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This class is for dogs 5 months and older. This class focuses on teaching owners how to effectively communicate with their dogs in order to have a well-mannered pet. Exercises covered in class include: stay, down, come, wait, leave it, attention work and the foundations for heel. We also work on polite greetings, otherwise known as no jumping!
Class meets once a week for 5 weeks, starting on the date shown below. Each class is 60 minutes. Two people are able to attend per dog. Please note this class is for dogs that are friendly with people and dogs. If you have other logistical questions about classes, please check out our FAQ page.
Cost: 160.00
Does your dog have difficulty paying attention to you around other dogs, people and distractions? Is he easily aroused and unable to remain relaxed? This is a great class for dogs who would have difficulty concentrating in a regular obedience class. This small group class will teach you how to help your dog learn to be in control, calm and able to pay attention to you when in a distracting environment. NOTE: This class is not for dogs that are overly reactive or aggressive toward other dogs or people.
The 5-week series is $165.00. Class meets once a week for 5 weeks, starting on the date shown below. Each class is approximately 50 minutes.
Cost: 165.00
Does your dog listen and obey, even when distracted? Do Ginger’s leash manners fall apart when she sees a squirrel? Can Sheba lie down when you are 20 feet away? Introduction to distance work (thinking sitting and lying down from 50 ft away) We’ll work on it!
Have you ever seen someone else’s dog and thought: “Wow. Could I ever have a dog that well-behaved?” Well, you can! Our Advanced Class will teach you and your dog to integrate the fundamentals you’ve learned into just about any real-life situation that might arise. Imagine your dog coming when called, even if he’s sniffing a dead squirrel! Teach your dog to stop, sit or lie down at any distance, even if she’s running away from you. You’ll learn these skills and many more, and it’s as much fun for you as it is for your dog.
The 5-week series is $170
Easily aroused dogs are awesome dogs but sometimes it would be ideal if they could self-regulate better. Does your field bred lab levitate off the ground more often than being still and balanced? Self regulation is necessary to live peacefully in our world and function with a clear head. Plus, it’s kinder to the dog. Who wants to exist in a state of overarousal all the time? So what can you do? You can learn to provide appropriate outlets for that energy, and give your dog the tools they need to relax their arousal as appropriate. This class would be good for any dog but especially for those high energy, hard to control in distracting situations dogs.
This class is limited in size and is for dogs that are not aggressive to people or dogs.
Does your dog have the basics, but you’re not sure how to transfer those basics to environments that are distracting? This class that will work step by step on taking the skills you’ve learned and start working through the distractions that get your dog’s attention, when you are trying to get them to listen to you.
This class is a 5 week course. Pre-requisite is Puppy II or Beginning class. Dogs need to be friendly and non-reactive to other dogs or people. If you are unsure if this is the next best step for your dog, please contact us.
The Canine Good Citizen (or CGC) test is a certification by the AKC and is open to dogs of any breeding. The test is comprised of ten different skills. This is a preparatory class to ready you for the test. Exercises include general manners such as sitting quietly by your side while you hold a conversation with another person. Each class is one hour long. The exam will be offered to all students in the class and the test fee is included in the class fee.
Pre-Req Intermediate or instructor approval.
Cost: 195.00
In this class we will work on skills like come when called, stay, leash manners, distance control, attention work and greetings in the place where it is often the most challenging: THE GREAT OUTDOORS! This five week course will help you learn to take the skills your dog can do when in your living room to park or neighborhood.
Pre-Req Intermediate Dog Training or instructors approval
Does your dog think “Come” is optional? When there are any distractions does she forget who you are? A really reliable recall is something every dog should have and this class will focus on teaching this skill with a step by step program to get there! This is one of our favorite classes!
5 weeks $160
Is your dog always pulling? Does Ginger think that everytime she meets someone she needs to jump up on them to say hello? In this course we will focus on the on mastering the foundation techniques for these behaviors that are often forgotten or not worked on enough in the training process. We will move to teaching your dog not to pull on leash and to keep all four feet on the ground. You will get specific homework to do at home during this session. This class is limited in size and will fill quickly! Class meets for 5 wks.
Cost: 160.00
Do you have a small breed dog and want to find a place to have Molly interact and play with other small dogs all while working on her training and listening skill? Tiny Tots is just that class. This class is for social, friendly small dogs under 20 lbs that like to interact with other dogs. We will also continue to work on training skills you’ve started and also work on more distractions such as calling your dog away from other dogs while playing! Pre-Req: Puppy Kindergarten or Puppy II 5 wks.
Cost: 160.00
Most of us think of a walk with our dog as just that…walking! In this class, we will learn what a good walk entails. From sniffing and why it is good (not bad!) for your dog, parkour for exercise and flexibility to fun to games that use their brain in addition to physical exercise. We’ll discuss how you can also incorporate training into their walks to proof their listening skills. If you want to learn more about the newest craze with dogs, join us to learn about Enrichment Walks and Parkour! Pre-req Beginning or Puppy class.
Cost: 165.00
This five week class will incorporate trick training and games you can play to keep your pup mentally and physically active especially when it is hard to get your dog tired out! Most dogs love to train and showing off your fabulous tricks is a huge hit at your next dinner party!
Cost: 170.00
Does your dog only listen when you’re right next to them? Transform your training with this class that teaches the foundations so that your dog can start to respond reliably to cues from across the room, yard, or park.
In this hands-on session, you’ll start learning the art of distance control through progressive exercises that build focus, impulse control, and crystal-clear communication. Learn how to get solid sits, downs, stays, and recalls from 20, 30, even 50+ feet away. Perfect for anyone wanting to begin off-leash work, better performance in dog sports, or simply more freedom and safety in everyday life.
Your dog doesn’t need to be within arm’s reach to listen. Come discover how distance training creates a more confident, attentive, and responsive companion.
Prerequisites: Dogs should know basic sit, down, and stay at close range.
Dogs do best when things are familiar and consistent. Life isn’t always familiar or predictable. This class uses a newer set of skills that trainers have recently started using called Pattern Games that can really help your dog in these type of situations. What is also great about these games and cues is that they are easy to understand and implement. This class meets for 5 weeks and is 60 minutes.
Does your dog chase anything with a tail or wings? Do you tell people that your dog has high prey drive? If you are worried every time your dog is off-leash that they may catch a critter, join us for this class that will help your dog learn to listen to you rather than chasing that squirrel! 5 wks
Cost: 195.00
This class is for dogs who have completed our Intermediate or Advanced class. We will work outdoors on advanced level skills – recalls, heeling, stays, remote cues and some off leash work. This class is a small sized class and meets for five weeks.
Cost: 160.00
In this class we will work toward one goal – having your dog listen to you with no leash attached! We will focus on off-leash heeling, distance control, flying lie downs and much, much more!
The 5-week class is $150.00
Does your dog resist getting his nails trimmed? Imagine how much easier it would be to have a dog who was comfortable and relaxed with basic grooming and vet care. Do you sometimes feel like your dog is trying to tell you something but you aren’t sure what? In this class we will introduce you to working on the skills to aid your dog with basic handling like brushing, nail trimming and helping them accept being touched.
In addition to this, we are excited to introduce you to Button Work. Dog “talking” buttons work by having the dog associate a recorded word on a button with an action or desire, and then press the button to communicate that desire to the human. If your dog wants to go outside they could learn to hit their button that says “outside”, for example.
Join Julie Vanderloop for this innovative and helpful class!
High-energy dogs need more than miles, they need activities that engage their minds while exercising their bodies.
This class will introduce games using movement which will increase engagement and focus transforming them into your ideal companion – or at least moving them toward that goal!
These are not just plain beginner level games …
All of the games are totally customizable and easily adaptable for you and your dog.
Check out these dog-lover-tested, pup-approved elements:
Fun to play: both indoors and outside
Simple to learn & easy to play
Perfect for a wide range of skill levels: from pet dogs to sports dogs
Five weeks $195
PLEASE NOTE: Class starting October 25th meets for five weeks but will skip Sunday November 15th and Sunday November 29th. The last class will be Sunday December 6th.
We are excited to offer the next level to this class! We will increase distractions – think people running, dogs running – and continue to work on helping your dog with emotional control. This class will still remain small in numbers with two trainers.
Cost: 165.00
This five week class is designed to help you and your dog develop skills to help reduce reactivity in your dog’s daily life. In a notoriously unpredictable world, this class helps reactive dogs learn in an environment where triggers can be controlled in a systematic way. This class works on training skills to help manage and change your dog’s reactions and internal emotional feelings surrounding the triggers that cause your dog to react.
Who is this class suitable for? Dogs that growl, bark, and lunge at other dogs or people and have worked with us privately and are ready to move on to next steps in training with approval from our behaviorist or dogs that have taken our Reactive Dog Workshop.
This class is limited to five dog/handler teams and there are two instructors.
PLEASE NOTE: Class starting September 12th meets for five weeks but will skip Sunday October 11th. The last class will be Sunday October 18th
PLEASE NOTE: Class starting October 25th meets for five weeks but will skip Sunday November 15th and Sunday November 29th. The last class will be Sunday December 6th.
- A 75 minute In Home Private Training Session where we will cover all the basics you will want to know about your new dog
- Beginning Family Dog Training Group Class
- Contact Us To Sign Up
- Cost: 325.00
If your dog likes to use his nose, this is just the class for you! We will teach search skills, reading your dog’s body language as they search and the basics of how scent works. Dogs will be introduced to two different scents and start to learn to discriminate between the two. This is one of our most popular classes for dogs as young as 12 wks and a great activity for senior dogs and all ages in between!
Cost: 175.00
This class builds upon all of the skills that your dog has learned—search skills, alerts, and handling. You will learn how to read your dog’s change of behavior like a pro through various searches and scents. We will continue with discrimination and add another scent in addition to working on varied heights in searches. Class is five weeks. Pre-Req: Introduction to Nose Games
PLEASE NOTE: For the session starting November 11th: No Class November 25th 2026
This class works on scent work in the Great Outdoors! We will take our three scents taught in previous classes to the outside and the new skill of finding human scent will be introduced! This is easily on of our favorite classes! 5 wks Pre-Req: Intermediate Nose Games (indoor version)
Cost: 185.00
This class will work on advanced level searches using all three previously taught scents introducing distraction within the problems. Focus on having clear, consistent indications. Pre Requisite: Intermediate Nose Games.
Cost: 175.00
This class will involve advanced searches and concepts. We will work inside and outside weather permitting. This class can be repeated and curriculum will be adjusted based on class participants.
Cost: 175.00
Are you wondering how to move beyond using so many treats in your training?
One of the best ways to do that is to use alternative reinforcements like play, toys and the environment itself!
In addition to alternative reinforcement, it is usually important to continue to use some food in certain situations but there are different ways to use food that will also help reduce dependence on it.
If your dog has the basics but you feel like you are only getting compliance when your treat pouch is on…then this is the workshop for you!
Taught by Chelse Wagner CBCC-KA CPDT-KA
Cost: 49.00
This class is for any dog that needs their first introduction to agility equipment, or for dogs that need more time focusing on the introduction to equipment.
Classes cost $160.00 and run for 5 weeks.
Cost: 160.00
This class is for any dog that has successfully completed Introduction to Agility.
Classes meet for one hour, five weeks
This class is for students who have completed Intermediate Agility and is limited to (5) students.
Cost: 150.00
Class pre-req is Movement Games level 1. In this class we will continue to work on Movement Puzzles and pattern movement exercises adding more objects, distance and obstacles.
The exercises are carefully chosen so that they would help your dog focus on what her body is doing and controlling her movements:
where she is placing her paws, how big her body is, how she can interact with the environment safely.
Showing her what she’s actually capable of in a huge variety of different situations, thus boosting your dog’s confidence while also engaging your dog’s parasympathetic nervous system & helping her feel grounded, focusedand calm when facing challenges.
Cost: 185.00
What is Rally Obedience?
Rally Obedience, often referred to as Rally-O or just Rally, is a dynamic canine sport that blends obedience training with elements of agility. This sport originated in the United States and has quickly gained popularity worldwide. Unlike traditional obedience, Rally-O takes place in a more relaxed and interactive atmosphere. It involves a course with a series of designated stations or signs, each displaying a specific skill or task that the dog and handler must perform. The challenge lies in smoothly navigating through the course, following the signs, and completing the commands while maintaining a strong connection and communication with your dog.
This sport emphasizes the partnership between the dog and handler. The dog must demonstrate obedience and responsiveness to their handler’s cues, while the handler guides the dog through the course with clear communication and body language. Unlike traditional obedience trials, where exercises are performed individually, Rally-O encourages interaction, making it a true team effort between you and your dog.
Cost: 165.00
This 5 week class takes the classroom skills on the road. Learn how to improve your dog’s behavior in the real world. This class is held with our partner pet supply store – Nutzy Mutz & Crazy Catz in Madison!
Polite in Public-Indoor Edition
- Training skills that allow for you to have the confidence to take your dog out and about in dog friendly stores
- Polite leash walking “with me” at handlers’ side in real world settings
- “Leave it”- Disengaging from things in new environments and maintaining impulse control
- Sit and Down “STAY” with common in store distractions
- Impulse control while training with other dogs (resist the impulse to initiate play or bark)
- Reliable Polite on leash greetings. How to handle socializing with patrons who ask to engage with your dog.
- Pre-Req: Intermediate or Manners class or Instructor Approval; Dogs should be non-reactive toward dogs and people
Taught by Chelse Wagner CBCC-KA CPDT-KA
Cost: 195.00
Puppy Kindergarten is for puppies between the ages of 9 and 19 weeks at the start of class. We teach basic commands such as sit, down, come, and attention work. We also start teaching puppies to greet people politely, otherwise known as no jumping. The class includes supervised socialization time in organized play sessions. Common puppy problems such as house training and puppy mouthing are covered in class. Our training methods are fun, effective and taught so that all family members can master them.
Class meets once a week for 5 weeks, starting on the date shown below. Each class is 60 minutes. If you have other logistic questions please check out our FAQ page.
- A 75 minute In Home Private Training Session where we will cover all the basics and answer all your questions including house training, proper socialization, biting, chewing, crate training, children and puppy interactions.
- Puppy Kindergarten Class
- Teaching Your Puppy Not to Bite Booklet (PDF)
Please email us if you are interested in this package and we can arrange a schedule and payment.
Cost: 335.00
Puppy II is for recent graduates of our Puppy Kindergarten class. New signals such as wait and leave it are taught. We work toward improving stays and heel and begin working off-leash. Classes continue to incorporate puppy socialization time. This is a great class for your puppies entering “puppy adolescence!”
5-weeks 60 minutes $160.00
Adolescence, also referred to as “the teenage years”, is a challenging stage as dogs undergo rapid physical, social, and cognitive changes. This class helps you and your dog get through adolescence by taking the essential skills learned in our puppy classes to a higher level, building their reliability, maintaining your partnership, and keeping the fun in learning! We will focus on adding more distraction including one of the biggest distractions – coming away from other dogs during play or just simply walking by them without getting the chance to greet … not all dogs want to greet so this is a great skill to perfect! We will also touch on ways to keep your very active young dog mentally and physically active without losing your mind!
Want to find another way to keep your puppy busy and burn off some of that energy? Socialize and desensitize your puppy while introducing both of you to the wonderful world of canine agility. Your puppy will learn to be comfortable walking on different surfaces, have fun going over small jumps, over low a-frames, dog walks and through tunnels. Most of our students tell us that this is the highlight of their week! 5 week class.
Bring your puppy for a night of supervised play with other pups — because the best classroom is a room full of furry distractions!
While the puppies romp and socialize, we’ll weave in listening skills and manners training so your pup goes home happily exhausted and a little more civilized. There will also be opportunities to ask any burning questions you have but haven’t had an opportunity to ask!
It’s the perfect combination of structured socialization and good old-fashioned puppy fun.
For Puppies 12 -24 wks of age. 1 hour $35
Looking for something fun to do with your puppy for the evening? Interested in burning off some of that puppy energy? Give your puppy an introduction to Puppy Agility (all equipment at low safe levels for puppies!!) – tunnels, a-frame, dogwalk, jumps and more!
Cost: 35.00
Join us for this fun, active and educational workshop for puppies six months and younger. Learn new tricks, fun games and activities to keep you pooch busy during the cold, wet winter!
Cost: 39.00
It’s HOT OUTSIDE!! Come inside to the A/C and give your dog a chance to use her mind and body all while practicing Good Manner Skills!
Whether your pup has gotten a little rusty recently or you’ve got a new dog who could use some polish, this workshop is your chance to get some exercise mentally and physically while it’s so HOT AND HUMID outside!
1 hr $35
If your dog needs more work on contact equipment and getting a more reliable end behavior…join us for this two week workshop where we will focus on the contact equipment!
Cost: 30.00
- Enticing Smells
- Squirrels, Birds
- Other Dogs
- Joggers/Bikers
Puppy Kindergarten class is just the tip of the iceberg for training good manners that can last a lifetime.
Learn the tools professional dog-trainers use to raise great puppies.
In this 75-minute workshop you’ll learn how to build your puppy’s listening skills, confidence and impulse control through games and exercises and much more!
If you want to go the extra mile with your training, join us to learn how Dog’s Best Friend trainers help their own puppies grow to be polite, well-mannered companions.
This workshop is open to puppies under 7 months of age. Workshop spaces are limited!
Cost: 39.00
Looking to get more practice on calling your dog to come? In this workshop we will focus on training skills and games to increase your dogs reliable recall. Learn how to practice and train for distractions and what to do so that you are more confident that you can get your dog to come to you when you call! This workshop is 1 hour and is limited in size so that each student will have lots of opportunity to practice and ask questions. For all ages. Dogs must be friendly (and not reactive) with people and dogs. Instructor: Shannon Skolaski
Cost: 45.00
Keep your dog’s mind delightfully engaged with our Beat The Heat workshop – held indoors in our air conditioned training facility.
Practice training through fun indoor games and clever tricks that will tire out your pup mentally and physically!
What We’ll Do:
- Brain-engaging games that exhaust even the most energetic dogs
- Impressive tricks to show off to friends and family
- Creative ways to exercise your dog when outdoor time is limited
- Opportunities to practice and tune-up your dog’s manners training
Perfect For:
- High-energy dogs who need more than a quick potty break
- Dogs who get restless or destructive when stuck indoors
- Owners looking for fun bonding activities during winter months
- Anyone who wants to keep training fresh and exciting
