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.
Beginner Classes
PUPPY
Our Puppy Classes focus on teaching you and your new furry family member basic obedience skills, behavioral skills like jumping and nipping, and socialization. We will go over foundational obedience cues such as focus, sit, down, stay, and leave it, as well as polite interactions and play with dogs and humans.
Ages – 8 weeks to 6 months
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.
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.
FOUNDATION
Our Foundation Classes focus on teaching you and your furry family member basic obedience skills, behavioral skills like jumping and barking, as well as socialization. We will go over foundational obedience cues such as focus, sit, down, stay, and leave it, as well as polite interactions and play with dogs and humans.
Ages – 6 months and up
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.
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 an Intermediate class which focuses on responsible dog ownership. Dogs will learn a variety of skills including how to stay calm in distracting situations and 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 with our certified evaluator.
Ages – 6 months or older
Number of classes – 6 (includes testing day)
Duration – 1 hour
Prerequisites – Basic and Intermediate training through PUPS or equivalent
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. The CGC test does not allow training collars or harnesses to be used.
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.
Intermediate Classes
INTERMEDIATE TRAINING SKILLS
This class requires proficient on-leash obedience skills as they are needed to advance the training. Intermediate classes will focus on adding the “3 D’s” to your pup’s training regimen: Duration, Distance and Distractions. By adding the 3 D’s, we build reliability with the cues your dog knows so we can start to use them in real life situations. We will also teach new and more advanced cues such as heel, back up, and stand.
Ages – 6 months or older
Number of classes – 6
Duration – 1 hour
Prerequisites – Basics or Foundation with PUPS or equivalent
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 businesses (e.g., lodging, retail, transportation, public facilities) to recognize and accept dogs with good manners.
Ages – 8 months or older
Number of classes – 6
Duration – 1 hour
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.
Benefits of Group Classes
- Your dog will benefit from socialization with other dogs and humans
- Your dog will learn to focus on you around other dogs, humans, and distractions
- Your dog will learn and practice new skills in an environment other than your home
- You will learn how to work with your dog in a public setting
- You will have a supportive environment to learn together!
Advanced 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 – 6
Duration – 1 hour
Prerequisites – Completion of Puppy/Foundations and Intermediate or equivalent
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
Many dogs can become bored if you do not advance their training beyond the basics. 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. This class will focus on off lead heeling, out of sight line responsiveness, improved concentration despite distractions, differentiating verbal cues, and high-level sequencing of cues.
Ages – 1 year or older
Number of classes – 6
Duration – 1 hour
Prerequisites – Puppy/Foundations, Intermediate with PUPS or equivalent
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.
Full Class Schedule
| Name | Instructor | Level | Location | Start Date | # Of Classes | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sit, Stay, Train, & Play | Various | 1 | River North | Every Saturday @ 9:00AM | Ongoing | $780 | Enroll |
Have more questions about Training?
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