Our group obedience and manners classes are taught in a levels-style program designed with busy lifestyles and your ultimate success in mind.

Classes are divided into levels of increasingly challenging exercises. Students move through the skills at each level progressing to the next when they are ready - not when time is up!

Canine Academy Level 1: Regular class times are Monday evenings at 8pm or Wednesday evenings at 8pm. A Tuesday morning class is scheduled periodically - check with us for availability on that class. We are working through the logistical challenges of moving in-person group classes to an all online format with our current group classes. We will begin scheduling new Level 1 classes once we make necessary adjustments to the program - hopefully by the end of May. Registrations are being accepted for both classes.*

Canine Academy Level 2/Novice Rally: Regular class times are Mondays at 7pm or Friday mornings at 10:30am. Completion of Canine Academy 1 or trainer permission required.*

Canine Academy Level 3/Rally Course: Rally course classes are now incorporated into the Level 3 Academy classes. Most of the time we will do rally courses, but we also do games (like baseball and tic tac toe), and practice the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen test depending on conditions here. Regular class times for these classes are Tuesdays at 7pm, Wednesdays at 7pm, or Fridays at 9:30 am. Completion of Novice Rally or trainer permission required.*

*All classes are being held via Zoom until restrictions are lifted and we feel it is safe for students (human and canine) to do so.

WE ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED TO NEW CLIENTS THROUGH THE END OF THE YEAR AS WE RELOCATE TO MAINE. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE NOTIFIED WHEN WE RE-OPEN OUR SCHEDULE FOR VIRTUAL SESSIONS OR IN-PERSON IN MAINE, PLEASE VISIT THE CONTACT US PAGE BELOW. THANKS!

How does the Academy work?

The Academy is a six-month program divided into different segments. Each segment is taught at a different day and time. The first segment, Level 1, is divided into nine classes taught in nine consecutive weeks. You must be able to attend all nine consecutive Level 1 classes. If you miss a Level 1 class, you will be responsible for scheduling and paying for a make up lesson.

Once you complete Level 1, the program becomes self-paced, working much like a gym membership. You may come as little or as often as you need to master the skills, but like a gym membership, if you don’t come to class on a day that class is held, you forfeit those classes.

Level 2 (even online) is at a different day and/or time, depending on which class you choose. In Level 2 we now use exercises from different Rally obedience venues to hone the obedience skills you learned in Level 1. Even if you never participate in Rally as a sport, all the exercises have real life applications that you can use in your day to day life. There are 5 lessons in this segment but they do not need to be done sequentially like the Level 1 lessons. However, you will need to complete all 5 lessons before moving to Level 3.

Level 3 (also different day and/or time) is where you spend the balance of your initial Academy time. Level 3 incorporates Rally courses as well as games, trail walks (weather permitting when we are allowed to gather again), and the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen exercises to polish what you did in Level 2.

We have Continuing Ed availability and pricing if you would like to continue coming to class after your original term of Canine Academy lessons.

Is this a competitive obedience class?

This class is designed primarily for companion dogs. We will learn walking on a loose leash and as well as more advanced behaviors, but do not train for specifically for obedience competition. However, if competition obedience is your goal, we are happy to adjust training for you to work toward that! All of the students that have trained for Rally Competition have easily titled even though that class is also geared toward companion dogs. 

What can I expect from the classes?

More thorough training. Good solid skills don't happen in 6 or 8 weeks. The six-month time frame allows us to go beyond the basics and train more difficult behaviors including: recalls from a distance and distractions, stays with you at a distance, and off-leash control. Classes are a combination of learning new exercises and practicing skills. You can also expect a certain amount of silliness and fun! Each level is designed to enhance and reinforce the skills progressively. 

What training methods do you use?

We adhere to the Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA) approach to training and behavior modification. For that reason, we do not use choke collars, prong collars, or electronic collars. We do support the use of less intrusive management tools during training such as harnesses (particularly front connecting harnesses designed specifically to reduce pulling) and in some instances, head halters. Details on the use of LIMA in training and behavior modification can be found at: www.iaabc.org/about/LIMA

How many students will be in each class?

Only six dogs are allowed to start each Level 1 class. Limiting the number of dogs starting the program each month allows us to control the size of all classes. This provides students with individual instruction in a group class setting. In the upper level classes, students are given individual instructions based on their goals & experience level.

Do I need to reserve my spot for class?

You must reserve a spot in the Level 1 class. Once you move out of level 1 you can come as your schedule permits.

What does it cost?

$600.00 for the six-month program. Discounted “continuing education” pricing is also available that includes built in free weeks off. We accept cash, checks, credit/debit cards, and payment through PayPal.

How do I register?

Complete and return the registration form with your payment. Your spot is reserved when we receive your paperwork and deposit. You may pay the entire fee up front, or pay half when you register, and the balance when you move to Level 2. You will receive a confirmation letter with information you’ll need for the first class. Please note that this program is not for dogs with serious behavior issues such as extreme fear and/or aggression. If you have concerns about whether this class is right for your dog, or any other questions about the program, please feel free to contact us!

What other services do you offer?

We also offer private lessons, Puppy Preschool, Rally Obedience, and consultations for aggression, phobias (including Separation Anxiety), and other behavior problems. 

WE ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED TO NEW CLIENTS THROUGH THE END OF THE YEAR AS WE RELOCATE TO MAINE. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE NOTIFIED WHEN WE RE-OPEN OUR SCHEDULE FOR VIRTUAL SESSIONS OR IN-PERSON IN MAINE, PLEASE VISIT THE CONTACT US PAGE BELOW. THANKS!