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New Canine Circus Classes Starting Soon

Build your dogs: brain, confidence, and physical strength at Canine Circus School.

• Expand your trick training repertoire
• Improve your training skill and coordination
• Perfect your control around other dogs.

Scroll down for class dates

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Class is held on Sundays from November 6 to December 19 (skips Thanksgiving weekend, Nov. 27)

The six-week class series costs $260

Sign up here!

Circus I : 1:30 − 2:30

Circus II : 3:00 − 4:00

Click here for class descriptions.

Watch our videos, see how much fun we have in class!

The Circus Dog Army wants you! Sign up now!

Method to the Madness. Training Concepts Behind Canine Circus Class.

Out of the Box

Like many trainers I learned Heel Position on the left side.  I practiced on the left side for at least ten years. I raised dogs from pups to their last days that heeled only on the left.  When I tried to do the right side heel I felt clumsy. I had been hobbled by a tradition, and that didn’t sit right with me. Traditions should set you free, not keep you locked in a box. That is why I began teaching all behaviors by practicing them on the left and right sides.  I call this the Symmetrical Foundation. When Circus Class students learn this way they become more coordinated, and better trainers from the start.

I wanted to add to the tradition, not be limited by it. So I studied and compared exercises from all the dog training traditions. I noticed patterns, and came up with ways to categorize behaviors that allowed me to use them more like paints on a palette and less like a list of obedience exercises that are never questioned.

One way to break down the endless list of behaviors you could teach your dog, I call: Macro Medium and Micro.  

Macro Motion: Directed Sends and Recalls. Coming when called. Going to place. These behaviors require the dog to be highly motivated and to retain that motivation.

Medium Motion: encompasses most basic obedience commands such as: Sit, Down, and Stand in addition to many classic parlor tricks like Sit Pretty and Spin. These movements require great control.

Micro Motion: small gestures such as pawing , waiving, cocking the head, or holding an object in the mouth. Many of these are Service Dog behaviors requiring precise timing best facilitated with a clicker.

I had trained Medium behaviors such as sit, down, and heel position for too long. Again I was hobbled by a tradition.  When I busted out of the mold and began training in the new categories (Micro and Macro) my training flourished. Results were noticeable and heads turned!

Many Circus school exercises are composed of these three movement groups.  A typical routine will require the handler to show control of the dog in each category.  For instance the dog is sent to a place box (Macro Motion) The dog is then asked to spin in a circle (Medium Motion) Finally the dog is asked to use his paw to ring a bell (Micro Motion) Every class we come up with variations on the Macro Medium and Micro frame work.

You can think of it like a filmmakers shot list or frames in a story board or comic strip. Most scenes start with an establishing shot, this is the equivalent of our Macro Motion. As the scene progresses the filmmaker requires greater level of detail to tell the story. When the camera zooms in on a subject the Medium behaviors are worked. The close up shot high lights the Micro Motion.

So the Macro Motions establish the scene, the Medium Motions introduce the characters, and Micro Motions add details that support the story.

Lets put that in the live performance context.  The dog goes to his pedestal (Macro), the dog bows to the audience (Medium) and then waves goodbye (Micro)  Compare that to obedience exercises and you will find that most traditional obedience is built around chains of Medium Motion behaviors. By using the Macro Medium and Micro concept to create our behavior chains, Circus Class students learn to train behaviors that recruit the dogs whole body down to isolating very small gestures.

Macro, Medium Micro, has really helped me come up with new creative stuff on a daily basis.  It’s just an easy way to create a new routine that works all of your training skills. Give it a try or sign up for one of our classes!

Canine Circus Class Question and Answer with Francis Metcalf.

What is Circus Class?

FM:  Lets start with what circus school isn’t.  Our primary focus is on tricks not manners.  Our students don’t come to us to fulfill a basic dog training obligation, they come to learn creative dog training and immerse themselves in a creative dog training environment.

What is creative dog training?

FM:  While creativity is essential in all types of training, we use the term creative dog training when the training itself is specially designed to tell a story by supporting a plot or designed to stimulate the viewers aesthetic senses.  This can include everything from useful service dog behaviors, film animal training, stunts, and of course the classic parlor tricks.

What inspired you to start the Canine Circus School

FM:  Have you ever wanted to enter a different world? To find a secret door that will transport you, to step through a garden gate only to find you are lost in the ruins of an old temple. Have you ever looked down at your dog and thought he would make a great companion for a journey like that? That’s what inspired me.

Tell me a little more about the inspiration behind Circus Class.

FM:  As a dog trainer I wanted to create a class that I would want to take myself.  I wanted it to concentrate on things I felt most people need work on, myself included.  Allot of that is control around other dogs and the distractions you would find in a performance environment.  I didn’t want a class that was boxed in with a set of rules, either the rules of a sport or a training philosophy. However I wanted to teach a set of behaviors I think are essential when developing an extraordinary dog.  Confidence, adaptability and a willingness to try again are our guiding principles.  Our goal is to make dogs that are the envy of your neighborhood, the coolest dog on the block.

What makes your class, Circus Class not obedience class?

FM:  Circus is about spectacle.  Obedience is about disappearing into the background.  Each class we aim to make a spectacle, we do this by teaching the dogs how to interact with props.  Obedience is important too, but confidence with the props and environment takes precedence.

Ok what differentiates Circus Class from a tricks class?

FM:  The big difference between a Circus Class and a trick class is Circus Class requires dogs to work together and to “honor” on their pedestal while another dog performs a trick.  We work up to this slowly in Circus 1.

What tricks do you teach?:

Our foundation exercises are designed so that any dog can benefit from them.  As you progress you will be taught tricks that combine multiple behaviors to tell a story. For instance we teach all the classic tricks like: sit pretty, roll over, play dead, shake, spin etc. However to put these tricks together in an entertaining way is the ultimate goal.

So is it like Canine Freestyle, where people dance with their dogs?

No.  We use a lot of the behaviors commonly associated with Freestyle, but we free the handler from being type cast as a dance partner. We coach the handler to present the dog like an extraordinary beast filled with skill and education, but not a dance number.  I have a ton of respect for really good Freestylers, some truly amazing trainers.  Circus is more about a rag-tag band of misfits coming together to make a  canine spectacle.  This creates an environment where so many interesting things are going on at once that a sense of wonder comes over the participants and spectators.

How long is the class?

Its six weeks, but basically is an ongoing class.  Once a week for an hour on Sunday afternoons.

How much does it cost?

Two hundred and sixty buckaroos gets you 6 classes. To sign up click here.

Thanks to Tobin Simon for the great questions!

Testify!

Sometimes on your journey as a dog person you encounter a few bumps along the way.  You need to find mentors and peers to help you get out of a rut and inspire you.  We do this all the time for everyone from high level competitors to everyday dog owners.  If you need help with something call Norma and she will set up an appointment for us to meet.  We can get allot done in an hour!  A big thanks to Juliene Bartley for this awesome testimonial!  READ BELOW

No testimonial could do Francis justice. He’s fun, friendly, patient, clear, communicative and intuitive — with both dogs and people! My big, suspicious, intimidating dog absolutely loves Francis. During out first lesson, even before my dog had noticed him, Francis had already read him and knew exactly how to approach him to ensure that my dog’s first impression of him was a good one. He gave me some great insight into my dog’s personality, and some tips on how to introduce him to strangers and have better interactions with people, which has proven extremely valuable. The exercises he gave us were not complicated, but made such a huge difference, and my dog actually enjoyed doing them. Not once did he seem stressed, or felt shut down; he was eager to work for Francis, and for me, even when he was challenged. I was also given a lot of instruction to improve my own handling skills, such as how to use the leash and position my body to help my dog understand what I want, but never once was I made to feel clumsy or stupid. You can tell, too, that each lesson is catered to you and your dog and what will help you both succeed.

The advice I received was catered to my dog’s personality and my specific issues, and wasn’t at all like cookie-cutter solutions copied from a Dogs for Dummies book. Since seeing Francis, my dog and I have shared many small (and a few major!) victories. I’m more confident with my dog and my ability to handle him — and he is more comfortable and focused on me — in situations that would have felt tricky before. And, perhaps best of all, I understand my dog much better thanks to Francis’ insight and guidance, which has only made our relationship stronger and more productive. I can’t thank Friends of the Family enough for all their help, and I’m looking forward to continuing our education with them! (Circus Class, here we come!)

A rainbow over our training area

The Canine Circus Army Wants You!

Canine Circus Classes Start Soon. Sign up now click here! 

Francis, Balzac and Heklina at the Mint Plaza Bring Your Own Dog event.

Logan Achieves the double ball balance in Circus II Class.

The Accordionist

Bravo to Andrew Ramsey and Mitzi for taking on this challenging role!

Balzac and Mitzi

A huge part of our creative process is junk shopping. Luckily this is a passion for both Norma and I. We are always looking for inspiring objects. When an object is beautiful, sets the right mood and is a perfect prop for dog training, I go crazy.

An object holds meaning, an expectation, a set of assumptions. I’m obsessed with the creative potential of the interactions between dogs and objects. Luckily for me, dogs like to be obsessed with objects too. Nothing builds the dogs confidence like being encouraged to explore and manipulate new things. This is one of the creative engines behind our Circus Class, we always hunt for new props, each new prop has its own set of problems. By solving those problems you discover new possibilities.

Turtle and Jester in Circus II Class

This is how it works: Comb the streets of Oakland or San Francisco looking for interesting things. Bring them home and explore the creative possibilities of the interaction between dog and object.  In this video the object was a leather accordion case.

Can the dog: climb on it, under it, paw it, push it, pull it. Then you ask what is the implication of the dog doing this. What else could the dog do?  What other behaviors can you add ? Will you confirm the audiences assumptions or will you allow the incongruity of a situation to have a life of its own?

Francis and Norma

Tales of Braunstein: A Cautionary Tale of Trust, Greed and Thievery

In my world animals talk, not in human speech but in animal tongue. Cities are built from thimbles, balls, cards, tops and clubs. Mail is sent by Pigeon Post. Wool is still the best insulator, and knowledge is kept in leather-bound tomes. On most days this goes on in my head, while my exterior shows the concentration of a dog trainer deeply involved in his work. Inside my head is bolt upon bolt of patterned fabrics that would make a clown look “matchy matchy”.  Fleets of botanists grow giant golden onions to be made into roof top adornments and picnickers launch wooden boats in straw hats and striped trousers.  You get the point….

On some days what was once behind my eyes has the luxury of a leisurely walk in the countryside.  A creative outing, a feast of like minds, a picnic of inspired visions.  This was such a day.  Through the joint efforts of the Metcalf family, Jesse Freidin, Andrew Ramsey, and our Queen and supreme ruler Moonoka Hudak, we bring you:

Tales of Braunstein.

Stay tuned for more pulp tales of Detective/Puppeteer Giuseppe Braunstein and a photo series by dog photographer Jesse Freidin.

If you want to discover the magic of dog training consider taking one of our Canine Circus Classes, or private lessons.

New Canine Circus Classes

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New Circus Classes starting at Saint Roch’s in Oakland!

Circus I:  Circus I has only two requirements, that you come with an open mind and with the expectation of working hard.  While other training systems seek to keep things simple, we keep things sophisticated and fun.  Our method is not geared toward people who are trying to fulfill a basic requirement, but rather towards people who want to discover the magic and mysteries of dog training.

You will learn to teach your dog the three basic building blocks of creative dog training.  You will learn to apply these building blocks using our Symmetrical Foundation process that is at the root of all our training drills.  The Symmetrical Foundation is a complete body/mind work out for you and your dog.  It will make you into a super trainer and your dog into an incredible performer.  Sign up  or call the number below for Circus Classes dates and times. 

Circus II is the continuation of class I.    Circus II keeps the focus on group control and the building of routines.  Part of this is finding your dog’s unique talents and part is learning to work together as a group.  We will have a ball balancing seminar at some point in every circus II class.  The class will continue until we have trained an army of circus dogs to amaze and inspire audiences across the globe.  Submit form below  or call us for Circus II schedule.

There’s still time to sign up, just fill out this form and let us know you’re interested in joining the fun!  If  you can’t join the troupe now, but would like to, we have more class dates available.  Please call 415-779-6550 if you have questions or need help deciding which class is right for you!

Other Great News – Must Read!

Dog Photographer Jesse Freidin will be joining us as a regular feature of Canine Circus Class.  He uses REAL FILM, that’s right the stuff they used in the 20th century! Jesse will be documenting our Circus Classes, and his incredible retro prints will be available to our students.

As we coach you to squeeze every ounce of canine cunning into an act of perfection, Freidin’s lens will capture the moment so you can take it home as a testament to the skill and spirit of your fine beast.  Check out his blog here!  Hope to see you in class!

Dog Thief Beware: A Pulp Fantasy

Join me for a few minutes of suspended reality.  Let the street lamps that light our way through the Oakland fog invite us to travel back in time.  Let the  jingle of dog tags syncopate with the eager respiration of our companion.

Now imagine that sound gone, a dead silence.  Your leash hangs limply from your hand, no tension to remind of your friend’s presence.  You have been dognapped.  First disbelief, then horror.  As you wring your hands in panic you allow a primitive feeling seep from your marrow.  You don’t seek justice you seek revenge.

On your word I will release the hounds to chase this game to its terrible conclusion.  Follow me if you dare!