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To help ensure a great class fit, before attending, please read this page.

All dog classes are not the same!


Results - Pawformance Offerings: The dog house is open again on a limited basis for dedicated alumni trainers, those with a new puppy, veterinarian or trainer referral!

If you have trained your past or present pet(s) with me through Obedience & Manners Level Two and your pet is in need of a refresher or
if you are just missing class...call to see which offering may be a good fit!

Veterinarian Referrals: If you are referred directly to me, do call soon after the referral.
In most cases, addressing an issue early can avoid major issues later.
I will follow up with your veterinarian to share progress made.

Personal Referrals: If you are referred by a past trainer/someone familiar with my training methods and are willing to do 'homework', call to discuss doing a "Meet & Greet".

New Puppy? Sass? Shy Pet? Reach out before little issues may become a major problem. Learning (experiences) are never erased...Most issues do not go away as a pet ages...

Puppy Class is entry level and is offered several times a year. See more on Puppy classes below.
See the Schedule page (link at top) for dates. A Meet & Greet is optional if you want a jump start before a session is starting.
New trainer group Orientation is the first class (no puppy) of the session. Again, see the Schedule page for details.


New? A "Meet and Greet" with your pet if it is too old for my Puppy Class.

We can discuss your concerns and goals and possible training options! If interested, training may be added to your first visit.
Feel free to send an email or call for more information. If emailing, include your phone number and the best time to reach you.
Note! You must be able to physically handle your new pet as I am no longer able to handle medium-large or large, strong
dogs that are out of control. (So annoying to be getting older!)
As always, no aggressive pets! Puppy sass is not usually true aggression... tell your pup it's vacation may soon be over!
If your pet may be aggressive, with regret, please be considerate and get your pet help by another. Thank you.


Prepare your pet for real life with you. Whether you are at home or away, your pet should be happy, comfortable and display manners.
I help you to train your pet for the real world with practical, common sense training! The training caters to pets that live in
homes, (not outdoor cages), that accompany you when able to the farmers market, to sporting events, or perhaps the
cottage and vacation get-aways.
Pets should also be comfortable, not stressed or nervous and a pleasure to be around no matter where they are!

Results and Pawformance classes encourage you to interact with your pet - not train at it! This program is based on relationships for pets that live with you.
Our handling and training implement a gentle hands on, praise reward system with a quiet discipline after training and much practice only if needed to the point your pet acknowledges.
Time outs in crates or special places are not recommended! More discussion at Orientation...

Treats may be given when appropriate. No unhealthy people/pet junk food treats, please! Treats may be used for
housebreaking, puppy leash training, conformation showing and just because (!) when not in an obedience training session!
Treats are always used when crating your puppy or leaving it in a quiet place.

Note! Treats, toys and/or clickers are not used for teaching these obedience exercises: Sit, Down, Stay or Come! commands.
Treats are not used for Sits at class (most trainers do this prior to training with me). Discussion re same at class.
They are used in Puppy Class to teach polite treat taking and introduce polite walking only.

Please do not sign up for this class if you desire to use a food/clicker/toy reward system. If you have started this method and wish to attend my class,
please give your pet a break from treats for obedience commands for best Results!, tips regarding same will be presented at your first class.

Powerful Results happen when instruction if followed. The main goal is for you to have an enjoyable life with your pet and your pet to have an enjoyable life with you!

Best Results happen if you do not train ahead of the program!

Gentle Leadership Skills - Results style!
My praise reward, non-reactive way of interacting will help develop and enhance mutual respect. This program believes in
teaching first, as 'perfect' as possible practice, proofing and then using a quiet discipline - if needed. All classes are taught
by myself - cognitive style. Thus, no surprises by a well meaning volunteer or different instructor when you go from one l
evel to the next regarding method.

Discipline if needed - should be grounded. If you are too harsh or use a reactive discipline your pet will learn to fear you.
Never should a pet be disciplined for a behavior it does not know is wrong - teach and practice instead! More is explained at class(es).


Trainer Fee, Requirements, Hearing, Age and Physcial Strength:

Class fee is for one pet and the same handler/trainer that I (the instructor) will be working with throughout the classes.

Trainers must be age 18 and older. An exception may be made to allow junior handlers depending on age and size and age of pet and if the family has previously attended and successfully passed a class with the instructor. Do not preregister a junior handler (under 18 years old) if an adult is not available to attend every class and continue training if necessary per the instructor as refunds are not given.

Trainers must be able to hear instruction. Trainers must be able to interact with their pets as this is a 'hands-on' method of training - which means bending down and touching the puppy or dog.

To help ensure class flow, trainers MUST be physically able to keep their pets from dragging them to visit other training teams - inside and outside of class. Classes are designed to teach obedience commands and manners in a group setting. If your pet is able to pull you at will, perhaps private lessons will be helpful to you instead of in a group setting. Be sure to share at our Meet & Greet session if your pet may not be suited for a group class.

Consistency in handling by household members is important! Please take notes so you may share the information for your household members that are not able to attend. As you and your pet learn exercises, please teach and monitor your household members to help ensure progression each week.


Non-Spayed Female Pets that come into season (have a heat cycle) may not attend class as they may be too distracting to other
pets. This program entails a 'pay as you play or train', thus no worries. You do not have to pay ahead for classes you are not attending.


Pets that are Not Accepted: Wolf and wolf mixes are not accepted into the program. Nor are aggressive dogs or those which have had security or attack training.


Guarantee? Sorry as I as do not have first hand knowledge of experiences you and your pet have encountered nor do I have control of what happens outside of class, guarantees are not given.
Know this program works very well for people that choose to implement it.

NO REFUNDS: I, Training Director, Mary T. Ratelle reserve the right to help ensure a positive and progressive class for all. Trainers not following direction or posing a concern may be excused per my discretion if realistic goals of the class are hindered. Communication is not just for the pets, but for trainers as well. Please bring to my attention concerns that you may have! I wish all particpants enjoy the 'training journey' as I do. Time spent training here should be special time for you and your pet!


As learning is never erased, the early experiences and training you allow your pet to learn are important - choose wisely!!

Please consider Puppy Class Level (unless your entry level pet is too old), Obedience & Manners Levels One and Two for the best foundation for a companion dog. Lessons are designed to give you guidance and structured practice to help you develop a well trained, happy and comfortable companion. Attending a group class or floor time provides great practice with distractions. Helpful for your pet to learn manners and good behavior whether you are at home with guests, or away.

Your Praise - for most is simply the best 'Positive' training!
Simply put, when you implement our program and your pet respects you, your praise may be the best positive reinforcement - it works for many! So much better than walking around with a pocket of treats and having your pet 'smile' at your pocket instead of you. Or taking the chance that if a treat is not delivered as expected, your pet will disobey and possibly even sass bark you...or worse. If your pet is in this last category, additional training suggestions may be suggested. Usually I can cover tips in under 10 minutes after class (no extra charge).

For decades the majority of trainers attending were referred and classes often have returning trainers with new pets! Many have told me that they will wait for a class with me rather than attend another that may be starting sooner. If you are motivated and practice, this may be the best class experience you have encountered. There are unsolicited notes of gratitiude listed at the bottom of the News and Referrals page. Take a look and see what people have had to say....


Pets do not attend the Orientation first class - this is training for people! Puppy Class and Obedience & Manners Level lessons.
Attending the first class is mandartory for the main trainer as there is much information.
Household members that can sit quietly (no phones) are welcome to attend. This first class includes homework and
handling exercises to begin at home. Just as important is how to interact with your pet in-between the 'on leash training'
home practice sessions.

Other program instructors may tell students to bring a 'hungry pup' and treats to help with responses... I will never tell you to
bring your pet to class hungry! I have never understood how keeping a pet hungry so it will perform is considered 'positive'
training - certainly not from your pet's view!!


If you enjoy spending time with your pet and desire a wonderful companion, this approach to training may be just what you are looking for!
The bonding you and your pet may experience is amazing!
Classes have class minimums and maximums. If you want to join, please preregister early to avoid disappointment.

Pawformance Puppy and Puppy Sports!
Preferred entry level class age for puppies is 8 weeks to six months. Shy and/or older puppies and dogs may be accepted to provide a better training foundation or that are in need of confidence building, inquire! Pups do not attend the first class! The first class is for you (trainer) and mature household members.

RDT Obedience & Manners (O&M) - Level One
Prerequisite to this entry level is Results Puppy Class grads OR a Meet & Greet. It is best for a mature six months and older. Older pets can learn, too!


After basic training is completed, recreational dog sports and advanced obedience are offered for our graduates! We have had much fun with these. To see what others have done past our basic classes, visit the Awards-Titles page (which is always under construction). Listed are some of the fun activities trainers have done with their pets. Results - Pawformance Sports offers you and your pet practical, common sense obedience! Also, AKC Canine Good Citizen and Therapy Dog practice, AKC Jumpers with Rally-O style Weaves Recreational Agility, Show and recreational AKC Rally-Obedience, too! With interest - other specials are also offered. Retrieve! and an Introduction to Tracking which is done outdoors weather permitting.


Instructor Background Link


Interested in Joining? Visit the Schedule Page. Detailed class description links are below and at the top of each offering on the Schedule page.

To help ensure class flow, the following classes require previous Results trainer and same pet attendance and instructor permission.

RDT O&M - Level Two
Increased distractions, distance and more signal training. With Canine Good Citizen (CGC) and Trick Dog (TDN) (practical tricks, please!) Test Practice.
Prerequisite: Recent RDT Obedience & Manners - Level One

Pawformance Dog Sports! Obedience & Manners - Rally-Obedience
A variety of stations that have posted obedience exercises for you and your pet to manuver! Recreation only or
competition show! A more 'relaxed form' of obedience, talking and some body language are allowed.

Pawformance Agiliity!
For Recreation or Competition - AKC Jumpers With Weaves (JWW)
Curious? Attend a Pre Agility offering. Like it? Recreational Agility One and Two. Love it? Competitive AKC Jumpers With Weaves! (JWW)
*Due to indoor space restrictions, may not be recommended for #80+ and giant dogs. Inquire.

Pawformance Dog Sports! AKC Show Obedience - Beginner Novice (BN) and Companion Dog (CD)
Formal obedience.

Pawformance Dog Sports - Retrieve!
Prerequisite: RDT Obedience & Manners - Level One or Two graduate with instructor permission.
This link is under construction, please check back.

Pawformance Dog Sports - Tracking!
Prerequisite: RDT Obedience & Manners - Level One or Two graduate with instructor permission.
This link is under construction, please check back.

Private Lessons & Behavior Consults for trainers in the program in need of extra help or veterinarian referrals. No seriously aggressive dogs.

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© copyright 2000-present Results Puppy & Dog Training and Pawformance Dog Sports! All photos, logos, and text are property of Results Puppy & Dog Training, Pawformance Dog Sports! and it's contributors. Any copying is strictly forbidden without written permission of and copy of material produced to Mary T. Ratelle.