Puppy Play Dates

Play dates are specifically designed for the socialization of puppies. They are encouraged to interact with new people, strange dogs and experience different environments. Puppies are not forced into any situation in which they are uncomfortable. The trainer is present during all play dates to supervise and provide answers to puppy-related questions you may have.

Puppy Socialization Article

Day Care – 6 months and older
Daily – all day $14
Dogs are under the care of the staff at Paws & Claws and the trainer. While the owner is away, puppies are mixed with dogs to play, be exercised, walked and rest until the owner returns.

Group Puppy Classes – $100/5 classes

Age 4 months to 2 years

The five week course, which meets once a week for one hour at Paws & Claws, will cover basic commands such as sit, come, stay and others. Dogs will learn to work in the presence of other dogs. Tips on how to work with the commands will be provided along with hand-outs and weekly homework to help you help your dog to succeed.

The class size is limited to 6 dogs so please register within the time allowed.

Private Puppy Class – $35 per hour

Private Obedience Classes – $35 per hour

Age 4 months and older

Students (canine and human) are provided with one-on-one instruction with the trainer. Private classes allow the student to progress at their own learning pace in various distraction levels and provide a relaxed, successful environment. Programs differ as each dog and owner is looking to improve and perfect challenging commands, so ask the trainer which program is best. All lessons are held at the Paws & Claws facility. Students may take as many sessions as needed.

Grooming Exposure – $15 (This program lasts 30 minutes to 45 minutes)

Dogs new to the grooming experience will benefit from this program. Without getting groomed, dogs are placed in the grooming environment and taken through a pretend groom. They will be placed in the tub, on the grooming table and exposed to some essential grooming tools. Dogs will not be groomed. This is simply to expose the dog to the grooming environment.

Agility Training

• Experience great mental and physical stimulation for you and your pet in a safe environment with top of the line equipment appropriate for all breeds and sizes
• Affordable, non-competitive fun in our heated 6000 square foot arena
• Supervised by a certified dog trainer
• All dogs welcome from Great Danes to Daschunds or anywhere in between!
• Dogs must be at least one year old
• Group or private lessons available
• Call Amanda at Paws & Claws at 231-526-1336 for questions or to register.

Group and Private $76 for 4 weeks of instruction

The agility classes offered at Paws & Claws are non-competitive. These small classes, 5 dog limit, will allow you and your dog to learn agility obstacles while bonding and socializing with others. Dogs are not forced into or on the equipment. All sizes and breeds are welcome. Dogs must be 12 months old to participate.

• Section 1: Obstacle Familiarization
• Section 2: Combining Obstacles
• Section 3: Complete Course

Open Course $25 for 1 hour, $35 for 1 hour with spotter

Agility equipment will be available to experienced handlers and their dogs. Ability must be demonstrated.

Problem Behavior – Price will vary based on the problem.

The owner and dog are encouraged to set up an interview with the trainer about their problem behavior. Depending on how severe the problem behavior is, the trainer will work specifically on that behavior with the dog and owner at the Paws & Claws facility.

Examples of problem behaviors: jumping on people, barking, housebreaking issues, and more!

About the Trainer

My name is Amanda Tippett. I am a certified dog trainer through the Animal Behavior College in California. I have mentored with a professional trainer in addition to my schooling. I have a heart for all dogs in need of training and education. I have been educated and trained to use positive reinforcement techniques. Force is not used in my training programs because it is not necessary. there are other ways to achieve acceptable behaviors in well behaved dogs.

I have worked at Paws & Claws since August of 2008 and have loved every moment. I have a wholehearted passion in the work that I do as a kennel attendant, dog walker and trainer. In the future, I would like to get involved with flyball and rally obedience, possibly therapy work with dogs.

At home, I share a miniature longhaired daschund with my family.

A favorite quote of mine because it is very true:

"Dogs like to obey. It gives them security." – James Herriot