Training should be an enjoyable experience for both you and your dog!

Our Family Dog Classes are taught by experienced, professionally certified instructors and feature scientific, reward based training that is innovative, effective, fun, and family oriented. Puppies can start as early as 10 weeks and adult dogs of any age. It’s never too late to start training your dog.

New clients will need an account with us prior to enrollment. Click on My Account to set up your account.

Each Manners Class Session consists of 6 one hour long classes, taught one each week, for 6 consecutive weeks (unless a skip week is scheduled for a holiday, event, instructor absence, or weather interruption). Class fees and availability can be found by clicking on the class listing posted in the schedule box.

Before enrolling please review our Class Info and Policies. Thank you!

Kindergarten Puppy Training & Socialization

For young puppies ages 10 to 15 weeks at the start of the class.

The most critical time for your puppy's social development occurs before 5 months of age! KPT will help you get your young puppy off to the right start.

Read more from the AVSAB on early socialization »

This class will help develop the confidence and social skills needed for your puppy to become a well adjusted adult. With our positive and gentle approach to training, we will show you ways to socialize your puppy and provide you with methods to manage normal puppy behavior and prevent problems. 

  • Name and Attention
  • Sit
  • Down
  • Come
  • Walking on Leash
  • Polite Meeting and Greeting

You will teach your puppy to meet and interact with people and other puppies using games and supervised play sessions. Puppies will gain social confidence and physical coordination on our puppy sized agility obstacles! We'll answer all your questions about house training, biting and chewing, crate training, handling and grooming, socialization, nutrition, proper play techniques, and so much more!

Basics for Puppies - Level 1

For older puppies ages 16 weeks to 8 months at the start of the class regardless of previous training.

An introduction to the basic manners and self control every dog needs to know with an emphasis on the challenges of older puppies and young adolescent dogs. The class will include recommendations and information on proper socialization, accepting handling, and meeting other people and dogs. Learn the fundamentals of positive reinforcement training techniques and effective canine communication to teach your dog.

This class teaches basic good manners, including...

  • Name & Attention
  • Loose Leash Walking
  • Meeting and Greeting
  • Sit
  • Down
  • Wait/Stay
  • Come when Called
  • Leave it

ALSO: Learn how to prevent or eliminate undesirable behaviors such as jumping up, inappropriate chewing, stealing, and more.

Basic Manners - Level 1

For older puppies (8+ months), adult dogs, and adopted dogs regardless of previous training.

An introduction to the basic manners and self control every dog needs to learn. Learn the fundamentals of positive reinforcement training techniques and effective canine communication.

This class teaches basic good manners, including...

  • Name & Attention
  • Loose Leash Walking
  • Meeting and Greeting
  • Sit
  • Down
  • Wait/Stay
  • Come when Called
  • Leave it

ALSO: Learn how to prevent or eliminate undesirable behaviors such as jumping up, inappropriate chewing, stealing, and more. 

We will help you understand how dogs learn best so your training time is most effective. The goal is building a cooperative and trusting relationship with your dog that will last a lifetime.

Beyond Basics - Level 2

Prerequisites: Basic Manners Level 1 or Basics for Puppies Level 1 

A pre-enrollment assessment is required for teams coming from other schools. For details and scheduling contact us at assessments@dtccc.org

Beyond Basics builds on the foundation exercises introduced in Level 1. Learn how to improve your dog’s responsiveness, reliability and duration among increasing distractions. Better self control is emphasized along with building your dog’s confidence.

Continue to improve:

  • Self Control
  • Attention and Focus
  • Loose Leash Walking and Greeting skills
  • Come when Called
  • Sit, Down, wait until Released

New skills and exercises for dog and handler include:

  • Hand Signals
  • Stand for examination or grooming
  • Targeting
  • Using a Reward Marker

After successfully completing Beyond Basics Level 2, you and your dog have the skills necessary to participate in the advanced training programs offered at DTCCC. You are also eligible for DTCCC membership which is advantageous to those wishing to complete multiple advanced classes.

Class Schedule

Mini Manners (3-Week Sessions)

Our three week mini manners sessions are designed to bring flexibility in scheduling to your training program. With busy work weeks it is often challenging to fit in a six week training session. Mini Manners are scheduled for 3 consecutive week and run for one hour. Mini Manners may not be available every session due to other events scheduled at the Training Center.

Not Now Honey

For older puppies (6+ months), adult dogs, and adopted dogs regardless of previous training.

This three week session will focus on the "stationary" skills: Waits, stays, and leave it, lots of self-control exercises. Week 1 starts with the basics needed to build those behaviors: attention cues, position cues, sit and down, teaching a release word, and building duration. The class will cover the use of a marker for correct behavior and reward method concepts.

Getting There & Back

For older puppies (6+ months), adult dogs, and adopted dogs regardless of previous training.

This three week session will focus on the "moving" skills: Primarily leash walking and coming when called. The first week will include basics needed to build those behaviors, attention, targeting, follow me. The class will cover the use of a marker for correct behavior and reward method concepts.

Out and About

For older puppies (7+ months), adult dogs, and adopted dogs regardless of previous training.

Prerequisite: Teams must have completed Not Now Honey and Getting There and Back or alternatively Basic Manners Level 1, or Basics for Puppies Level 1

Skills you will need out in the real world, calling off or past distractions, leaving items on the ground, polite greetings, passing other dog-handler teams.

Loose Leash Walking & Reliable Recalls

For older puppies (7+ months), adult dogs, and adopted dogs regardless of previous training.

Prerequisite: Teams must have completed Not Now Honey and Getting There and Back or alternatively Basic Manners Level 1, or Basics for Puppies Level 1

Skills you will need out in the real world, calling off or past distractions, leaving items on the ground, polite greetings, passing other dog-handler teams.

Class Schedule