Specialty Classes

Our specialty classes are designed for dog owners that are looking for something different to do with their dogs, or have a particular training need they seek to address.  These classes assume your dog is already demonstrating basic obedience.

Bully Class (6 weeks $190)
This class is tailored specifically to rescued Bully breed dogs that may have had very little structure and guidance in the early stages of life. We will talk about the specific challenges of this breed of dog and how to become a good ambassador in the community despite all the misinformation you may encounter. The cornerstone in this class will be socialization, impulse-control exercises, developing good boundaries through a structured home routine, basic key obedience cues which we will proof with distractions. We will also address appropriate ways to give these dogs enough physical and mental outlets for their energy.
Total students: 6

City Walks (4 weeks $140) Is this the right class for your dog? click here to find out
If your dog responds really well to basic obedience cues but you would like more practice around everyday distractions, then this class is for you. We will practice greeting with people and dogs, socializing the dogs by making them feel comfortable with a variety of visual stimuli and sounds, and guide them to respond well to important cues in the face of distractions such as Leave It, Attention, Wait, Stay, Settle, Polite Leash Manners, etc. This class meets outdoors at the Villages of Shirlington. Please note that dogs with severe shyness or aggressive tendencies are not suitable for this class.
Total students: 6

Confidence Building for the Shy or Fearful Dog (6 weeks $190)
Is this the right class for your dog? click here to find out
This class is designed for the dog that is careful, shy and generally lacks confidence. This may stem from a dog having none or very little socialization, having particular sensitivities in which they need extra support, or a traumatic experience that is impacting everyday life. We will address how stress impacts your dog’s life and how to properly read stress signals from your dog. We will build a foundation of basic coping skills and practice on exercises to boost confidence. Emphasis will be on creating a safe place for each individual dog to learn, relax, and encourage curiosity that will foster joy of learning.
Total students: 6

Confidence Agility (4 weeks $140)
This class offers the opportunity to continue and expand on the work that was started in the regular Confidence Building class. It may also be suitable for dogs that have taken private training lessons with the purpose of improving the dog's confidence level. The focus is on using the agility equipment to build and further the confidence level of each dog. Elements of the regular confidnece building class will be incorporated as well. Goal is for all the dogs to expand their comfort zone even further while having fun at the same time..
Total students: 6

Fun Tricks (4 weeks $140)
There is no better way to build handling skills than to practice tricks. You will learn all of the finer nuances in animal learning that will be transferrable to other areas of your training, using mainly a mixture of luring, shaping by approximation, and capturing. We will practice on behaviors that will bring laughter to any family gathering or add pizzazz to a social gathering. We will cover behaviors both for entertainment and practical use.
Total students: 6

Life Skills with C.L.A.S.S.™ (6 weeks $190)
This class is an advanced manners class that covers certain skills crucial to everyday life with your dog such as wait in the car before release, pass by other dogs, walk on a loose leash with leave it, and advanced stay and settle with duration and distraction.  The behaviors will be taught for reliability, with a focus on fading treats and minimizing cues in preparation for achieving the B.A., M.A., or Ph.D CLASS degrees.  Class size is limited in order to allow students to progress at their own pace.  For more information on the CLASS Program, go to www.mydoghasclass.com.  Prerequisite: Level 4.
Total students: 6

Reactive Dog Class (8 weeks $240) please contact the training department before registering for this class
Is this the right class for your dog? click here to find out
This class is designed to help if you have a problem walking your dog on leash in the neighborhood while encountering other dogs. We’ll work on confidence building exercises to establish positive associations with other dogs on leash. We will review the appropriate equipment suited for this particular behavioral issue, necessary obedience cues the dog should know well, and how to combine training and management in your daily routine. This class requires that the student shows a real commitment and actively works with their dog outside of class. Please note that we will screen each potential dog carefully to ensure this class is the right fit. Some dogs may need a behavioral consultation either prior to, or instead, of a reactive dog class. We will not accept students in this class where the dog has killed or severely injured another dog. The first class is NO dogs. Total students: 6 

Therapy Dog Class (6 weeks $190)
This class is for the present or future therapy dog. We will talk about the challenges and demands that are put on these dogs. We will focus on obedience cues that are particularly helpful in a therapy setting and we will put a lot of emphasis on classical conditioning to ensure these dogs will be comfortable and relaxed in a variety of different situations. We will also help the owner assess the strength and weaknesses of their dogs and be able to effectively read canine body language to ensure success in the therapy work setting. We will address the need to give the dog an outlet to be a dog and get a break from the job as a therapy dog. The class includes one field trip on week 5 where we meet in Shirlington Village. The dog should be at least 6 months old in order to participate in this class. NOTE: For younger dogs aspiring to be future therapy dogs we recommend the Puppy Levels Program as a great way to prepare your dog.
Total students: 6