About Ohana Dog Training

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Clicker training is a type of precise tool used in positive reinforcement training that can allow you to train specific behaviors at a distance from your dog.  Clicker training is very useful in the field obedience class and prepares your dog for future classes like sports. 

The minimum age for this class is 1 year because the CGC field class stresses distraction training and builds on the level of confidence gained from the Beginner and CGC basics. This outside class involves lots of noises and movement and having other dogs nearby. For this type of training, the dog should be mature enough to handle distractions. There is also a developmental fear period in dogs at around 10 months that can cause some dogs to react oddly to common distractions, like a mechanical toy. For this reason, it is important that dog owners be aware of this stage and be willing to work through this period with their dogs. 

There are several diseases for which all dogs should be protected against. Rabies is a zoonotic disease (meaning it can be passed from animals to people) and can be fatal to both. Parvo virus is an extremely tough virus that can live almost anywhere in the environment for years. When contracted by a dog, it destroys the dog’s intestines, often leading to death. Since this class is outdoors in nature, there is no guarantee of virus free spaces. Yearly Bordetella vaccines and the Canine Influenza vaccine are highly recommended. Please send us a photocopy which you will upload when registering. Once you’ve sent in one copy, you only need to send us updates. 

We use positive reinforcement training in this class. We start off by setting you and your dog up for success and rewarding the dog for the right behavior. The key is to define, in black and white, the exact behavior the dog should be doing and to associate that behavior with lots of rewards. The dog figures it out, the tail wags, and an understanding between the dog and the handler happens. With increased communication and humane leadership techniques, the relationship between the dog and the handler strengthens. We don’t use fear, intimidation, or inhumane physical force methods because these methods escalate aggression and cause the relationship between the dog and handler to break down. While we do use toys and treats at the beginning of this class, they are not allowed on the tests at the end of the class.

As long as your dog is in good health, there isn’t any reason an old dog can’t learn new tricks. In fact, many times the older dogs do quite well because they are more self-confident. For this reason there is no age maximum for the CGC field class. 

Females in heat will get the attention of every dog in class – male and female. Generally, all dogs behave very differently around females in heat and will be extremely distracted by her. Moreover, females in heat can leave scents behind that will distract dogs for many days forward. We ask that you leave dogs in heat at home. Under these circumstances, we’d be happy to reschedule you to a future class at no additional charge. 

We have a Canine Good Citizen test requirement for our field classes. The Canine Good Citizen test is a standardized test for dogs that is consistent across the country. Canine Good Citizens are able to demonstrate obedience basics – sit/stay, down/stay, come when called, walk on a loose leash around mild distractions, sit politely for petting, pass a neutral dog calmly. 

We understand that life happens. Please review our refund policy in our waiver as stated below. Then, please fill out a cancellation request.

Experience shows that two dogs from the same “pack” do much better if enrolled in separate classes. The goal of this class is to strengthen the relationship of the handler and the dog. With the other doggie “pack-mate” present, and in the presence of other people and dogs, the two dogs are much more likely to be focused on each other and pack dynamics. You and your dog will get much more out of the class if you enroll each dog in a separate class where each dog will get 100% of your attention…which is what you want back from your dog.