Due to COVID restrictions we have temporarily discontinued on site training classes. For all training class questions and registration contact Kristy Francis at 763-445-9642 or [email protected]
VCA Animal Wellness Center of Maple Grove also offers classes to assist you in using positive reinforcement techniques to train your puppy, address any behavior concerns and tighten the bond of affection and unconditional love between you and your pet. All classes need to be paid in full at time of registration to hold a spot and are non-refundable after two weeks prior to the start of class.
Call 763-420-7958 to sign up today!
Puppy Socialization
Tuesdays, 6:30pm
Puppy Kindergarten
Thursday, 6:30pm – Starts January 23
Thursday, 7:45pm – Starts March 5
Thursday, 7:45pm – Starts April 9
Level One Training and Foundation Skills
Thursday, 7:45pm – Starts January 23
Tuesday, 7:45pm – Starts March 3
Thursday, 6:30pm – Start April 9
Level Two Training and Foundation Skills
Thursday, 6:30pm – Starts March 5
Teeth, Toes and More Handling
Tuesday, 7:45pm – Starts January 28
Tuesday, 7:45pm – Starts April 28
Loose-Leash Walking
Tuesday, 7:45pm – Starts April 7
Early Puppy Socialization
Come join the fun! Open enrollment is $100.00 for a 5 week package, or $20 per drop in class. This class is held every Tuesday at 6:30 here at AWC and is for puppies 16 weeks and under. Each week is a different series of exposures like objects, people and new behaviors designed to build their confidence. We will provide a safe, controlled environment in which puppies are encouraged to explore and have fun. This class will meet for one hour each week. Puppies will learn basic foundation skills such as:
• Introduction to positive reinforcement training
• Name recognition
• Loose leash walking
• And so much more!
What is Puppy Socialization?
Up until 16 weeks of age, your puppy’s brain is open to every experience they encounter. This phase of development, referred to as the sensitive period, allows the puppy to understand and accept his normal surroundings. During this time your puppy is the most open to accepting and embracing other animals, new people, new experiences, objects, sounds and handling. After 16 weeks of age, puppy brains are actually hardwired by nature to become wary of new things, making it much harder to shape them into a relaxed, friendly and confident adult dog.
It is extremely important to give your puppy the opportunity to be exposed to as many new things as you can during their sensitive period.
During this critical time, they should be exposed to people of all ages, sizes, and shapes. For example, they need to see people in hats, with facial hair, wearing different clothing, using a cane or walker. You need to provide many opportunities for your puppy to play with other dogs. Their world needs to include interactive toys, novel objects, car rides, and visits to other homes.
When Should I Enroll My Puppy?
The class is open to puppies between 7 and 16 weeks of age, having received at least one set of vaccinations and a de-worming treatment. The goal is to get your puppy started right away and then continue into Puppy Kindergarten without missing a beat. Once you have finished the first 5 weeks you will want to continue to attend on a weekly basis until you graduate to Puppy Kindergarten. This approach will maximize their learning experience during this critical period. Early Puppy Socialization Classes are the perfect first step in helping your puppy become a more confident and well-adjusted adult.
Puppy Kindergarten
This is a consecutive five-week course for puppies that are 6 months and younger. The class will meet for one hour each week and costs $150.00. Puppy Kindergarten will introduce positive reinforcement techniques that help create a puppy that wants to work with you. We will teach life skills like sit, lie down, introduction to the recall cue, and loose-leash walking. These classes will help build and maintain foundation behaviors like learning their name and paying attention to the handler in distracting situations. Additionally, puppies will continue to work on their socialization skills with people and other animals. Class is limited to 6 puppies.
Level One Training and Foundation Skills
This is a consecutive 5-week course for dogs 6 months and older. The class will meet for one hour each week and costs $150.00. Using positive reinforcement techniques, this class will continue the learning process from Puppy Kindergarten and teach new skills to older dogs. This class will focus on continuing to build the skills for sit, lie down, stay, recall, leash manners, and other basic life skills. Dogs who attend this course will work on their socialization skills with people and other animals in addition to learning fun new games. Class is limited to 6 dogs.
Level Two Training and Manners
This is a consecutive 5-week course for dogs that have completed Level One Training. The class will meet for one hour each week and costs $150.00. Using positive reinforcement techniques, this class will refresh the skills the dog already knows and build proficient behaviors with distractions. The class will also provide an opportunity to work on behaviors that are requested by class participants. Dogs who attend this course will also work on their socialization skills with people and other animals while learning fun new games. Class is limited to 6 dogs.
Teeth, Toes and More Handling Class
This is a consecutive 5-week course. The class will meet for 45 minutes each week and costs $150.00. This handling class is open to dogs of all ages and will focus on the necessary life skills they will need for cooperative care for grooming needs like nail trimming, brushing their teeth, as well as getting them comfortable with basic handling for veterinary exams.
Loose-leash Walking Class
This is a consecutive 3-week course. The class will meet for one hour each week and costs $90.00. This class is open to dogs of all ages and will focus on the necessary life skills they will need to learn to walk nicely with you instead of pulling on the leash. The class will also focus on impulse control and attention to the handler.
Trick Training
High-five. Fetch. Jump through a hoop. Spin, twirl, and take a bow. There is no doubt that tricks are fun to train, and even more fun to show off to friends and family. But they are so much more than just a good time! Here are five things tricks can do for you, your dog, and your training.
1. It is a great way for dogs to get mental stimulation (exercise) A tired or mentally stimulated dog is a happy dog!
2. Teaching tricks will help build the communication skills between you and your dog. It will teach your dog how to learn.
3. Teaching tricks will help you build a positive relationship with your dog. The dog will WANT to do things for you.
4. Training Tricks will make your dog SMARTER!
5. Training tricks is FUN!!!!
This is a consecutive 5-week course for dogs that are at least 6 months old when the series starts. The class will meet for one hour each week and costs $150.00. Using positive reinforcement techniques, this class will teach a variety of tricks and will be a great way to spend time, have fun and play with your dog!
Private Consultations and Training
We also work with several trainers who offer private in home consultations and training sessions using only positive reinforcement techniques.
Watch our website and FB page for specialty class offerings throughout the year!