We’re excited to welcome you and your dog to our group dog training classes at Meyer’s Tails Up Farm in Belvidere, IL! With small class sizes, you’ll enjoy a focused and supportive environment where you and your pup can thrive.
A quick note: group classes aren’t suitable for dogs or puppies that have shown aggressive or reactive behavior toward other dogs or people. We do have private training options available, just give us a call and we can discuss what option is best for you.
Ready to get started? Here’s what you need to know:
Check out our class schedule to find the best fit for you and your dog. We can’t wait to see you in class!
Requirements: For puppies 2 – 5 months old
Our Puppy Preschool is designed for puppies aged 2 to 5 months, focusing on essential skills and early socialization to help them grow into confident, well-behaved adults. This class emphasizes:
Give your puppy the best possible start with our fun, educational classes led by experienced trainers. Join us to set your puppy on the path to success.
Upon completing Puppy Preschool your next class is Puppy Kindergarten.
Next Session Begins: Fridays at 6:15 pm, October 24 – December 12
*No class the week of November 3rd
PLEASE DO NOT BRING YOUR DOG TO THE FIRST WEEK OF CLASS.
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Requirements: For puppies 6 – 8 months old
In this 7-week class, we focus on socialization and building a strong foundation in basic obedience. Your puppy will learn essential skills like sit, down, come, stay, and leash walking—all in a positive and encouraging environment. It’s the perfect way to help your pup grow into a well-behaved companion.
Curious about what to expect? Check out one of our classes here.
Upon completing Puppy Kindergarten your next class is Puppy Graduate School.
Gear up for success! Start your training journey with the right tools. Our training bundles include a Martingale Collar, a 6-foot leather leash, a handy treat bag, and a FREE pack of Buffalo Bites training treats. Everything you need to make training effective and fun! Learn more about our bundles here.
Next Session Begins:
Fridays at 7:15 pm, October 24 – December 12
Saturdays at 10:30 am, October 25 – December 13
If you have questions about which class you belong in please call 815-547-5778
Requirements: For puppies who have completed Puppy Kindergarten and have basic obedience skills.
Ready to take your pup from Kindergarten cutie to confident class star? Our Puppy Graduate School bridges the gap between Puppy Kindergarten and Fundamentals 1B, helping your young dog strengthen obedience, boost confidence, and refine social skills for the next level of training.
Course Highlights:
Plus: Dedicated puppy playtime to let your pup romp, wrestle, and make new besties—all while building social smarts and confidence!
End each class with our fun, high-energy relay course, where your pup gets to show off the skills they’ve learned and build even more confidence.
Tuesdays at 6:15 pm, October 21 – December 9
Saturdays at 11:30 am, October 25 – December 13
Dogs and Owners attend all classes.
Fundamentals 1A
Requirements: No previous training required – for any dog 9 months and older
This 7-week class focuses on building essential pet manners and strengthening the bond between you and your dog. Together, you’ll work on key skills like sit, down, stand on command, loose leash walking, heeling, recall, and sit-stay while being petted by someone.
It’s a great starting point for recently adopted dogs or any pup that hasn’t had prior training. Lessons use positive reinforcement to make learning fun and rewarding.
We’ll also cover important topics like the benefits of a healthy diet, grooming tips, and creating a positive environment at home to encourage good behavior.
Upon completing Fundamentals 1A your next class is Fundamentals 1B.
Gear up for success! Set yourself and your dog up for a smooth training experience with our training bundles. Each includes a Martingale Collar, a 6-foot leather leash, a treat bag, and FREE Buffalo Bites training treats. Learn more here.
Mondays at 6:15 pm, October 20 – December 8
Saturdays at 9:30 am, October 25 – December 13
Requirements: For graduates of Fundamentals 1A or Puppy Graduate School.
Over 7 weeks, we’ll build on the foundation you’ve already established, focusing on mastering core skills like sit, down, stand, stay while the owner is 6 feet away, position heeling, distance recall, and sit-stay while being petted.
This class helps refine manners and deepen the bond between you and your pup through consistent practice and positive reinforcement.
Let’s take your dog’s skills to the next level!
Upon completing Fundamentals 1B your next class is Fundamentals 2.
Mondays at 7:15 pm, October 20 – December 8
Saturdays at 8:30 am, October 25 – December 13
Dogs and Owners attend all classes
Requirements: Completion of Fundamentals 1B or Instructor Approval
In this 7-week course, you and your dog will prepare for the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test, focusing on the skills needed to successfully pass it on the final day of class.
The CGC test is designed to showcase your dog’s mastery of basic obedience, including sit, down, come, stay, and loose-leash walking, as well as their ability to remain calm and controlled around other dogs and people.
Upon passing the test, you’ll be eligible to apply for the prestigious Canine Good Citizen Award through the American Kennel Club—a recognition of your dog’s excellent behavior and training.
Upon completing Fundamentals 2 your next class is Fundamentals 3.
To be announced
Requirements: Completion of Fundamentals 2 or Instructor Approval
In Fundamentals 3/Advanced CGCA, you and your dog will work on mastering all 10 requirements for the AKC Advanced Canine Good Citizen (CGCA) title. You’ll also learn the foundations needed to pursue the AKC Beginner Novice title.
By the end of this class, you’ll have a well-mannered, dependable companion ready to navigate public settings with confidence. Plus, it’s a fantastic opportunity to strengthen the bond between you and your dog while achieving these impressive milestones together.
Next Session Begins: To be announced
All dogs are welcome to join our nose work classes—no prerequisites or age requirements! Even basic obedience isn’t needed. Each session is led by a Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI), ensuring expert guidance and a rewarding experience.
K9 Nose Work® is a fun and stimulating activity that taps into your dog’s natural scenting abilities. It starts with a simple game: your dog will use their nose to search for a favorite toy or treat hidden among several boxes. As their confidence builds, the challenges grow, expanding to entire rooms, outdoor areas, and even vehicles.
This class is perfect for dogs and their humans looking to bond, have fun, and explore the amazing world of scent work together!
Want to learn more? Visit the National Association of Canine Scent Work’s Education Division for more information by clicking here.
Get a quick look at what Nose Work is all about here!
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: Wednesdays at 6:15 pm, October 22 – December 10
Learn how to transition your dog from hunting for food, to hunting for a target odor. Experience searching exterior areas and vehicles using the proper techniques to help your dog take charge of the game.
Next Session Begins: Wednesdays at 7:15 pm, October 22 – December 10
Advance your dog’s nose work skills. In this class, dogs will continue building on their Nose Work training by exploring new scents and practicing in different locations. Completion of Introduction to K9 Nose Work or instructor approval is required.
Next Session Begins: Wednesdays at 8:15 pm, October 22 – December 10
Looking for a fun, fresh way to connect with your dog? Our Rally & Hoops class is the perfect mash-up of movement, communication, and pure joy — designed to be just as fun for you as it is for your pup!
This action-packed combo blends the flowing, low-impact obstacle fun of Hoopers with the smart, teamwork-based challenge of Rally Obedience. You’ll guide your dog through hoops, barrels, and tunnels — then switch gears to navigate a course of signs with sits, turns, and other rally-style moves. It’s fast, engaging, and wildly rewarding.
✅ All Breeds Welcome – From young pups to seniors, this class fits every age and energy level ✅ Low-Impact, High-Fun – Great for dogs and humans of all fitness levels ✅ Stronger Bond – Build trust and communication through teamwork and positive reinforcement ✅ Mentally & Physically Stimulating – Keeps tails wagging and brains buzzing ✅ No Experience Needed – Just come ready to have a blast!
Whether your goal is to sharpen obedience, try something new, or just have FUN with your dog, Rally & Hoops is a must-try. Let’s get moving — together!
Want to see a rally demonstration? Watch a short video here.
Next Session Begins: Tuesdays at 7:30 pm, October 21 – December 9
For owners seeking to sharpen their dogs’ show and ring skills. Open to all AKC-registered dogs over 12 weeks old. No registration required.
Mondays at 8:15 pm, October 20 – December 8
Requirements: Dogs must have basic obedience skills (sit, stay, recall) to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Looking for a fun way to stay active with your dog while strengthening your bond?
Paws in Motion is a 7-week adventure designed to get you and your dog moving! Inspired by agility but with a relaxed, non-competitive twist, this class is all about:
You and your dog will:
Whether your dog is bursting with energy or just needs a new challenge, this class provides mental and physical exercise in an exciting supportive environment.
Next Session:
Level 1 – Paws in Motion Thursdays at 6:15 pm, October 23 – December 18
Level 2 – Power Paws in Motion Thursdays at 7:30 pm, October 23 – December 18
*No class the week of November 3rd or Thanksgiving
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:
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.
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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.
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
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.
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
Has your dog shown aggression or dominant behavior towards a human or dog?
Reactive dogs are not allowed in group classes. We’re here to help you. The best option would be one-on-one training. We offer two formats:
Scheduled around your needs, this individualized training option focuses on the key skills your dog really needs. It’s flexible and customized. Learn more
Your dog spends the day with a member of our training staff at the farm. We focus on the key things your dog needs. This is ideal for busy dog owners who can reinforce the lessons at home. Learn more
Have questions? 815.547.5778
What kind of class format would you prefer?
Have you successfully completed training class at Meyer’s before?
One-on-One Options:
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