Every Wednesday evening, dozens of caring and concerned dog owners
- just like you - come to Flagpole Hill and
have a wonderful time training their dogs. Yes, it's hard work
for a few hours a week, but the rewards - for you and your dog
- are boundless.
We cannot park our vehicles
on the sides of the road (grassy areas). Please arrive a little early
to park on the main lots near the picnic houses or behind the park
office.
All our instructors work for free. They instruct your classes
because they want to encourage dog obedience, and loving and
caring for your dog
We train you... to train your dog!
The dog obedience training you receive at ABOTC is worth so
much more than you can ever pay. This training teaches you how
to be a friend with your dog, helps him to become a better companion,
and establishes a bond between a human and their dog.
You also get to meet new friends at class - both the human and
doggy varieties.
You could pay hundreds of dollars to other agencies
or businesses to teach your dog. So, sometimes it is disappointing
when students only come for one or two classes, then drop out.
Of
course, it is hard work. You have to teach your dog each night,
if only for 10 minutes. But the results are worthwhile. Sometimes
even if your dog does everything well at home, they will come
to class and act like you have taught them nothing. Please don't
worry - this happens to everyone.
When your dog starts doing
the exercises in class properly, you know they are at last learning
their lessons. Then you can keep coming to class to enjoy !!!
Inclement weather information
We will not have class if it is raining or
snowing at Flagpole Hill, since the classes are outdoors.
Sometimes the rain is just passing through Dallas and the weather
may clear by 7:30 p.m. Watch the 6:00 p.m. weather report - if
it is not raining at Flagpole Hill, we will have classes, even
if it is raining in other areas of Dallas.
We will also make every effort to post a cancellation notice
on the web site by 6pm. Click here to
see our current status.
If you miss the class due to the weather, you can always make
it up the next week.
New class schedule
New classes start on the firstWednesday of
the month. Look for the schedule of classes on our Home page.
ABOTC Membership
Fees
Eight weeks of classes - $80.00
Enrolling students for the
Eight Week program who adopted their dog from an animal
shelter or rescue club - $40.00 (See Questions page
for more information).
One year membership after the first eight
weeks - $50.00, or annual dues payable in January
Everyone
has an opportunity to make up missed classes
Lesson Plans
Our classes
are designed so that you learn one or two (or more) new exercises
each class period. Then it is up to you to work with your dog
a minimum of four times during the week.
The more often you work
with your dog the faster your dog learns. You can also review
the exercises on the Training page
of this web site.
During the
First Month Class, you will learn how to put the collar on
your dog, where to place your hands and leash for heeling,
how to heel, sit, down your dog. You will begin training your
dog to come to you on command. Your dog will also learn to
begin to pay attention to you instead of all the other dogs
and people around, as well as become sociable.
The Beginners
Class is where you, the handler, will start learning how to
get your dog to "heel on leash", "sit", "down", "stand", "come", "stay",
etc. Before moving up to the Intermediate Class we are looking
to see that you have learned the proper techniques used to
do each of the exercises.
During the Intermediate Class, you will
put into practice what you have learned in the Beginner Class.
We will be more concerned with how well you and your dog are
performing each exercise. You will be learning some new exercises
as well! You should be well into this class by the end of 12
weeks of lessons.
By the time you are in the Advanced Class, you should be
working your dog with voice and hand signals only! Your dog
will learn to "stay" in position while you leave
and go out of sight. Pretty neat, eh?
Collar and Leash
The collar and leash are illustrated on the Training page.
ABOTC offers leashes and collars for sale at class. The collar
must be measured to fit your dog. The leash should be either
leather or nylon and at least six feet long.
