I was reading the online comments on a post in which the writer was attempting to convince someone they knew not to give up on finding a great dog-training class to take with their newly adopted rescue dog. The first class they’d signed up for had turned out very badly.
It happens. There are some classes that just don’t work for you.
But don’t give up! There may well be a class that could start you—and your dog—on a lifetime of learning.
I decided to ask friends online about their personal experiences with dog training classes. I inquired: “What’s the best or most memorable dog training class you ever took? No matter what kind of training, puppy to advanced, any discipline, any sport, any goals—tell us about it, please! What made the class so memorable for you?”
Here are some of the answers they shared.
Tamara A Howard (New Jersey) In 2022–2023, I took my energetic puppy, Spot HF, to a beginner puppy class in Ocean Township, New Jersey, alongside the proud owners of his littermate, Pacho E. The instructors—Laura, Tara, Gabriella, and Jim—were excellent, guiding us through the essentials: Sit, Down, Come, Stay, and Loose-Leash Walking. Each hour-long class was packed with valuable lessons, and the breaks allowed for some delightful supervised playtime, creating a fantastic socialization opportunity for all the pups!
Although the experience was incredibly enriching, it wasn’t without its challenges. Spot HF battled car sickness, and often hesitated to leave my SUV upon arrival. But once we were inside the classroom, he transformed! Spot was a lively, social little guy, smart as a whip—if he chose to engage. Unfortunately, that “IF” was more often a polite “No, thanks,” as he preferred to sit back and observe the action around him. Despite his reluctance at times, this journey through the puppy classes was definitely one of the most insightful experiences I’ve had.
Spot HF and I took advanced classes; I’d like to say Spot HF blossomed into a willing participant; however, I’d be misrepresenting the facts.
Why is this so memorable?
Spot HF, the skittish puppy who may or may not arrive, was embraced for who he was, free from expectations and demands. He was allowed to participate if he chose or leave if needed. Spot HF learned all the things, but more importantly, he learned that being who he is is absolutely perfect!
Photo by Tamara A Howard
Amy Suggars (Ohio) My most memorable training class was a class centered solely on teaching heeling for competition obedience. It was taught by Elissa O’Sullivan in Columbus, Ohio. I didn’t really want to take the class because a class devoted to nothing but heeling sounded very boring. But I knew I needed it because I wanted to compete in obedience trials. Elissa made the class very interesting, and both my dog and I enjoyed the training. We both really learned a lot. We ended up earning our first obedience title with three first-place ribbons!
Gwen Jones (California) I was in an agility class several years ago that was not only well-run, informative, and fun, but the friends I made in that class have changed my life!
Adrienne Critchlow (United Kingdom) I’ve done so many classes and courses, it’s hard to pick a favourite! I have to go with something scent-related, though, as there’s something there for every dog, regardless of age or breed. It’s fulfilling and enriching for them, and so helpful for anxious and reactive dogs. Probably the best course I’ve done in scent work is School of Canine Science, Scent For Six. It’s an online course with lifetime access so you can go back over it again and again.
Steven Cogswell (Colorado) It was my first in-home session with BEX in Denver, Colorado. It was a six-week basic manners course. At the time, BEX [the trainer’s preferred designation] worked for a large company—Noble Beast Dog Training—which had been recommended to me by my dog walker. I had just come off a harrowing experience with another local trainer and was ready to give up on formal training altogether. My dog walker convinced me to try this newfangled “positive reinforcement” approach. BEX arrived at my house loaded with handouts and brimming with science. Gerald, my dog, was visibly relieved to meet a human who actually understood what he was saying. BEX opened an entire world for me and my pups. She is the reason I became a dog trainer.
Jaxon Riley (Washington) Pawsitive Connection classes. After over thirty years of my being a dog guardian and taking countless classes. Stephanie’s classes were smart, practical, positive, and fun. I recommend them to everyone!
Anne Marie Zeck (Washington) I am so old, but I believe it was with Dog Sense in Rockville, Maryland, an old-school Schutzhund group. It got my dachshund through her Open, but I had to go to the local AKC club for work on her Companion Dog Excellent title. I am telling you this only because I just found an old photo!
Karen Reardon Taylor (California) OMG! I remember Dog Sense. It was the ’80s for me at the Humane Society in Rockville. Correction-based, but it made me want more because I had the only “little”—a Pomeranian amidst the Dobies, Rotts, and Shepherds! He was very biddable! I think prior to that was Beverly Luecke, county classes. Loved her, wanted to be her! She channeled Barbara Woodhouse, lol. Of course we don’t use those methods any longer … but [it all] inspired me to pursue being better!
Jane Finneran (North Carolina) My first one! And I never stopped learning.
Kathleen Huggins (Washington) The one where we took our two mini schnauzers and too late found out the trainer had no use for schnauzers. Very bad experience.
Bonnie Hess (Pennsylvania) An in-person weekend workshop with Michele Pouliot, also her online freestyle course through Karen Pryor’s training school.
Lisa Schmit (Illinois) Tricks class back in 2000 taught by Pam Juliano Blitzen, Canine Academy in Frankfort, Illinois. I took it with my first Border Collie, Moxie—best class ever! It taught me how dogs learn and how to teach them!
You’ll never know until you go! Ask friends and family for recommendations. What classes have they taken that they and their dog ended up enjoying? Find out if you can observe a class (without your dog) before you sign up. Is what’s being taught what you want to learn? Do you feel comfortable with the instructors’ teaching style and the methods they prefer? When you check their credentials, are they legit?
On this topic, I must add an amusing experience that a friend shared:
Brenda Schultheis (Washington) Just before a training began in a noisy gym, my husband got a phone call and he had to shout to be heard. He told the caller, “No, no, I’m at obedience class!” Everyone around us cracked up.
FOX41 Yakima©FOX11 TriCities©
link