Dog Training at Pet Camp San Francisco
Pet Camp has been offering Camper Cadets Levels 1 and 2 for many years. These programs were designed as introductory dog training to get campers and pet parents started on the right foot when it comes to dog training: basic skills taught using only positive reinforcement. To be candid, Camper Cadets implemented in this manner was good – but it wasn’t good enough.
Pet Camp is adding 2 additional levels of Camper Cadets (are you surprised that we called them Camper Cadets Levels 3 and 4?) AND introducing TWO new dog training programs designed exclusively for on-leash walking.
Camper Cadets Level 1
As a reminder, Camper Cadets Level 1 is focused on building the foundation for better everyday manners focusing on essential skills your dog needs to be successful, and as the name implies, building the foundation for future dog training. Camper Cadets Level 1 works on sit, down, recall, touch, and safe handling skills. These are not just “tricks.” They are practical behaviors that help dogs pay attention, respond to guidance, and move more calmly through everyday situations, and even make visits to the bather/groomer and veterinarian safer and less stressful (to both you and your dog).
Camper Cadets Level 2
Camper Cadets Level 2 builds upon the skills learned in Camper Cadets Level 1 and introduces behaviors that require more focus and self-control, including drop it, leave it, stay, leash walking skills, and polite human greetings. These skills are especially useful for dogs living in an active urban environment, where distractions, people, dogs, sidewalks, and shared spaces are part of daily life.
“Sit” and “stay” from Camper Cadets Level 1 and 2!
Camper Cadets Level 3
Camper Cadets Level 3 is Pet Camp’s version of Urban Fitness (think boot camp in Dolores Park, but for your dog). The skills taught in Camper Cadets Level 3 are push-ups, stand, back-up, step-up on a platform, learning left & right, and going through a handler’s legs from the front and the back. The goal of Camper Cadets Level 3 is to increase both physical and cognitive learning through skills that require more physical adroitness and mental acuity so that both pet parents and dogs are more prepared for the challenges of an urban environment. Of course, these skills are also way cool and a blast to show off.
Camper Cadets Level 4
Finally, at least for now, Camper Cadets Level 4 takes all of your dog’s training to the streets (sort of) as we add a series of distractions that show your dog is ready for the “real world,” and we add stimuli and variables your dog is likely to face when out and about.
“Step up” and “advanced touch” from Camper Cadets Level 1 and 2!
Happy Trails
Our Happy Trails dog training, which can be taken in combination with or separate from Camper Cadets, is designed to get your dog ready for leash walking around San Francisco. Happy Trails levels 1 and 2 are 6-days each of leash training designed to get you and your dog safely and happily walking about San Francisco. We will work on setting your dog up for success by focusing on getting your dog to both follow your lead AND wait for your lead. Your dog will learn to follow your path of travel via U-turns and wait for you before exiting a door or crossing a threshold. As your dog progresses, we will add distractions to ensure that your dog is ready for a stroll down San Francisco’s busy sidewalks.
“Polite human greetings” from Happy Trails!
At Pet Camp we understand that learning – for both you and your dog – is a lifelong process. We’ll continue to add to our dog training options as well as our canine enrichment programs. If you have specific training or enrichment needs for your dog – let us know! Just because we don’t have a formal program addressing your specific concern does not mean we can’t make something custom just for your dog.
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Pet Camp has been providing award winning care for San Francisco’s dogs and cats since 1997. If you are a pet parent in the San Francisco Bay Area in need of dog day care, overnight care for your dog or cat, pet transportation, dog training or bathing/grooming give us a call and speak with a counselor.