Southpaws University

Higher Learning for You and Your Dog!

Overview
Instructors
Class Descriptions
Classes for Kids/Families
Calendar
Registration Form & Payment Options

Overview

As part of our goal to help dogs become good citizens in their homes and community, we’ve created Southpaws University, a dynamic and evolving series of classes and programs to give owners skills to help them better communicate with and care for their pets.

Our purpose is to educate the public about living with dogs. Our goals are to keep problem dogs from being rehomed and to help all dogs to live a better life. At Southpaws Playschool, our programs are as much about people as about dogs. We realize both people and dogs learn best in an atmosphere that’s casual and open to ideas and having fun.

Instructors

Southpaws University is a revolutionary program in that instead of having one or two trainers with the same philosophy, the program is a training co-op, where multiple trainers with varying styles (all gentle, dog-centered techniques) offer classes and private consultations to cover nearly all aspects of canine health, behavior and obedience.

The trainers involved in Southpaws University are all very experienced, have been well screened and are some of the best and most results-oriented instructors in the area.

Southpaws University Instructors:

Cathy Cobb Austin Dog Sports, LLC www.austindogsports.com cgcobb@gmail.com 254-855-2887
Raquelle Godbey rgodbey@earthlink.net 512-834-1590
Therese Kopiwoda Austin Pet First Aid www.austinpetfirstaid.com classes@austinpetfirstaid.com 512-586-2328
Barbara Kraemer Train Dog Now www.traindognow.com traindognow@sbcglobal.net 512-762-6456
Darren Peterson Circus Chicken Dog www.chickendog.net info@chickendog.net 512-771-8836
Kim Roche Dog Trainer—Behavior Consultant www.kimthedogtrainer.com www.kimthedogtrainer@gmail.com 512-796-5783
Sonya Wilson Southpaws Playschool hercules@texas.net 512-440-7529

NOTE: We are actively looking for individuals with special skills in these and other areas who love to teach dog owners how to better care for their companions. If you are interested in teaching a class through Southpaws University please contact us (512-440-PLAY) to arrange a meeting.

Class descriptions

Accelerated Learning Boot Camp at Southpaws Playschool (10 private lessons; plus 4 private lessons with you and your dog) $1000

Get a jump start on your dog's training. Kim has designed the most flexible, intensive program in Austin. Over two weeks, your dog will receive ten private one-hour training sessions with Kim, and you will receive four private lessons. Unlike a traditional in-kennel board and train program, your dog will stay at home the whole time he's learning, so you'll get to see him improve day by day! Kim will work with your dog in area parks, cafes and around your neighborhood—exactly the kind of real-world environments you'd like to share with your dog. Price includes ten full days of daycare at Southpaws Playschool.
Kim Roche 512-796-5783

Adult Beginners Obedience (6 sessions) $200

You and your dog will learn skills that will make everyday life easier and more enjoyable for both of you. Topics include manners, sit, down, stay, walking on a loose leash, coming when called and "drop it." At the end of this class, your dog will be able to perform these tasks without any special collars or bribes. This class is a great foundation for owners who would like to pursue more advances work such as agility or off-leash obedience. Class size is limited to four dogs per sessions to ensure that everyone gets the individual attention they need to succeed.
Kim Roche 512-796-5783

Canine Good Citizen Class and Testing (6 weeks) $135

This course offers a great opportunity to continue the training and fun for you and your dog. CGC certification tells everyone that your dog is among the most well mannered and can be trusted in a variety of situations. The exercises and commands you and your dog learned in your beginning obedience are the foundation we will build on for the Canine Good Citizen training, in addition to working on other behaviors expected of a polite pup in our community. Enrolled dogs and handlers should have successfully completed a minimum of basic obedience instruction (heel, sit, stay, down, come, leave it, etc.), be comfortable on leash, and have some social experience with people and other dogs. CGC Testing at the end of the series is optional.
Raquelle Godbey 512-762-6456

Clicker Training—Advanced Class (6 weeks) $225

Clicker training is now the preferred method, advocated by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, which is the most highly recognized organization for setting standards for dog training. Learn to teach your dog advanced commands like "wait", "go to your bed", "stand" (from a lying down position), "heel" with left and right turns, to name a few. Your dog will also learn to "sit/stay" and "down/stay" and "come" regardless of distractions such as noises, balls bouncing, other dogs, people running by, etc. and even if you are out of sight. (This class is for dogs that have graduated from a puppy or beginner class, or can meet the same requirements as a graduate from a beginner class).
Barbara Kraemer 512-965-1590

Getting in Shape with Your Dog

You will learn the right way to run with your dog, and how to safely transition from walking to running, design a program, keep safe in the heat; proper body weight for dogs, and how to slim your dog down safely; water activities; hiking with your dog: where, how and why. Plus good sports nutrition for dogs, some basic stretches and massage, and warning signs of overtraining and injury.
Kim Roche 512-796-5783

Heeling and Position Seminar (1.5 hour seminar) $50

A great transition from pet manners class to Rally. Covers the tuck sit, the drop down, the kick-back stand, the right finish, and the left finish. Then join the Novice Rally I class to proof your new skills! Prereq: basic obedience class
Cathy Cobb 254-855-2887

Intermediate Clicker Training (6 weeks) $195

In this class, your dog will learn advanced commands including commands from a distance and commands with distractions. By the end of the class your dog will know how to heel while walking straight, taking left and right turns; stand from a "sit" or "down" position; wait at a doorway until you give permission for him to move forward; perform and sit/stay with distractions, and more. Prerequisite: beginner training of some sort—consult trainer with questions.
Barbara Kraemer 512-762-6456

Novice Rally I (5 weeks) $150

1/2 of the Rally Novice signs, the rules of AKC Rally, 1 short course each class, introduction to heel. Prereq: Heeling & Position seminar or instructor evaluation (15-30 min.--$30 applied to course, if enrolled)
Cathy Cobb 254-855-2887

Novice Rally II (4 weeks-1 hour and 15 minutes each week) $150

This class includes the remaining Rally Novice signs, the rules of AKC Rally, 1 full Novice course each class, and heeling with right and left turns.
Prerequisite: Novice Rally I or instructor approval. Note: If you and your dog are heeling very well together, you can choose to begin with Novice Rally II. A one hour Novice I private session is available to summarize the Rally I signs ($50).
Cathy Cobb 254-855-2887

Pet First Aid and CPR (4 hours) $65

You will learn first aid techniques to stabilize a pet during an emergency as well as ways to prevent injuries. This class will enable you to react with the knowledge and confidence to help give your pet the best chance of survival. Classes are taught by lecture, demonstration and hands-on practice. Handbook included.
Therese Kopiwoda 512-586-2328

Private Lessons (4 lessons) $250; $65 per each additional lesson

Private lessons are the best way to establish a good foundation in obedience skills or to address behavior issues such as destructiveness, separation anxiety, biting or fighting. You will receive as much personal guidance and attention as you need. Because dogs learn best in familiar settings, our initial lesson will take place in your home. As your dog becomes more adept at handling distractions, we may meet at other locations. Each lesson lasts approximately one hour and will be scheduled per your needs.
Kim Roche 512-796-5783

Rally Drop-In (ongoing) $10 each drop-in session ($5 goes to Texas GSP Rescue)

Rally run-throughs, 1-2 courses set up. This ongoing class is currently available on an as-scheduled basis. See our calendar for dates and times.
Prerequisite: Completion of Novice Rally I or instructor approval. Cathy Cobb 254-855-2887

Recall Intensive (4 sessions) $100

This four week class could save your dog's life! Learn how to make your dog come to you every time you call, wherever you call her. We will be working with a number of distractions to make your dog reliable off-leash.
Kim Roche 512-796-5783

Classes for Kids/Families

Are You Ready for a Pet?

This class for parents and kids will help the family decide whether it is ready for the commitment a pet requires. Pet care and responsibility are discussed as well as the joys of adding a furry friend to the family.

Daycare Programs

Tailor a program especially for your age group. Weekday mornings. Certified teacher.
Sonya Wilson 512-440-7529

Fun-to-Make Dog Toys

Make and take class for kids and their parents. You will take home a safe, fun toy for your dog. Your child will also learn how to play dog games safely. Ages 8-12.
Sonya Wilson 512-440-7529

Make Art with Your Dog

Your child will learn simple obedience commands. These commands will then be used to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. For kids, parents, and dogs. Ages 10 and up.
Sonya Wilson 512-440-7529

Pet First Aid and CPR

Two hour introduction to pet care taught by a Pet Tech first aid instructor. For kids and their parents. Ages 10 and up.
Therese Kopiwoda 512-586-2328

Safety Around Dogs

This AKC written course taught by a certified teacher will help your young child deal with meeting new dogs, and teach them what to do in a dangerous situation. Ages 5-8.
Sonya Wilson 512-440-7529

Southpaws University Calendar

Not all described classes are listed on the current calendar. Some classes are taught intermittently, and some are demand-based. If you are interested in a class that has not been scheduled, please contact the instructor to get more information on when that class will be taught.

Registration Form

Download the Southpaws University Registration Form

Payment options

Complete the SU registration form, pay with cash or check
Contact the course instructor at the number listed to register for individual classes and arrange payment
COMING SOON! Complete online registration form, pay through PayPal