Specialty Classes

Our specialty classes are short, focused courses designed to zero in on specific goals—whether you’re working through a particular challenge or just want to explore something new with your dog. These offerings range from issue-centered classes (like reactivity) to topic-focused classes that build skills and provide enrichment, such as tricks, scent work, and retrieving games.

Because these classes are more specialized, they’re offered fewer times each year. If you don’t see what you’re looking for on the schedule, we’d love to hear from you—many of these classes can be added based on interest.

A happy golden retriever mix dog with a smiling expression, standing outdoors in a city park with historic brick buildings, leafless trees, and a clear blue sky in the background.

Reactive Rover

For dogs who bark, growl, or lunge at other dogs while walking on leash.

Age: 6 months and older

Prerequisite: none **

Duration: 5 weeks; week 1 is a humans-only online orientation

Tuition: $300

If walks feel stressful instead of enjoyable, you’re not alone. Reactive Rover is designed for dogs who struggle to stay calm around other dogs on leas—-and for the humans who want clearer strategies and more confidence on walks.

Learn to skillfully manage your dog around real-world triggers and build practical skills for calmer, more predictable walks around your neighborhood.

** Important note: This class is not appropriate for dogs who only show aggression toward other dogs while off-leash, or for dogs who display aggression toward people. If you’re working through either of those challenges, private training is the best next step—and we’re happy to help guide you there.

WHAT’S COVERED:

  • Why dogs become reactive on leash

  • Skillful handling of a leash-reactive dog

  • Reading and responding to canine body language

  • Environmental awareness and proactive management

  • Practical strategies to help your dog remain calmer around other dogs on walks

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Black dog sniffing a cardboard box on a small wooden table in a living room with patterned rug, pink ottoman, and bookshelf.

Fun with Scentwork

Let your dog do what their nose was made for. Where sniffing becomes a superpower.

Age: all ages & abilities

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Family Dog, Puppy Preschool, or instructor permission

Duration: 4 weeks; dogs participate all 4 weeks

Tuition: $190

Dogs have an amazing sense of smell. This class builds your dog’s natural scenting abilities by developing enthusiasm, confidence, and the ability to work independently. Dogs learn when “the game is on,” then use their noses alone to search for favorite toys or treats.

Scentwork is a fun, low-pressure activity that boosts confidence, encourages problem-solving, and provides powerful mental enrichment. It’s especially rewarding for dogs who love to think, need an energy outlet, or benefit from a job that lets them succeed at their own pace.

WHAT’S COVERED

  • How dogs use scent to find things

  • Building excitement and motivation for scentwork

  • Teaching your dog to know when it’s time to search

  • Identifying your dog’s unique “tells” while working scent

  • Training a clear indicator behavior

  • Building confidence, persistence, and problem-solving skills

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A person in pink pants and a black shirt is training a black and tan dog indoors on a green turf surface.

FETCH! Retrieve

Pick it up. Bring it back. Celebrate! Because someday your dog might bring you a soda.

Age: 6 months & older

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Family Dog, Puppy Preschool, or instructor permission

Duration: 4 weeks; dogs participate all 4 weeks

Tuition: $190

Wouldn’t it be amazing if your dog could grab you a soda from the fridge—or at least pick up their toys and put them away? Or maybe you’re just looking for something fun, engaging, and a little different to do together.

In this upbeat group class, dogs learn how to retrieve items on cue while humans learn how to shape and support the process. We’ll laugh, experiment, and celebrate each dog’s unique approach as we break down the classic game of fetch into clear, trainable steps. Whether your dog is a natural retriever or a creative problem-solver, this class is all about teamwork, progress, and having a good time.

Bonus: Learn the new AKC Fetch program developed by the American Kennel Club!

DOG SKILLS:

  • Picking up the object

  • Holding and carrying items

  • Returning items to you on cue

HUMAN SKILLS:

  • Strategies for free-shaping a retrieve

  • Keeping your dog motivated, engaged, and in the game

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A woman training a dog to do tricks with a hula hoop in a spacious indoor training facility.
A dog sitting in a red sleigh decorated with a white blanket and a green striped scarf, with Christmas trees and wrapped presents in the background, in a festive holiday setting.

Trick and Treat!

Cute tricks. More joy. Yes, this counts as training!

Age: all ages & abilities

Prerequisite: none

Duration: 4 weeks; dogs participate all 4 weeks

Tuition: $190

Looking for something fun, creative, and a little different to do with your dog? Trick & Treat is a playful training class that builds skills through tricks—perfect for dogs and humans who want to keep learning without the formality of traditional obedience.

In this class, dogs work through engaging trick behaviors that boost confidence, coordination, and problem-solving, while humans learn how to break skills down and keep training light and rewarding. Whether you’re adding polish to familiar tricks or learning brand-new ones, this class is all about having fun together—and maybe showing off a little.

Classes are offered at different levels; the course level listed on the sign-up page indicates which skills will be taught. Dogs who participate in class are eligible for AKC Trick Dog title evaluation through the American Kennel Club.

Here are some example tricks that may be taught:

  • Wave Hello

  • Play Dead or Roll Over

  • Chase Your Tail

  • Commando Crawl

  • Beg, Sit Pretty, Hold ’em Up

  • Take a Bow

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Impress Your Guests

Prepare your pup to be on their best behavior for a houseful of guests!

Age: 6 months & older

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Family Dog, Puppy Intermediate, or Beyond the Basics

Duration: 4 weeks; dogs participate all 4 weeks

Tuition: $190

Anticipating a houseful of guests this holiday season? Make sure your pup is on their best behavior with this 4-week mini-course designed to help your dog show their best manners when company comes over — so you can enjoy the gathering without managing chaos.

In this class, we focus on practical self-control skills that matter most during visits: calm greetings, settling politely during meals, and leaving tempting (and sometimes squeaky) objects alone. We’ll also add a couple of fun tricks at the end, because good manners are great—but a little flair never hurts.

This class is perfect for dogs who already have some basic training and need help applying it when the doorbell rings and the house fills up.

WHAT’S COVERED:

  • Leave It, proofed around real-life temptations

  • Go to Bed & Stay for calm settling

  • Sit-Stay for polite greetings

  • Wearing holiday clothes (if desired)

  • 1-2 Cute tricks to truly impress

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To see all dates & times of currently available classes, click any“enroll now” button above.

Questions before getting started? Get in touch.