This course will guide you through all the basics to help you teach your dog the right skills from the beginning. You’ll learn about equipment, how to use commands, praise, and release to encourage good behavior, and even how to move your feet to communicate better with your dog. We’ll also cover how dogs learn and understand, plus teach your pup key skills like “sit,” “stay,” and walking nicely on a leash.  

AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program: If your dog is under 12 months old, you’re in luck! This class gives you the foundation to test for the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program. Ask your instructor for all the details and let’s make your dog a star!

Price:  $140 + 2.50 registration fee for 7 week session, classes are held on Tuesdays

Prerequisite: Dog must be 16 weeks or older on the first day of class and not agressive. 

Click the following links to help determine which obedience class is best for your goals and abilities.   Classes may be repeated to become proficient in all skills before advancing to the next level class.

• Obedience class flow chart
• Obedience class descriptions

Equipment:

• All collars are acceptable, except no prong or e-collars.  Your instructor recommends a flat / buckle or martingale collar.
• 6 foot leash, NO retractable leashes
• Big towel (mat or bath rug preferred) for your dog to lay down

Handler equipment:

• A treat bag or pockets to put your dog’s food in
• Plenty of food for your dog. It can be their daily food allowance and/or treats. The more variety the better! (NO treats that are oily, flaky, or crumbly)

        *TIP: have the food ready cut into pinky nail size bites.

• Water bowl and water for you & your dog
• Comfy shoes and clothing

Cancellation/Refund Policy 

1. Cancellation of a class for any reason BEFORE the first class date of a session will be refunded minus our coursestorm and credit card fees (currently about $13)
2. There are NO REFUNDS for any cancellations AFTER the first class of a session.
3. There will be NO REFUNDS or pro-rating for any classes missed after the start date of the first class of any given session.
4. Transfers to a more skill appropriate class in the same session before or after the class start date may be possible with approval and subject to space availability. Please contact us. 

The Novice obedience class is designed for dog handlers looking to enhance their training skills beyond the Canine Good Citizen level. This class is specifically aimed at handlers preparing for Beginner Novice (BN) or AKC Novice Companion Dog (CD) titles.

In this class, you will learn essential obedience exercises, including on-leash heeling, figure of eight, and off-leash heeling. We will also cover crucial exercises such as recall, the Beginner Novice "leave your dog and walk around the ring", and the sit and stand for exam.

Handlers will practice group sits and downs (one minute each) and will work on the exercise of leaving your dog to retrieve your leash. These exercises are specifically tailored to help you achieve the AKC Beginner Novice title.

This Novice obedience class is ideal for those looking to refine their skills and can often be repeated to ensure mastery of the exercises.

Price:  $140 + 2.50 registration fee for 7 week session, classes are held on Tuesdays

Prerequisite: Beginners and/or Intermediate.  This class is more advanced than Intermediate/CGC and introduces off-lead recalls along with finishes.  

Click the following links to help determine which obedience class is best for your goals and abilities:

• Obedience class flow chart
• Obedience class descriptions

Equipment:

• All collars are acceptable, except no prong or e-collars.  Your instructor recommends a flat / buckle or martingale collar
• 6 foot leash, NO retractable leashes

Cancellation/Refund Policy: 

1. Cancellation of a class for any reason BEFORE the first class date of a session will be refunded minus our coursestorm and credit card fees (currently about $13)
2. There are NO REFUNDS for any cancellations AFTER the first class of a session.
3. There will be NO REFUNDS or pro-rating for any classes missed after the start date of the first class of any given session.
4. Transfers to a more skill appropriate class in the same session before or after the class start date may be possible with approval and subject to space availability. Please contact us. 

Your puppy starts learning from the moment those little paws hit the ground. Our puppy training class provides you with the knowledge you need to prepare for your puppy's crucial first 8-16 weeks in your home, setting the foundation for a happy and well-behaved dog.

This class covers the 5 essential things to accomplish with your puppy before 16 weeks old, including:

1. Bite Inhibition – Preventing resource guarding behaviors
2. Socialization – Introducing your puppy to people, places, and things
3. Potty Training – Solving common potty training problems
4. Separation Anxiety Prevention – Helping your puppy feel comfortable when alone
5. Body Handling – Grooming and veterinary handling to make visits stress-free

You’ll also engage in training games designed to enhance your puppy’s learning and strengthen your bond:

• Relax on a mat: Teaching calmness and relaxation
• Leave the treat to get the treat: Self-control exercises
• Touch: Encouraging positive interactions
• Watch Me: Building focus and attention
• Recall Training: Teaching your puppy to come when called
• Name Game: Responding to their name reliably
• Drop It or Give: Teaching proper object handling
• Walking on a leash: Proper leash manners for stress-free walks
• Sit, Down, Stand, Stay: Basic obedience commands for a well-mannered puppy

With this course, you’ll gain the tools and confidence to ensure the first 8-16 weeks with your puppy are fun, educational, and stress-free. Get your puppy started on the right paw!

Price:  $140 + 2.50 registration fee for 7 week session, classes are held on Tuesdays

Prerequisite: Your puppy must be under 16 weeks or younger on the first day of class.  If your puppy is older, Beginner Obedience is the appropriate class to register. 

Click the following links to help determine which obedience class is best for your goals and abilities:

• Obedience class flow chart
• Obedience class descriptions

Requirements: 

• Your puppy must be current on all vaccinations to attend class
• Bring proof of vaccination to the class on the first night. Please follow the recommendations of your vet regarding vaccinations
• Rabies vaccinations are not required for dogs under 6 months of age

Equipment:

• 6 foot leash, NO retractable leashes
• Buckle collar, NO harnesses
• Rug, towel or some sort of mat for your puppy

Handler Equipment:

• A treat bag or pockets to put your dog’s food in
• Plenty of food for your dog, the more variety the better! It can be their daily food allowance and/or treats. (NO treats that are oily, flaky, or crumbly)

*TIP: have the food ready cut into pinky nail size bites

• Water bowl and water for you and your dog
• Comfy shoes and clothing

Cancellation/Refund Policy: 

1. Cancellation of a class for any reason BEFORE the first class date of a session will be refunded minus our coursestorm and credit card fees (currently about $13)
2. There are NO REFUNDS for any cancellations AFTER the first class of a session
3. There will be NO REFUNDS or pro-rating for any classes missed after the start date of the first class of any given session
4. Transfers to a more skill appropriate class in the same session before or after the class start date may be possible with approval and subject to space availability. Please contact us.

In this class students will master the Advanced, Excellent, and Master Signs, as well as continue to practice the Novice/Intermediate signs. 

Price:  $140 + 2.50 registration fee for 7 week session, classes are held on Tuesdays

Prerequisite:

• Rally Advanced, Excellent and Master requires that the handler has successfully completed the rally Novice / Intermediate class and has an AKC rally Novice title
• Students moving up from the Rally Novice / Intermediate class require the trainer’s approval 

Click the following links to help determine which obedience class is best for your goals and abilities.  Classes may be repeated to become proficient in all skills before advancing to the next level class.

• Obedience class flow chart
• Obedience class descriptions

Equipment:

•  Crate - your dog is safely put up during the walk-through that precedes each class

Cancellation/Refund Policy: 

1. Cancellation of a class for any reason BEFORE the first class date of a  session will be refunded minus our coursestorm and credit card fees (currently about $13).
2. There are NO REFUNDS for any cancellations AFTER the first class of a session.
3. There will be NO REFUNDS or pro-rating for any classes missed after the start date of the first class of any given session.
4. Transfers to a more skill appropriate class in the same session before or after the class start date may be possible with approval and subject to space availability. Please contact us. 

Ready to compete! Run Through class is designed to help handlers and dogs prepare for the AKC Open and Utility obedience titles with a trial-like experience. In this class, you'll have the chance to practice competition obedience exercises in a realistic, trial simulation environment.

Each session provides students the opportunity to perform the required exercises while receiving personalized feedback from the instructor. You'll get approximately fifteen minutes of individual attention per dog, allowing for targeted improvements and valuable training suggestions.

Whether you're aiming for your first AKC Open title or working on mastering the Utility level exercises, Run Through classes are an excellent way to boost your dog's trial performance and ring readiness.

This class will be outside on grass and may include jumps. 

Price:  $140 + 2.50 registration fee for 7 week session, classes are held on Tuesdays

Equipment:

• Dumbbell

Cancellation/Refund Policy: 

1. Cancellation of a class for any reason BEFORE the first class date of a session will be refunded minus our coursestorm and credit card fees (currently about $13)
2. There are NO REFUNDS for any cancellations AFTER the first class of a session.
3. There will be NO REFUNDS or pro-rating for any classes missed after the start date of the first class of any given session.
4. Transfers to a more skill appropriate class in the same session before or after the class start date may be possible with approval and subject to space availability. Please contact us. 

Teams will learn to identify and indicate specific scents used by AKC and other organizations.. Team handling and proficiency with handler body movement, alert recognition, and timing will be refined. Proficiency with these techniques will lead to AKC Scent Work and other trialing organization titles.

Price: $142.50 for 7 week session.  Classes are held on Tuesdays

Prerequisite: Referral from ScentWork Level 3 Novice/Intermediate instructor or equivalent experience.

See the description of all scent work classes and the order of progression

Equipment:

• Crate for your dog
• Lots of “high-value” treats in a pouch
• Flat buckle, collar, or harness
• At least a 10 foot leash, easy to take on and off

 Cancellation/Refund Policy: 

1. Cancellation of a class for any reason BEFORE the first class date of a  session will be refunded minus our coursestorm and credit card fees (currently about $13)
2. There are NO REFUNDS for any cancellations AFTER the first class of a session.
3. There will be NO REFUNDS or pro-rating for any classes missed after the start date of the first class of any given session.
4. Transfers to a more skill appropriate class in the same session before or after the class start date may be possible with approval and subject to space availability. Please contact us. 

Ready to compete! Conformation class is an opportunity for handlers and their dog to have a simulated show ring experience. The first and most important thing to bring to class is you - happy and enthusiastic. Confirmation showing will be easy after that. 

Dogs in this class should be a breed recognized by the AKC and your dog is already registered with the AKC.  

NOTE:

• Almost ready for participating in obedience trials, we suggest our Ring Ready or Run Throughs class
• This is not an obedience training class, see our class offering for Obedience training
• This is a 7 week session at a discounted price. You can also sign up for this same class and pay for individual single classes at chosen dates instead of the entire 7 week session. See the "Conformation 7:00 pm - Individual Single Classes" class on this site to do so.

Equipment:

• Training collar (slip collar)
• 4 to 6 foot leather leash
• Dog crate - optional

Handler Equipment:

• Soft treats (bait).  Note: Don't feed your dog within three hours of training. 
• Dog Toy, preferably on a rope/string

As time goes on, the collar, leash, and feeding time may change.

Cancellation/Refund Policy 

1. Cancellation of a class for any reason BEFORE the first class date of a session will be refunded minus our coursestorm and credit card fees (currently about $6.50)
2. There are NO REFUNDS for any cancellations AFTER the first class of a session.
3. There will be NO REFUNDS or pro-rating for any classes missed after the start date of the first class of any given session. 

A fun, fast moving class. About twenty tricks will be introduced including things like crawl, tug, touch, paws up, balance something on the nose, fetch, spin and twirl, jump over (a low hoop or stick).

This class will prepare you and your dog for an AKC Tricks title, or you can simply enjoy bonding and working with your dog without the pressure of earning a title.

Price:  $140 + 2.50 registration fee for 7 week session, classes are held on Tuesdays

Prerequisite:  Must have mastered obedience commands such as sit, stay and heel. Be able to work near other dogs while on leash.

Equipment:

• Your instructor recommends a flat / buckle or martingale collar. No prong or e-collars.
• 6 foot leash - not longer or shorter
• A variety of items such as a hula hoop, a button or push bell, a box large enough for your dog to get in.  Each class we will discuss what to bring to the next class and may vary by student.

Handler equipment:

• A treat bag or pockets to put your dog’s food in
• Many small treats, more than you think you’ll need. It can be their daily food allowance and/or treats. The more variety the better! (NO treats that are oily, flaky, or crumbly)

        *TIP: have the food ready cut into pinky nail size bites.

• Water bowl and water for you & your dog
• Comfy shoes and clothing 

Cancellation/Refund Policy 

1. Cancellation of a class for any reason BEFORE the first class date of a session will be refunded minus our coursestorm and credit card fees (currently about $13)
2. There are NO REFUNDS for any cancellations AFTER the first class of a session.
3. There will be NO REFUNDS or pro-rating for any classes missed after the start date of the first class of any given session.
4. Transfers to a more skill appropriate class in the same session before or after the class start date may be possible with approval and subject to space availability. Please contact us.