Group Classes

What is a Group Class?

A group class is training in a group setting that meets once weekly for around four weeks to focus on the basics of a topic of choice. They have a lot to offer as far as allowing real-world practice in a controlled setting, because everyone else in the class is there for the same training as you are! I work hard to run group classes at times that are outside of the usual work hours and as accessible to as many people as possible. I also try to run a large variety of different classes to give lots of options because every dog and person are different, so check out the roster to see what is available!

Group classes are typically priced at $200 / dog for a standard four week class session.

Class calendar, descriptions of classes, and additional information can all be found below!

Current Class Calendar

Fall classes through October have been scheduled, and can all be found below in both list and calendar format! All descriptions can be found further below. Registrations can be completed on the usual registration form found HERE

Foundation Obedience

Thursdays, September 3, 10, 17, and 24 from 5:45 - 6:45 PM, $200 / dog, located outdoors in Truro area

Reactive Dog

Class A - Wednesdays, September 2, 9, 16, and 23 from 5:45 - 6:45 PM, $200 / dog, located outdoors in Truro area

Class B - Saturdays, September 5, 12, SKIP WEEK, 26, and October 3 from 9 - 10 AM, $200 / dog, located outdoors in Truro area

Class C - Thursdays, October 1, 8, 15, and 22 from 5:45 - 6:45 PM, $200 / dog, located outdoors in Truro area

Puppy Class

Tuesdays, September 29, October 6, 13, and 20 from 5:45 - 6:45 PM, $200 / dog, located outdoors in Truro area

Intro to Scentwork

Tuesdays, September 1, 8, 15, and 22 from 5:45 - 6:45 PM, $200 / dog, located outdoors in Truro area

Trail Dog

Sundays, September 6, 13, SKIP WEEK, 27, and October 4 from 9 - 10 AM, $200 / dog, located outdoors in Truro area

Public Skills

Wednesdays, September 30, October 7, 14, and 21 from 5:45 - 6:45 PM, $200 / dog, located outdoors in Truro area

Class List + Descriptions

Foundation Obedience

This is an intro class focused on learning the basics of obedience training (primarily sit, down, place, leash walking, and basic recall) in a group setting, and is ideal for any dog 16 weeks or older looking to start obedience training from the start. No prior skills are required, and individual goals can be discussed in class! It is not ideal for reactive dogs, who are recommended to take the reactive dog class instead.

Length: Once a week for four weeks

Capacity: A maximum of 6 dogs per class

Cost: $200 per dog

Reactive Dog

This is an intro class targeted at reactive dogs who could benefit from a structured group environment to address their reactivity through building and practicing neutrality and basic obedience skills. Many of the same skills as the Foundation Obedience class will be covered, but with a highly structured approach and environment better pointed at the success of specifically reactive dogs and their handlers.

Length: Once a week for four weeks

Capacity: A maximum of 6 dogs per class

Cost: $200 per dog

Puppy Class

This class is open to any dogs between the age of 16 weeks and 6 months who are fully vaccinated. This class will be run outdoors in a group setting, so it is of the utmost importance that all puppies have received all vaccinations and are not at risk in this setting! Focus will be placed on socialization, exposure, grooming comfort, confidence, and more to create a well-rounded adult dog in the future. This is not a puppy play group, but will allow for some healthy, structured interaction between puppies as the class progresses that will build healthier adult social skills and play later on.

Length: Once a week for four weeks

Capacity: A maximum of 8 dogs per class

Cost: $200 per dog

Intro to Scentwork

Scentwork or nosework is the term used to describe training a dog to search for a target scent and indicate when said target scent is present in an environment. This class is one of my most fun, and is meant to be a lighthearted introduction to scentwork as a game that will allow you and your dog to progress further if you wanted to, but does not require doing so. This is best suited to any dog of any age who likes to smell and engage with their environment, especially those with some food motivation, and who may benefit from learning to be more deliberate and targeted with their environmental interaction. It is also ideal for any handler who just wants to do something to better connect with their dog! Often, reactive dogs find a lot of success in scentwork classes because they are able to learn to better manage themselves in stimulating environments. That said, please reach out for my recommendations with your specific dog and their challenges and goals!

Length: Once a week for four weeks

Capacity: A maximum of 6 dogs per class

Cost: $200 per dog

Trail Dog

This is a fun class best suited for dogs with some basic obedience, but who need to improve their handler engagement and ‘trail dog skills’ so they are better able to join their handlers in the outdoors safely, reliably, and respectfully. Dogs with reactivity will be admitted on a case by case basis. Please reach out for recommendations! Each week for four weeks, this class will run as a group session focusing and building on different skills that create a better trail dog, and individual goals will be discussed and worked towards as possible.

Length: Once a week for four weeks

Capacity: A maximum of 4 dogs per class

Cost: $200 per dog

Public Skills

This is a level 2 class intended to target the more advanced skills needed for dogs to be neutral in public and develop the ability to access and enjoy more spaces in a way that is not stressful or disruptive. Each week will run as a group session and pack walk in a new location with focus on leash skills, confidence, and neutral behaviours, with individual goals addressed as possible. It is ideal for dogs and handlers who have some basic obedience but need additional support building confidence and management skills in a range of locations or who want support working towards more specific public access goals. Dogs who have taken the Reactive Dog class or the Foundation Obedience class are a good fit for this class.

Length: Once a week for four weeks

Capacity: A maximum of 4 dogs per class

Cost: $200 per dog