Group Classes for every dog.
New Workshop!
Mindfulness for Dogs
Who knew dogs could do deep breathing?
Learn ways to help your overstimulated dog walk without pulling and choose to pay better attention in a fun and relaxing class.
KinderPuppy
*IMPORTANT: READ THE FULL DESCRIPTION BEFORE REGISTERING.
Cost: $175
Class size: 3-5
(Please contact us if class is full. We may be able to start a new section.)
Class length: 6 weeks with rolling/open enrollment
(Start when your puppy is ready and enroll for 6 consecutive weeks.)
For: 8 weeks - 5 months when starting class
KinderPuppy helps you start your young puppy (8 wks - 5 mos) on the road to being a well-adjusted, well-mannered adult dog. I strongly encourage you to enroll as soon after 8 weeks as possible, to ensure your puppy gets those crucial early experiences. There is a critical socialization period that closes around 16 weeks. Having a variety of safe, novel experiences during this period increases your puppy’s ability to handle new people, vet visits, and other life events. Isolating your puppy from dogs, people, and the outdoors contributes to behavior problems that may never resolve. We would never think to isolate toddlers from other children or adults so why do this to a puppy?
Combining positive reinforcement training with play, Puppy PE, and socialization exercises, you and your puppy will develop a lasting bond, making subsequent classes (and life in general) easier and more fun for both of you.
Puppies must have been in the home for at least a week, received their first puppy shots (not the whole series, just one!), be free of parasites, and be declared healthy by YOUR veterinarian (Not the rescue’s or breeder’s).
I follow the guidelines from the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. The AVSAB states:
“In general, puppies can start puppy socialization classes as early as 7-8 weeks of age. Puppies should receive a minimum of one set of vaccines at least 7 days prior to the first class and a first deworming. They should be kept up-to-date on vaccines throughout the class.…the combination of maternal immunity, primary vaccination, and appropriate care makes the risk of infection relatively small compared to the chance of death from a behavior problem… Enrolling in puppy classes prior to three months of age can be an excellent means of improving training, strengthening the human-animal bond, and socializing puppies in an environment where the risk of illness can be minimized.”
Better Than Obedience
Cost: $175
Class size: 3-6
Class length: 6 weeks
For: 5+ months through adulthood.
Better Than Obedience (BTO1) goes beyond basic commands to give your dog the skills they need to be a reliable, attentive, and well-mannered companion. In this class, dogs learn sit/stay, down/stay, go to place, loose-leash walking, leave it, drop it, and practical relaxation techniques such as deep breathing to manage stress and overstimulation. BTO1 is ideal for dogs who can comfortably be around other dogs and people, providing opportunities to practice self-control and focus in real-world settings.
Take It On the Road
Cost: $175
Class size: 3-6
Class length: 6 weeks
For: Dogs who have taken 1-2 training classes such as KinderPuppy plus BTO1, or BTO1
PLEASE NOTE: THIS CLASS IS NOT SUITABLE FOR FEARFUL OR REACTIVE DOGS.
If it has been a year or more since your last class, please schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation before enrolling.
In Take It On the Road, we focus on practical, fun exercises that help your dog respond consistently to your cues, even in distracting environments. Through structured games and interactive activities, you’ll strengthen your observation and communication skills while your dog learns to stay attentive, confident, and reliable outside the home. This class is designed for dogs who have completed foundational training and are ready to practice their skills in parks, urban spaces, and other real-life situations, making everyday walks, outings, and social interactions smoother and more enjoyable for both of you.
Reactive Dog
Cost: $175/person, 10% discount for 2nd person from the same household
Class size: 4-10 people
Class length: 6 weeks
For: Anyone with a Leash Reactive dog
Does your dog overreact when out for a walk? Do they seem frustrated, overly excited, or even aggressive toward other dogs or people while on a leash? In this class, you will learn effective training and management skills to make daily life with your Leash Reactive dog easier and more peaceful.
Since this is a no-dogs class, you will be able to relax and focus on learning, then practice the techniques at home.
You will leave your dog at home for this class. Each session is a combination of a lecture, videos, demonstrations, and student practice using the instructor’s dogs. Homework involves practicing with your own dog at home.
NOTE: This class is not suitable if you have a dog with a history of biting people or attacking and biting another dog. If you are unsure, please contact Joanne for a free 15-minute phone consultation to determine if private sessions are a better fit.
A Walk In The Park (Loose Leash Walking)
Cost: $175
Class size: 3-6
Class length: 6 weeks
For: Students who have taken at least one training class such as Better Than Obedience 1
Please Note: This is NOT a class for leash reactive dogs.
This 6-week force-free dog training class focuses exclusively on Loose Leash Walking, helping your dog learn to pay attention, walk politely without pulling, and stay relaxed when you pause to chat. Using proven, positive reinforcement techniques, you and your dog will practice in a variety of parks and urban settings, building confidence and reliability in real-world situations. By the end of the program, walks will feel smoother, more enjoyable, and more connected for both you and your dog.
Emotional Support Dog
Cost: $175
Class size: 3-6
Class length: 6 weeks
For: Dogs who have taken a basic training class
While Service Dogs must perform specific tasks, there are no laws governing Emotional Support Dog (ESD) training. Many landlords hesitate to accept ESDs because of untrained or poorly trained dog, but we can change that.
In our Emotional Support Dog course, you’ll train your dog using force-free, positive reinforcement techniques to exhibit calm behavior, navigate distractions, and walk politely past other dogs. Your dog will learn practical skills that make apartment life easier, safer, and more enjoyable for everyone: you, your dog, and your neighbors. By the end of the course, your ESD will be a model of reliability, helping you live confidently together in any environment.