Private Lessons

 The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Class is designed to give puppies and their owners a strong start in training and socialization. S.T.A.R. stands for Socialization, Training, Activity, and a Responsible owner—key components for raising a well-adjusted dog. In this program, puppies learn basic manners, receive positive exposure to new people and environments, and begin building important skills for a lifetime of good behavior. Owners receive guidance on responsible pet ownership and training techniques. Upon successful completion, puppies can earn the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy distinction, a foundation for future achievements like Canine Good Citizen certification.

 Our Basic Obedience Class is designed for dogs of all ages who are ready to learn essential manners and foundational commands. This class covers important skills such as sit, stay, come, down, leave it, and polite leash walking. Training is based on positive reinforcement techniques, helping dogs develop self-control and strengthening the bond between dog and owner. The supportive group setting also provides opportunities for socialization and practicing commands around distractions. This class is perfect for dogs new to training or those needing a refresher on basic skills.

 The Advanced Obedience Class is designed for dogs and handlers who have successfully completed basic obedience training and are ready to further enhance their skills. This class emphasizes reliability and precision in responding to commands, even in distracting or challenging environments. Dogs will learn advanced cues, off-leash control, longer stays, and complex behaviors such as distance work and recall under distraction. The course also includes real-world scenarios and group exercises to strengthen teamwork between dog and handler. Ideal for those aiming for therapy work, canine sports, or a high level of everyday obedience.

 The Confident Canine Class is specially designed to help dogs build confidence and resilience in a variety of everyday situations. This class is ideal for shy, timid, or anxious dogs, as well as those who need to become more comfortable with new experiences, people, or environments. Through positive reinforcement and carefully structured exercises, dogs learn to navigate common challenges such as unfamiliar sounds, novel objects, and social interactions. Owners will gain practical skills to support their dog’s emotional growth, resulting in a more self-assured and adaptable companion.

 The AKC Rally Class offers a fun and engaging introduction to the sport of rally obedience. In this class, dogs and handlers work together as a team to navigate a course with stations that display obedience exercises, such as sits, turns, and stays. Rally encourages positive communication, allows handlers to talk to and encourage their dogs, and focuses on building a strong working relationship. This class is suitable for all experience levels and is an excellent way to improve obedience skills, boost confidence, and prepare for AKC Rally trials or simply enjoy a new challenge together.

**Must have some sort of basic obedience class prior

 The AKC Barn Hunt Class introduces dogs and their handlers to the exciting sport of barn hunt, which celebrates a dog’s natural instinct to hunt and scent out prey. In this class, dogs learn to use their noses to find hidden (safely contained) rats among straw bales and tunnels, simulating real barnyard conditions. Handlers learn how to read their dogs’ signals and work as a team to successfully navigate the course. Barn Hunt is open to all breeds and mixes, and it’s a fun way to provide mental and physical stimulation while strengthening the bond between you and your dog. This class is perfect for dogs who love to sniff, search, and explore. 

  The AKC Scent Work Class introduces dogs and handlers to the thrilling world of scent detection, where dogs use their natural sniffing abilities to locate hidden scents in a variety of environments. Modeled after professional detection work, this class teaches foundational skills such as searching for specific odors, indicating a find, and working through different types of search areas—including containers, interiors, exteriors, and buried. Scent Work builds confidence, focus, and problem-solving skills for dogs of all breeds and backgrounds. It’s a mentally stimulating and rewarding activity that strengthens the bond between handler and dog while providing an excellent outlet for your dog’s natural instincts. This class is suitable for beginners and those interested in pursuing AKC Scent Work trials.