Training for the Holiday Season

Best Friends Pet Care offers several training options for your new puppy. Many families consider bringing home a new puppy and while it's true that Christmas only comes once a year, puppies are here for a lifetime. A well behaved puppy becomes a well behaved dog and a true member of your family.



Dalmation



Great Dane





Jack Russel



Once you've done your homework on which breed is the right fit for your family and have picked out the cutest of the bunch and the excitement of having your new addition home is over, now comes time to train your puppy.

We offer a 6 week class setting training where you attend with your puppy and learn while he's learning. We also offer an in-house training program where you board your puppy and we do the training. We follow up with you after the specified period of time. Both programs are successful, it boils down to what works for you and your family!

Give us a call at 586-792-3000 to inquire which training program would work best for you and your new puppy!

And of course, all of the above applies to adult dogs too...it's never too late to train a dog! And yes an old dog CAN learn new tricks

Belg Sheepdog Lakenos

Back to school is the perfect time for dog obedience!

When school starts and the kids are back on a schedule and working hard at their studies, it is the perfect time to get your dog on a schedule and work on their studies (obedience) too!

Obedience training will offer your dog mental stimulation while providing some one-on-one bonding time for you and your dog. This can go a long way in getting a dog adjusted to a new routine.

Best Friends offers several options in dog training: Puppy Manners and Basic Obedience are taught in a class setting. You and your dog will be instructed throughtout the 6-week program on sit, stay, heel, down, come, leave it and more. Your dog will also have the opportunity for becoming social (which is especially important if this is the issue that brings you to class). We also offer private classes and our board and train program.

Our training classes are starting at the end of September so give us a call to reserve your spot now. 586-792-3000

Canine Good Citizen Testing

Best Friends Pet Care offers the AKC Canine Good Citizen Testing. The AKC designed the CGC to reward responsible dog owners who train their dogs to have good manners at home and in the community. The CGC test requirements are a good foundation to other dog related sports and some apartments/condos are requiring CGC training and testing for their canine residents. Most therapy dog organizations require this test before official therapy dog testing begins.

The testing has be done by an official AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. Barb at Best Friends Pet Care became an official evaluator in 2009 and offers testing by appointment and at special event days. If interested give us a call at 586-792-3000.

AKC CGC Responsible Dog Owner's Pledge
I will be responsible for my dog's health needs.
I will be responsible for my dog's safety.
I will not allow my dog to infringe on the rights of others.
I will be responsible for my dog's quality of life.

AKC Canine Good Citizen Test
1. Accepting a Friendly Stranger
2. Sitting politely for petting
3. Appearance and Grooming
4. Out for a walk (walking loose lead)
5. Walking through a crowd
6. Sit and down on command and Staying in place
7. Coming when called
8. Reaction to another dog
9. Reaction to distraction
10. Supervised separation

Equipment
For the CGC test you will need to bring your dog's brush or comb, a buckle or slip collar.