In this class, dogs will learn to respect boundaries, stay attentive during turns, hold a steady position, and grasp the concept of freedom. The program covers key areas such as proper etiquette, understanding basic cues, crate training, the use of a slip lead, and reinforcing their name response. Our goal is to boost their confidence while gradually exposing them to new sights and sounds to reduce any reactive behaviors. These foundational skills are essential for developing a well-balanced dog. This is the typical level for dogs transitioning from a Behavior Camp or Transform Camp program.
In this grade level, dogs will be trained to be mindful of thresholds, stay focused through turns, hold steady in place, and understand the concept of being free. The curriculum includes lessons on manners, socialization, proper play, and other essential skills. We focus on boosting their confidence, exposing them to various sights and sounds to reduce reactivity. This the typical grade level that dogs leaving a Foundation Camp program would enter into. Sociable dogs leaving a Behavior Camp or Transform camp program could also enter into this grade level post-boarding.
In this grade level, dogs will continue to reinforce skills learned in Kindergarten while advancing to more complex commands and behaviors that are essential for everyday interactions. This stage emphasizes refining obedience, improving impulse control, and enhancing social manners. Key areas of focus include play guidance, mastering impulse control, perfecting the heel command, and solidifying the “place” command. Some sociable dogs leaving the boarding phase of our Camp programs may be ready to join this grade level.
In this level, dogs will refine their training with specialized commands and skills for navigating complex environments. The focus is on precise obedience, grooming tolerance, and desensitization techniques. Key commands include “Out” (moving away from areas or objects), “Recall to Front” (returning directly to the handler), and “Flip to Heel” (smoothly transitioning to the heel position). Off-leash training is also emphasized, ensuring dogs respond reliably without a leash. These skills are essential for developing a confident, well-rounded dog capable of handling challenging situations.
Dogs will continue to reinforce and proof basic commands and manners while expanding their repertoire with more complex behaviors that enhance their ability to engage in interactive and cooperative tasks. This level focuses on refining pivots and turns for better movement control, mastering retrieval skills for practical tasks, and learning the “Bye” command as part of their advanced tricks. Additionally, pacing is introduced to ensure consistent speed during activities, further strengthening their emotional bonding and cooperation with handlers.
Dogs will focus on reinforcing and proofing previously learned behaviors while incorporating more complex and functional tasks that showcase high levels of obedience, problem-solving, and physical control. This level emphasizes practical and impressive skills, including distance commands, the “Middle” position for tighter control, and “Send Out” tasks, demonstrating the dog’s advanced training and versatility.
Dogs establishing themselves as masters of body and mind will reach new heights in the Masters grade level. In this stage, they will navigate the challenges of reinforcing each known behavior in increasingly difficult environments, while bridging intricate routines with a blend of precision, creativity, and advanced communication. This level emphasizes complex tricks, cooperative tasks, and performance-oriented skills such as the “Figure 8,” maintaining the “Right Side Position,” executing the “Orbit” maneuver, and perfecting the “Catch” command, whether it’s catching a ball, tug, or treat.
Dogs will achieve the highest level of training, showcasing their exceptional abilities through dynamic and challenging performances. This stage emphasizes agility, precision, and complex tricks that highlight their advanced skills and athleticism. Key tasks include performing leg weaves, jumping through hoops, leaping into arms, executing leg jumps, and mastering Frisbee catches, all of which demonstrate their remarkable training and versatility.
At Partners, we succeed with more dog training cases than any other dog training school in the country. The fact that thousands of dogs have gone through this program makes us uniquely qualified to correct any problem and take obedience to stellar levels.
Group classes are a great way to consistently improve the relationship with your dog. Everything from Basic Obedience to puppy manners, and more! Group classes include socialization, obedience, agility, and introductions to off-leash control.
Every dog is different. At Partners, we factor in personality, breed, age, and many other variables to come up with the best path to reach success. The key is cooperation and transparency with us, as well as listening to our guidance moving forward.
Group Classes are built on the foundation of repetition and consistency. While working with us, we will build a solid foundation with your dog, using positive motivation to correct problems and increase positive behaviors.
Partners Dog School has group classes for all interests, experience levels, and schedules! With over a dozen group classes run each week, you’re sure to find something you’ll love. In our classes, you’ll find everything from basic puppy manners to advanced obedience and even sport dog training!
In some cases, you are allowed to join another class going on at that time. However, this is all up to your instructor’s discretion and is taken on a case-by-case basis.
Most group classes are 1 hr/week 1x/week for 8 weeks. Puppy and Me is 1 hr/week 1x/week for 4 weeks.
Unfortunately not. Group classes are not designed to address behavioral issues, socialization, or counter-conditioning. If you are looking to improve your dog’s behavior, we recommend one of our camp programs.
Most group classes will have between 5-8 dogs in class with 1 instructor and 1 assistant.
We require all dogs to be at least 20 weeks old and have all of their vaccinations (Rabies, Distemper, and Bordetella). We do not have a maximum age restriction and work with all breeds!
Some dogs may skip Level 1 obedience if they first complete a Class Placement Assessment with one of our trainers and are approved to enter Level 2 Obedience.