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, March 6 – April 17
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, March 6 – April 17
Saturdays at 10:30 am, March 7 – April 18
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.
Saturdays at 11:30 am, March 7 – April 18
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 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, March 2 – April 13
Saturdays at 9:30 am, March 7 – April 18
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.
Tuesdays at 6:15 pm, March 3 – April 14
Saturdays at 8:30 am, March 7 – April 18
Dogs and Owners attend all classes
Requirements: Completion of Fundamentals 1B or Instructor Approval
Competition Obedience Foundations is for teams ready to move beyond basic obedience and build precision, focus, and confident teamwork. This class introduces the core skills needed for Obedience and Rally while strengthening communication between dog and handler.
You’ll work on pro-level heeling, solid recalls, sit/down stays (including group stays), Stand for Exam, Rally Novice foundations, and introductory dumbbell work to build focus, retrieval skills, and impulse control. Handlers will also develop better timing, footwork, and dog placement.
Perfect for students who have completed basic obedience and want more structure, polish, and teamwork—whether your goal is competition or a sharper, more responsive partner.
Tuesdays at 7:15 pm, March 3 – April 14
In this class, taught by Joan Krumm, handlers and dogs will learn the essential skills needed to confidently and correctly present in the conformation ring. Whether you’re brand new to showing or looking to refine your technique, this class focuses on proper handling, movement, presentation, and teamwork.
Handlers will work on show lead use, gaiting patterns, stacking for examination, ring procedure, and body positioning — all while learning how to highlight their dog’s strengths and create a polished, confident presentation. Joan’s supportive, hands-on instruction helps make handling feel natural, effective, and enjoyable for both handler and dog.
By the end of class, you’ll have a clearer understanding of what judges look for, how to move with confidence in the ring, and how to build a positive, successful partnership with your dog — whether your goal is competition, championships, or simply presenting your dog with pride.
Why Learn from Joan Krumm? Joan Krumm is one of the most respected conformation handlers and instructors in the region. Teaching since 1990, she has guided countless handlers and dogs to success in the show ring — including mentoring the top-winning Junior Handler in AKC history and multiple Westminster winners. With over 100 titled dogs across a wide range of breeds, Joan brings unmatched experience, insight, and passion to every class she teaches.
Next Session Starts February 1st:
Beginning Handling Class – Sundays at 1:00 PM
Handling Run-Through – Sundays at 1:30 PM
No registration required. Drop-in class. $15 per dog per class.
CLASSES ARE WEATHER PERMITTING – WATCH OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR DETAILS
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, March 2 – April 13
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!
In this combined course, your dog will be introduced to the exciting world of K9 Nose Work by reawakening her natural love for searching and hunting while building confidence. You’ll learn how to transition from food-based searches to hunting for a target odor, and begin working through more advanced challenges such as exterior and vehicle searches. Throughout the class, you’ll practice proper handling techniques that support your dog’s independence and help her take charge of the search.
Next Session Begins: Wednesdays at 6:15 pm, March 4 – April 15
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 7:15 pm, March 4 – April 15
Requirements: Basic obedience skills and prior training experience
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
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: Thursdays at 7:30 pm, March 5 – April 16
Requirements: Dogs should have basic obedience skills (sit, stay, recall) and prior training experience to ensure a safe and enjoyable class for everyone.
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:
Power Paws in Motion Thursdays at 6:15 pm, March 5 – April 16
Rescue Dogs Training Class is designed specifically for dogs adopted from rescues or shelters and the families who love them. Because rescue dogs come with unique histories, this class focuses on building trust, confidence, and clear communication through individualized, supportive training.
Over seven weeks, you’ll work on foundational obedience, confidence-building exercises, and real-life skills that help your dog feel secure and successful in their new home. The goal is a calm, responsive dog—and a stronger, lifelong bond built on understanding and teamwork.
Ideal for rescue dogs 6 months and older and their owners who want guidance, structure, and positive progress in a supportive group setting
Mondays at 7:15 pm, March 2 – April 13 PLEASE DO NOT BRING YOUR DOG TO THE FIRST WEEK OF CLASS.
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
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
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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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
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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