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
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 not available for missed classes
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
We offer Daytime and Weekend classes!
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
Companions for life start as
Puppies Raised Right
The Puppies Raised Right program has been carefully designed to help your puppy thrive to their fullest potential. This unique 3-part program includes
When you enroll in all three classes, 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, and so much more!
Puppy Essentials and Puppy Kindergarten are designed to be taken as overlapping classes and will complement each other. I recommend starting in Essentials, followed by a Kindergarten class starting a few weeks later. It is also ok to complete the entire Essentials course and then start Kindergarten. The ideal age for enrolling in Essentials 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.
Pick a start date from the schedule below for the Kindergarten and Essentials classes.
Start attending Puppy Socialization class anytime, even before your classes start!
Classes are registered and paid for separately
One 6-week Puppy Essentials Class
One 6-week Puppy Kindergarten
Weekly Socialization Classes
LEVEL 1
Puppy Essentials
Essentials and Kindergarten are designed to be taken as overlapping classes, they will complement each other, however it is always ok to register for one class
for pups 8 - 19 weeks on the first night of class
6 weeks | each class is 1 hr long | $245 for all 6 weeks
Puppy Essentials provides socialization and confidence building through experiencing a weekly "theme". Themes include agility/ obstacles, things that move, different surfaces and much 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. In Essentials we also cover: relax on the mat (calm yourself down), chin rest, potty bells, drop it, accepting handling and grooming without biting.
these are the start dates of new courses, each course runs for 6 weeks in same the day/time slot
Classes are no longer being marked as "Full"
If you don't see a class listed when you click the registration button, it means it has filled up
2025 Winter / Spring
All Classes are held on the Lower Level
Jan 9 at 4:45 taught by Valerie - FULL
Jan 23 at 7:15 taught by Caiti
Feb 6 at 6 taught by Caiti
Feb 20 at 4:45 taught by Valerie
March 6 at 7:15 taught by Caiti
March 20 at 6 taught by Caiti
April 17 at 4:45 taught by Valerie
May 8 at 6 taught by Caiti (wk 6 taught by Lu)
May 29 at 4:45 taught by Valerie
2025 Summer / Fall
All Classes are held on the Lower Level and taught by Valerie except where noted
June 19 at 6pm - skips 7/3 - Taught by Caiti
July 17 at 4:45 pm
Aug 7 at 6 pm - taught by Caiti
Aug 28 at 4:45 pm
Sept 18 at 6pm - Taught by Valerie (week 6 taught by Caiti)
Oct 9 at 4:45pm - Taught by Caiti (week 1 taught by Valerie)
Oct 30 at 6 pm - Taught by Caiti - skips 11/27
Nov 13 at 4:45 pm - skips 11/27
Dec 11 at 6pm - Taught by Caiti
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
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
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.
these are the start dates of new courses, each course runs for 6 weeks in same the day/time slot
Classes are no longer being marked as "Full"
If you don't see a class listed when you click the registration button, it means it has filled up
2025 Winter / Spring
All Classes are held on the Lower Level
Jan 8 @ 6 taught by Caiti
Jn 14 @ 4:45 taught by Caiti
Jan 28 @ 6 taught by Valerie
Feb 11 @ 7:15 taught by Caiti
Feb 19 @ 6pm taught by Caiti
Feb 25 @ 4:45 taught by Caiti
March 11 @ 6 taught by Valerie
March 25 @ 7:15 taught by Valerie
April 9 @ 6 taught by Caiti
April 29 @ 6 taught by Valerie
May 13 @ 7:15 taught by Valerie
May 27 @4:45 taught by Caiti, skips 7/1
2025 Summer/ Fall
All Classes are held on the Lower Level
June 10 at 6 pm - skips 7/1 - with Valerie
June 24 at 7:15 pm - skips 7/1 - with Caiti
July 15 at 4:45 pm - with Valerie
July 29 at 6pm - with Valerie
Aug 12 at 7:15 pm - with Caiti
Aug 26 at 4:45 pm - with Caiti
Sept 9 at 6pm - with Valerie
Sept 23 at 7:15 pm - with Caiti
Oct 7 at 4:45pm - with Valerie
Oct 21 at 6pm - skips 11/25 - with Valerie
Nov 4 at 7:15 pm - skips 11/25 - with Caiti
Nov 18 at 4:45 pm - with Caiti
Dec 9 at 6pm - skips 12 23 & 30 - with Valerie
LEVEL 1
Kindergarten-Extended
For Dogs under 28 weeks of age on the first night of class who have completed Puppy Kindergarten
4 weeks | each class is 1 hour | $165 for all 4 weeks
Kingergarten-Extended was created to bridge the gap between Puppy Kindergarten and Building on Basics. A dog may stay in Kindergarten-Extended as long as they like by re-enrolling until they meet the age limit or until the guardian feels their dog is ready to take the next level class, Building on Basics.
Kindergarten-Extended reinforces lessons from Kindergarten and includes
Playtime with Dog-Friends
Confidence building
Body Awareness
Attention Games
Thinking Games
Dog-Human Relationship Building
these are the start dates of new courses, each course runs for 4 weeks in same the day/time slot
Classes are no longer being marked as "Full"
If you don't see a class listed when you click the registration button, it means it has filled up
2025 Spring / Summer / Fall
Upper Level, Taught by Caiti
May 28 at 6pm
June 25 at 6pm, skips 7/2
July 30 at 6pm
August 27 at 6pm
the Fall schedule will be posted shortly
LEVEL 1
Puppy Socialization Class
For pups 8 - 19 weeks old on the first day they attend
Saturdays from 9 - 9:50 am, $25 pay as you go
Wednesdays from 5-5:50 pm*, $25 pay as you go
*starting Wednesday July 9, Puppy Socialization will meet from 6-6:50pm
Socialization class is available to puppies that are already registered for Essentials and/ or Kindergareten. Pups can start Socialization class at any time, including before their Kingergarten and Essestials classes start.
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 their Kindergarten or Essentials classes start. Puppies do not need to be fully vaccinated. Puppies only need to be up to date for their age on vaccines.
Saturday Mornings from 9:00 - 9:50 am
Puppy Socialization will skip these Saturdays in 2025: May 24, July 5, Aug 30, Nov 29, Dec 27
Wednesday Evenings from 5:00 - 5:50 pm*
starting July 9, 6-6:50pm
Puppy Socialization will skip these Wednesdays in 2025: July 2, Nov 26, Dec 24 & 31
Basic Good Manners
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
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.
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.
these are the start dates of new courses, each course runs for 6 weeks in same the day/time slot
LEVEL 1
Classes are no longer being marked as "Full"
If a class is not listed upon clicking the registration button, it means the class has filled up
2025 Winter / Spring
Classes are taught by Caiti on the Upper Level except where noted otherwise
April 8 at 6pm
April 24 at 5pm
May 6 at 7pm - skips 6/10
2025 Summer / Fall
DAYTIME CLASS June 6 at 10:30am - Taught by Valerie, Lower Level - skips 7/4
June 24 at 6 pm - Taught by Caiti, Upper Level - skips 7/1
July 24 - Taught by Caiti, Upper Level
Aug 12 at 6 pm - Taught by Caiti, Upper Level
DAYTIME CLASS Sept 5 at 10:30am - Taught by Valerie, Lower Level
Sept 23 at 6 pm - Taught by Caiti, Upper Level
Nov 4 at 6pm - Taught by Caiti, Upper Level
LEVEL 2
Building on Basics Class
6 weeks | each class is 50 min | $245 for all 6 weeks
To be taken after BGM / PK or equivalent course
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. Class lessons include: a stay with broken eye contact while you walk 20 feet away, Leave it for a handful of cookies dropped in front of your dog, Go to Place, the 100ft recall, Duration of eye contact while walking, Stand, New Position changes, and more. 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.
these are the start dates of new courses, each course runs for 6 weeks in same the day/time slot
Classes are no longer being marked as "Full"
If you don't see a class listed when you click the registration button, it means it has filled up
2025
May 8 at 6 - Upper Level
May 21 at 7, Lower Level
May 27 at 5pm - Upper Level - skips 7/1
June 19 at 6pm - Upper Level - skips 7/3
July 9 at 7 pm - Lower Level - taught by Caiti
July 15 at 5pm - Upper Level - taught by Caiti
August 26 at 5pm - Upper Level - taught by Valerie
Sept 9 at 5pm - Taught by Caiti - Upper Level
Oct 7 at 5pm - taught by Caiti - Upper Level
Oct 1 at 7pm - Lower Level, Skips 10/22 & 11/5
Nov 4 at 5pm - Taught by Caiti, Upper Level
Nov 18 at 5pm - Upper Level - taught by Valerie - skips 11/25
Dec 9 at 5pm - Taught by Caiti, Upper Level, Skips 12/23 & 30
Loose Leash Lassie
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)
LEVEL 3
These are the start dates of new courses, each course runs for 6 weeks in same the day/time slot
Classes are no longer being marked as "Full"
If you don't see a class listed when you click the registration button, it means it has filled up
2025 Summer / Fall
All Classes Taught by Valerie on the Lower Level
April 9 at 6pm
May 21 at 6pm
July 9 at 6pm
Oct 1 at 6pm: skips 10/22, 11/5
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
"Don't jump up"! Teach your dog self-control and attention on the handler around distractions that cause over-arousal. Learn Say Hello and Paws Off. Play choice games to help your dog learn to choose behaviors other than jumping.
these are the start dates of new courses, each course runs for 6 weeks in same the day/time slot
LEVEL 2
Classes are no longer being marked as "Full"
If you don't see a class listed when you click the registration button, it means it has filled up
2025 Spring / Summer / Fall
All classes taught by Valerie and held on the Lower Level
April 9 at 5pm
May 21 at 5pm
July 9 at 5 pm
Oct 1 at 5pm - skips 10/22 & 11/5
LEVEL 3
Dogs in Our Community: A Therapy Dog Track Program
Each course is 6 weeks | 50 min | $245 for all 6 sessions
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.
Stage 1: Delightful Dogs (CGC Prep & Test)
Pre-requisite:
-
Foundation Level Training: Kindergarten, Basic Good Manners or other
-
Building on Basics
-
Loose Leash Lassie is recommended for refining leash walking skills
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 6th week of class. Test fee is included in class
Stage 2: Hounds Around Town (CGCA Prep & Test)
Pre-requisite:
-
CGC certification
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 6th week of class. Test fee included in class registration. Meeting locations will be given after registering, all locations will be in Charlottesville.
Stage 3: Therapy Dog Class
Pre-requisite:
-
CGCA certification or permission from instructor
-
Your dog is a minumum of 1 year old
-
You have been your dog's guardian for a minimum of 6 months
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!
These are the start dates of new courses, each course runs for 6 weeks in same the day/time slot
Classes are taught by Valerie
Classes are no longer being marked as "Full"
If you don't see a class listed when you click the registration button, it means it has filled up
Stage 1: Delightful Dogs
(CGC Class)
2025
All classes taught by Valerie and meet on the Upper Level unless noted
April 10 at 7pm
May 22 at 7pm
June 23 at 6pm - skips 6/30 - Lower Level
Stage 2: Hounds Around Town (CGCA class)
2025
All classes taught by Valerie. Locations TBA, all within C'ville
Feb 28 at 1:30pm
April 25 at 11:30 am
June 6 at 12pm - skips 7/4
July 25 at 12pm
Sept 5, time TBD
Oct 17, time TBD, skips 11/24 & 11/7
Stage 3: Therapy Dog Class
2025
All classes taught by Valerie and meet on the Lower Level
May 5 at 5pm - skips 5/26
Aug 4 at 5pm - Skips 9/1
Sept 22 at 5pm
Nov 3 at 5pm - skips 11/24
Here is a suggestion of which classes to register for so that they follow each other sequentially
-
DD --
-
HAT starting 2/8
-
TDC starting 5/5
-
DD starting 4/10
-
HAT starting 6/6
-
TDC starting 8/4
-
DD starting 5/22
-
HAT starting 7/25
-
TDC starting 9/22
-
DD starting 6/23
-
HAT starting 9/5
-
TDC starting 11/3
-
DD starting 8/21
-
HAT starting 10/17
-
TDC starting Jan 2026, TBA
-
DD --
-
HAT starting 4/25
-
TDC starting 8/4
Reactive Rover
5 weeks | each class is 60 min | $295
This is a Behavior Modification course for dogs that bark and lunge at other dogs while on leash. In class, dog will learn to relax and make better choices in the presence of other dogs.
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.
BEHAVIOR
MODIFICATION
Classes are no longer being marked as "Full"
If you don't see a class listed when you click the registration button, it means it has filled up
2025 Winter/ Spring Schedule
All classes taught by Valerie and meet on the Lower Level
May 12 at 6:30 pm, skips 5/26
Aug 11 at 6:30 pm - skip 9/1
Sept 22 at 6:30 pm
Nov 3 at 6:30 pm - skips 11/24
Fitness & Recreation
6 weeks | each class is 50 min | $245 for all 6 weeks of class
Pre-req: Building on Basics Class.
Dogs must be friendly with other dogs and people. For some of the class, leashes will be off or dropped, occasional chaos will ensue
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!
these are the start dates of new courses, each course runs for 6 weeks in same the day/time slot
SPORTS
Classes are no longer being marked as "Full"
If you don't see a class listed when you click the registration button, it means it has filled up
2025
DAYTIME CLASS April 25 at 10:00am
July 25 at 10:30am
Canine Cognition
5 weeks | each class is 60 min | $245 for all 6 weeks of class
it is recomended to take Tricks class before Cognition to help grow your dog's repertoire of behaviors
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.
2025
the schedule will be updated soon
LEVEL 4
LEVEL 2
Tricks Class
5 weeks | each class is 60 min | $245 for all 5 weeks of class
Come have fun with your dog! Learn Peek-a-Boo, Sit Pretty, Chill Out, and much more. Tricks class will help you prepare for Canine Cognition class by expanding your dog's repertoire of behaviors.
these are the start dates of new courses, each course runs for 5 weeks in same day/time slot
2025
June 23 at 5 pm- skips 6/30
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
If upon clicking the registration button, a class is not listed, it means ithe calss has filled up