Loose Cannons

Training Club for all our FEISTY friends!

Loose Cannons is a drop-in training “club” to work on focus, self control, and relationship building skills.

First Step: Orientation

A 30 minute class teaching the foundation skills and answering questions, so you and your dog are ready to jump into the Club!

Next Step: Club Meetups

Offered at various times (and eventually locations), sign up for as many as you’d like! Practice your “public appearance” skills in safe and controlled environments 

Do you have a dog who’s a little too FIRED UP? Distracted, mouthy, jumpy, barky? Are they TOO EXCITED about the world for either of you to enjoy it? Loose Cannons will give you the tools you need to reign in your bucking bronco and reward attention, focus, and calm around distractions by using a combination of Control Unleashed games and our Barky Dog reactivity program.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: Attention games to teach your dog how to focus and keep their excitement in check; “Settle Down” games for when they need to be calm and wait in one place; “Let’s Go” games for when you need to move from point A to point B; “Red Light/Green Light” games for when you need to switch from calm to active and back. These games will help teach your dog to make better choices!

During Meetups, you’ll learn how to integrate these games into your training plans or outings — whether you’re going to the park, the vet, training classes and trials, or just around your house and neighborhood.

Are you just starting your training journey? Loose Cannons will give you a great foundation so your pup can calm their brain and learn in other group classes. Have an experienced dog who needs to work on pre-existing skills around structured distractions? Perfect! Let us know your goals and we’ll work them in!

When?

Most Thursdays at 5:30pm

Some Saturdays & Sundays at 11am

 

Where?

Canine Lifestyle Farm

Union Bridge, Maryland

Cost?

$10 for Orientation

$35 per Meetup

(Discounted packages available!)

Register now to start this Fall!

Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a basic obedience class?

Not specifically, no. It’s a club, not a class! We’re here to support and work through your goals together, and help your dog make better choices. We will learn and practice things like stay, recall, attention, and walking skills, but not in the same way a Basic Obedience class does. We’ll go at your dog’s pace and focus on their self control skills. You may want to sign up for a basic class as well, or you and your dog may prefer to learn this way!

How many dogs are in class at once?

We will keep classes at 6 or fewer dogs to keep it from being overwhelming. However we do train in a huge outdoor space so if your dog needs distance to be successful, we should be able to accomodate!

How many should I sign up for?

As many as you’d like! You’ll take home skills from your first meetup, but you’ll get the most benefit from practicing in the “club” over multiple sessions. We have packages and memberships if you’d like to join us for a month or more!

My dog barks and lunges at other dogs. Will that be okay?

Possibly! Can they eat treats and be redirected from barking and lunging with some distance or a barrier? Then that should be fine! Will the presence of dogs cause them so much stress that they won’t be able to eat and learn? Then let’s talk — we’re hoping to start a leash reactivity specific class soon, or we can refer you to a trusted colleague. 

I'm already familiar with Control Unleashed games. Can I skip the Orientation?

We’d still like to meet you and your dog if we don’t already have a relationship, to answer any questions you have and go over your goals. But if we know you from prior training with us, even with a different dog, or you’re a dog professional just coming to practice, then orientation is up to you. 

What about fearful dogs?

Much like reactive dogs, this will depend on whether your pup can be comfortable enough here to eat and learn. Control Unleashed skills are great for fearful dogs! But an outdoor, group class environment may be overwhelming. The good thing about drop-in classes is you can try one out without a major commitment to see if it’s right for you.

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Positive Reinforcement Training for Central Maryland: serving Frederick, New Market, Union Bridge, Mt. Airy, Libertytown, Sykesville, Eldersburg, and Westminster.

Home

About Us

Services

Contact Us

Positive Reinforcement Training for Central Maryland: serving Frederick, New Market, Union Bridge, Mt. Airy, Libertytown, Sykesville, Eldersburg, and Westminster.