UPDATE MARCH 2020: All Group Classes are temporarily suspended due to COVID-19. We will re-evaluate opening the training room again in May 2020.

As your dog learns, so will you.  You will learn to motivate your dog, understand why your dog does what it does and become far more knowledgeable and skilled by learning the fundamentals of dog psychology and everyday considerations related to your dog. My approach is gentle, effective, fun, and designed to be mastered by all members of the family.

All non-dog and non-human aggressive dogs are welcome to attend group classes. If you’re not sure about your dog, please schedule a private consult before enrolling. And please check our policies for cancellations and make-up days, etc.

Register for all groups classes by calling Deepwood Vet Clinic in Centreville (703) 631-9133.

Classes start at the beginning of each month. The upcoming class calendar is available for download here.

*all classes are offered in the mornings and early afternoon on weekdays only.
Classes are held once a week for 4-weeks

Puppy Kindergarten Class

(for puppies 9-16 weeks old)

Prerequisites: Puppies must have their first round of distemper and parvovirus (DAPP). Puppies showing signs of illness; like sniffles, coughing or sneezing will need to miss a class until symptoms are gone.

Tuition: $150

Puppy Kindergarten class is specifically designed for puppies under 4-months of age.

This early class will help you take advantage of the critical period when your puppy is soaking up new information. Like children, puppies need to learn appropriate behavior for living in a household and interacting with others. Early dog training will help you avoid bumps in the road and lead to a better relationship with your dog in the years ahead. Classes are held once a week and include topics such as:

  • Proper socialization
  • Body-handling
  • Bite-inhibition
  • Diet and exercise
  • Potty training
  • Crate training
  • Good manner cues

Basic Manners Class

Prerequisites: Foundations or other Basic Obedience class. (for dogs 4-months and older)
*Dogs displaying aggression will be offered a pro-rated tuition conversion to private lessons. This is a class for dogs that are either easily excited, or unsure about other dogs.  If in doubt, please call to see if your dog is a good fit for this class.

Tuition: $150

Dogs go through several critical developmental periods in the first few years of life. Along the way, your pup probably tried out some behaviors which led to some annoying, or downright rude, habits. This Basic Manners class is designed to teach you how to help your dog make better decisions.  You and your dog will benefit from structured and targeted experiences to build on.  While this is not an obedience class, a basic obedience class is a pre-requisite. Classes are held once a week and include topics such as:

  • Jumping
  • Barking indoors
  • Pulling on leash
  • ‘Leave it’
  • ‘Out’
  • Counter Surfing

Foundations Obedience Class

(for dogs 4-months and older)

Prerequisites: up-to-date on all required vaccines

Tuition: $150

This small-format, popular Foundations Class is the cornerstone for all classes. You will learn to communicate with your dog through clean techniques and the use of markers. Though the techniques are simple, they will require practice and consistency to become proficient with the timing of your markers. You will learn how to teach your dog to:

  • focus
  • sit
  • down
  • recall
  • touch
  • leave-it
  • stay
  • the framework for heeling

*Note: Dogs will not be permitted to meet/greet or play with other dogs during class. This is very helpful for dogs who are easily distracted by other dogs.

Intermediate Obedience Class

Prerequisites: Foundations Class up-to-date on all required vaccines. (for dogs 4-months and older)

Tuition: $150

This fun and interactive class will take your dog to a new skill level.  You will work on strengthening the foundation behaviors by adding

  • duration
  • distance
  • distractions

This is a vital step to gaining better control over your dog. We also expand on the use of the buckets and introduce play. Some aspects of this class are a little more physical than the Foundations class.

*Note: Dogs will be meeting and greeting with other dogs during class.