Amanda Robertson with her Belgian Malinois, Iso’tope du Loups du Soleil. Courtesy photo

“No dog is too naughty!” Trainer Amanda Robertson said.

School will be in session for dogs at Ready. Set. Sit! Dog Training beginning April 23. Robertson will offer both classes and private instruction. She will be at Pet Pangaea (158 Central Park Square in Los Alamos) at 10:30 a.m. for a “meet and greet” and registration event Saturday.

There also will be a demonstration of her classes Saturday, April 9 at Overlook Park in White Rock.

“My goal as a trainer is to help owners and dogs establish the bonds needed for a successful and long-term relationship,” Robertson said. Through this bond, we can build the communication tools you need to be successful with whatever endeavor you have with your dog! My ambition is to understand your unique needs to enhance the rapport with your dog using the dog’s individual motivations. Each class builds on this common language that we will teach you to use! In addition to classes, we offer private instruction to accelerate the learning and obedience or to help you with your trouble spots regarding behavioral issues.”

According to Robertson, training dogs should not be for the elite. “I hope the selection of classes, for the beginner to competitive trainer, offers something for everyone!” she said.

“I’m passionate about reducing the number of shelter returns,” Robertson said. “People often get a dog without knowing how trainable it is. I can help owners and their dogs overcome behaviors like barking too much or being too aggressive that cause dogs to be returned. Obedience training and having a job for your dog to do, like fetching a ball, can resolve a lot of behavioral issues. This lets the dog know that you are leader and they don’t have to be charge.”

Classes at Ready, Set Sit! build on each other. “Each class builds on this common language that we will teach you to use!” Robertson said. There are classes of all type for all types of dogs and owners.

Robertson’s love for training began in 2001 when she attended her first obedience class with her Doberman, Molly. During that class, she was asked to visit Endeavor Working Dog Club (EWDC), who trained in various working dog sports at Overlook Park. After attending her first formal seminar, she was hooked! Ever since then, she has been intrigued by the relationship between dog and handler and has been dedicated in helping others pursue their K9 goals.

Robertson has 15 years of formal dog-training experience and has competed in Schutzhund (including tracking), MondioRing, and AKC rally and obedience. She has worked with many of the best dog trainers and competitors, including Michael Ellis of The Michael Ellis School for Dog Trainers.  Robertson has worked with Ellis for more than 10 years when he provided seminars for EWDC.  

Currently, Amanda is training her first Belgian Malinois, ‘Iso’tope du Loups du Soleil, who has earned his IPO 1, OB2, and TR2 in Schutzhund. She is also owns a two-year-old terrier mix.

“One of my goals is to help people do more sports and activities with their dogs,” Robertson said. Whether you’re tossing around a ball in the yard or competing in a sport like Fly Ball or Disc Dogs with your pet, dogs enjoy having a goal, and of course they love interacting with their owners, she said.

Tails are sure to be wagging all over Los Alamos with these instructive and fun classes.

People can sign up for classes and learn more at www.nmreadysetsit.com.

Here are the current class offerings:

The Ultimate Sampler! (Pu Pu Platter) (60 minutes; 6 weeks)  Introductory rate! $150, plus tax; Starts April 23.
This course will be offered on occasion to demonstrate future offerings. Participants will be introduced to a new topic each week. Topics will include: Tricks for Dogs, AKC Canine Good Citizen Sample, Scentwork, AKC Rally, Agility/Obstacle Courses, Games for Dogs! Have fun with your dog while seeing all the fun activities that are potentially available for you and your dog to learn and perform over time! No prior experience necessary; polite dogs preferred.

‘On the Mark’ Group Obedience I   (60 minutes; 6 weeks)  Introductory rate $125; Starts April 23.
This is the foundation class to master for all other classes. This class uses tools such as operant conditioning and luring and discusses how these techniques relate to dog training. It will set up your ‘marker’ system that becomes the language you will use to communicate with your dog.  The class will begin with basic obedience commands such as sit, down, stand, loose leash walking and more!

AKC S.T.A.R. (Socialization, Training, Activity, Responsibility) Puppy Class
Pre-requisite none. Introductory rate $150 (includes book); Starts April 23. This is a non-competitive class open to purebreds and mixed breeds.  Upon passing of the test, dogs will be listed in the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy records at AKC.  The environment is fun and relaxed!  Dogs up to 1 year (estimated for shelter dogs) may take the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Test and earn the award.  All dogs can test after all necessary vaccinations have been received. It is mandatory to attend all 6 classes in order to test.

AKC Canine Good Citizen Class
Pre-requisite:  ‘On the Mark’ Group Obedience I is recommended. (60 minutes; 6 weeks); Coming Soon!
Introductory rate! $150 (includes book)
You can earn a title for your dog- pure bred or mixed breed! This is a non-competitive title earned through a series of exercises that will prepare you for and then test and certify at the end of the course.  This is a test of good manners for dogs!

​Competitive Obedience
This course will be tailored to fit the needs of the client(s).