Private Mini-Classes

If you and at least one friend or family member with another dog would like to participate in a private mini-class together, held on your property, you can choose from the class topics / curriculums below. Students share the cost for the hour. If you are interested or have questions about this option, contact me.

All classes are taught using science-based, force & intimidation-free methods.

Fundamentals     6 week curriculum

This is our 6 week basic obedience class where you and your dog will learn how to work as a team. We’ll go over basic learning theory, how it applies to dog training, and how to integrate what you learn in class to your daily routine so training isn’t a chore; it’s just a simple part of life. “Fundamental” behaviors “sit”, “down”, “stay”, loose leash walking, “leave it”, hand targeting or “touch”, recall to their name, and polite greetings without jumping on people will be covered. Have a new dog you just adopted? Have a dog that knows how to sit and stay at home but when you step out the front door they seems to forget what you think they should know? Have an older puppy that now needs to learn adult manners? Want to have a solid training foundation to move on to more advanced training in the future? This class is for you!

Reactive Rover                                                                                                     6 week curriculum

Does your dog bark and lunge on-leash when they see another dog? Are your walks stressful or embarrassing because of it? In this 6 week class we will give you management skills as well as training exercises in a safe and supportive environment to make your walks more calm and enjoyable for both you and your dog. We'll work on focus and attention, building confidence, and creating positive associations with other dogs.

Rockin' Recallers - 3 week curriculum

Does your dog turn and run in the other direction when they hear you say "Come!"? Does your dog play hard-to-get and dodge you when you want to leave the dog park? Would you like to see your dog's face light up with excitement when they hear their name and come running to you when you call them? Then this is the class for you! We'll work on building value for YOU so your dog starts to see you as the key to all the great and fun things out in the world. We'll also work on your dog's impulse control so they are better capable of coming away from distractions. 

Beyond the Backyard                                                                                                6 week curriculum        

*Check out some of the skills learned in this video from a previous class.* We will be using Denise Fenzi's breakthrough book "Beyond the Back Yard - Train Your Dog to Listen Anytime, Anywhere!" as a guide and inspiration.  Does your dog listen to you when there is nothing going on but completely lose attention when something distracting appears? Will your dog listen to you if you have a cookie in your hand but not when you are empty handed? Want to work on a recall away from distractions, better leash walking skills, impulse control? This class is for you! Dogs joining this class must NOT show resource guarding behaviors—people will be taking things away from dogs. Dogs must be social and unafraid of both dogs and people. Because this class is about withstanding distractions, we do not want to force undue stress on dogs that are fearful or socially uncomfortable. This is an intermediate/advanced class for dogs who already know the “fundamentals”.

Walk with Me! - leash walking skills - 3 week curriculum

Are you getting pulled this way and that on your walks? Do you lose your dog's attention when you are out and about? If your dog already knows the "Fundamentals" but you want to start using those basic obedience skills in the "real world" this 3 week loose leash walking clinic is for you. We'll work on impulse control around different kinds of distractions, sustained attention, and of course walking with beautiful slack in your leash.

Puppy Kindergarten - 6 week curriculum                                                                                                

Each week in this class is theme based and simulates a different experience or scenario that a puppy and their owner may encounter in real life; an outside stroll on leash, a vet visit, the kitchen, the living room, being groomed, etc. While keeping with the theme of each week, we’ll incorporate the teaching of basic manners, go over important socialization topics and common puppy problems, as well as have short bursts of puppy playtime where we’ll narrate and discuss dog body language and best practices for monitoring dog-to-dog interactions. This class will help new and seasoned puppy owners learn how to seamlessly integrate basic training and socialization into their daily lives and most importantly, how to keep their puppies feeling safe, confident, and happy. 

Fun & Games                                                                                                                                             Variable curriculum length 3 to 6 weeks                                                            

Have trouble keeping your dog’s mind challenged and body exercised? This class is for you! Fun & Games will be a combination of shaping exercises and tricks, balance, body awareness and strengthening, and confidence building though games. Examples of things we might do in a class – learn how to back up/walk backwards, stand and balance on inflatable exercise discs, run through an agility tunnel, pivot on a pedestal like a circus dog, go out to a target and be able to work away from you, balance a ball on their head. We will have a blast but as always we'll also incorporate self-control into everything. Have interest in tricks or dog sports like agility, obedience, or rally? This is a great class to get a taste of little bits of everything.