Group Classes & Schedule
Classes are held at: 918 B Harris St. Charlottesville VA 22903
TO REGISTER FOR A CLASS
Click the "Register for..." button under each class that you would like to enroll in
Please read about more Group Class POLICIES Here
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Please note the following for Group Classes:
1. All class times listed are evening times, unless marked Daytime Class
2. Each dog may bring two humans to class
3. A clicker is given out on the first day of class for you to keep (it is also ok to use a verbal makrker like "Yes")
4. Make-ups are available for missed classes, please discuss in person with your instructor
5. Dogs do not need to be spayed or neutered to come to class but females should not come to class during a heat cycle and in-tact males who repeatedly urine-mark should wear a belly band provided by the guardian
DAYTIME CLASSES
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We offer Daytime classes
on Fridays
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See details below
Behavioral problems are the number one cause of relinquishment to shelters. Behavioral problems, not infectious diseases, are the number one cause of death for dogs under three years of age. For this reason, the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior believes it should be the standard of care for puppies to receive socialization before they are fully vaccinated. - AVSAB
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Companions for life start as
Puppies Raised Right
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The Puppies Raised Right program has been carefully designed to help your puppy thrive to their fullest potential. This unique program includes
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In-Home Puppy Consultations and Training Lessons: pre-registration required
One 6-week Puppy Preschool Course: pre-registration required
One 6-week Puppy Kindergarten Course: pre-registration required
One 6-week Kindergarten-Extended Course: pre-registration required
Puppy Day School: à la carte, with advance registration required
Puppy Socialization Class: Drop-In, pay-as-you-go
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​When you enroll your puppy in our programs, you're giving your puppy the best possible start in life. They'll learn not to jump up, how to walk on leash, not to bite you, that nail trimming is fun, that new things aren't scary, how to pay appropriately, and so much more!
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Start off right with Potty training, crate training, and puppy mouthing by scheduling an in-Home Puppy Consult. The trainer can assess the puppy's enrirenment and set you up for success. They can also discuss a plan to get your puppy started in group classes.
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Puppy Preschool and Puppy Kindergarten will complement each other. It is not necessary to complete the entire Preschool Course before starting Kindergarten. If the courses overlap by a few weeks, this is ok! The ideal age for enrolling in Preschool is 8 – 14 weeks. The ideal age for enrolling in Kindergarten is 8 – 18 weeks. These age recommendations are just guidelines but the age cap for both classes is 19 weeks on the first night of class. It is ok if pups age past 19 weeks during the course of the classes, 19 weeks is the cut off for the first night of class only.
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Puppy Day School can be registered for at anytime. Day School is our drop-off play-and-train program. It will support the lessons from Preschool and Kindergarten. Day School can be registered for as a stand alone service. If you can't make our weekday evening classes, our trainers can teach our entire Puppy Curriculum in Day School. Learn more HERE
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Pick a start date from the schedule below for Preschool and Kindergarten
Start attending Puppy Socialization class anytime, even before your classes start!
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Classes are registered and paid for separately
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LEVEL 1
Puppy Preschool
Our former Puppy Essentials Curriculum has been reworked. The lessons have been consolidated and streamlined to make the program more effective, engaging, and easier to fit into your schedule. Course start dates now allign better with Kindergarten Start dates
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Preschool and Kindergarten can be taken as overlapping classes, or you can complete Preschool before starting Kindergarten. It is also ok to start Kindergarten and Preschool on the same week. Each course covers different material
for pups 8 - 19 weeks on the first night of class
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Puppy Preschool provides socialization and confidence building through off leash play with puppy friends and experiencing a weekly "theme". Themes include agility/ obstacles, things that move, different surfaces and more. Puppies need to have these novel experiences while still very young as part of helping them grow into confident adults who are comfortable in a variety of situations. This sets them up to do therapy dog work or to be a family dog who can travel and go anywhere. Training material includes: Sit, Down, Settle, Stay calmly on a mat, Drop it, Touch, Wait, Pre-leash walking skills, and accepting Nail trimming.
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these are the start dates of new courses, each course runs in same the day/time slot that it start in
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If a class is not listed upon clicking the registration button, it means it has filled up
2026 Puppy Preschool
previously Puppy Essentials
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April 23 at 4:45pm - with Valerie
More Classes will be listed shortly!
LEVEL 1
Puppy Kindergarten
Kindergarten and Essentials are designed to be taken as overlapping classes, they will complement each other, however it is always ok to register for one class
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For Pups 8 - 19 weeks of age on the first night of class
6 weeks | each class is 1 hour | $245 for all 6 weeks
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This manners training class for pups covers paying attention, sit, down, touch, come, leash walking, stay, leave it, polite greeting (Don't jump Up). Play time is included in class in two short sessions.
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these are the start dates of new courses, each course runs for 6 weeks in same the day/time slot
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If a class is not listed listed upon clicking the registration button, it means it has filled up
2026 Winter/ Spring
All Classes are held on the Lower Level
Jan 6 at 7:15 with Caiti
Jan 20 at 4:45 with Valerie
Feb 3 at 6pm with Caiti
Feb 17 at 7:15 with Caiti
March 3 at 4:45 with Valerie skips 3/31
March 17 at 6pm with Caiti skips 3/31
April 7 at 7:15pm with Caiti
April 21 at 4:45pm with Valerie
May 5 at 6pm with Caiti
May 19 at 7:15pm with Caiti
June 2 at 4:45pm with Valerie skips 6/30
June 16 at 6pm with Caiti skips 6/30
LEVEL 1
Kindergarten-Extended
For Dogs who have completed Puppy Kindergarten within 2 months of the start date
Puppies that have completed a Kindergarten-Equivalent course elsewhere are welcome to join this class
50 min | 6 weeks | $245 for all 6 sessions​​​​
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This course is designed to help prepare the puppies for upper level classes by solidifying lessons from Kindergarten and introducing a few new lessons while still including off-leash playtime with friends.
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If a class date is not listed upon clicking the registration button, it means it has filled up
2026
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April 15 at 6pm with Valerie, Upper Level
May 6 at 5pm with Caiti, Upper Level
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LEVEL 1
Puppy Socialization Class
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For pups 8 - 19 weeks old on the first day they attend
Saturdays from 9 - 9:50 am, Lower Level, $27 pay as you go
Puppies that are already enrolled in a training course can drop in, no need to pre-register
For new-to-us puppies, please email before attending so we can get vaccine recorods
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Puppies can start Socialization class at any time, including before their Preschool or Kingergarten classes start.
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This class provides puppies with off-leash playtime as well as the opportunity to meet new people. Separate play spaces are created so that puppies can be divided by size and play style. Guardians can stay with their puppies while they play and learn how to monitor play to keep pups safe, what is and isn't good play and how to help shy pups be brave.
Puppies can start attending Socialization Class before Preschool or Kindergarten classes start. Puppies that are not enrolled in Preschool or Kindergarten are welcome. Please email before coming so we can get vaccine information. Puppies do not need to be fully vaccinated. Puppies only need to be up to date for their age on vaccines.
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If you're unsure about enrolling in one of our puppy courses, coming to a Socialization class is a great way to meet staff, see the facility and talk to others about their experience. in their courses
Saturday Mornings from 9:00 - 9:50 am
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Basic Good Manners
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For Dogs 20 weeks old and up who like other dogs and are friendly with people
6 weeks | each class is 50 min | $245 for all 6 weeks
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This class is for dogs who are over the age limit for Puppy Kindergarten but still need to learn the basics. Basic Good Manners covers all the same things as the Kindergarten class: Paying attention, sit, down, look, touch, come, leash walking, stay, leave it, polite greeting (not jumping up). Off-leash playtime is not incorporated into this class.
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This class is for dogs who like other dogs and are friendly with people. Dogs that are fearful, or lunge/bark/growl should register for a private Behavior Consult. A Behavior Consultation will help your dog learn skills in a stress-free environement. Then, if deemed appropriate, a group class might be a good setting for continued learning.
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these are the start dates of new courses, each course runs for 6 weeks in same the day/time slot
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LEVEL 1
If a class is not listed upon clicking the registration button, it means the class has filled up
2026 Winter / Spring
Jan 7 at 6pm with Valerie, Lower Level
DAYTIME CLASS Jan 9 at 10:30am w/ Valerie, Lower Level
Jan 27 at 5pm with Caiti, Upper Level
Feb 25 at 6pm with Valerie, Lower Level
March 10 at 5pm with Caiti, Upper Level, skips 3/31
April 15 at 6pm with Caiti, Lower Level
May 4 at 4:15pm with Valerie Lower Level, skips 5/31* this class is 60 min for 5 weeks
May 27 at 7pm with Caiti, Lower Level, skips 7/1
LEVEL 2
Building on Basics Class
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6 weeks | each class is 50 min | $245 for all 6 weeks
To be taken after BGM / PK / K-EXT or equivalent course
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This class is part 2 of Puppy Kindergarten or Basic Good Manners. In Building On Basics we work on more advanced versions of the foundation exercises taught in Kindergarten and Basic Manners. The goal is to build better responses to known cues by solidifying understanding of the cue in more challenging situations. Attention on the handler and having fun are a priority in this class! While there is not off-leash playtime with other dogs in this class, there is ample time for playing with their favorite human.
Students who have done a foundation level training course elsewhere or have done their foundation manners training at home can take this class as a next step. Prior to coming to class dogs must understand a "marker" (click or yes) and must know: Sit, Down, Stay, Leave It, Look, Come. "Don't Jump" is not covered in this class, "Don't Jump" is covered in Basic Good Manners and Puppy Kindergarten. For more in-depth work on "don't jump" check out Bouncing Benji Class.
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these are the start dates of new courses, each course runs for 6 weeks in same the day/time slot
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If a class is not listed listed upon clicking the registration button, it means it has filled up
2026 Winter / Spring
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Jan 6 at 6pm with Valerie, Upper Level
Feb 5 at 5pm with Caiti, Upper Level
Feb 26 at 6pm with Valerie, Upper Level, skips 4/2
March 19 at 5pm with Caiti, Upper Level, skips 4/1
April 14 at 6pm with Valerie, Upper Level
May 7 at 5pm with Caiti, Upper Level
May 26 at 6pm with Valerie, Upper Level, skips 7/2
June 18 at 5pm with Caiti, Upper Level, skips 7/2
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Loose Leash Lassie
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6 weeks | each class is 50 min | $245 for all 6 weeks
often taken after Building on Basics Class but could also follow Kindergarten or Basic Manners
You'll enjoy walking your dog again once they understand how to move in sync with you. There are two ends of the leash; the dog's end and the handler's end. This class will train both parties and help build communication between handler and dog. This class is not for dogs who bark and lunge at dogs and people on walks (that is best addressed in Private Behavior Consults or reactive Rover Class)
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LEVEL 3
These are the start dates of new courses, each course runs for 6 weeks in same the day/time slot
If a class is not listed upon clicking the registration button, it means it has filled up
2025 Winter / Spring​
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All classes are on the Lower Level
Jan 7 at 5pm with Valerie
Feb 25 at 7:15pm with Caiti skips 4/1
***JUST ADDED*** April 13 at 5:45pm *this class is 60 min for 5 weeks*
April 15 at 5pm with Valerie
May 27 at 6pm with Caiti, skips 7/1
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Bouncing Benji
6 weeks | each class is 50 min | $245 for all 6 weeks of class
Pre-req: Puppy Kindergarten or Basic Good Manners Class
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Teach your dog self-control and attention on the handler and decrease thier over-arousal. Play choice games to help your dog learn to choose calmness and behaviors other than jumping. This class isn't just about not Jumping up (although a lot of time is spent on that), it's about managing hyperarousal.
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these are the start dates of new courses, each course runs for 6 weeks in same the day/time slot
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LEVEL 2
If a class is not listed upon clicking the registration button, it means it has filled up
2026 Winter/ Spring
All classes are held on the Lower Level
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Jan 14 at 7:15pm with Caiti
Feb 25 at 5pm with Valerie skips 4/1
April 15 at 7pm with Caiti
May 27 at 5pm with Valerie skips 7/1
LEVEL 3
Dogs in Our Community: A Therapy Dog Track Program
Each course is 5 weeks | 60 min | $245 for all 6 sessions
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Many dogs have the right temperament to do therapy dog work, but need time to be youthful and to mature. During this time, it’s important to keep them in classes and keep training. The Dogs in Our Community Program helps you extend your dogs training further into their adolescence, while keeping your eye on that final goal of therapy dog work. The program consists of three separate 6-week courses, with the final stage of the program preparing you specifically to take a therapy dog test. The first 2 stages are good for helping all dogs be good canine ambassadors, whether you plan to do Therapy Dog work or not.
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Stage 1: Delightful Dogs (CGC Prep & Test)
Pre-requisite:
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Foundation Level Training: Kindergarten, Basic Good Manners or other
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Building on Basics
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Loose Leash Lassie is recommended for refining leash walking skills
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This class hones skills so that you and your dog can pass the Canine Good Citizen Test. The CGC test will be given on the last week of class. Test fee is included in class
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​Stage 2: Hounds Around Town (CGCA Prep & Test)
Pre-requisite:
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CGC certification
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You’ve built skills in the classroom, now it’s time to take it into the community! This class will meet in various locations around town. The CGCA (Community Canine) Test will be given on the last week of class. Test fee included in class registration. Meeting locations will be given after registering, all locations will be in Charlottesville.
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​​​​Stage 3: Therapy Dog Class
Pre-requisite:
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CGCA certification or permission from instructor
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Your dog is a minumum of 1 year old
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You have been your dog's guardian for a minimum of 6 months
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In this class, by practicing test-specific material, we’ll prepare you to test through one of these therapy dog organizations: TDI, Pet Partners or Alliance of Therapy Dogs. We’ll talk you through the ins and outs of therapy dog certification. You’ll graduate feeling confident about what organization you’ll test with, what material will be on that test and that you will pass!
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These are the start dates of new courses, all Classes are taught by Valerie
If a class is not listed upon clicking the registration button, it means it has filled up
Delightful Dogs
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April 16 at 6pm
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May 28 at 6pm
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Aug 3 at 4;45pm
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Sept 14 at 4:45pm (skip 10/12)
Hounds Around Town
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May 29
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Aug 7
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Sept 25 (skip 10/9)
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Therapy Dog Class
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Nov 2 at 4:45pm
Reactive Rover
5 weeks | each class is 60 min | $295
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This is a Behavior Modification course for dogs that bark and lunge at other dogs while on leash. In class, dogs will learn to relax and make better choices in the presence of other dogs.
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A private Behavior Consultation is a pre-req for this class, register HERE
Please note on the Behavior Consult intake form that you are also enrolled in Reactive Rover when scheduling your Behavior Consult. The consult should be a minimum of 2 weeks before the class starts. The consult serves as your orientation, gives you some skills to help you on the first night of class, and allows hte instructor to get to know each dog individually so as to best set them up to succeed in the group setting. Please register for Reactive Rover and the Behavior Consult at the same time.
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BEHAVIOR
MODIFICATION
If a class is not listed upon clicking the registration button, it means it has filled up
​2026 Winter/ Spring
All classes taught by Valerie and meet on the Lower Level
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Feb 23 at 6:15 pm
​May 18 at 6:15 pm - skips 5/25
Fitness & Recreation
5 weeks | each class is 60 min | $245 for all 5 weeks of class
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Dogs must be friendly with other dogs and people. For some of the class, leashes will be off or dropped, occasional chaos will ensue
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This class will include body awareness exercises, flexibility and strength training, balance exercises, and general confidence building. This is an active class for those looking to deepen their working relationship with their dog. Go home with a tired dog!
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these are the start dates of new courses, each course runs for 5 weeks in same the day/time slot​
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SPORTS
If a class is not listed upon clicking the registration button, it means it has filled up
2026 Winter / Spring
Classes are held on the Lower Level and taught by Valerie
May 1 at 10am
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Canine Cognition
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Challenge your smarty-pants dog in this class! Class material includes learning to identify shapes and colors, copy things that we do, matching, and counting. A fun class for the advanced (and patient) dog/handler team who love the process of learning together.
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No upcoming classes: Cognition Exercises are now included in Tricks class​​​
LEVEL 4
SPORTS
Rally Class
6 weeks | each class is 50 min | $245 for all 6 weeks of class | taught by Lu | Limit 7 participants
Pre-req: Loose Leash Lassie
This class focuses on having fun and building a good working relationship with your dog while enjoying the sport of Rally Obedience. To learn more about Rally read HERE
2026
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Please inquire! Once we have a minimum of 4 interested participants, we will get a class scheduled