Scheurman's K9 Academy dog training Jacksonville Florida, offers an intermediate dog training program second to none. The intermediate program was developed by Scheurman's K9 Academy dog training Jacksonville Florida, to introduce the student to commands used in competition dog training in the areas of The American Kennel Club, and the United Kennel Club formal obedience, and Rally Obedience. It also introduces students to the competition commands used in Schutzhund.

By combining formal dog training obedience, and Schutzhund dog training obedience, it gives our students the best overall trained dog, whether simply a magnificently trained family dog or the flawlessly trained competition dog.

At Scheurman's K9 Academy dog training Jacksonville Florida; the intermediate program fosters camaraderie between students. At Scheurman's K9 Academy dog training; your fellow students will offer support and encouragement during your training. Many of our students become lifelong friends, continuing friendships even after they leave our training program.

At Scheurman's K9 Academy dog training Jacksonville Florida, intermediate program offers many benefits, other than just an exceptionally trained dog. Like our free annual Halloween party, and free pictures with Santa.

Course Outline

It will clean, build on and reinforce commands taught in Basic Obedience.

Use of long line: Knowing the proper use of equipment is essential. This is even truer as the equipment becomes more advanced. The need for proper control and use is important. You will be shown how and when to use a long line to gain control at a given distance. As time permits.

Throw chains and throw disks: Are new to most basic students, as they were not needed at that level. They are a very good tool in distance control when used properly as time permits.

Sit on command: At your left side, and in front of you. Using either hand signal only or voice only. (On & off leash) As time permits.

Stand on command: At your left side. Using either hand signal only or voice only. (On & off leash) As time permits.

Down on command: At your left side. Using either hand signal only or voice only. (On & off leash) As time permits.

Sit stay: for three minutes, under distractions. Using either hand signal only or voice only. (On & off leash) As time permits.

Down stay: for five minutes, under distractions. Using either hand signal only or voice only. (On & off leash) As time permits.

Heeling: to walk on your left side, without pulling, walking behind you, or pulling off to the side.  Using either hand signal only or voice only. (On & off leash) As time permits.

Come when called: the dog will learn the formal and informal recall. When called the dog will come in a straight line and sit directly in front of the handler, close enough for the handler to touch, but not touching the handler.  Using either hand signal only or voice only. (On & off leash) As time permits.

Automatic Sits: the dog will sit each and every time you stop (heeling) moving.  Using either hand signal only or voice only. (On & off leash) As time permits.

Left turn: the dog will learn to move with you, so you won't fall over your dog.  Using either hand signal only or voice only. (On & off leash) As time permits.

Right turn: the dog will learn to move with you, so you won't be pulled over by your dog.  Using either hand signal only or voice only. (On & off leash) As time permits.

Circles left and right: this teaches the beginning of the figure eight. It teaches the dog to pay attention. It also reinforces the dog to moving with you, so you won't fall over your dog, or be pulled off balance.  Using either hand signal only or voice only. (On & off leash) As time permits.

About turns: it teaches the dog to pay attention. It also reinforces the dog to moving with you, so you won't fall over your dog, or be pulled off balance.  Using either hand signal only or voice only. (On & off leash) As time permits.

Attention: When the command is given, the dog looks up at the handlers face. The dog remains focused on the face of the handler at heel (while walking), the sit, the down, and the stays. In competition, this results in a overall higher score. The dog is able to "read" turns in advance, without anticipating the turn. In everyday situations, the command is used to lead your dog around distractions, such as children, other animals, and loud noises. (on & off leash)

Finish Right: When your dog returns from the re­call, he will be sitting directly in front of you. You give the command to finish, and the dog returns to the heel position (sitting at your left side), by walking around you (on & off leash).

Finish Left: When your dog returns from the re­call, he will be sitting directly in front of you. You give the command to finish, and the dog returns to the heel position (sitting at your left side), by walking around your left side (on & off leash).

Schutzhund Flip: When your dog returns from the recall, he will be sitting directly in front of you. You give the command to Flip, and the dog returns to the heel position (sitting at your left side), by hopping in one movement. (on & off leash )

Off Leash: We will be working towards, total off leash control. The dog will heel, come, drop on recall, and obey all commands given, without the aid of the leash.

Heel change of pace: The dog will maintain the correct heel position regardless of the handlers pace; slow, fast, and sprinting (on & off leash).

Left About Turn - Schutzhund About Turn: The handler will make a left about turn, the dog will pass the handlers right side, and turn behind the handler, returning to the heel position on the handlers left side.

The Weave: The student will learn to weave their dog through a group of other students and their dogs. This is a control and confidence building exercise, for both the dogs and handlers.

Figure Eight: The dog team will be able to make figure eight's, on & off leash, around other dog teams, dogs alone, people, cones, food, etc.. ( on & off leash)

Down on recall: While your dog is running towards you, you give the command, and your dog immediately drops to the down stay position, until he receives another command ( on & off leash) .

Sit on recall: While your dog is running towards you, you give the command, and your dog immediately sits to the sit stay position, until he receives another command (on & off leash).

Stay on recall: While your dog is running towards you, you give the command, and your dog immediately stops to the standing stay position, until he receives another command (on & off leash ).

Stand in motion: While you keep walking, you give the command. Your dog stops and remains standing, as you continue to walk. Your dog will be able to be examined (touched), by a stranger, while remaining in the stand stay until released. (on & off leash)

Sit in motion: While you keep walking, you give the command. Your dog stops, and sits, as you continue to walk. until released. (on & off leash)

Down in motion: While you keep walking, you give the command. Your dog stops and downs. as you continue to walk; until released. (on & off leash)

Handler Instructions: We will clean up sloppy commands (Tone of voice, hand signals). the use of correct body posture, make sure that you don't cause your dog to lose any points in competition.

Hand signals: We will teach you the proper hand signals, as used in competition. You will be able to control your dog without the use of voice.

Voice only commands: The dog must perform all commands without visual cues from the handler (on & off leash).

Hand signals only commands: The dog must perform all commands without cues audio from the handler (on & off leash).

Continued Behavior Modification and Problem Solving: As some dogs get older, they may develop unwanted behaviors. An example would be your dog was attacked by another dog at a dog park and is now acting aggressive towards other dogs. By continuing your training around stable reliable dogs and knowledgeable handlers you may be able rehabilitate him or her. The only condition to this scenario is you may be required to purchase a ram agitation muzzle from us. So it is best to avoid sit scenario.

Plus the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen Program.

Test Item 1: Accepting a friendly stranger: This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach it and speak to the handler in a natural, everyday situation. The evaluator walks up to the dog and handler and greets the handler in a friendly manner, ignoring the dog.

The evaluator and handler shake hands and exchange pleasantries. The dog must show no sign of resentment or shyness, and must not break position or try to go to the evaluator.

Test Item 2: Sitting politely for petting: This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to touch it while it is out with its handler. With the dog sitting at the handler's side, to begin the exercise, the evaluator pets the dog on the head and body. The handler may talk to his or her dog throughout the exercise. The dog may stand in place as it is petted.
The dog must not show shyness or resentment.

Test Item 3: Appearance and grooming: This practical test demonstrates that the dog will welcome being groomed and examined and will permit someone, such as a veterinarian, groomer or friend of the owner, to do so. It also demonstrates the owner's care, concern and sense of responsibility.

The evaluator inspects the dog to determine if it is clean and groomed. The dog must appear to be in healthy condition (i.e., proper weight, clean, healthy and alert). The handler should supply the comb or brush commonly used on the dog. The evaluator then softly combs or brushes the dog, and in a natural manner, lightly examines the ears and gently picks up each front foot.

It is not necessary for the dog to hold a specific position during the examination, and the handler may talk to the dog, praise it and give encouragement throughout.

Test Item 4: Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead): This test demonstrates that the handler is in control of the dog. The dog may be on either side of the handler. The dog's position should leave no doubt that the dog is attentive to the handler and is responding to the handler's movements and changes of direction. The dog need not be perfectly aligned with the handler and need not sit when the handler stops.

The evaluator may use a pre-plotted course or may direct the handler/dog team by issuing instructions or commands. In either case, there should be a right turn, left turn, and an about turn with at least one stop in between and another at the end. The handler may talk to the dog along the way, praise the dog, or give commands in a normal tone of voice. The handler may sit the dog at the halts if desired.

Test Item 5: Walking through a crowd: This test demonstrates that the dog can move about politely in pedestrian traffic and is under control in public places. The dog and handler walk around and pass close to several people (at least three). The dog may show some interest in the strangers but should continue to walk with the handler, without evidence of over-exuberance, shyness or resentment. The handler may talk to the dog and encourage or praise the dog throughout the test. The dog should not jump on people in the crowd or strain on the leash.

Test Item 6: Sit and down on command - staying in place: This test demonstrates that the dog has training, will respond to the handler's commands to sit and down and will remain in the place commanded by the handler (sit or down position, whichever the handler prefers).

Prior to this test, the dog's leash is replaced with a line 20 feet long. The handler may take a reasonable amount of time and use more than one command to get the dog to sit and then down. The evaluator must determine if the dog has responded to the handler's commands.
The handler may not force the dog into position but may touch the dog to offer gentle guidance.

When instructed by the evaluator, the handler tells the dog to stay and walks forward the length of the line, turns and returns to the dog at a natural pace. The dog must remain in the place in which it was left (it may change position) until the evaluator instructs the handler to release the dog. The dog may be released from the front or the side.

Test Item 7: Coming when called: This test demonstrates that the dog will come when called by the handler. The handler will walk 10 feet from the dog, turn to face the dog, and call the dog. The handler may use encouragement to get the dog to come. Handlers may choose to tell dogs to "stay" or "wait" or they may simply walk away, giving no instructions to the dog.

Test Item 8: Reaction to another dog: This test demonstrates that the dog can behave politely around other dogs. Two handlers and their dogs approach each other from a distance of 20 to 30 feet, stop, shake hands and exchange pleasantries, and continue on for about 10 feet. The dogs should show no more than casual interest in each other. Neither dog should go to the other dog or its handler.

Test Item 9: Reaction to distraction: This test demonstrates that the dog is confident at all times when faced with common distracting situations. The evaluator will select and present two distractions. Examples of distractions include dropping a chair, rolling a crate dolly past the dog, having a jogger run in front of the dog, or dropping a crutch or cane.

The dog may express natural interest and curiosity and/or may appear slightly startled but should not panic, try to run away, show aggressiveness, or bark. The handler may talk to the dog and encourage or praise it throughout the exercise.

Test Item 10: Supervised separation: This test demonstrates that a dog can be left with a trusted person, if necessary, and will maintain training and good manners. Evaluators are encouraged to say something like, "Would you like me to watch your dog?" and then take hold of the dog's leash. The owner will go out of sight for three minutes. The dog does not have to stay in position but should not continually bark, whine, or pace unnecessarily, or show thing stronger than mild agitation or nervousness.

Plus American Kennel Club's Community Canine Good Citizen Program.

1. Dog stands, sits or lays down and waits under control while the owner: 
sits at the registration table and fills out paperwork.
OR if the test is done in the community, dog waits while the owner sits and has a snack or visits with another person (e.g., at a park).

2. Dog walks on a loose leash in a natural situation (not in a ring) and does not pull. 
make a left turn
make a right turn
stop
walk at a fast and slow pace

3. Dog walks on a loose leash through a crowd 
at a show or in class (not in a ring).
in the community, dog walks on a sidewalk, through a crowd at a community fair, park, on a trail, through a busy hallway, etc.

4. Dog walks past distraction and does not pull
This item may be tested along with #3 if there are dogs in the crowd.
at a show or class. Dog walks by dogs waiting in the crowd – dogs 2 ft. apart. 
in the community. Dog walks by other dogs on a trail, sidewalk, in a hallway, etc.

5. Sit-stay in small group (three other people with dogs).
Owners and dogs are in an informal circle while owners have a conversation.
Dogs are all on the owner’s left side, on leash,3 ft. apart (at least 30 seconds). 

6. Dog allows person who is carrying something (backpack, computer bag, etc.) to approach and pet it. 
“May I pet your dog?” (Item is placed on floor/ground before the person pets the dog.)

7. “Leave it.” Dog walks by food and follows owner instructions, “Leave it.” 
This can be food placed by the evaluator on the floor or ground in a food dish with a wire cover as in Rally.

8. Down or sit stay-distance (owner’s choice). 
Dog is on 20-ft line, owner walks away with back to dog, picks up an item (shopping or training bag, clipboard, folder, etc.) placed on the floor, chair, or ground by the evaluator and returns to the dog.

9. Recall with distractions present (coming when called). Handler goes out 20-ft. (off center) and calls dog. Dog is on the 20-ft. line from #8 above. 

10. Dog will sit or stand stay (owner’s choice) while owner enters/exits a doorway or narrow passageway. Owner calls dog through door when ready. Owner may choose to send the dog through first and have the dog wait for the owner, or, the owner may choose to have the dog go through the doorway at the owner’s side. Whichever method is used, the dog must not pull the owner and must be under good control. Think of the handler having the leash in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other.
Doorway or gate can be real or simulated with ring gates, two chairs, or a natural passage way (e.g., entrance to trail) in the community.

AKC Urban CGC Test Items

1. Exit/enter doorway with no pulling in dog-friendly buildings. Exit building to start test, additional Public buildings items are below.

2. Walk through a crowd on a busy urban sidewalk.

o People come toward the dog from 1-ft. away

o Tolerate distractions (people wearing hats, coats, men, women, etc).

3. Appropriate reaction to city distractions. This includes movement, noises, and walking on a variety of surfaces. Examples:

o Noises: horns, sirens, construction noise, etc.

o Moving objects: skateboard, bike, carts, person running

o Surfaces: concrete, grass, grates, plastic tarp, wet sidewalk

4. Crossing street: Stop at corner, stand or sit to wait and cross with no pulling (on leash, with owner). Crosses street under control.

5. Ignore food on sidewalk. (Dropped food, or cups, bags, cans, in which food was wrapped).

6. Person walks up and pets the dog. May be carrying an item such as a small dog in a bag, a computer bag, etc. Person does not put the bag down to pet the dog.

7. Public Building (that is dog friendly). Walks under control in building (slick surface, carpeted floor). Down stay (3 min) in lobby or outdoor area, or waits while owner has a meal or snack.

8. Stairs, steps, or elevator under control.

o Steps (at least 3 – up and down)

o Elevator (Enters under control, exits, rides under control)

9. House trained for apartment, condo, city living. Owner may verify this item. Evaluator may also observe in public buildings, or have observed in training classes.

10. Transportation. Owner’s choice depending on transportation needs.

o Car. Enters/exits, remains under control during the ride. (Crate? Seat belt?)

o Subway. Small dog in bag for ride. (Large dogs are not always permitted; know and abide by the Transit Policies in your area).

o Dog friendly (enters/exits or allows to be put in/taken out) under control.

Platinum: Pay Once Lifetime Intermediate Obedience with The American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Group training program. The costs of this program is $3,650.00, and then pay nothing for group intermediate training for rest of your dog's life (as long as you remain active). It also entitles you to our reduced boarding rate $30.00 per day. No charge pick-up and delivery of their dogs for boarding (at our training locations). Our newsletter, Halloween Party, Pictures with Santa, and more. After 30 days from graduation, we require the handler and dog to be tested in to the Intermediate Program. We charge $40.00 for this test. The course runs one to two hours per-week. Starting at 9 AM Saturdays OR Starting at 10 AM Saturdays and/or 7 PM Wednesdays. You can attend Wednesdays, and/or Saturdays classes (1 hour a week or 2 hours a week). You must work your dog at home, for thirty (30) minutes each day (two, fifteen minute sessions).

When taken as a Group membership program $1,300.00 plus $20.00 for each scheduled class you attend.

When taken as a combination program, (Group Basic and Intermediate class) Group membership program $1,300.00 plus $20.00 for each scheduled class you attend.

We accept Cash, Personal Checks, Business Checks, Major Credit Cards and Debit Cards, we also except on line orders (below).

We also offer a barter, swap, or trade programs to get you a trained dog. Scheurman's K9 Academy believes that everyone should have the ability to have a trained dog. Chances are you have something we want or need, and that you no longer want or need, could be a tangible item, or service's (time) (professional or amateur).

Opening lines of communication between dog and man

What is the right Intermediate program for me? 

Pay Once Lifetime Intermediate Program
Intermediate Lifetime application in Adobe format.pdf

Intermediate Lifetime application in MS Word format. doc

Scheurman’s K9 Academy offers dog training for ALL BREEDS and ALL AGES in Group classes, Private lessons format and or Board and Trains, for Basic Obedience, Intermediate Obedience, Competition Obedience for both the American Kennel Club and the United Kennel Club in Novice, Open, Utility and Rally. We also offer training in Personal Protection, Therapy Dogs, Service Dogs as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Search and Rescue, Cadaver Recovery, Schutzhund, KNPV, NVBK, French Ring. We further offer Canine First Aid and CPR classes, using our canine manikin, Scruffy.

Scheurman’s K9 Academy offers training programs to security, and law enforcement to include Narcotics Interdiction Dogs, Building Search Dogs, Perpetrator Apprehension Dogs, Officer Protection Dogs, Explosive Detection Dogs (Bomb), Accelerant Detection Dogs (arson), Riot Control Dogs, Prisoner Escort dogs, Cell Phone Detection Dogs, and Patrol Dogs.