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Small Class Sizes. Great Education. So Much Fun!
*Current COVID restrictions: Masks are now optional, Each registered dog may bring 2 humans.*
You and your dog learn so much more when you’re having fun. Our group dog training classes are very hands-on. Each class is followed up with detailed homework including videos and handouts to help you and your dog with mid-week practice. Because our classes are very small (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 includes carefully curated curriculum, 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.
BASE CAMP /ˈbās ˌkamp/ the common ground where journeys begin, where resources are stored and where teams unite.
EXPEDITION /ˌekspəˈdiSH(ə)n/ a journey or voyage undertaken by a group with a common goal.
Real Life Skills Base Camp
5 weeks, $185
Train the behaviors that matter most to your teen dog, newly adopted pooch, or the family dog who could use a little brushing up on skills. Learn effective methods to manage and improve behaviors like coming when called, household skills, walking politely on leash, greeting new friends and how to meet your pup’s fitness and enrichment needs. Appropriate for dogs 4 months and older. First class is virtual, following classes in person.
Sundays 2/5 – 3/5 10 – 10:45 am The Dog Hut McFarland REGISTER
Tuesdays 2/7 – 3/7 7:30 – 8:15 pm Camp K9 Madison REGISTER
Real Life Skills Expedition
3 weeks, $130
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 is not appropriate for those who are anxious, fearful, or reactive on leash*
Next class will be offered Spring 2023
Household Manners Boost
3 weeks, $130
Dreaming of a cool, calm & relaxed house? Household Manners Boost is a 3 week deep dive into the skills and behaviors that can help you reduce chaos and achieve more zen with your canine companion.
This class focuses on typical behavior struggles in the household, including barking out the windows, jumping on furniture or guests, inability to settle and stealing. This course is not for dogs who are aggressive, fearful, upset or nervous about events in the household.
Wednesdays 1/11 – 1/25 7:30 – 8:15 pm Camp K9 Madison REGISTER
Canine Good Citizen (CGC)
3 weeks, $130
Canine Good Citizen test consists of ten skills that tests your team’s good manners and obedience, instills the values of responsible ownership, and strengthens the bond between you and your dog at home and out in the community. Join the proud ranks of over 1 million dogs who have earned their Canine Good Citizen award– accomplishment that’s definitely worthy of extra belly rubs!
This is an advanced workshop. Dogs must be friendly with other dogs and people and have a very solid foundation in the skills being tested. If you need more help prepping, reach out for a class recommendation! The CGC test will be administered the final week of class.
Sundays 1/8 – 1/22 11 am – 12 pm The Dog Hut, McFarland REGISTER
FOCUSED & CONFIDENT
Behavior Change & Addressing Reactivity
Ideal for: dogs experiencing overarousal, fear, anxiety or stress on walks or at home.
BASE CAMP /ˈbās ˌkamp/ the common ground where journeys begin, where resources are stored and where teams unite.
EXPEDITION /ˌekspəˈdiSH(ə)n/ a journey or voyage undertaken by a group with a common goal.
Focused & Confident Base Camp
6 weeks, $225
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 levels 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.
Mondays 1/23 – 2/27 6:30 – 7:15 pm Camp K9 Madison FULL
Mondays 1/23 – 2/27 7:30 – 8:15 pm Camp K9 Madison REGISTER
Focused & Confident Expedition
3 weeks, $130
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. Class will meet at various locations throughout Madison.
Next course Spring 2023
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 enrichment and fitness classes. At Local Dog, our philosophy is less sit stay and much more grow and play.
Scent Games
3 weeks, $130
When the weather has you stuck indoors, there’s nothing more fun than playing scent games with your dog. This course will teach you how to put your dog’s nose to good use, locating hidden scents. This class is open to all ages. Teams receive their own starter scent kit.
Smarty Paws
3 weeks, $130
Dogs have an incredible capacity to learn. This course will teach you how to bring out the best cognitive skills in your pup. We’ll explore the value of giving your dog choice, teach dogs to distinguish between colors, learn the names of the toys and even read!
Teams should have at least one basic dog training class under their belts.
Sundays 1/8 – 1/22 9 – 9:45 am The Dog Hut McFarland REGISTER
Tuesdays 2/14 – 2/28 6:30 – 7:15 pm Camp K9 Madison REGISTER
Trick Dog 1
5 weeks, $185
Calling all class clowns! Trick training is a great way to bond, practice your training mechanics, and keep your dog’s brain and body busy. This class will teach fun tricks like: nose and paw targets, crawl, spin, sit pretty, shake, high five, roll over and ring a bell, backup…plus a few surprises!
Wednesdays 1/11 – 2/8 6:30 – 7:15 pm Camp K9 Madison REGISTER
Trick Dog 2
3 weeks, $130
Tricks dogs unite! It’s time to advance your novice trick skills and dive into a few of my absolute favorites.
Prerequisite: beginning tricks class highly recommended
This 3 week course will teach:
- airplane
- footsies
- rebound
- walking hoop weave
- jump through hooped arms
- selfie
Sundays 1/8 – 1/22 10 – 10:45 am The Dog Hut McFarland REGISTER
CANINE FITNESS
3 weeks, $130
You and your dog will learn ~ 30 different fitness activities to develop strength, endurance, balance, flexibility and burn off some of the winter crazies! We’ll also have small obstacle courses set up to put all of those skills to the test.
Dogs should be physically fit for activity, modifications to jumping and repetitions will be made for young and old pups.
*This is a gym class for dogs. If your dog needs rehab or physical therapy to support chronic or acute injuries or pain, please work with your veterinarian*
Tracking
3 weeks, $130
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.
Spring 2023
Canicross
5 weeks, $185
Learn to run or hike with your dog! The sport of Canicross is an exciting way to hit the trails for fitness and fun with your best bud. This 5 week class is designed for those new to running with a dog companion, with a special emphasis on humans who are new to running.
Spring 2023
Energy Lab
Save a trip to the gym, have more fun getting fit with your dog! Build strength, endurance and flexibility…and an awesome bond with your pup. Class meets at various outdoor locations around Madison. Teams should be comfortable running or run/walking 1-2 miles, being active for 60 minutes and carrying a backpack with some gear.
Energy Lab will be back in Spring 2023!
Healthy & Happy
The Healthy & Happy series delivers training and education to your living room, where you and your dog are most comfortable and relaxed.
Taking care of your dog’s nails, teeth, coat is an essential part of your dog’s well-being, but it can prove to be a challenge if your dog is uncomfortable. These deep dives into fear free training in health and husbandry will help you to: work with your vet and groomer, explore tools and methods of care, build success stations, improve communication, teach your dog consent based training, explore pattern games and positioning, work through a step by step training plan. 3 weeks, online, $85
Cooperative Care Fundamentals
The purpose of cooperative care is to teach your dog to not just tolerate handling and husbandry procedures, but to become a willing and active participant in these experiences at home, at the vet and at the groomer.
Your dog will learn than they have a choice and a voice in procedures done to their body. We’ll work to increase confidence, reduce anxiety and stress, and eventually translate these skills to different locations to make these necessary experiences more tolerable.
This class will teach dog guardians how to create a success station, teach your dog to give consent for treatments, as well as valuable positions and training games to aid in veterinary and grooming tasks.
Muzzle Training
Muzzles are a wonderful tool to help keep dogs and people safe for many reasons:
- dog eats items that can be toxic or cause expensive and life-threatening surgeries
- dog is nervous of other dogs, and the muzzle helps keep everyone safe during off-leash hiking or on-leash walks
- a muzzle can be used as a cue to tell other owners to give the dog some space
- for safety at the vet’s office
This is a virtual group class, so you can set up in the comfort of your own home.
Winter 2023
Nail & Paw Care
3 weeks, $75
Regularly trimmed nails and well-cared for paws help keep your pup in tip top condition. Gain an understanding of your dog’s nail anatomy and build (or rebuild) trust in the process and tools for keeping your dog’s nails and paws healthy. Train from the comfort of your living room.
Mondays 1/16 – 1/30 7:30 – 8:15 pm ONLINE REGISTER
Join our 2023 Fit Dog Club!
Explore the Madison area with other dog-people and their dogs. Join us for fun, free walks every month throughout our city’s best and dog-friendliest neighborhoods and trails. 2023 Fit Dog will meet March – October, typically on the first Saturday of each month. Sign up today to receive updates on each hike.
Pre-registration required.