about Mike ossenbeck
Mike Ossenbeck has been training dogs professionally since 1989. His first formal training was earning a Companion Dog title with Dunsany (pictured above). His professional experience includes 9 years of training service dogs for the disabled. Duties involved all aspects of Service Dog training: evaluating and training dogs, co-ordinating the puppy program, teaching puppy classes, interviewing and selecting candidates, designing and leading team trainings, follow ups with graduates, and more. The follow ups were especially instructive- to be able to see what worked and even more importantly, what did not work. He spent two years as Regional Training Manager for a national service dog organization. For another two years he was employed by a local animal shelter to assess dogs, train volunteers and to guide placements. Prior to that he had spent 7 years as a volunteer dog walker. He ran a fun after school program K-3 for two years where children learned how to interact safely with dogs and even make healthy K-9 treats. For another shelter he designed and ran a summer program for children- teaching dog safety and training. In the early 1990’s Mike was introduced to positive methods of training. He began to move away from the punitive training methods he had been taught by attending seminars and workshops promoting positive training techniques. Mike continues to attend training conferences and to further his understanding of how best to build common ground between dogs and people. Common Ground was launched in 1996 and since then Mike has been offering group classes and in-home training with the owners, along with independently working with the dogs to meet the individual needs of busy people. Techniques used are dog and people friendly. Common Ground Dog Training is recommended by wagging tails throughout Sonoma County.
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Services
Companion Dog classes
Small groups ensure individual attention. Handlers, with dogs 4 1/2 months or older, are introduced to positive training methods. Positive does not mean permissive. We need to define exactly what is expected and have consequences for undesired behavior. The first meeting is an orientation for handlers only. This orientation will cover what it takes to train ourselves, how to keep dogs out of trouble with management techniques, how dogs communicate (we speak dog less fluently than they understand English), equipment, problems such as jumping, greeting etiquette and more. In the following weeks we introduce the basics- coming when called, sit, down, walking on leash, leave it/ take it and more. The class is designed to be practical and applicable for everyday life. Please bring vaccination records (rabies and DHLPP) to first meeting. C
FINLEY CENTER - 2060 College Ave., Santa Rosa, CA 95401
Tuesday evening, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM and 7:15- 8:15
Registration through Santa Rosa Recreation and Parks call 707-543-3737.
Online- City Of Santa Rosa Recreation And Parks Activities Adult Education Dog Training
Next 6 week Level 1 classes begin Tuesday, March 5, 2024, 6:00 and 7:15.
Wednesday, March 6. 6:00.
Price: $99, Santa Rosa residents; $109 non residents. Classes are held outdoors in the Courtyard.
If class is full, ask to be put on waiting list. If enough people are interested we can add a class.
HEALDSBURG COMMUNITY CENTER - 557 Healdsburg Ave, Healdsburg, CA 95448
Thursday evenings, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Registration through Healdsburg Park and Rec at 707-431-3301 or online.
Next 6 week classes begin: March 25.
Price: $130.
Collie Caper classes
Have fun with your dog & fight crime at the same time! You and your dog match wits with the infamous ‘Beagle Brigands’ and join Scottie Yard to find and follow clues to solve the mysterious disappearance of two beloved celebrities. Move up the ranks from Cadet to Constable, or even the coveted post of Inspector! Teams work together to gather evidence - dogs using their noses and people using the latest forensic equipment from the Dollar Store. You may even find an answer to that key historical question - Did Timmy really fall into the well? This class is for dogs with some basic skills under their collars but perfection is not required. In short, this is an intermediate level class disguised as fun and games (we do work to improve skills introduced in the Companion Dog Class).. Important - dogs must be comfortable around other dogs, with no aggression or reactivity. Bring proof of vaccinations (if you have not recently attended a Common Ground class) to first class.
Call 707-396-8055 or email Mike at m.ossenbeck@gmail.com for details and dates.
No class scheduled.
INDIVIDUAL WORK
While there are advantages to attending a class such as cost, the presence of other dogs, a structured environment, working in your home is often the best place for us to start training your dog -- perhaps with the goal of getting the dog into a class at a later date. The dog is more comfortable in its own environment, there are no added distractions and the focus is completely on your dog and what you want to work on. Recreating problem situations such as door etiquette and neighborhood walks, for example, with control of real life variables can be a successful strategy. How often we work together or, if you prefer, how often I work your dog, is determined by your goals. Here are just a few examples of situations that benefit from individual instruction: you are new to dog training, it has been years since you last trained a dog, you just rescued a new dog, you just got a brand new puppy and want to avoid jumping, biting, etc., you want to do it right this time, your dog is nervous around people and/or dogs, your dog flunked obedience class, your dog is reactive to people or other dogs.
$90 per appointment.
CONTACT common ground dog training
If you would prefer to call, the phone number is (707) 396-8055.