Training

Our Training Methods

We believe that training your dog should be about creating relationships and having fun! Our certified trainer has designed a curriculum that promotes good relationships between owners and their dogs and revolves around using positive reinforcement techniques, educational games, and good old fashioned fun to bond with and teach dogs how to behave appropriately. We also know that training doesn’t end after puppy hood so we offer a full range of levels including Puppy 1, Puppy 2, Beginner 1, Beginner 2 and Urban Dog curriculum’s for all skill levels and ages! If that’s not enough, check out our Agility classes as well!

We use only positive reinforcement training techniques including treat, toy, play, petting and praise rewards.

 

Our Trainers

Kelly Johnson CTB.CSS - Head Trainer

Kelly is the owner of Ruff Haus and a certified trainer & behaviour consultant. She has been training dogs professionally and educating pet owners since 1999 starting her career in Markham and then relocating to Barrie in 2003.

In 2004, she proudly became one of the first Certified Trainer & Behaviour Consultants in Canada through Canine Communication Studies and has achieved her evaluator’s certification for the Canine Good Neighbour program through the Canadian Kennel Club.  

Emma - Obedience Trainer

Emma - Obedience Trainer

Emma began her career within the pet industry in Newmarket where she quickly found her passion for working with dogs and training them. She graduated from the Canine Foundation Training Academy program through Georgian College in June of 2021.

Emma has obtained a wealth of knowledge and behavioural experience working in several dog daycares as a dog handler as well as assisting and running her own training programs since 2019. Emma is currently teaching several different levels of training here at Ruff Haus!

School

Training Classes

All training classes are 6 weeks and are $200.00 (including tax). We offer only the following classes:

6 Week Class

$200.00 (Including HST)

This class was specifically created for puppies between the ages of 10 weeks to 6 months, and was designed to provide them with the best possible start in life!

Our certified trainer/behaviorist will help you teach your puppy the basics such as: Watch Me, Sit, Down, Stay, Leave It, Drop It, Walking Nicely On A Leash, Come When Called, Sitting For Greeting, and so much more! We also know how important it is for a new puppy to learn good manners, so you will also learn how to discourage unwanted behaviours such as nipping, chewing, digging, barking, jumping up on people, door dashing, and more! Throughout the class you will also learn the importance of  grooming, exercise, socialization and how it all affects your new pup!

This class is your puppy’s first step to becoming a well behaved, well rounded, balanced dog.

(Please note with physical distancing measures put in place, only 2 people are allowed to attend training classes with their puppy at this time)

Upcoming Start Dates:  

Wednesday, September 27th @ 6pm

Monday, October 16th @ 7pm

Tuesday, October 24th @ 6pm

Wednesday, November 8th @ 6pm

Sunday, November 12th @ 10am

Monday, November 27th @ 6pm

Tuesday, December 5th @ 6pm

Wednesday, December 20th @ 6pm

 

6 Week Class

$200.00 (Including HST)

Our Puppy 2 class is the next level in your puppy’s training, and was designed for puppies that have successfully completed our Puppy 1 class, or puppies with an equivalent skill level.

This class was designed to build on the skills obtained in Puppy 1, to start independent working and to introduce new skills such as: Introduction To Heeling Off Leash, Finishing Positions, Door Greetings, Proofing your puppy’s knowledge with an introduction to the 3 D’s (Distance, Duration & Distraction), Continuing to build good socialization skills, and so much more!

(Please note with physical distancing measures put in place, only 2 people are allowed to attend training classes with their puppy at this time)

Upcoming Start Dates:  

Sunday, October 29th @ 11am

Monday, November 27th @ 7pm

Sunday, December 10th @ 11am

 

$20.00 per social

Our puppy social group is designed to teach/build appropriate social skills with other puppies and people!  This 1 hour class is for puppies under 6 months of age. Puppies are divided up according to size, play style and social needs.  This is a great way to socialize, exercise and teach your puppy proper social etiquette.

*********Pre-registration is required*********

Due to social distancing protocols, registration is required. A maximum  of 8 puppies will be allowed to attend at one time. This is on a first come, first serve basis. No walk in’s will be accepted.

*In the event of bad weather, please check this page or our newest post on our facebook or Instagram pages for possible class cancellations*

All puppies are required to have their second set of vaccinations including Bordatella. Proof of vaccination MUST be shown prior to attending for entry into the social. If you are new to Ruff Haus, you will also be required to complete and submit a training enrollment form. You can find this under our training tab and  click on training form.  This, along with vaccines, need to be sent to us via e-mail to [email protected] prior to the social.

(Please note with physical distancing measures put in place, only 2 people are allowed to attend training classes with their puppy at this time)

Upcoming Dates:

New dates coming soon!

 

6 Week Class

$200.00 (Including HST)

Our Beginner class is very similar to our Puppy 1 class, but is geared towards puppies over the age of 5 months, adult dogs with minimal or no formal training, and new rescue or adoption dogs. It’s never too late to start working with your dog and this class is the best place to start!

With the help of our experienced trainer, you will learn how to teach your dog the basics: Watch Me, Sit, Down, Stay, Take It, Leave It, Drop It, Walking Nicely On A Leash, Come When Called, Sitting For Greeting, and so much more! You will also learn how to correct and prevent problem behaviours such as barking, jumping up on people, nipping, chewing, digging, barking, door-dashing and more! Throughout the course your trainer will discuss the importance of  grooming, exercise, socialization and how it all affects your dog.

This class might just be the solution you’re looking for to help fix the problems you’re having at home with your pooch, not to mention its a TON of fun!

(Please note with physical distancing measures put in place, only 2 people are allowed to attend training classes with their puppy at this time)

Upcoming Start Dates:

Monday, October 16th @ 6pm

Tuesday, October 31st @ 7pm

Sunday, November 5th @12pm

Wednesday, November 1st @ 7pm

Wednesday, December 13th @ 7pm

 

6 Week Class

$200.00 (Including HST)

Our Beginner 2 class is geared toward those who have successfully completed a beginner level of training or our Puppy 2 class and are looking to continue to build on previous training and reinforce current skills. This class focuses on fine tuning and proofing skills obtained in our Beginner and Puppy 2 classes while introducing new commands, distractions, and continue the next steps in your dog’s training.

(Please note with physical distancing measures put in place, only 2 people are allowed to attend training classes with their puppy at this time)

Upcoming Start Dates: 

Tuesday, December 12th @ 7pm

6 Week Class

$200.00 (Including HST)

Are you looking for some fun? Looking for a way to burn some of your dog’s excess energy? Agility has it all!

Agility is a fun and competitive sport to be enjoyed by handler’s and their dogs while working together as a team. The main elements of the sport are good sportsmanship and fun for the dogs and handlers.  Agility is a great way to build confidence in your dog and is for any breed, age and size!

A team of dog and handler negotiate a course of obstacles such as: Tunnels, Jumps, A-Frame, Tire, Weave Poles and Teeter!  The handler provides direction through body language, voice and hand commands.

(Please note with physical distancing measures put in place, only 2 people are allowed to attend training classes with their puppy at this time)

Upcoming Start Dates:

Sunday, October 1st @ 2:30pm

Sunday, November 19th @ 2:30pm

6 Week Class

$200.00 (Including HST)

So you’ve caught the Agility bug? Our Agility 2 class is a great way to continue building on the skills obtained15th @ 3:30pm in our Agility 1 class. Learn how to build distance & perform a sequence of obstacles.

Agility is a fun and competitive sport to be enjoyed by handler’s and their dogs while working together as a team. The main elements of the sport are good sportsmanship and fun for the dogs and handlers!

(Please note with physical distancing measures put in place, only 2 people are allowed to attend training classes with their puppy at this time)

Upcoming Start Dates:

Sunday, October 1st  @ 3:30pm

Sunday, November 19th @ 3:30pm

 

6 Week Class

$200.00 (Including HST)

Our newest agility class focuses on handler technique. This class is full of challenging sequences and is tailored for those who have completed our agility 2 class or have equivalent training.  This class will challenge your handling skills while teaching your dog distance work.

(Please note with physical distancing measures put in place, only 2 people are allowed to attend training classes with their puppy at this time)

Upcoming Start Dates: 

Friday, September 22nd @ 7pm

Friday, November 10th @ 7pm

Friday, December 29th @7pm

6 Week Class

$200.00 (Including HST) * outdoor lessons are subject to weather conditions*

Does your dog forget all their manners outside the house? Are they easily distracted? We have the solution!

Our Urban Dog program is designed to train, proof & calm your dog in both outdoor/indoor settings challenging your dog with several different distractions including other dogs, people, cars, bikes, skateboards, etc.  You will also learn how to have a well behaved dog in a store. You will learn the skills needed to insure your dog is as good outdoors as they are indoors.  This class will challenge both you and your dog! 

Required:

  • A secure long line (minimum of 10 feet) – Required for summer./outdoor classes only
  • Dog’s must have knowledge of basic commands (Beginner/Puppy Level 2 obedience or higher)
  • Training treats or toy
  • Water for yourself and your dog
  • As with our other classes, no choke chains and prong collars are permitted
  • Outdoor classes are held at various locations. The locations of the class will be provided by your trainer each week.

 

Upcoming Start Dates:

New classes starting Spring 2024!

How to Apply

Forms

Training Enrollment Form

The following training enrollment form is available for you to download, complete and send back to us via e-mail to [email protected].

We require that this form be received prior to the start of your training class. You will only be required to complete this form once as it will be kept on file and applied to each class registration.

WHat To Know

Policies

We recommend signing up for your desired class in advance, as classes can fill up quickly and space is limited. Full payment is required at the time of registration. For your convenience we accept Visa, Mastercard and Visa Debit payments (this can be done in person or over the phone) as well as Debit and Cash. 

A training enrollment form must be completed and submitted to us prior to the start date of your class. You can find this on our website under the training tab. Click on “Online Training Form”. Once submitted please contact our office at 705-739-7833 to complete registration. ***submitting the enrollment form does not guarantee your spot in the class. Payment must be received to secure your spot***

No refunds will be issued after the first class (with or without attendance). If you are unable to attend the class that you have registered for after your class has begun, we allow one switch to a different class only. 

Please note that with current Covid-19 protocols, only 2 people are allowed to attend training classes with their dog. A maximum of 8 dogs will be accepted in class to ensure proper physical distancing. Masks are encouraged. 

We require that all dogs be current on their Rabies, Distemper, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, Hepatitis, and Bordatella vaccinations. Vaccinations must be administered by a licensed veterinarian a minimum of 48 hours prior to Ruff Haus services being performed. Puppies must have their second set of vaccines along with Bordatella prior to attending classes. Proof of vaccinations must be provided prior to your class start date for entry into the class, no exceptions. Please note that we do not accept titer test’s as proof of vaccination.

We reserve the right to refuse service to any pet for any reason including, without limitation, if it appears that the pet is sick, injured, in pain, or that its behaviour could jeopardize the health and safety of other pets or our staff.

  • All dogs must be in good health. No coughing, sneezing, vomiting or diarrhea 48 hours prior to arrival. If your dog is displaying any of these symptoms while he/she is in class you may be asked to leave until he/she is feeling better.
  • If your dog has been treated for a contagious illness, we cannot accept your dog for at least 2 weeks after the last symptom of the illness. 
  • No pregnant dogs
  • No aggressive dogs (please speak with our trainer if your dog is reactive)
  • All dogs are to be on flat buckle or snap collars and 4-6 foot leashes. You are welcome to used a head halter (gentle leader, halti, etc.), harness or martingale collar. Please do not bring retractable leashes.
  • No choke chains or prong collars

“Rhythm always comes home exhausted, he learns so much at Training and Daycare!”

-Jake and cassandra with Rhythm