AutumnGold Dog Training Center

AutumnGold's approach to dog training is positive, humane and enjoyable for both dogs and their owners. AutumnGold's training philosophy combines principles of operant conditioning and the power of positive reinforcement with an understanding of canine behavior, communication and learning process. Simply put, in all animals, (including humans!), behaviors that are positively reinforced will persist, while those that are not reinforced will be extinguished. The trick to the whole puzzle is to first accurately identify items in a particular dog's life that are reinforcing to him or her, and second to carefully reinforce and shape desired changes in behavior.

Students learn to correctly interpret their dog’s behavior and to identify motivators that can be used as positive reinforcement. They are taught motivational training techniques to teach new behaviors to their dogs and to change behaviors that are problematic. All commands and exercises are taught in small increments (shaped) to allow a high rate of success and to facilitate learning. Detailed written instruction is provided in all of AutumnGold's classes and concepts of training and behavior are discussed and demonstrated each week. The result is a dog who enjoys learning, is enjoyable to live with and who has developed a lasting, loving relationship with his owner and family.

AutumnGold's Owner and Principal Instructor

AutumnGold's owner and instructor, Linda Case, has been training dogs for more than 30 years and has been instructing students and their dogs since 1982. She has studied with a number of different dog trainers and has developed a training philosophy that encompasses the use of positive reinforcement and shaping techniques to modify behavior in dogs. Linda holds a B.S. in animal science and an M.S. in canine/feline nutrition, and is an adjunct assistant professor at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, where she teaches companion animal behavior and training. She is certified with the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors (NADOI) and with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). Linda is also a companion animal consultant and is author of four books, most recently “Companion Animal Behavior and Training: A Guide to Complete Understanding of Dogs and Cats” (available in 2008). Linda and her husband, Mike, share their lives with three dogs, Cadie, Vinny and Chip, and two cats (Tara and Pumpkin Joe). They enjoy training, running and hiking with their dogs.

Classes:

AutumnGold offers one basic level class and several advanced classes (all advanced classes are clicker classes).

Beginner

This course is designed to develop a well-mannered dog who behaves at home, when out in public, and when in the presence of other dogs and people. The obedience portion of the class teaches dogs to walk on a loose lead, sit, lie down, stay, come when called, wait at doors, give requested items to his/her human guardian, and “leave” forbidden items. Control of dogs in a variety of distracting situations is emphasized. Dogs learn to quietly accept grooming and handling, to allow petting from a friend or stranger while sitting, and to stay in a stationary position when exposed to mild distractions. Lecture sections of the course teach owners about the proper use of operant conditioning and positive reinforcement and provide information concerning canine behavior, common behavior problems, and positive approaches to solving problems. Dogs who are 5 months of age or older at the start of the class and who have had little or no previous training are eligible. .

Clicker Tricks and Clicker Agility

AutumnGold's Tricks and Agility classes are taught every session and are designed for students and dogs who have already “mastered the basics” in the Beginner Class and are interested in teaching and learning about a variety of fun and useful tricks for dogs. These are both advanced classes for dogs who can reliably perform the basics of sit/stay, down/stay, walk on a loose lead, and come when called. These classes are designed to provide new and enjoyable ways for students to continue to have fun with their dog! Examples of the tricks that are taught include: Put away your toys; wave and high-five; take a bow; bang and crawl; retrieve laundry and put it in a basket; go to your bed; hurt paw and walk with a limp; and of course, the old standbys: roll over and shake hands. Several types of Agility equipment are introduced in the Agility class, including weave poles, jumps, the teeter-totter, tunnels, and the A-frame. The class will also focus on polishing up useful commands such as wait, leave it, and give. Hand-signals and directed retrieving are also introduced. NOTE: Completion of an AutumnGold Beginner Class is a Prerequisite for this class. Sorry, no exceptions will be made.

Clicker Flyball

AutumnGold periodically offers Flyball classes and opportunities for students to practice playing Flyball with their dogs. Dogs who have completed a beginner class are eligible, and dogs who are “tennis ball maniacs” are encouraged to attend! Flyball is taught as a clicker class and each sequence of the sport is introduced using back-chaining.

Canine Good Citizen Training and Testing

Canine Good Citizen training sessions and CGC tests are offered periodically to AutumnGold’s students who have passed the basic beginner class and wish to train their dog for the CGC test and certificate.

To Apply for Class

AutumnGold is located in Central Illinois, near Champaign-Urbana. Call AutumnGold Dog Training Center at (217) 586-4864. Leave a message clearly stating your name, address, and which class you are interested in. A class application and behavior questionnaire will be mailed to you.