ALL of our classes include appropriate socialization (this varies greatly depending on class/level of training), obedience skills, puppy/dog education, behavior management, and handler/guardian education. Classes are six weeks long unless otherwise noted and fill quickly. Once we receive your completed registration, copy of your dog's vaccine records, and payment, we will reserve your place in class.
Puppy Preschool (up to 16 wks of age)
Puppy preschool should be first on your list when bringing home your new pup. So what's the point of puppy preschool? Why shouldn't you just jump into obedience training? Well, if you are lucky enough to get your puppy while they are under 16 weeks of age, I implore you to start with puppy preschool. Pups under this age are still in their critical socialization period. They're learning about the world around them, what's normal and what isn't. In puppy preschool, your pup will learn how to interact appropriately with other dogs, be introduced to things in the physical environment so that they take new experiences in stride as they mature, learn to be confident with handling and grooming (your vet will thank you for this!), as well as being exposed to different surfaces, noises, and smells. A puppy that learns that the world is a safe place, that strangers don't mean any harm, that other dogs are not scary, and that they can trust you to keep them safe will create a foundation that will make everything you do with him throughout the rest of his life exponentially easier.
Puppy Foundations (16 wks to 12 months of age)
Puppy Foundations picks up where puppy preschool stops. In this class, pups are ready to begin learning how to live in our world, what our expectations are, and how to become a treasured member of our family. Both you and your dog learn the "language" for communicating with each other so that you know what your puppy needs and your pup understands what you want from them (yes, we do speak two different languages). Pups in this class learn the basics of sit, down, come, and stay, along with beginning leash skills, doorway protocols, and more. Behavior challenges will be addressed weekly. The American Kennel Club's (AKC) S.T.A.R. Puppy test will be administered during the final week of class (week six) for those who have met the criteria and have chosen to register their dog with full registration or as a Canine Partner (mixed breeds or those without AKC registration documents). Puppies who pass this test can receive their very first TITLE from the AKC (we will help you navigate that process if you so choose).
Life Skills
This 6-week class was designed to benefit dogs over one year of age and at all obedience levels. For dogs that have had limited (or no) prior training, it is a good introduction to learning patience and impulse control, as well as learning how to be around other people and dogs without being reactive. For those that have completed puppy class, it is all of the above AND the natural next step in continuing their socialization and training, whether your goal for them is to continue on the Therapy Dog path or to simply develop and mold them into a great family pet. During this class, dogs learn more about leash respect, strengthen their obedience skills (sit, stay, down, come, off, leave it), and how to politely greet people. The handler learns how to seek out things/experiences that will continue to mold their pup into a confident and resilient dog, how to read the body language of not only their own dog, but (many times more importantly) that of dogs they may encounter, the importance of enrichment activities, and how to continue to increase impulse control long after class ends.
AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC)
Riley’s Angels offers the AKC Canine Good Citizen course (our trainers are evaluators for the AKC). The class offers a structured training model for clients to test for the CGC at conclusion of the training. It also allows pet owners to evaluate their training to get an idea of their dog’s strengths and weaknesses and focuses on basic obedience and comfortability with other dogs, people, and distractions. “Not only does CGC training create long-lasting trust between you and your pup, but also ensures you’ll be good neighbors and friends to everyone around you,” (AKC, 2020). This class is offered regularly and is great for creating a well-rounded pup. Dogs must take the class AND pass all 10 items on the CGC test to be considered for the next courses (Therapy Dog Prep & TD Cert.). The CGC class runs for six weeks and includes the the Canine Good Citizen evaluation for those who have registered their dog with the American Kennel Club (Canine Good Citizen is a TITLE).
Riley's Angels Therapy Dog Prep
Suitability for therapy work requires a combination of learned behaviors and mastery of skills and is at least partially dependent upon many factors, including the dog’s individual temperament, coachability of the handler, and perceived enjoyment of the work. This short prep course provides an introduction to the beginning stages of the TD training requirements including, but not limited to, comfort in the presence of medical equipment, tolerance of both visual and auditory distractions, and an orientation to specific commands inherent in providing therapy. This provides an ongoing evaluation of each team (dog and handler) that, in addition to an individual evaluation and interview, results in a go/no go decision regarding invitation to the comprehensive TD course. Course runs four weeks.
Riley’s Angels Therapy Dog Course
Riley’s Angels Therapy Dog course is unlike other training classes. We focus on experiential learning in this course, as we offer limited classroom training; most classes are held onsite with our community partners. Therapy dogs in training will work alongside certified dogs and trainers while learning the skills they need to be successful working therapy dogs. The class runs 12 weeks and includes' three unique customized formal test evaluations (we use a third party for testing to eliminate bias). Once certified by the Alliance of Therapy Dogs (a nationwide leader in TD certification), each team will be invited to join our current TD teams (over 100 teams currently) as we serve those in our local communities through our volunteer activities/visits. This certification also provides $5 million liability coverage for each team; while we have never had an incident with one of our teams during the many years we have been training, this is still a critical consideration in today's environment. Teams must have successfully completed CGC and the TD Prep course, as well as been individually interviewed and invited to join an upcoming training cohort.
Specialty Seminars, Workshops, & Events
We offer specialized seminar and workshops. Depending on the topic and prerequisites, these might be open to only our Therapy Dog teams, to anyone who has completed a previous class with Riley's Angels, or even to the general public. There are new topics being added routinely, but listed are some of the topics we have offered or are planning to offer:
Riley’s Angels Therapy Dog Outreach and Community Service
Riley’s Angels is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit and we would love to be involved with your organization! Select handlers and dogs are invited to work on our specialized therapy dog teams to engage in the community alongside our trainers. Past programs have included elementary reading programs, physical and occupational therapy assistance, nursing home and hospital visitations, regular visits to the Ohio Veterans Home, church events, high school de-stress days, community events and gatherings, college campus assistance, disaster relief, and mental health outreach, to name a few. If you or someone you know is holding an event or is looking for a regularly scheduled program, please reach out to learn about our customized programming!