Group Classes
We keep our class sizes small to ensure everyone has the space and attention they need. Most classes do not exceed four dogs. Classes are scheduled throughout the year and announced first via email. Click the “Register Now” button to create an account to be on our email list!
Fundamentals
Tuesdays at 11am February 10 - March 3. $200
This class will be four weeks in total and focus on loose leash walking, place, and boundary setting/household manners. We will also discuss ways to build trust and relevance, basic nutrition concepts, and add other basic commands or games as time allows. The course fee includes: 4 group lessons and a training tool.
Dog/Handler requirements:
This class is not suited for severe reactivity or aggression. Open to dogs four months and up. No previous training required. Minimum of two dogs required to hold the class.
Scent Class
Wednesdays at 6 pm February 18 - March 25. $300
This class will be six weeks in total and cover the beginnings of teaching your dog to locate and alert to a specific scent (birch). The course fee includes: 6 group lessons, a clicker, a cardboard scent box, and a birch scent kit.
Owners must bring:
A treat pouch
A decent amount of food/treats
A crate with a cover OR be willing to "car crate" your dog
A collar or harness that will allow for pulling IF the dog gets excited about the work (flat collar, martingale, body harness, etc). Your dog may wear other gear when not actively working or if not excited enough to pull you. We don't want to limit drive for this class!
Dogs will be worked individually, so to reduce distraction and frustration, dogs will either be kenneled or put back in their car when not working.
Dog/Handler requirements:
Dog must be able to work in a room with other people/strangers. (No severe human fear/reactivity.)
If the dog is not able to be quietly crated in the facility while others are working, you must be able to SAFELY "crate" your dog in your vehicle. This includes being prepared for whatever the temperature/weather may be. (If your dog is safe to be loose in your car, that is fine - a literal crate is not required in your car.)
We will try to stick to an hour long class, but be prepared to stay until 7:30 if things run long.
*If your dog does not meet the above requirements but you are interested in scent work, please contact us about doing the material in private lessons!
Brain and Body
Mondays at 6pm February 2 - February 23. $225
Course fee covers 4 lessons, an item for the pivot exercise, and rental of Klimb platform and Propel platform for the duration of the class.
This class is designed to help you engage your dog both mentally and physically!
During certain seasons, it can be hard to get outside to give your dog the mental and physical stimulation that he needs in order to thrive. In this class, you will learn a variety of exercises that can be done in a relatively small area - perfect for indoor engagement when outside is not an option!
Not sure what that means? Watch this cool video! CLICK HERE
In this class, we plan to teach:
Nose Touch
Front Paw Targeting
Shake
Pivot
Spin and Elevated Spin
Bow
*Additional items may be added dependent upon the skill level of the participants
Each of these skills has a physical fitness application as well as additional levels of difficulty that can be applied when applicable. Lessons will include a warm up, teaching, practice, and a small obstacle course if time allows.
This course involves a lot of luring and rewards. Owners are required to bring their own food/treats and a treat pouch. Treats/food should be in small pieces to allow for the maximum number of rewards.
This class is open to dogs of any age, though some exercises may be modified for young puppies. This class is for dogs who are healthy and physically able to participate safely. While overweight dogs may well benefit from some of these exercises, severely overweight dogs should work with their veterinarian on an appropriate exercise plan. You are welcome to have your vet clear your dog for class if there is an injury or health concern at play.
This class is not well suited for dogs who have aggression towards people or dogs. (Please contact us if you would like to consider doing this material in a private lesson format.)
This class is just for fun and is not designed to diagnose, treat, or cure any injury, illness, or other medical issue. If the trainer has any concerns about a dog's physical ability to safely participate in class, the dog will be referred to their veterinarian. By signing up for class you are indicating that, to the best of your knowledge, your dog is fit for class.
RUFFreshers
What is a Ruffresher?
Our vision is for Ruffreshers (refreshers) to be like an “open gym” of sorts for dogs who have completed a certain level of training with us. Our primary goal and focus will be on walking and leash manners with distractions, and we plan to meet outside at the Greenway as often as weather will allow.
Can my dog come?
All client dogs, past and present, who have either completed a private training program or class (higher than Puppy Preschool) are welcome to attend. If you are unsure if your dog would be a good fit for a Ruffresher lesson, please don’t hesitate to ask!
Where is it held?
We meet at the Boone Greenway, specifically at the Clawson-Burnley Park entrance (355 M.L.K. Jr Street, Boone). This is the entrance across from the Armory and down the road from the Watauga Rec Center. We email out a confirmation based on the weather on the Friday afternoon before the event. If we need to cancel/reschedule a lesson for some reason, the cancellation will also be sent via email.
RUFFresher dates for 2026
January - 3, 17
February - 7, 21
March - 7, 21
April - none
May - 2, 16
June - 6, 27
July - 11, 18
August - 1, 15
September - 5, 19
October - 3, 24
November - 7, 21
December - 5, 19