Group Classes

Our classes are conducted in a group setting. We provide small class sizes and look forward to having you and your dog in our programs. Group classes are not for dogs or puppies that have shown aggressive or reactive behavior towards other dogs or humans.

Check our schedules to find what works for you and please keep in mind: any situation involving multiple dogs requires some planning and health considerations:

  • Registration for your group class is required by online sign up, phone, or drop-in. Payment is required at the time of registration to hold your spot.
  • Shot records for rabies and distemper vaccinations are due at least 24 hours before the first class begins.  Bordetella is recommended.
  • Space is limited and class time changes and refunds can not be processed after the first session begins.

Puppy Kindergarten — $160

No prerequisite

This class is for puppies 8 to 20 weeks old. In this 7-week class we work on socialization and basic training including sit, down, come, stay and leash walking. The emphasis is on the puppies having a positive learning experience. Check out one of our classes here.  NO DOGS the first week of class – OWNERS ONLY.

Get your training off on the right foot with the right gear!  We offer training bundles with a Martingale Collar, 6′ Leather Leash, Treat Bag and FREE Buffalo Bites training treats.  Get more information here.

Next Sessions:

Tuesdays at 6:15 pm, September 10 – October 22

Saturdays at 11:30 am, September 14 – October 26

If you have questions about which class you belong in please call 815-547-5778

Book Now

The Fundamentals I — $160

Fundamentals 1 – Class A

No previous training required – for any dog 21 weeks and over

This 7-week class covers basic pet manners including sit, down, stand with one command, loose leash walking, heeling, recall and sit-stay while someone pets the dog. A recommended class for recently adopted dogs that haven’t had previous training to start building a good relationship between dog and owner. Lessons are taught with positive reinforcement. Topics also discussed are the importance of a good diet, grooming and influencing good behavior in the home. 

Get your training off on the right foot with the right gear!  We offer training bundles with a Martingale Collar, 6′ Leather Leash, Treat Bag and FREE Buffalo Bites training treats.  Get more information here.

Next Sessions:

(NO DOGS the first week of class – OWNERS ONLY)

Mondays at 6:15 pm, September 9 – October 21

Tuesdays at 7:15 pm, September 10 – October 22

Saturdays at 10:30 am, September 14 – October 26

Fundamentals 1 – Class B

Previous training required – Puppy Kindergarten Graduates and Fundamentals 1A Graduates

This 7-week class covers basic pet manners including sit, down, stand, stay while the owner is 6 feet away, position heeling, distance recall 6 feet away, sit-stay while being petted.  Puppies and dogs will focus on mastery of these core skills.  Good for dogs who have had previous training classes. 

(Dogs and Owners attend all classes)

Mondays at 7:15 pm, September 9 – October 21

Wednesdays at 6:15 pm, September 11 – October 23

Saturdays at 9:30 am, September 14 – October 26

If you have questions about which class you belong in please call 815-547-5778

Book Now

The Fundamentals II — $160

Must have had a basic obedience course or see instructor

In this 7-week course, the dog and handler team will learn about the Canine Good Citizen test and practice the skills to complete the test on the last day of class. The Canine Good Citizen test demonstrates the dog’s mastery of basic obedience sit, down, come, stay and loose leash walking and self-control around other dogs and people in their class. By successfully completing the test, the owner may apply to the American Kennel Club for the Canine Good Citizen Award for their dog.

Next Sessions Begins:

Wednesdays at 7:15 pm, September 11 – October 23

Saturdays at 8:30 am, September 14 – October 26

Book Now

The Fundamentals III/Advanced CGCA — $160

Requirements: Graduated from Fundamentals 2 or instructors approval

In Fundamentals 3/Advanced CGCA, you and your dog will be working on completing all 10 requirements for the AKC Advanced Canine Good Citizen title. Also, will learn what is required to obtain an AKC beginner Novice title. When you are completed with this class, you will have a well mannered and dependable dog in public settings. Not to mention a great bonding experience between you and your dog. 

Next Session Begins:
Saturdays at 8:00 am, September 14 – October 26

K9 Nose Work® – $160

All dogs are welcome in nose work classes! There are no prerequisites (not even basic obedience!) or age requirements. Each K9 Nose Work class is is taught by a Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI).

K9 Nose Work® is the fun search and scenting activity that virtually all dogs and their people can enjoy. It starts with getting your dog excited about using his nose to seek out a favorite toy or treat reward hidden in one of several boxes. As your dog grows more confident with his nose, the game expands to entire rooms, exterior areas, and vehicles.

Level 1 — Introduction to K9 Nose Work

This seven week class will start your dog in the fastest growing dog sport by reawakening her love of using her nose to search and hunt, while building confidence.

Next Session Begins:
Thursdays at 6:15 pm, September 12 – October 24

Level 2 — Introduction to Odor Nose Work

In this class, dogs begin searching for Birch which is one of the first odors used in competition.  Dogs search individually in class in order to promote a safe and secure search are.  Dogs that are waiting their turn to search, will be crated in the building or wait securely in your car.

Prerequisites for this class are completion of Introduction to K9 Nose Work or instructor approval.

Next Session Begins:
Thursdays at 7:15 pm, September 12 – October 24

Level 3 — Continuing Nose Work

In this class, dogs will continue their Nose Work training with new scents and locations.

Prerequisites for this class are completion of Introduction to K9 Nose Work or instructor approval.

Next Session Begins:
Thursdays at 8:15 pm, September 12 – October 24

Book Now

 

Rally  — $160

Dogs must have mastered basic obedience but passing the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test is not required for this class. This class is one hour long and runs for seven (7) weeks.

Rally Obedience combines characteristics of sports car racing, dog agility, and traditional obedience into a fun sport. Rally is timed, includes 12-20 performance stations depending on the level of participation, and helps to develop a dog’s smooth performance of obedience skills. Unlike traditional obedience, handlers are allowed to encourage their dogs during the Rally course.

This class is a great way to improve your dog’s obedience skills in a fun and supportive atmosphere. Many students go on to compete with their dogs.

Level 1 — Introduction to Rally and Tricks (for dogs new to Rally)

Next Session Begins:
To be announced

Level 2 — Novice/Intermediate Rally (for dogs with previous Rally experience)

Next Session Begins:
To be announced

Book Now

Conformation Drop-in Class — $10 per dog

For owners seeking to sharpen their dogs’ show and ring skills. Open to all AKC-registered dogs over 12 weeks old.  No registration required.

Next Session – To be announced

 

Introduction to Agility — $160

Dog agility is a dog sport in which a handler directs a dog through an obstacle course in a race for both time and accuracy. This is a fun sport for highly-driven dogs. This class runs for 7 weeks and is one hour long.

For dogs aged 8 months and older, this class is designed to introduce them and their handlers to some of the basic skills required in agility: impulse control, two-on-two-off (2o2o) position on a plank, jumps (low), channel weaves, restrained recalls, bang game (teeter), and body awareness. You will be working to build foundational skills, while also building a strong, happy relationship with your young dog.

Next Session:

To be announced
* there is a prerequisite for this class. Call for more information: 815-547-5778

Book Now

Continuing Agility 

For dogs over 1 year of age, this class is designed to introduce dogs and their handlers to some of the basic skills required in agility. We will be building a foundational understanding of how to perform the obstacles while also introducing basic handling.

Next Sessions:

To be announced
* there is a prerequisite for this class. Call for more information: 815-547-5778

Book Now

 

Intro to Dock Diving – $160

Dock diving can be a fun sport especially if your dog loves water, toys and has lots of drive. This introduction to dock diving is a 4-week class teaching the foundation to jumping in the sport of dock diving. Only four dogs per session.  If the session fills up, additional class times may be added.

A vet consent form is required for all swims.  Please download a copy here.

Prerequisite: Must have attended a swim session in our pool prior to start of class.  Call 815.547.5778 to schedule your swim.  

Next Sessions:

To be announced

 

Book Now

Trick Dogs Class 

All dogs are welcome in Trick Dogs classes! There are no prerequisites (not even basic obedience!) or age requirements. This class is one hour class, runs for four weeks.

Trick Dogs Class embodies a positive training philosophy that is committed to helping dogs and their owners develop happy relationships based on trust and built through positive reinforcement training techniques. Our goal is to develop dogs who balance enthusiasm with self-control. We want to create confident, happy dogs who are motivated to do the right thing rather than fearful of making a mistake. By cultivating a foundation of a loving, trusting, and respectful relationship, we develop our dog’s motivation to be our willing partner. 

Next Session Begins:

To be announced

Book Now >

Rescue Dog Foundations 

This class is for dogs who have been adopted through a rescue or shelter. Rescue dogs have their own unique life stories and require more individualized training. Our goal is to help you build a life long bond with your rescued family member. This class is one hour long and runs for 7 weeks.

Rescue Puppy Foundations

This class is for rescue dogs aged 4 months to 1 year. You both will benefit greatly as we target ways to address unwanted behavior, socialization, and help you communicate better with your dog.

Next Session Begins: TBD
Call for more information: 815-547-5778

Book Now

Rescue Dog Foundations

This class is for  dogs over 6 months old. This class will help you bond with your adult dog and work on specific training unique to a rescued dog’s experience.

Next Session Begins: TBD
Call for more information: 815-547-5778

Book Now

Therapy Dog Preparation 

Dogs must have passed the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test or have permission from the instructor. This class is one hour long, runs for eight weeks, and is taught by an Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD) Tester/Observer.

A therapy dog is a dog that provides affection and comfort to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and more. Some colleges and universities bring therapy dogs to campus to help students de-stress, especially during exam time. In this class, we work on getting your dog comfortable around different people and equipment as well as in a variety of situations and locations. The class culminates with the opportunity for your dog to take the ATD registration test.

Next Session:
TBD

Book Now