Canine Manners Certificate

The Canine Manners Certificate Series is more than a training plan—it encompasses years of experience dedicated to ensuring that dogs and their owners thrive together. This series caters to both beginners and those looking to enhance their existing skills, promoting adherence to essential obedience and fostering confidence that translates into real-life situations. To achieve this certificate, participants will join the Manners Quest and engage in mastering foundational skills, teaching their dogs essential manners, and showcasing the practical application of their dog’s obedience in everyday environments. Not only will dogs earn the Canine Manners Certificate upon successful completion of all levels, but they will also be prepared for the AKC Canine Good Citizen test due to the skill training involved with this program. In addition, special achievements are unlocked every step of the way.

Training Foundations

Build communication and confidence.

Training Foundations Classes at MJ's Pet Training Academy

Learn how to train clearly, reward effectively, and help your dog focus. The skills taught in Training Foundations are important for all dogs new to training but they extend beyond the basics, focusing on Microskills that are beneficial even at a professional level.

This class is part of the Canine Manners Certificate program but is also recommended for those training in sports or at advanced levels. Enhancing your ability to communicate clearly and challenge your training skills is always worthwhile.

Attend Anytime with a Class Pass

  • Format: In-person

  • Level: Open to all levels

Looking for a virtual Canine Manners Program? Learn more here.

Essential Manners

Improve Your Dog’s Manners

Pre-Req: Training Foundations or Puppy Skills series

Participants will focus on enhancing verbal cue fluency, improving leash manners, encouraging polite greetings, and building duration in various real-life settings.

Key Features:

  • Verbal Cue Fluency: Strengthen your ability to communicate with your dog using clear commands.

  • Leash Manners: Teach your dog to walk calmly on a leash, making outings more enjoyable.

  • Polite Greetings: Help your dog learn to greet people and other animals in a friendly yet controlled manner.

Attend Anytime with a Class Pass

  • Format: In-person

  • Level: Open to all levels

Looking for a virtual Canine Manners Program? Learn more here.

Real-World Obedience

Demonstrate Distraction Skills and Consistency

This training level focuses on improving your dog's capacity to respond to cues amid distractions, an essential skill for real-world situations. The main elements of this level include:

  1. Long-Duration Cues: Training your dog to hold stays and duration behaviors for an extended period.

  2. Distance Cues: Teaching your dog to respond to commands from a distance, which is crucial for safety and practical applications in various environments.

  3. Distractions

    Incorporating everyday situations into training to ensure your dog can generalize their skills and respond appropriately. Homework activities will encourage students to use their dog’s training in the community.

Attend Anytime with a Class Pass

Choose your plan

Six Class Pass

$165

Use towards all regular classes within 12 weeks of purchase.

Ten Class Pass

$245

Use toward all regular classes within 16 weeks of purchase.

NEW!

Fifteen Class Pass

$315

Fifteen classes with an expiration date of seventeen weeks after purchase.

  • Great option if you plan to attend multiple classes each week or attend for fifteen weeks.

  • Classes that expire cannot be used. This pass gives a lower price per class, but please be aware of the expiration date.

How it Works

The Canine Manners Certificate is a recognition of your dog’s achievements in training at MJ’s Pet Training Academy. While not mandatory, it provides an opportunity for students to acknowledge their dogs’ progress. If you decide to pursue this certificate, you will need to attend classes across three levels: Foundations, Essential Manners, and Real-World Obedience.

You can request a checklist to monitor the skills your dog has completed. Each skill will be evaluated by your instructor.

Students have the flexibility to participate in multiple levels simultaneously or to complete one level before progressing to the next. The choice to mix and match levels is entirely yours, providing a personalized training experience. Specific criteria for grading and moving up to the next level will be discussed with your instructor to ensure clarity and understanding throughout the process.

You should attend at least 6 class within the Manners track to earn the certificate, but for the most structured training, we suggest the following:

Foundations: 4-8 weeks of classes

Essential Manners: 6-8 weeks of classes

Real-World Obedience -8 Weeks of classes.

Attending each level (Foundations, Essential Manners, Real-World Obedience) a minimum of twice is required in addition to passing the skills.

FAQ

How many dogs are in each class?

Most classes are limited to eight dog and handler teams.

Will my dog be too distracted in a group class?

During the Manners Quest for your dog's Canine Manners Certificate, it's crucial for your dog to learn to focus despite distractions. Typically, you'll notice better focus after a few group sessions, but private lessons are available for additional help.

Can I use these passes towards other classes?

You can start your dog on the Manners Quest and join other sessions too. Cross-training helps your dog learn faster. Passes are valid for all regular classes.

I am enrolled in another class at MJ’s but want to begin the Manners Quest journey instead. What should I do?

You can begin your training journey for the Canine Manners Certificate at any level, whether you are a complete novice or have prior experience! Simply, let your instructor know if you want to participate.

When do the classes begin?

Canine Manners classes are currently happening at our training center in Acushnet, Massachusetts and are on-going. Virtual classes are in series rather than on-going.