Group Classes
Group Training
POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT
MAKES TAILS WAG
Group Training Classes
In each group class, a PUPS dedicated expert dog trainer will lead a group of pet parents and their dogs in a class setting. Class sizes are kept small enough so each participant gets enough personal attention and assistance. In addition to structured activities, there is plenty of one-on-one attention and hands-on practice, helping you and your pup succeed every step of the way. Classes are typically held in the evenings or on the weekends. After each session each participant is sent a detailed email with recap, homework guidelines, goals and instructions based on what was covered in class.
NOT SURE WHAT CLASS FITS YOU?
Meet with one of our Expert Dog Trainers for an Evaluation or Certification Test
METHODOLOGY & TECHNIQUES
At PUPS, we offer dog training that goes well beyond good behavior. Taking a balanced, common sense approach – we educate members on the fundamentals of dog psychology, encouraging positive relationships and effective communication. By addressing the whole dog, the result is a balanced, calm, and well-trained dog.
Level 1 Classes
PUPPY BASICS
This class helps set the foundation for a good relationship with your dog. You will learn how to properly communicate with your puppy and help foster good behavior through canine leadership techniques, rudimentary obedience training, and socialization. Learn leader/follower techniques, How to curb unwanted puppy behavior such as mouthing and jumping, get Crate Training guidance, and an introduction to our balance approach training methodology.
Ages – 8 weeks to 6 months
Number of classes – 4
Duration – 1 hour
Prerequisites – None
What’s Needed – Most recent vaccination records, a fixed 6′ leash (no retractable leashes), a soft collar, and treats (soft small treats are best) or toys for training. Whatever you choose to bring, it must be something that your dog highly values. The higher they value what you are training them with, the more motivated they will be to work for it.
Preparation – Please show up at least 5 minutes before class starts. Don’t feed your dog before class. Please give your dog a chance to go to the bathroom before class starts. Be ready to have fun and enjoy learning with your dog.
BASIC MANNERS
Basics Manners is a beginning class course which lays the foundation for further obedience training. In Basics Manners, dogs will learn leash etiquette and simple commands such as sit, stay, heel, down, and recall. Pet Parents will also learn how to better communicate with their dog.
Ages – 6 months or older or completed Puppy Basics at PUPS Pet Club
Number of classes – 6
Duration – 1 hour
Prerequisites – None
What’s Needed – Most recent vaccination records, a fixed 6′ leash (no retractable leashes), a soft collar, and treats (soft small treats are best) or toys for training. Whatever you choose to bring, it must be something that your dog highly values. The higher they value what you are training them with, the more motivated they will be to work for it. Your dog may require a training collar for this class but that will be determined by the trainer.
Preparation – Please show up at least 5 minutes before class starts. Don’t feed your dog before class. Please give your dog a chance to go to the bathroom before class starts. Be ready to have fun and enjoy learning with your dog.
CANINE GOOD CITIZEN
Canine Good Citizen is a Level 1 class which focuses on responsible dog ownership. This class helps to train dogs to become better members of the community. Dogs will learn a variety of skills including how to stay calm in different situations or around other dogs, remaining calm while being pet by a stranger, coming when called, walking on a loose leash, and walking through a crowd. At the end of this course, participants will have the option of taking the 10 step Canine Good Citizen test. All dogs who pass will receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club. This certificate makes dogs more easily insurable, places to rent easier to find, and is often the baseline test for most therapy dog organizations.
Ages – 6 months or older
Number of classes – 6 (includes testing day)
Duration – 50 minutes
Prerequisites – Level 1 certification
What’s Needed – Most recent vaccination records, a fixed 6′ leash (no retractable leashes), a soft collar, and treats (soft small treats are best) or toys for training. Whatever you choose to bring, it must be something that your dog highly values. The higher they value what you are training them with, the more motivated they will be to work for it. Your dog may require a training collar for this class but that will be determined by the trainer.
Preparation – Please show up at least 5 minutes before class starts. Don’t feed your dog before class. Please give your dog a chance to go to the bathroom before class starts. Be ready to have fun and enjoy learning with your dog.
SCENT WORK BASICS
You will have a blast with your dog in this class. Scent work is designed to build upon your dog’s instinctual hunt drive. You and your dog will work together as a team to “hit” on scent markers. You will be amazed at the progression in your dog’s scent detection skills. 50 minutes of training and 10 minutes of socialization and play.
Ages – 6 months or older
Number of classes – 5
Duration – 1 hour
Prerequisites – None
What’s Needed – Most recent vaccination records, a fixed 6′ leash (no retractable leashes), a soft collar, and treats (soft small treats are best) or toys for training. Whatever you choose to bring, it must be something that your dog highly values. The higher they value what you are training them with, the more motivated they will be to work for it.
Preparation – Please show up at least 5 minutes before class starts. Don’t feed your dog before class. Please give your dog a chance to go to the bathroom before class starts. Be ready to have fun and enjoy learning with your dog.
TRAINING TOOLS
Leashes, treats, toys, training collars (pinch collars), long lines, and YOU! During classes, PUPS training experts will take pet parents through the details of each tool and proper usage based on level and temperament.
Level 2 Classes
INTERMEDIATE TRAINING SKILLS
This class requires a highly proficient core, on-leash obedience skills as they are needed to advance the training. The bulk of the time in the intermediate training skills class will be spent learning basic off-leash obedience skills. The same skills that are taught on-leash will now be learned off the leash. An emphasis will be put on off lead heeling and recall. You and your dog will also learn some new on-leash skills such as the stand and stay.
Ages – 8 months or older
Number of classes – 5
Duration – 1 hour
Prerequisites – Level 1 certification
What’s Needed – Most recent vaccination records, a fixed 6′ leash (no retractable leashes), a soft collar, and treats (soft small treats are best) or toys for training. Whatever you choose to bring, it must be something that your dog highly values. The higher they value what you are training them with, the more motivated they will be to work for it. Your dog may require a training collar for this class but that will be determined by the trainer. A training long line and short lead.
Preparation – Please show up at least 5 minutes before class starts. Don’t feed your dog before class. Please give your dog a chance to go to the bathroom before class starts. Be ready to have fun and enjoy learning with your dog.
CANINE GOOD CITIZEN – URBAN
AKC Urban CGC is a title in the Canine Good Citizen family of awards and titles that also include AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, Canine Good Citizen and AKC Community Canine. AKC Urban CGC requires that the dog demonstrate CGC skills and beyond in a setting that includes traffic, crowds, noises, smells and other distractions that are present in a city or town. As with Canine Good Citizen, AKC Urban CGC is a 10-step test of skills that dogs must pass to earn the official AKC Urban CGC title. This is a title that appears on the dog’s title record at AKC. AKC Urban CGC is a public access test that demonstrates dogs are well-behaved and well-trained when in public settings. The Urban CGC test can be used by dog- friendly business (e.g., lodging, retail, transportation, public facilities) to recognize and accept dogs with good manners.
Ages – 8 months or older
Number of classes – 6 (includes testing day)
Duration – 50 minutes
Prerequisites – Completed Canine Good Citizen
What’s Needed – Most recent vaccination records, a fixed 6′ leash (no retractable leashes), a soft collar, and treats (soft small treats are best) or toys for training. Whatever you choose to bring, it must be something that your dog highly values. The higher they value what you are training them with, the more motivated they will be to work for it. Your dog may require a training collar for this class but that will be determined by the trainer.
Preparation – Please show up at least 5 minutes before class starts. Don’t feed your dog before class. Please give your dog a chance to go to the bathroom before class starts. Be ready to have fun and enjoy learning with your dog.
SCENT WORK TARGET
You will have a blast with your dog in this class. Scent work is designed to build upon your dog’s instinctual hunt drive. You and your dog will work together as a team to “hit” on scent markers. You will be amazed at the progression in your dog’s scent detection skills.
Ages – 10 months or older
Number of classes – 5
Duration – 1 hour
Prerequisites – Scent Work Basics
What’s Needed – Most recent vaccination records, a fixed 6′ leash (no retractable leashes), a soft collar, and treats (soft small treats are best) or toys for training. Whatever you choose to bring, it must be something that your dog highly values. The higher they value what you are training them with, the more motivated they will be to work for it.
Preparation – Please show up at least 5 minutes before class starts. Don’t feed your dog before class. Please give your dog a chance to go to the bathroom before class starts. Be ready to have fun and enjoy learning with your dog.
CLASS LEVEL ASSESSMENT
If your dog has completed classes at another dog training center and can demonstrate the necessary skills for Level 2 or Level 3 training classes, a PUPS trainer will perform an assessment to determine placement and recommend the appropriate level.
Level 3 Classes
TRICKS
Tricks Class is an advanced class. In this class, dogs and their pet parents will learn complicated tricks. Most importantly, pet parents will learn how to break complicated tricks down into simpler sections so tricks can be done proficiently. When pet parents put it all together, they will have some very cool tricks to show off to their friends and family. Most importantly, tricks are a great way to make learning fun for you and your dog.
Ages – 10 months or older
Number of classes – 5
Duration – 1 hour
Prerequisites – Level 2 Certification
What’s Needed – Most recent vaccination records, a fixed 6′ leash (no retractable leashes), a soft collar, and treats (soft small treats are best) or toys for training. Whatever you choose to bring, it must be something that your dog highly values. The higher they value what you are training them with, the more motivated they will be to work for it.
Preparation – Please show up at least 5 minutes before class starts. Don’t feed your dog before class. Please give your dog a chance to go to the bathroom before class starts. Be ready to have fun and enjoy learning with your dog.
ADVANCED TRAINING SKILLS
Most dogs will become bored if you do not advance their training beyond what they were taught in Level 2. Advanced Training Skills will pique your dog’s interest because the skills taught in this class are far more challenging. This is a level of training that not many pet parents achieve with their dog because they have underestimated their dog’s ability and potential or achieving a Level 1 or 2 certification is good enough. Pet Parents who want to develop the strongest bond with their dog, will go on and challenge themselves to achieve what they otherwise thought was impossible in this class. iYou will work with a Senior or Master trainer to improve your dog’s obedience responsiveness, understanding, and skills. There will be a focus on off lead heeling, out of sight line responsiveness, improved concentration despite distractions, finishing commands, replicating commands on the opposite side, and high-level sequencing of commands.
Ages – 1 year or older
Number of classes – 5
Duration – 1 hour
Prerequisites – Level 2 Certification
What’s Needed – Most recent vaccination records, A fixed 6′ leash (no retractable leashes), a soft collar, and treats (soft small treats are best) or toys for training. Whatever you choose to bring, it must be something that your dog highly values. The higher they value what you are training them with, the more motivated they will be to work for it. Your dog may require a training collar for this class but that will be determined by the trainer. A training long line and short lead.
Preparation – Please show up at least 5 minutes before class starts. Don’t feed your dog before class. Please give your dog a chance to go to the bathroom before class starts. Be ready to have fun and enjoy learning with your dog.
SCENT WORK EXTREME
You will have a blast with your dog in this class. Scent work is designed to build upon your dog’s instinctual hunt drive. You and your dog will work together as a team to “hit” on scent markers. You will be amazed at the progression in your dog’s scent detection skills. 50 minutes of training and 10 minutes of socialization and play.
Ages – 1 year or older
Number of classes – 5
Duration – 1 hour
Prerequisites – Scent Work Target
What’s Needed – Most recent vaccination records, a fixed 6′ leash (no retractable leashes), a soft collar, and treats (soft small treats are best) or toys for training. Whatever you choose to bring, it must be something that your dog highly values. The higher they value what you are training them with, the more motivated they will be to work for it.
Preparation – Please show up at least 5 minutes before class starts. Don’t feed your dog before class. Please give your dog a chance to go to the bathroom before class starts. Be ready to have fun and enjoy learning with your dog.
Full Class Schedule
| Name | Instructor | Level | Location | Start Date | # Of Classes | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy Basics | Michael | 1 | River North | Aug 13 @ 7:15PM | 4 | $125 | Enroll |
| Puppy Basics | Alex | 1 | Lakeview | Sept 7 @ 10:00AM | 4 | $125 | Enroll |
| Puppy Basics | Anna | 1 | River North | Sept 8 @ 10:00AM | 4 | $125 | Enroll |
| Puppy Basics | Michael | 1 | Wicker Park | Sept 10 @ 7:15PM | 4 | $125 | Enroll |
| Puppy Basics | Michael | 1 | Streeterville | Sept 11 @ 7:15PM | 4 | $125 | Enroll |
| Basic Manners | Anna | 1 | Streeterville | Aug 20 @ 7:15PM | 6 | $250 | Enroll |
| Basic Manners | Michael | 1 | Streeterville | Aug 24 @ 10:00AM | 6 | $250 | Enroll |
| Basic Manners | Michael | 1 | Wicker Park | Sept 5 @ 7:15PM | 6 | $250 | Enroll |
| Basic Manners | Alex | 1 | Lakeview | Sept 7 @ 10:00AM | 6 | $250 | Enroll |
| Basic Manners | Anna | 1 | River North | Sept 9 @ 7:15PM | 6 | $250 | Enroll |
| Canine Good Citizen | Anna | 1 | River North | Aug 21 @ 7:15PM | 5 | $250 | Enroll |
| Canine Good Citizen | Anna | 1 | Streeterville | Oct 1 @ 7:15PM | 5 | $250 | Enroll |
| Canine Good Citizen Urban | Dan | 2 | Streeterville | Aug 19 @ 7:15PM | 5 | $250 | Enroll |
| Intermediate Training Skills & Tricks | Dan | 2 | Streeterville | Aug 24 @ 9:00AM | 5 | $200 | Enroll |
| Advanced Training Skills | Dan | 3 | Streeterville | Every Wed @ 7:15PM | Drop In | $25 | Enroll |
| Advanced Training Skills | Alex | 3 | Lakeview | Every Wed @ 7:15PM | Drop In | $25 | Enroll |
Have more questions about Training?
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