The first-ever “Canine College Manners 101” dog obedience class in Sun City West wrapped up in late May. Sponsored by the Canine Companions Club, the inaugural class saw seven dogs and their handlers achieve new levels of communication and cooperation.

The course was led by Sun City West residents and veteran dog trainers Kristine and Nick Nibler. Kristine brings more than three decades of dog training experience to the community, boasting resume of more than 75 titles across diverse dog sports, including competitive obedience, agility and trick training. Her husband Nick is equally accomplished, having trained dogs in disciplines such as search and rescue, obedience tracking, and scent work.

Throughout the six-week curriculum, handlers gained skills to foster clear communication with their canine companions. Key areas of focus included teaching dogs to maintain focus amidst distractions and mastering techniques for instilling impulse control. Foundational obedience commands like “sit” and “down” were taught, alongside practical skills such as recalls and loose-leash walking.

“It has been incredibly rewarding to see the progress made by these teams,” commented Kristine Nibler. “The bond that develops when you truly understand and communicate with your dog is remarkable. We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to teach dog training classes in Sun City West.”

The success and positive reception of the inaugural Canine College class will pave the way for local dog owners looking for additional training opportunities. The Canine Companion Club is asking all residents interested in future classes to complete an online survey located on their website, canine.scwclubs.com.

Residents interested in signing up for the next round of Canine College classes can contact the club secretary and training program director Tracy Wetzler by sending an email to scw.canine.college@gmail.com. The classes are limited to residents of Sun City West but are open to dogs of all sizes.