What We Offer

Group Training Walks (starting date TBD)

The Group Training Walk incorporates both mental and physical exercise for you and your dog. This monthly, Thursday night, 60 minute group walk, gets you and your dog moving while also reinforcing some basic commands. Cost for Training Walks is $25 per dog.  All walks take place in the Estero Bay area, locations will be determined as people sign up. The group will be cancelled for bad weather or if the minimum number of participants is not met. Please submit a registration form (located on the class schedule page) to sign up.

Unfortunately, no discount is applicable.  If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Good Dogma.

Puppy Elementary 

This class is targeted for any dog over 4 months with little or no prior training. The class combines 3 phases: socialization, basic commands and puppy behavior discussions.  Using games and (optional) clicker training, we include focus and impulse control activities. Environmental socialization utilizes other dogs, strangers and new distractions, like balloons. We discuss solutions for universal puppy behaviors such as nipping and jumping. We will also guide you through a comprehensive puppy massage!

More serious behavior problems, such as aggression (with people or dogs) or fearfulness will not be discussed at length in class. These issues may call for more extensive work, likely requiring a home visit.  

Dogma High

Dogma High is an intermediate class, open to any dog with consistent adequate responses to basic commands. The class will review basic commands, then take them to the next level.  Employing distractions and increased duration, we will challenge and strengthen your dog’s response. This class addresses impulse control using “leave it”  and “halt”cues.  Clicker training is optional. The class also incorporate loose leash walking, games and tricks and introduction to the CGC tests. A fun-filled, action-packed challenge for both you and your dog. 

Dogma High/CGC

Our most advanced class, designed to reinforce and add challenge to the basic commands your dog has mastered. We’ll take the loose leash heel to the next step, working off leash and incorporating turns, halts, speed variations and distractions. The class will practice distance commands, utilize hand signals, and begin  phasing out lures and treats. The class includes review and practice of the 10 “tests” for AKC Canine Good Citizenship certification and an opportunity to take the test at the last class meeting.

Reactive Rover 

Does your dog lunge or bark or spin at the sight of other dogs when out for a walk? This 45 minute workshop will address on-leash “reactive” behavior and how to manage it. While frightening and unpleasant, this behavior more often indicates excitement or fear than aggression. Frequently, it can be “the other end of the leash” that feeds the behavior and inadvertently reinforces it. The workshop will help you anticipate a reactive burst, and provide calm alternative responses in order to redirect and manage the behavior.  Basic commands are also incorporated into the process. The workshop is limited to five dogs per session. The cost is $25.  There are no discounts applicable.