Are you wanting to do more “real world” training with your dog? Wanting to proof your dog on things with the eye of one of our expert trainers? We are excited to offer more advanced and life skills and manners classes. Check out more options below!
6 Week Classes
Canine Life and Social Skills (C.L.A.S.S)
C.L.A.S.S., a.k.a. Canine Life and Social Skills, is an educational program to promote training focused on the use of positive reinforcement and to strengthen relationships between humans and their canine companions. C.L.A.S.S. is a three-level evaluation for dog owners to demonstrate the real-life skills of their dogs. Developed by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) C.L.A.S.S. is based on input from both dog owners and non-dog owners, shelter workers, and professional dog trainers. C.L.A.S.S. benefits pet owners, dogs, and everyone in the community!
Awfully Adolescent
Is your youthful pup suddenly ignoring you when you ask them to do something? Join our “Awfully Adolescent” Class to master techniques for successful training during this transitional phase. Learn to balance instincts and obedience, choose effective rewards, and build a stronger bond with your growing canine companion. Enroll now for a harmonious partnership with your dog.
NOTE: First class is for humans only. Please leave your dogs at home for the first class.
Drop-In Classes
Our drop-in classes are skill focused for extra attention on problem areas. These drop-ins are one hour in length. Sign up is required ahead of time. Click the name of the drop-in to view dates and times available.
All Things About Arousal
Does your dog get the zoomies or seem to struggle with staying calm? In this session, we’ll talk about why arousal happens and practice simple, everyday techniques to help your dog settle down and focus. Whether it’s a busy walk or playtime that gets your pup going, you’ll leave with tools to help your dog find their chill.
Please note that your dogs might need to be crated in between turns from time to time. If your dog has a hard time in the crate, we have some tips and tricks to be able to help your dog feel more comfortable.
Door Dasher’s Anonymous
If your dog rushes out the door like they’re on a mission, this class is for you. We’ll work on practical skills to help your dog pause and wait calmly at doorways and other thresholds. This isn’t just about safety—it’s also about making transitions smoother and less stressful for both you and your dog. Together, we’ll help your pup learn patience and good manners at the door.
It’s SO Exciting
Is impulse control a rare occurrence? Whether you have a young dog, a rescue dog, or just highly excited dog, this weekly drop-in class will cover everything needed to teach your dog self-control and how to appropriately respond to external stimuli. This is for dogs of any age. No dogs with aggression issues please.
K9 Enrichment For Confidence Building
Do you have a dog that is shy, insecure, nervous, or fearful of the world they live in? Do they jump when they hear certain noises; afraid to walk on some surfaces; cower, bolt, or freeze if they see certain movements?
If you answered Yes to any of these questions, then this drop-in class is designed to help build and strengthen your dog’s confidence while navigating their environment. We will explore all the different ways a dog senses their environment (through touch, sight, smell, hearing) and give you tips on how to help desensitize them using various fun exercises at whatever level they are currently at.
No dogs with aggressive issues please. If your dog is aggressive, we request that you schedule a behavior private with us online, through our website, so we can properly help you and your dog.
Loose Leash Walking Crash Course
Do you like taking your dog for a walk, or does your dog take you for a walk? Does your dog pull on leash, and you have no idea how to get it to stop? Loose leash walking is a great skill to teach your pet. Join us for this drop-in on troubleshooting and building an enthusiastic loose leash walk with your dog. If your dog is reactive, please email Liz at before signing up.
Play to Win: Toy & Reward Strategies
Paws & Pose: Photo-Ready Dogs
Wish your dog would sit still long enough for the perfect photo? This lighthearted class is all about creating moments where your dog can shine for the camera. We’ll practice simple ways to help your dog stay focused, pose confidently, and enjoy the process. Whether it’s for social media or a family keepsake, this class will help you capture memories you’ll treasure forever.
Polite Greetings
Does your dog jump on you and visitors? Looking for ways to help your dog learn how to keep all four on the floor and greet people politely? Join us for these drop-ins to build the skill of greeting people like a polite pup! No dogs with aggression or reactivity to people.
Puppy Socialization & More
Does your puppy need more socialization with other puppies? Do you need to build his confidence? Then this one-hour session is for you. This drop-in class will continue working on the skills you learned in Puppy Class. This is for puppies between the ages of 10 weeks and 5 months old.
You MUST sign up before attending this class.
Prerequisite: You must bring your vaccination records if you have not attended classes at For Your K9.
Rock Solid Stays
Unlock the secret to a rock-solid stay! In this drop-in class, we’ll teach your dog how to hold their position on any station, no matter the distractions. Whether it’s a bed, mat, or even a spot on the grass, your dog will learn to stay put until given the cue to move. Perfect for enhancing obedience, focus, and overall control in real-world scenarios.
Prerequisite: You must have completed a basic obedience class and your dog must be comfortable within 10 feet of other dogs.
Please note that your dogs might need to be crated in between turns from time to time. If your dog has a hard time in the crate, we have some tips and tricks to be able to help your dog feel more comfortable.
Rockstar Recall
Does your dog not come when called? Are you wanting to do more off-leash adventures with your dog? Join us for this drop-in on how to build a rockstar recall where we will discuss the importance of recalls, how to troubleshoot problems with your recall, and implement fun and engaging recall games.
Take It To The Trail – Pack Walks
Looking to explore new areas or forest preserves with your dog? Want to touch up on your trail manners and practice real-world recalls with the help of an experienced Trainer & Hiker? Join Liz for a chance to do all of those things and more. Each walk will be at a new location and will be sent to you the week before with a list of items to bring with you. This is for students who have taken at least one of the following: Basic Obedience, C.L.A.S.S., or CGC/Therapy Dog Prep. Unfortunately, at this time, we cannot accept dogs who are reactive for these walks. If you are unsure about how your dog might handle the walks, please contact Liz at