About Go Over Rover Dog Training LLC

The premise

Go Over Rover leads with a claim about relationships rather than technique: "The secret to a well-trained dog is a positive relationship. At Go Over Rover Dog Training we are dedicated to helping you and your furry friend develop the best relationship possible." The home page says the business has been "serving West Bend and the surrounding areas for over 15 years and recommended by area veterinarians," offering "group classes and private lessons," with trainers "dedicated to helping you learn positive reinforcement training techniques with a goal of a lifetime of companionship, love and respect." Prospective clients are invited to "make an appointment to observe a class today."

The manners ladder

Four classes run in sequence, each with its own entry requirement. Puppy Kindergarten takes "puppies ten weeks to five months old" and teaches sit and down, impulse control, "First Steps-Coming When Called," sitting politely for petting, "First Steps-Loose Leash Walking" and potty training, with advice on chewing, mouthing and jumping; completing it should qualify a dog "to take the AKC S.T.A.R.(Socialization, Training, Activity, Responsibility) Puppy test." The Beginner Class takes dogs "six months and older" and covers "Sit, Down, Stay, Loose Leash Walking and Introduction to Heeling, Leave It, Coming When Called/Recall," with advice on jumping, digging, chewing and barking. The Intermediate Class requires the beginner course or an equivalent elsewhere and asks "more of our teams during exercises." The Canine Good Citizen Prep/Advanced Class requires intermediate and teaches teams "to handle distractions" through "Rocket Recalls, Off Leash Handling, Distance Obedience Cues, Sensational Stays, Perfecting Heeling" and the CGC exercises themselves.

The test at the end

The school runs the evaluation as well as the preparation: "Once you have completed our Basic and Advanced Obedience, the both of you are now ready to show your skills by taking the CGC (Canine Good Citizen) test. This test is sponsored by AKC (American Kennel Club)." The site notes the certificate can open doors, saying that after passing "this may enable you and your dog to visit schools, nursing" homes and similar places.

The sport side

Agility is pitched as much for the relationship as the competition: "It's a growing sport in the United States, where dogs race against a clock as they navigate through an obstacle course that consists of jumps, tunnels, weave poles, a teeter and much more! It is one of the best ways you can create an even deeper bond between you and your canine pal, and it's great exercise for the both of you! Whether you're looking to have fun with your furry friend, or you are interested in competing in an Agility trial, Go Over Rover is here to help!"

How it screens for fit

Rather than a service list, the home page opens with a diagnostic set of questions – chewed shoes, barking at inappropriate times, potty training, whether the dog gets enough exercise and mental stimulation, pulling toward other dogs, and the plain one, "Does your dog take you for a walk?" – and answers, "If you have answered 'Yes' to any of the behavior questions above, or you are interested in Agility, contact us to sign up today!"

Before you book

Ask who will teach your class, what each class costs and when the next sessions start.