Class Description

In our Leash and Greet class, you'll learn essential skills to enhance your dog's social interactions and leash manners.

Whether your dog is friendly and exuberant or shy and timid, this class is designed to help them succeed in various social situations, both at home and away from home.  

Understanding that leadership skills and information, not a tight leash, transforms the walking experience into a cooperative team effort.

Please note this class is not for reactive dogs.  Please see the Reactivity class.
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Instructor:  Leah Pacitto
Cost:  $245.00 for 6 weeks - 1 hour lesson
Polite Pooch & Step by Step Leash Lab are combined into this 6 week class.
If you took Polite Pooch (4 wks) or Step by Step Leash Lab (4 wks), the cost for this 6 week class is $80.00.

Class Structure

Classes are engaging for both you and your dog, focusing on fun and interactive learning. We encourage bringing extra people to class to assist with greeting practice.
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Greetings Management:   You will learn effective techniques including strategies for managing jumping behaviors and addressing fearfulness, as well as understanding dog body language and communication cues. We will simulate visitor scenarios and introduce medical equipment. Additionally, we will discuss and practice dog-to-dog interactions, focusing on fostering positive interactions, managing potential conflicts, and promoting safe and enjoyable dog play.
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Leash Walking Improvement:  We address common leash-related challenges such as pulling, biting the leash, and choosing appropriate collars or harnesses.  You'll learn techniques for both loose leash walking and heeling. Loose leash walking encourages relaxation and freedom, while heeling promotes attentive and respectful behavior.
By mastering these skills, you'll deepen your bond with your dog and explore the world together with confidence.​

Topics Covered

Throughout this course, we will provide detailed explanations and guide you through practical exercises on several key topics:
  • Advocating for your dog's needs
  • Interpreting dog body language
  • Managing greetings for shy dogs and those prone to excited jumping
  • Handling visitors at home and facilitating positive interactions
  • Engaging in conversations with others while managing your dog
  • Supervising and facilitating dog-to-dog play and introductions
  • Negotiating encounters with other dogs during walk​
  • Selecting appropriate equipment (leashes, collars, harnesses)
  • Techniques for loose leash walking
  • Adding structure and purpose to your walks
  • Practicing long leash walking for recall training
  • Teaching the "heel" command for focused walking
  • Addressing issues like pulling and leash biting
  • Handling emergency situations and managing distractions
  • Training your dog to ignore items left on the ground

Class Schedule​

Saturdays
@ 3:15 p.m.- April 5 – June 7 (off April 12, 19, May 10, 24)
 
Mondays
@ 5:00 p.m. – April 14 – June 9 (off April 21, May 12, 26)
 
Wednesdays
@ 12:00 p.m. – April 23 – May 28
@ 1:15 p.m. – June 11 – July 16
@ 5:00 p.m. – June 18 – July 23
@ 12:00 p.m. – July 30 – September 17 (off Aug. 6, 13)
 
Thursdays
@ 6:15 p.m. - June 12 - July 24 (off July 3)

Sundays
@ 6:15 p.m. – August 24 – October 5 (off Aug. 31)

​​​We are always adding more dates!  Please add your name to the waitlist by clicking the registration button and you will be notified when the class is scheduled.​

FAQ's

WHAT IF I MISS A CLASS?
There are no make up classes for any missed classes.  If your dog is sick or cannot attend class, we recommend that you come without your dog.  If you are sick or cannot attend, Zoom is offered with advanced notice, but cannot be guaranteed.  ​Follow up emails are sent after each class for your review.
What are the requirements to register for this class?
  • No reactive dogs.  Please see Reactive class.
  • Dogs age 5 months and older.
  • Pre-registration. 
  • Proof of vaccination for DISTEMPER/PARVO COMBO booster and RABIES. A detailed receipt from the vet is acceptable.
  • All necessary paperwork required by Dog Gone Good Dog Training prior to your first class.​​​
when can I sign up for THIS class?
Take a look at our schedule and see what class works best with your schedule.  If you do not see one, please add your name to the wait list.  
Where is this class BEING HELD?
  ​All classes are held at the Montgomery County 4H Center, located at 1015 Bridge Road (Route 113), Collegeville, PA 19426.   The entrance to the studio is on the side of the building adjacent to the pavilions.  Look for the white numbers on the building D16. The studio is not wheelchair accessible.
WHO CAN COME TO TRAINING CLASS?
Everyone is welcome to attend classes and take turns working with the dog.  We ask that you do not alternate handlers each week, and have at least one consistent person attending all classes. ​We always need extra people to assist in this class, so if possible, please bring people with you to each class!
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I CLICK THE REGISTRATION BUTTON?
​​​​When you click the registration button, you will be redirected to our ProPet scheduling software where you can create or access your account, view the training schedules, and provide online payment.  

NOTE:  IF THE CLASS IS FILLED, IT WILL NOT APPEAR ON THE LISTING TO REGISTER.  PLEASE CHOOSE ANOTHER DATE.​​

Pre-payment is required to guarantee your place in class. We accept credit cards, cash or check. A nominal transaction fee of 3% is added on all credit card transactions.  Payments can be mailed to Dog Gone Good Dog Training, Montgomery County 4H Center, 1015 Bridge Rd., Ste. I, Collegeville, PA 19426.
what should i bring to class?
Harness, 6 foot leash, 15 foot non-retractable leash, treat pouch & treats, poop bags, a non-squeaky toy, interactive food toy or bone to keep your dog busy.  
It is a good idea to bring a variety of treats/food items - bronze, silver and gold.  The treats/food that you are using at home may not be high enough value to use in class.
​We always need extra people to assist in this class, so if possible, please bring people with you to each class!

Leash and Greet

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