Schedule & Registration

Beginner Life Skills Training Classes

Created for dogs 6 months of age and older, DOGSmart’s beginner classes offer training that builds on basic skills to develop more consistent behaviours. Using training techniques that include games, toys and play, instructors work to make each class a fun and interactive experience for you and your dog. Classes introduce loose leash walking, coming when called, impulse control, as well as how to pay attention and ignore distractions. DOGSmart’s beginner classes are perfect for anyone that has adopted a new dog (even older dogs), or would simply like to begin working on training with their dog.

Please Note: Female dogs in heat season (estrus) are not permitted to attend classes during the period that the female is in heat.

Beginner Life Skills

The focus of beginner training is to learn everyday basic life skill exercises such as sit, stay, down, come when called, and proper leash handling methods while incorporating varying degrees distractions. This means that the dog must learn to pay attention to you under many situations. We use food, praise and play along with scientific learning principles to teach your dog how to achieve these goals. Teaching your dog to respond to various hand and voice signals will make life easier for you, your guests, the veterinarian and others. Prerequisite: Your dog must be over 6 months of age in order to register and attend this course.

Beginner Life Skills - For Petite Pals

Beginner for Petite Pals is a Beginner Program designed for people who would like to training their small dog with other small dogs. Prerequisite: Your dog must be over 6 months of age or older and must weigh less than 15 pounds in order to register and attend this course.

Learning Games

Dogs love to learn! Your dog will be encouraged to experience the world through their paws and nose. The Learning Games Programs is a great way to explore your dog’s creativity and talents! Prerequisite: Your dog must be over 6 months of age or older in order to register and attend this course.

Important Note: One-week notice prior to the date of the first class is required for cancellations or refunds. We are unable to provide refunds once classes have started. Dates and times of classes are subject to change. Visit our website or give us a call for more information and to check space availability in courses. Please equip your dog with a flat buckle collar, front clip harness, or head-halter only for all classes. All other types of collars including pinch, choke, martingale and shock collars, as well as retractable-leashes are not permitted.

Upcoming Classes

Click the names of classes below for more details about each class as well as to register online.