Step obedience is a training program that lets you and your dog proceed at your own schedule and your own pace. Unlike standard group classes that meet on a fixed schedule and have a standard curriculum, step obedience programs let you work with a trainer at your dog's level of accomplishment and then proceed to a higher step as your performance improves.
Our program has four steps, beginning with very basic obedience, and culminating in the Canine Good Citizen program. You and your dog move from step to step as you complete specific training goals. You can stay at each step as long as you wish, attend one or more than one class a week, or skip weeks when you have a schedule conflict. The decision is yours!
Why step rather than a regular class?
Regular group training classes meet each week on a fixed schedule. That doesn't always work for busy families! A business meeting, a soccer tournament or a bad cold can prevent you from attending class. You then risk falling behind and being unable to accomplish all of your training goals.
Standard classes also must follow a fixed curriculum and introduce new behaviors each week. If you are having trouble with a particular behavior, or if you and your dog already know it, you are stuck with the "pack" instead of being able to work at your own pace.
Step classes solve these problems by giving you the flexibility to attend or skip class as you need to, as long as you complete the program within the established time period. And you can move ahead when you and your dog are ready, rather than having to wait for others.
Cyan and Linda climbed the training steps and were certified as Delta Society Pet Partners, qualified to visit hospitals, nursing homes and other facilities to bring joy to people. You and your dog can too!
How does it work?
You buy a punch card good for a specific number of sessions, with a time limit. You can purchase online, call us to order, or pick one up at Abby's Dog Depot. Currently, our program offers a 6-session Basic Package, good for 3 months and a 12-session Value Package good for 6 months. (We also have a 4-session, 2-month Brushup Package for dogs that previously have attended our group or private training programs.) This system makes step classes more economical for you; the more you train, the more you save!
You attend a free orientation session, without your dog, to get information on the program and some exercises to practice at home.
You bring your dog to at least one Step 1 class, where we help you evaluate the dog's level of training. You then proceed from step to step with the assistance of your trainers until you reach your goal.
Step classes meet both on weekday evenings and on Saturdays, to meet your schedule. You can attend any session for the step on which you are working.
