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Community Corner

Dog Training Classes

Group Classes in Stratford, CT:  The Refined Canine, LLC has contracted with the Stratford Recreation Department to offer the following classes at the Birdseye Municipal Complex, at 468 Birdseye Street in Stratford CT, room 201.  All Classes are held once per week for 7 weeks.  The class fee, as set by the Stratford Recreation Department for 2013, is $92 for Stratford residents, $97 for non-residents. NO DOGS AT THE FIRST CLASS. Late fall session begins 11/5 & 11/6.


Puppy Social Skills Class:  For puppies 10 weeks to 5 months old as of the start date. This class, based on Dr. Ian Dunbar’s Sirius Puppy Training Curriculum, is largely off-leash.  Puppies interact with one another, and learn impulse control and bite inhibition.  We teach them to listen, respond to directions and offer good behaviors off-leash, right from the start!  Includes introducing puppy to different people and dogs, forming a strong bond and a good family dog by setting clear house rules and setting your puppy up to form good habits.  Topics related to raising a puppy and preventing behavior problems are a major aspect of this 7-week course.    Set your puppy off on the right paw!  Class runs on Tuesdays from 6:30 - 7:30 pm.


Basic Canine Life Skills Class:  For puppies and dogs 5-months old and up.  This is a beginner level course which strengthens the relationship between owners and dogs by creating a common language while setting a foundation for all future learning.  There is a concentration on the five basic skills: Heel, Sit, Down, Stay, and Come.  We also cover good manners for the family pet, addressing common problems such as barking, chewing, jumping, and stealing.  Class meets Tuesdays 7:45 - 8:45 PM OR Wednesdays 6:30 - 7:30 pm.

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Intermediate Refined Canine Class:  For dogs who have completed a Basic Life Skills course and know the five basic skills. Distractions and proofing techniques are added slowly, introducing the dog/owner team to working off-leash. This class is structured to be fun for both the owners and the dogs, utilizing exercises from the AKC Canine Good Citizen test, as well as games, tricks and competitions for prizes.  Class runs on Wednesdays from 7:45 - 8:45 pm.

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