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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​​Look for this symbol 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 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 attention, 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 10 – 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
6 weeks | each class is 1 hour
$̶2̶9̶5̶ $245 for all 6 weeks
Save $50 while enjoying more total class time for the same price as our standard courses
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Our former Puppy Essentials curriculum has been redesigned to create more engaging, relevant exercises and to build a stronger foundation for learning advanced skills. Class start dates have been added and adjusted so you can transition into Puppy Kindergarten more seamlessly, with schedules now better aligned.
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Puppy Preschool and Puppy Kindergarten may be taken concurrently or sequentially. You’re welcome to complete Preschool before beginning Kindergarten, or start both in the same week. Each course covers distinct material
for pups 8 - 19 weeks on the first night of class
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Held in our spacious 5,000 sq ft classroom, (a verifiable puppy palace designed for safe, joyful exploration) this hour is designed to provide thoughtful, confidence‑building experiences. Puppies enjoy supervised play and then partner with their most trusted human to explore novel sights, sounds, and experiences. Guiding your puppy through these activities strengthens your bond while helping them learn to navigate the world with confidence. We finish with training exercises tailored for short puppy attention spans such as Sit, Down, Settle, Stay on a mat, Drop It, Touch, Wait, pre‑leash‑walking skills, and accepting nail trimming—laying the foundation for a lifetime of learning and working together.
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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
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The classes listed below will be available for registration shortly
Spring / Summer​
May 14 at 6pm with Caiti
June 4 at 4:45pm with Valerie - skip 7/2, week 6 taught by Caiti
June 18 with Caiti at 7:15 - skip 7/2
July 9 at 6pm with Caiti
July 23 at 4:45pm weeks 1&2 with Caiti, weeks 3-6 with Valerie ​
2026 Puppy Preschool
previously Puppy Essentials
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Summer / Fall
Aug 6 at 7:15pm with Caiti
Aug 20 at 6pm with Caiti
The classes listed below will be available for registration shortly
Sept 10 at 4:45pm with Valerie
Sept 24 at 7:15pm with Caiti
Oct 8 at 6pm with Caiti - Week 1 taught by Valerie
Oct 22 at 4:45pm with Valerie - skip 11/26
Nov 5 at 7;15pm with Caiti - skip 11/26
Nov 19 at 6pm with Caiti - skip 11/26, 12/24 & 31
Dec 10 at 4:45pm with Valerie - skip 12/24 & 31
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LEVEL 1
Puppy Kindergarten​
For Pups 10 - 19 weeks of age on the first night of class
6 weeks | each class is 1 hour
$̶2̶9̶5̶ $245 for all 6 weeks
Save $50 while enjoying more total class time for the same price as our standard courses
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Kindergarten includes two play sessions, two training sessions, and fun equipment to climb and explore in our spacious 5,000 sq ft classroom, which provides a nurturing, safe environment designed for energetic, busy puppies. Your puppy will make friends and build foundational good‑manners skills. This power‑packed hour will send your puppy home happy and tired. This manners training class covers paying attention, down, come, leash walking, stay, leave it, polite greeting (don’t jump up), and more.
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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 Spring / Summer
All Classes are held on the Lower Level
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April 21 at 4:45pm with Valerie
May 5 at 6pm with Caiti
May 19 at 7:15pm with Caiti
June 23 at 4:45pm with Valerie - skip 6/30
July 14 at 7:15 with Caiti
July 28 at 6 pm- with Caiti
2026 Summer / Fall
All Classes are held on the Lower Level
Aug 11 at 4:45pm with Valerie
Aug 25 at 7:15 with Caiti
Sept 15 at 6pm with Caiti
Sept 29 at 4:45pm with Valerie
Oct 13 at 7:15pm with Caiti
Oct 27 at 6pm with Caiti - skip 11/24
Nov 10 at 4:45pm with Valerie - skip 11/24, 12/22 & 29
Dec 1 at 7:15pm with Caiti - skip 12/22 & 29
Dec 15 at 6pm with Caiti - skip 12/22 & 29
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​
​May 27 at 6pm with Valerie - skip 7/1
June 17 at 5pm with Caiti - skip 7/1
July 15 at 6pm: wk1-3 with Caiti, wk4-6 with Valerie
Aug 5 at 5pm with Caiti
Aug 26 at 6pm with Valerie
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The classes listed below will be available for registration shortly
Sept 16 at 5pm with Caiti
Oct 7 at 6pm with Valerie
Oct 28 at 5pm with Caiti - skip 11/25
Nov 18 at 6pm with Valerie - skip 11/25
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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
$245 for all sessions | Unless noted otherwise, class meets on the Lower level, runs for 6 weeks for 50 min each
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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 5 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
Caiti's Evening Classes
​these classes are 50 min each for 6 weeks​
May 27 at 7pm - skips 7/1
The classes listed below will be available for registration shortly
July 15 at 7pm, Upper Level
Aug 26 at 7pm
Oct 7 at 7pm
Nov 18 at 7pm - skip 11/25, 12/23 & 30
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2026
Valerie's Daytime Classes
​these classes are 60 min each for 5 weeks​​
May 4 at 4:15pm - skip 5/31
The classes listed below will be available for registration shortly
Aug - TBD
Sept 14 at 10am, Lower Level - skip 10/12
October 26 at 10am, Lower Level - skip 11/23
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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LEVEL 2
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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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May 7 at 5pm with Caiti, Upper Level
May 28 at 6pm with Valerie, Upper Level, skips 7/2
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2026 Summer / Fall
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Aug 13 at 6pm with Valerie
Aug 27 at 5 pm with Caiti
The classes listed below will be available for registration shortly
Sept 24 at 6pm with Valerie - skip 10/8
Oct 15 at 5pm with Caiti
Nov 12 at 6pm with Valerie - skip 11/26, 12/24 & 31
Dec 3 at 5pm with Caiti - skip 12/24 & 31
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Loose Leash Lassie
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6 weeks | each class is 50 min | $245 for all sessions
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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Topics Class
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
May 27 at 6pm with Caiti, skips 7/1
Aug 12 at 5pm with Valerie
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The classes listed below will be available for registration shortly
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Sept 23 at 6pm with Caiti
Nov 4 at 5pm with Valerie - skip 11/25
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Bouncing Benji
6 weeks | each class is 50 min | $245 for all sessions
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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If a class is not listed upon clicking the registration button, it means it has filled up
Topics Class
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​
Aug 12 at 6pm with Caiti
The classes listed below will be available for registration shortly
Sept 23 at 5pm with Valerie
Nov 4at 6pm with Caiti - skip 11/25
LEVEL 3
Therapy Dog Track Program
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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 Therapy Dog Track Program helps you extend your dog's training further into their adolescence, while keeping your eye on that final goal of therapy dog work. The program consists of three separate 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)
Guidlines for enrolling:
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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)
Guidelines for enrolling:
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If your goal is to pass the CGCA, the CGC certification is required before taking this class
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If you just want the experience of practicing skills in the real world, you can take his class without the 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. Even if you're not testing, this is a great class for building real-world skills. Meeting locations will be given after registering, all locations will be in Charlottesville.
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​​​​Stage 3: Therapy Dog Class
Guidelines for enrolling:
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Either: CGCA certification, permission from instructor, or foundation training classes completed elsewhere
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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 passing the therapy dog test.
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These are the start dates of new courses, all Classes are taught by Valerie
Courses are 50 min each for 5 weeks
If a class is not listed upon clicking the registration button, it means it has filled up
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Delightful Dogs
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April 16 at 6pm
​DAYTIME CLASS May 29 at 1:15pm
​​Aug 3 at 4;45pm​
Sept 14 at 4:45pm - skip 10/12
Hounds Around Town
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May 29
Week 1 at 11:30am at the facility, Weeks 2-5 at 10:30am locations TBA
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Sept 25 at am - skip 10/9
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Therapy Dog Class
​Oct 26 at 4:45pm - skip 11/23
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 if your dog is new to us, 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 1-2 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 the 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
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Aug 3 at 6:15pm
Sept 14 at 6:15pm - skip 10/12
Oct 26 at 6:15pm - skip 11/23
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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June 4 at 5pm, skips 7/2