Group Training

Small Class Sizes. Great Education. So Much Fun!

*Current COVID restrictions: Masks are now optional, Each registered dog may bring 2 humans.*

Train Play Like its Your Job

While Local Dog believes in teaching our dogs great behavior, we don’t think the solution to training success is simply more obedience. Just as you learned valuable skills through sports, arts and music, our dogs can benefit in the same way from dog-centric learning, enrichment and play. At Local Dog, our philosophy is less sit stay and much more grow and play.

You and your dog learn so much more when you’re having fun. Our group dog training classes are very hands-on. Each class includes detailed homework with videos and handouts to help you and your dog with mid-week practice (and it’s expected that you practice!) Because our classes are very small (generally 6 teams or less), you’ll get the individual support you need to confidently practice new skills at home.

Our classes are designed to support you and your dog at every age and stage. Every class provides carefully curated curriculum, a humane, educated and ethical approach, skill building for both ends of the leash and access to bonus learning opportunities.

MANNERS & SOCIAL SKILLS TRAINING

Local Dog’s education experiences provide unparalleled support as you embark on your training adventure.

Ideal for: dogs 4 months and older, dogs who are comfortable around other dogs and people.

Basecamp

Teach the skills that really matter to you and your dog – this course will introduce teams to essential foundation skills like: basic behaviors, coming when called, beginning leash walking, self control skills like leave it and drop it as well as discuss the ins and outs of how to most effectively train and live with your growing pup.

This class is appropriate for dogs over 4 months, an entry level class for newly adopted dogs or a refresher for dogs in need of a little training boost. $185

Wednesday 9/6 – 10/4 6:30 – 7:15 pm FULL

Saturdays 11/4 – 12/9 10:30 – 11:15 am FULL

Happy Hunting

Predatory activity is a very natural and rewarding behavior for our dogs to engage in, but it can definitely make outdoor experiences stressful and working with our dogs a challenge. Often behavior struggles like pulling on leash or a less-than-reliable recall are caused by our dog’s predatory desires, whether it’s chasing down those good sniffs or literally chasing the critter!

In this course, you’ll discover how to engage in the safe elements of hunting together with your pup, while teaching satisfying “pseudo-predation” games to allow our dogs the thrill of chasing down, catching, dissecting and consuming….without all the murder!

This is a 6 week, intensive, hybrid course. We will alternate live virtual classes with in person training. This class will be most effective if you have the time to commit to multiple mid-week training sessions. Virtual classes will be recorded. $225

Mondays HYBRID Course

(Virtual) 9/11, 9/25 & 10/9 7 pm & Saturdays (Badger Prairie Verona) 9/16, 9/23 & 9/30 10 am. FULL

Expedition

Ready to advance your skills in the great outdoors? Real Life Skills Expedition will help you work to effectively transition your excellent indoor skills to the outside world. Learn to engage with your dog in more exciting locations, build confidence exploring new environments, improve leash walking skills, practice polite greetings and most importantly, have a blast learning and training with your dog. This class will meet at various locations throughout Madison. $150

Sundays 9/17 – 10/8 10:30 am REGISTER

FOCUSED & CONFIDENT

Behavior Change & Addressing Reactivity

Ideal for: dogs experiencing overarousal, fear, anxiety or stress on walks or at home.

Focused & Confident Base Camp

Learn to lower stress, build calmness and attention, train alternate behaviors to reactivity and over arousal and build your dog’s confidence and trust. This curriculum is carefully curated to give you exactly what you and your dog need on your training journey to reduce reactivity. This class is ideal for dogs who exhibit stress, fear or anxiety and may bark, growl, lunge, or over-react while on leash, at the front window, in the car, etc. Class is 6 weeks long. First two classes virtual, following classes in person. $225

Tuesdays 9/5 – 10/10 6:30 pm Camp K9 FULL

Saturdays 10/28 – 12/9 (no class 11/25) 9 am Camp K9 FULL

Focused & Confident Expedition

Graduates of Focused & Confident Base Camp will be invited to join us on Expedition. We will help you work to effectively transition your excellent indoor skills to the outside world with a deeper look at BAT training, working in safe environments, emergency escape plans, improve leash walking skills, focus and attention around distractions. This course is 4 weeks and meets at various locations throughout Madison.

Sundays 9/17 – 10/8 9 am FULL

Focused & Confident Summit

A continued journey into training, FC Summit will take Base Camp graduate teams through more advanced training, bringing you and your dog new challenges and practical training opportunities. Continue to dig into concepts like thinking in arousal, building calmness, disengagement, confidence and optimism, focus and independence.

Teams MUST have graduated from Local Dog Focused & Confident Basecamp (or Level 1)

This course can be repeated as each Summit will have a different theme and activities.

FC Happy Hunting

Predatory activity is a very natural and rewarding behavior for our dogs to engage in, but it can definitely make outdoor experiences stressful and working with our dogs a challenge. Often behavior struggles like overreactivity, pulling on leash or a less-than-reliable recall are caused by our dog’s predatory desires, whether it’s chasing down those good sniffs or literally chasing the critter!

Mondays HYBRID Course (Virtual) 9/11, 9/25 & 10/9 7 pm & Saturdays (Badger Prairie Verona) 9/16, 9/23 & 9/30 9 am. FULL

Fun & Games

Enrichment, Fitness & Wellbeing

Ideal for: everyone

Relaxation Station

Relaxation is a critical piece of your dog’s well-being. This course is offered virtually, so you and your dog can practice building your relaxation habits from the comfort of your own home or yard. $85

Wednesdays 11/1-11/29 (no class 11/22) 7 pm Virtual REGISTER

Tracking

A dog’s nose is an amazing tool! This class teaches you and your pup the basic skills of tracking, or finding your scent. A wonderful, low-impact activity to engage your dog’s body and brain, this class is open to all ages and breeds. The classes are held outdoors and in all conditions – please dress accordingly. Dog will need a back clip harness for this activity.

This class is enrichment based and does not focus on preparation for competition or have any prerequisites. All ages are welcome.$130

Saturdays 9/16 – 9/30 8 am Badger Prairie Verona REGISTER

Engage Disengage

This class is for the teams who have great skills at home, but the moment you step outside, loose your dog to all the excitement. You’ll learn how to keep your dog engaged with you and how help them choose to disengage from all the distractions the world throws at them.

This class is a 4 week intensive (sign up ONLY if you can commit to daily training!) You’ll receive the weekly lesson via email on Mondays and we’ll practice those skills in class on Saturdays.

Saturdays 11/11 – 12/9 10:15 am Camp K9 FULL No class 11/25

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