirements)
— DHLPP (Puppies are required to have a minimum of 2 in the series before beginning class)
— Rabies (By 6 months of age)
— A negative Fecal Screening
— 2 Influenza bivalent vaccines
3.) A POTTIED, HUNGRY AND EXERCISED DOG
4.) 5-6 FOOT REGULAR LEASH
Please bring your dog to class on a REGULAR 5-6′ leash. No retractable leashes or choke/prong collars permitted.
5.) TRAINING BAG FULL OF SOFT CHEWABLE TREATS:
We ask that you have a fanny-pack style training bag and tiny soft treats. A bully stick is also helpful to keep your dog settled.
**Bark-A-Bout sells leashes, fanny-pack style treat bags, and a wide selection of chewable treats and incentive toys in our Pet Boutique for your convenience.
Can more than one person come to class with the dog?
We require one person from your family to handle your dog during class time, but highly encourage all family members who are appropriate age to attend/observe.
What happens if I've already started taking a class, and now I need to be absent for a week?
Class duration is kept short to accommodate busy schedules. Please plan accordingly as we build on behaviors and skills each week. Meanwhile, please speak to Bark-A-Bout’s Dog Trainer to discuss your absence.
What is your return policy if I want to cancel my registration?
NON-NEGOTIABLE REFUND POLICY: Full payment is due at the time of class registration. In following social distancing guidelines, limited student count is required. Due to tight restrictions on class size, full refunds will only be issued for cancellations made more than 24 hours prior to the start of class. For cancellations made within the 24-hour window prior to the start of class, $60 will be deducted from your refund. Once class starts, no refunds will be issued.
What are your social distancing guidelines?
To minimize possible exposure to Covid-19, Bark-A-Bout strictly adheres to all CDC Guidelines regarding social distancing and mask mandates. As of May 15, 2021, masks are not required of vaccinated individuals. Hand sanitizer will be provided. Please visit here for further details.