Classes

Take your dog to school!

Start your dog’s education with Pawsitive Companionship’s Dog Training Classes:

Small class sizes for personalized attention
All classes taught by a Certified Professional Dog Trainer
Begin socializing your puppy, teach your dog manners, become a Canine Good Citizen, enjoy letting your dog sniff out odors, and more

Puppy Manners & Socialization

New puppies need to learn about the world to grow up to be confident adult dogs. Socialization, which is a crucial and important time during puppy development, is a major component of our class. We properly and positively socialize your puppy to experiences they will have as they mature. Other areas of focus include discussing how puppies learn, house training, kennel training, alone time, and typical puppy behaviors that need gentle guidance to modify, such as mouthing, nipping, biting, and chewing. We also begin teaching manners behaviors. And to help your puppy learn how to interact with other dogs, we let them play, which is a high point of the class. Proper socialization as a puppy is key to a happy, well-adjusted dog.

Details:

Puppies should be between 7 and 14 weeks at the start of the first class
$150 for 6 weeks of classes, plus a required orientation before the first class
Class maximum is 5 puppies

Requirements:

Proof of post-breeder or post-adoption puppy wellness exam from your veterinarian

Proof of start of puppy vaccination series from veterinarian, including age-appropriate core DHLPP round and any other vaccinations recommended by your veterinarian

Proof of intestinal parasite screen with negative results or deworming from veterinarian. If screen is positive, note from veterinarian stating the puppy is undergoing appropriate treatment and is cleared for class.

This class currently meets virtually through an online environment. Cost is $120 for the 6-week class.

Basic Family Manners

Whether your puppy started with Puppy Manners & Socialization and is ready for the advanced class, or you have an older puppy or dog who needs some help with manners, this class is for you. Here, we will help your dog become better mannered by enhancing your relationship with each other, which allows them to focus on you, even when distractions are present. You and your dog will learn several basic behaviors, including attention, sit, down, coming when called, connected walking, and polite greeting.

Details:

Appropriate for dogs 4.5 months or older who are comfortable around unfamiliar dogs and people.
$150 for 6 weeks of classes
Class maximum is 4 dogs
If you dog is uncomfortable around unfamiliar dogs and people, we can help with behavior modification.

Currently this class has the option of meeting virtually in an online environment. Cost is $120.

Intermediate Family Manners

After gaining a strong foundation in Basic Family Manners, you and your dog are ready to advance and learn more skills. Here, dogs will solidify their manners during more distracting, real-life situations. The behaviors learned in this class will help your dog become a good canine citizen and to mind in various settings.

Details:

Appropriate for graduates of Basic Family Manners (or with trainer’s approval)
$125 for 5 weeks of classes
Class maximum is 4 dogs

Canine Good Citizen Preparation & Test

If your goal is for your dog to become a therapy dog or pass the AKC Canine Good Citizen test, this is the class for you. In fact, passing the CGC is considered a stepping stone to becoming a therapy dog! This class includes sitting politely while a friendly stranger and dog greet your dog, walking on a loose leash around people, and being left with an unfamiliar person.

Details:

Appropriate for dogs 6 months of age or older with good manners training
$175 for 7 weeks of classes, including CGC test
Class maximum is 4 dogs

Nose Games

Are you and your dog ready to have some fun? In this class, we’ll utilize and develop your dog’s natural scenting abilities and take advantage of their desire to hunt for food or a certain odor. Through these activities, we’ll build your dog’s confidence while providing mental and physical enrichment. Perfect for any dog, regardless of age, social nature, or fearful/reactive behavior, this series of classes allows your dog to advance through several levels including working odor, containers, interiors, exteriors, and vehicles.

Details:

Appropriate for dogs 5 months or older
$150 for 6 weeks of classes
Class maximum is 6 dogs

Fab Four

In this class, we’ll solidify the four behaviors owners find most useful to have in a well-mannered dog. All dogs will focus on the top three: connected walking, come when called, and polite greeting. The fourth is your choice: either leave it or go to mat/stay.

Details:

Appropriate for dogs older than 6 months with previous good manners training
$125 for 5 weeks of classes
Class maximum is 4 dogs

Fantastic Focus

You are naturally the center of your dog’s world, and when you can maintain their attention, new behaviors are easier to instill, dogs are happy to train and learn, and walks are more fun. Throughout the course, we will add distractions and exercises that lead to you becoming more interesting to your dog, increasing their desire to focus their attention on you. For an adolescent dog, this class is ideal.

Details:

Appropriate for dogs older than 6 months with good manners training
$150 for 6 weeks of classes
Class maximum is 4 dogs

Canine Neurobics, or Sensory Exploration for Your Dog’s Brain

This class will help your dog relax and be calmer by mentally stimulating their brain through their senses. In addition, it will help adolescent dogs who have challenges focusing to refocus on you or the task at hand. Plus, these exercises will alleviate boredom. Each week, we will focus on a particular theme, such as tactile learning, providing multiple activities for your dog. We repeat exercises so that you can see how your dog is improving in learning, focusing, and relaxing.

Details:

Appropriate for dogs older than 6 months with trainer approval
$150 for 6 weeks of classes
Class maximum is 4 dogs