PUPPY KINDERGARTEN

Ruth Crisler, CBCC-KA

Drop In | $40 per class or 4 for $120

Upcoming Sessions:
Sundays @ 10am
Tuesdays @ 6pm

Puppies have unique needs, so this class focuses on developmentally appropriate exercises and experiences for puppies under six months old. We’ll cover potty training, socialization, confidence-building, basic manners, and more. For older puppies, we recommend enrolling in our Basic Skills & Manners class.

Basic SKILLS & Manners

Matt Peters, CPDT-KA

Ripley Silva, CPDT-KA

5 Week Series | $240

Upcoming Sessions:
Wednesdays @ 6pm | Nov 13, 2024 – Dec 18, 2024
Saturdays @ 2pm | Nov 16, 2024 – Dec 21, 2024
Sundays @ 10am | Jan 5, 2025 – Feb 9, 2025

Learn the fundamentals of dog training and behavior while teaching your dog essential life skills. The class will start out divided in a way that minimizes distractions as you and your dog get the hang of things. Distraction and challenge are introduced methodically to set everyone up for success.

This class is a great starting point for private lesson students who want to give group class a try but desire a gentle introduction to working in a room full of other dogs. We’ll cover skills such as focus, coming when called, ignoring distractions, loose leash walking, sit, lie down, go to your spot, and stay.

Prerequisites: No prerequisite skills are required for this class. While we do everything possible to ease the dogs into a group class environment, it is unfortunately the case that not every dog is ready for even our Basic Manners class. This class is not appropriate for dogs who bark non-stop when around other dogs, and dogs that are continuously disruptive will be excused. If you are unsure if your dog is ready for group class, we encourage you to start with a private lesson instead.

Intermediate Life Skills

Matt Peters, CPDT-KA

6 Week Series | $275

Upcoming Sessions:
Wednesdays @ 5pm | TBD
Saturdays @ 1pm | Nov 16, 2024 – Dec 21, 2024

This class focuses on polishing and advancing your dog’s skills so that they feel practical and applicable to real life situations. Working in closer proximity to the other dogs in class will be introduced. Dogs will be asked to handle moderate distraction and stay focused for longer periods of time – all in a fun and cheerful environment.

Prerequisites: Dog can hold a sit-stay for 5 seconds while mostly making eye contact with the handler. Dog can lie down with a hand signal that lowers to the floor. Dog can walk at the handler’s side for 6 feet. Dog can come when called, under minimal distraction, from 10 feet away. Dog can go to a mat/bed/cot 6 feet away from the handler. (Dog standing on object until guided to relax is okay.)

Study Hall

Ruth Crisler, CBCC-KA

$35 per single class

Upcoming Sessions:
Tuesdays @ 7pm
Sundays @ 2pm

Study Hall is open to all current group class and private lesson students, as well as recently graduated Puppy Camp or Board & Train alumni. This is a drop-in, mixed-level study hall where students can work either individually or in collaboration on proofing various skills, under the supervision of a certified trainer. Props from all classes will be available, and the attending trainer will be available to assist as needed.

ACTION & DISTRACTION

Ruth Crisler, CBCC-KA

3 Week Series | $150

Upcoming Sessions:
Tuesdays @ 7pm | TBD

This class will focus on advanced training drills including dog distractions, responsiveness while excited, off leash recall, and more. New exercises are introduced for every round and curriculum is customized to the level of each students. Feel free to sign up more than once!

Prerequisites: Intermediate Life Skills or instructor approval.

Obstacle Course & Fitness Foundations

Matt Peters, CPDT-KA

6 Week Series | $275

Upcoming Sessions:
Saturdays @ 10:30am | Nov 16, 2024 – Dec 21, 2024

This class is unique in its focus. The first half of the class will be spent on body awareness and strength training exercises that are perfect for burning your dog’s energy, even in small indoor spaces. This will include teaching your dog to isolate their front, rear, and individual leg movements. All props used can be substituted with household items, as will be discussed in class.

The second half of class will introduce the dogs to “obstacle course” equipment typically used in agility, competition obedience, Rally, and protection sports. Jumping foundations will be a main focus. Tunnels, turning around props, pause tables and more will also be used.

Prerequisites: Basic Manners and Life Skills OR approval from your instructor.

AKC TRICK DOG NOVICE

Ripley Silva, CTDI

6 Week Series | $275

Upcoming Sessions:
Saturdays @ 10am | Jan 4, 2025 – Feb 1, 2025

Tricks are a great way to bond with your dog, build their confidence, develop their problem-solving ability, and keep them mentally stimulated. Trick training is also a fun, low-pressure way to hone your own teaching skills. But wait, there’s more! This class will also prepare you and your pup to earn the AKC Trick Dog title and certificate– a great achievement for both of you!

Prerequisites: Basic Manners and Life Skills or equivalent foundation.

Canine Good Citizen Test Prep

Matt Peters, CPDT-KA

6 Week Series | $275

Upcoming Sessions:
Saturdays @ 1pm | Nov 16, 2024 – Dec 21, 2024

This class prepares its students for the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen certification test. This is a 10-skill test focused on demonstrating that the dog is a polite and well-mannered member of society.

Test Items: Accepting a friendly stranger, sitting for petting, tolerating mild handling and grooming from a stranger, walking on a loose lead, walking by people and an unknown dog, sit stay, down stay, coming when called, reaction to a sudden noise, and supervised separation.

Both this class and the CGC test can be taken multiple times. The sixth week will be the CGC test itself. Visit the AKC’s website to learn more about the details and judging criteria of each exercise.

Prerequisites: Intermediate Life Skills OR approval from your instructor.

Overexcited Greeters

3 Week Series | $150

Upcoming Sessions:
Saturdays @ 10am | TBD

Is your dog a jumping bean when people come over? Do you dream of taking them to a patio, but they want to say hi to everyone who walks by? This class is for you! Learn the skills to teach your dog how to politely greet people – as well as how to ignore them – in this 3 week mini series.

Prerequisites: Basic Manners and Life Skills or equivalent. (Sit-stay with eye contact for 5 seconds. Down in response to a hand signal. Ability to walk beside you for at least 6 steps. Recall from 10 feet away. Going to a mat/bed/cot from 6 feet away.)

Freestyle Circus School

Ripley Silva, CTDI

3 Week Series | $150

Upcoming Sessions:
Sundays @ 1pm | TBD

Want to run away with your pup to the circus? This tricks class focuses on skills worth of the big top, with activities for basic to advanced students alike. Towards the end of the term, each team will create their own unique routine to perform on the last day of class.

Prerequisites: Basic Manners and Life Skills or equivalent foundation.

Proofing at the Park

Matt Peters, CPDT-KA

4 Week Series | $175

Drop In | $47

Upcoming Sessions:
Saturdays @ 9am | Summer 2024
Saturdays @ 10am | Fall 2024

“Proofing” means practicing a behavior in different environments and situations, until your dog generalizes the desired behavior and can do it anywhere, even under distraction. Curriculum will be flexible and focused on dog and environmental distractions. This class is open to teams working on “leash reactivity” that can reliably control their dog within ~10 ft of other dogs, so it is imperative that everyone respect each other’s space. Close proximity (<10 ft) exercises will only be done with the consent of each team and the instructor.

Prerequisites: Intermediate Life Skills class OR approval from your instructor.

Weather and location: If there is inclement weather, we will be in communication with you about class being held or delayed. Class takes place at Humboldt Park, and your instructor will send you exact coordinates.