Clicker Training & Shaping 101 - NEW!
4 sessions, 1 hour per session
This is an introductory course to using clickers to better communicate with your dog. It's a great way to help turn your dog into an enthusiastic learner! This course is designed to build and strengthen the relationship you have with your dog. Scientific research has proven that when dogs learn to offer behaviors through problem-solving techniques, their confidence builds. Many shy or nervous dogs benefit from training that allows them the freedom to discover that their choices control the outcomes in the environment. Enhance your relationship with your dog by training him in this fun class! Take your dog's training to the next level while strengthening the bond you have with him. Let us help you discover your dog's potential!

You will learn how to use the clicker in creative settings to teach your dog practical household manners as well as fun tricks! Class exercises will include controlled walking, teaching your dog to go lay down in his bed, target training (which can lead to really fun tricks!), just to name a few. We will also work on shaping fun, silly behaviors such as walking backwards and other body awareness exercises-it's like Pilates for dogs!

Here Fido! A Recall Class - NEW!
3 sessions, 1 hour per session
This class is designed to teach your dog to COME when called, no matter what! We will focus on building upon the relationship between you and your pup to strengthen recall behavior. We will introduce distractions slowly throughout each class and give you tips and tools on what to do if your pup chooses not to come when called. We will help you apply these techniques in everyday life with your dog.

Walk This Way! A Polite Leash Walking Class - NEW!

3 sessions, 1 hour per session
Does your dog drag you around your neighborhood? Does your dog lunge after a squirrel, pulling your arm out of its socket! If you are tired of racing to keep up with your dog, this is the class for you! We will show you a variety of techniques to teach your dog how to walk nicely on leash. We will also demonstrate how to use humanely-designed equipment to assist your dog in walking politely. Make your walks with your dog more fun!

Dog Park Play, A Body Language Class - NEW!
7 sessions, 1 hour per session
We will create a dog park environment in which you will observe the dogs at play. This class will teach you how to read your dog's body language and be aware of what you are saying to your dog with your body. We will observe how dogs communicate with one another by allowing the dogs in this class interact with one another.We will show you how and when to deliver consequences for poor choices made at during play. We will show you how to teach your dog to control his impulses, rather than go after a dog in an inappropriate manner. You will be able to successfully call your dog out of tense situations before he gets into trouble. By knowing what your dog is saying, you can help prevent frustration as well as keep your dog safe. No aggressive dogs and no unaltered dogs over 2 years old.

Puppy Kindergarten
6 sessions course, 1 hour per session
Puppy socialization prevents many serious behavior problems, such as aggression and fear that may develop as your pup matures. In this class, your puppy is exposed to other dogs and puppies for generalization. We allow playtime where you and your puppy will learn vital socialization skills while playing with other pups. So as to foster good temperament, other dog owners will also handle your pet. The curriculum will give you tips on socialization, household manners, housetraining, nutrition and health, crate training, nipping and biting. We introduce manners, impulse control and obedience to your puppy including: sit, down, leash work, and come. We also practice problem-prevention techniques to act as the foundation for a well-adjusted puppy.

All puppies 8 weeks to 5 months are welcome.

Basic Obedience & Good Manners I
7 sessions course, 1 hour per session
You will learn the foundation of basic manners for dogs. This class is designed for dogs that have had no prior training or were unsuccessful at previous training attempts. It also builds on the skills learned in Puppy Kindergarten. We will discuss polite behavior, jumping, barking, nipping and house soiling. Your dog will learn impulse control and calm behaviors to help you feel more in control. This class will also take basic obedience commands—such as sit, wait, stay, down, come, walk nicely, no jumping up, leave-it—and teach you how to apply them to daily life with your dog. We use positive, creative techniques to teach your dog how to think and how to make good choices. These techniques help build confidence in your dog while forging a trusting bond between you and your pup. All puppies 7 months and up are welcome.

Basic Obedience & Good Manners II
7 sessions course, 1 hour per session
This course is the next step in the development of a well-mannered and well-socialized pet. The focus of the course is on the continuance of Basic Obedience I and emphasizes reliability and working with distractions. We take impulse control to the next level. Your dog will learn to confidently perform behaviors without the crutch of a treat in your hand. Included in the curriculum are heeling with turns/pace changes, long down stay, long sit stay, recall with distractions, sitting politely for petting, accepting a friendly stranger and specific behavior problem solving. We use positive, creative techniques to teach your dog how to think and how to make good choices. These techniques help build confidence in your dog while reinforcing a trusting bond between you and your pup.

Trick Training
1 time class, 2-hour session
Trick training is a great way to enjoy your canine companion! At the same time, you are stimulating your dog's mind and helping to build its confidence! Tricks are a creative outlet for your dog. It's perfect for dogs 6 months and up. Tricks will include Big bear, Little bear, Twirl, Are you shy, Speak, Shell game, Smell it-find it, Roll over,  Take a bow, Doggie pushups, Bang, you're dead, Shame on you, Crawl, The seal, Free shaping. Some previous obedience training is helpful. Be sure to bring a hungry dog and delicious treats!

Behavior Problem Solving
Excessive barking, destructive chewing, housetraining, separation anxiety, shyness, fear, poor manners and more. 

Aggression
Leash lunging, aggression towards people and/or other dogs, food aggression (resource guarding), possession aggression, territorial aggression, body-handling issues.

Baby Makes Four
Whether the new addition has already arrived or you are still expecting, there is so much that could and should be done to prepare your dog for the new baby. We offer pre-baby and post-baby consultations, providing you with information and exercises to help your canine companion feel more comfortable with all the changes that come with having a baby. This work can help prevent future issues that could arise.

Private Session
This kind of individual attention is great for behavioral modification or those that need more flexibility in scheduling. You can work with us to design a program that is right for you and your dog. We will travel to most areas, but additional fees may apply.

Dog Run Etiquette
Does your pup have poor dog run manners? Does your dog regularly get into arguments and fights at the dog run? Do you feel pressure from other dog owners at the dog run? Let us help you teach your dog proper dog run etiquette!

We use positive, creative techniques to teach your dog how to think and how to make good choices. We will show you how and when to deliver consequences for poor choices made at the dog run. We will show you how to teach your dog to control his impulses, rather than go after a dog in an inappropriate manner. You will be able to successfully call your dog out of tense situations before he gets into trouble. These techniques will teach your dog to be more responsive to you while forging a trusting bond between you and your pup. We work with you and your dog holistically so as to achieve fun escapades at the dog run for the long term.

Our Dog Run Etiquette service is offered as private sessions. We will come to you and work with you in your local dog run.

Dog Finder
Need help finding a dog best matched for your family? Do you need a dog that can keep up with your lifestyle? We can help you do that. With years of experience in animal placement at shelters and with rescue groups, we have the tools and experience to find the dog or puppy that’s right for you! Whether you want to go to a shelter or a breeder, let us help you find that perfect pup. Services include interviewing you (and family), traveling to pick out the dog, and performing an evaluation. Rates range due to traveling distance, please call for further information.

Temperament Testing/Behavior Evaluation
When adopting a dog, you may not know its history. This is why temperament testing is important. It allows you to learn the dog's strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes, and what kind of home would best suit it. By learning about the dog's personality, training becomes one step easier. When it comes time to adopt a dog or puppy, Divine K-9 can help you pick out the best dog for your lifestyle. Understanding your pet will facilitate a smooth transition into your new life together. An evaluation includes a 60-90 minute interview, the actual evaluation, a written report documenting the history and observations, and our recommendations.

COMPETITION AGILITY CLASSES:

Agility Foundations (Competition) - Level 1
5 sessions, 1 hour per session
This class is designed for those dog-person teams that plan to compete in Agility. Dog and handler will learn basic foundation skills, including focus through distraction, obedience, and motivation. We will play impulse control games to help the handler have success and control in the ring. We will teach dogs body awareness and shadow handling. We will begin to introduce the dogs to some of the equipment, including jumps and the tunnel. The dogs will learn to feel comfortable on foundation equipment that will lead to training on the teeter, A-frame, and dog walk. The dogs will learn foundation steps for solid contacts. This class is designed for dog and handler teams that are just starting out in Agility, handlers that have just adopted a new puppy and want to start out on the right foot, and for those competing teams that need to “fix” certain behaviors in their dog.

This class only meets in our Putnam County location, 1 hour north of Manhattan.  

Agility Foundations (Competition) - Level 2
5 sessions, 1 hour per session
This class is the next step to Agility foundation training for competition. We will work on handling skills, contact games, one-jump exercises, and shape Weave Poles. We will practice simple sequences incorporating skills learned. Distraction-training will play a significant part of this class. This class is designed for competing teams that need to “fix” certain behaviors in their dog, and dog and handler teams currently competing in Beginners and Intermediate levels.

**Pre-requisite: Agility Foundations - Level 1.**
This class only meets in our Putnam County location, 1 hour north of Manhattan.

Skills & Drills for the Oldsters
5 sessions, 1 hour per session
This is the class for the adolescent dogs or the dogs in need of some polishing - we will focus on contact work, one jump exercises, focus with distractions, simple sequences & handling, and teaching/polishing weave poles. Exercises will be geared to the level of the dogs in class. This class should be repeated as necessary.

High Level Proofing for Competition
5 sessions, 1 hour per session
This class will start with a series of impulse control games... then take them to the highest levels so the dog can work through any distraction! Included will be contacts, weaves, start lines, tables, handling, etc. We will also uncover and fix any training "holes" you might be seeing. This class is only appropriate for dogs who are competing and/or getting ready to compete. This class should be repeated as necessary.

Beginner Handling Series, Part 1
5 sessions, 1 hour per session
Emphasis for this class will be flatwork and shadow handling. We will introduce distraction work at this early level of training. Susan Salo’s jump grids will be utilized to teach dogs how to jump based on muscle memory and understanding. We will also start working on One-Jump exercises. This class is great for those just starting out in agility or are looking to fill in “holes” in the dog’s understanding.

Beginner Handling Series, Part 2
5 sessions, 1 hour per session
This class is the next step in this handling series. We will continue with One-Jump exercises teaching front crosses, rear crosses, 180s, 270s, threadles, lateral distance, and serpentines. We will continue with more of Susan Salo’s jump grid work (she has so many grids!) Distraction work with be prevalent throughout. We will also start putting these skills into patterns and short sequences. Teams will learn about driving lines and turn cues. This class is great for those just starting out in agility or are looking to fill in “holes” in the dog’s understanding.

Beginner Handling Series, Part 3
5 sessions, 1 hour per session
This is the final step in the beginner handling series. We will spend time on Greg Derrett’s Double Box exercises, allowing you to practice every handling skill you will see in the ring. We will continue with more advanced grids designed by Susan Salo. Your dogs will learn directionals. This class is great for those just starting out in agility or are looking to fill in “holes” in the dog’s understanding. Dogs that are competing at any level are welcome. 

One Jump Exercises - NEW!
Do you have a young dog who needs to learn about handling? Do you have an experienced dog who needs to learn how to turn better, drive over jumps, improve start lines, etc? This is the series for you!

Come and learn the One Jump exercises to teach your dogs brilliant understanding and speed on course. We will be covering focus, building value, start lines, driving over jumps, lateral distance, turns, crosses, serpentines, threadles, etc. This class is suitable for dogs from 8 months old to competing adults--perfect Winter activity for your living room!

Lead Outs & Openings - NEW!
This class will focus on how to handle the openings of courses (first 5 to 8 obstacles)  - how to pick clear & consistent lead out positions, how to get the dog to understand your positional cues, course analysis, teaching the dog to focus forward and drive lines, motivating the dog at the start, and solidifying your dog's start line stay.

This class is best suited for dogs over one year of age who are either already competing or almost ready to compete at the Novice level. Also welcome to participate are dog & handler teams competing at the higher levels who want to create better lead out understanding!

Starters/Novice Handling

5 sessions, 1 hour per session

This handling class is designed for dogs who are getting ready to trial or have just started trialing. We will finish obstacle skills and practice handling & sequencing challenges. The class is also good for youngsters who are still finishing contacts, weaves & teamwork focus. This class should be repeated as necessary.

Advanced/Open Handling

5 sessions, 1 hour per session

This handling class is designed for dogs currently finishing Starters/Novice or Advanced/Open titles and getting ready for Advanced/Excellent/Masters. You will analyze, walk through courses, and then have an opportunity to execute the best plan with your dog. This class should be repeated as necessary.

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