*Due to COVID-19 restrictions, our classes are currently suspended. In the interim, please contact Kristy Francis at (763) 445-9642 or visit kristyfrancisdogtraining.com.*

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.

Early Puppy Socialization

Come join the fun! Early Puppy Socialization is a 5-week class that will focus on socializing your new puppy to other dogs, people, and objects. Puppies will learn basic foundation skills such as:

- Introduction to positive reinforcement training
- Name recognition
- The right way to introduce leash walking
- And so much more!

We will provide a safe, controlled environment in which puppies are encouraged to explore and have fun. This is an ongoing revolving class so there will always be new puppies and people. Class meets once a week for one hour. Each week will be a different series of exposures of objects, people and new behaviors designed to build their confidence.

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 expose your puppy 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.

How Do I Get Registered?

Call us today at (763) 420-7958 to learn more about the importance of early puppy socialization and our fun classes. Cost is $80.00 for 5 weeks, then a $16.00 fee for each additional class you attend. Want to try a class? Cost for drop in is $19.00 per class. Classes are held at 6:30 pm on Tuesdays here at the Animal Wellness Center. Sign up today!

Puppy Kindergarten

This is a consecutive five-week course for puppies that are 16 weeks to 6 months old when the series starts. The class will meet for one hour each week and costs $120.00. 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 come 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

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 $120.00. Using positive reinforcement techniques, this class will continue the learning process from Puppy Kindergarten and/or teach new skills to older dogs. We will teach sit, lie down, stay, come, 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 with Introduction to Agility

This is a consecutive 5-week course for dogs that are at least 12 months old when the series starts and have completed Level One Training. The class will meet for one hour each week and costs $120.00. Using positive reinforcement techniques, we will refresh what has already been learned in previous classes in addition to working on various new behaviors. These new behaviors will vary depending on what the class participants would like to learn. This class will also include an introduction to agility equipment. This is meant to be a fun outing and is not a competitive class. One of the main goals of this course is to increase your dog's off leash skills. 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.

Reactive Class

Is your dog nervous or unpredictable on walks? Is your dog uncomfortable or overstimulated in new situations or environments? Reactive classes are for dogs that need to build better skills for management in life situations. Class size is limited to 4 dogs, and needs instructor approval. Some reactivity issue may need to be addressed before practicing in a classroom setting. This class will help you and your dog learn management techniques, read body language and identify triggers so you can be proactive instead of reactive. This is a 6-week course and costs $160.00. The first class will be WITHOUT your dog.

Private Consultation and Training Sessions

At home, private consultations can be arranged with Amy Sandmann. Amy has trained with Victoria Stilwell Positively Dog Training and star of Animal Planet’s television series “It's Me or the Dog.”

"All parents know their child needs a good education, and the same is true for their dogs. We need to teach our dogs to be good citizens and how to cooperate with us in a human world. Our training philosophy is simple, give owners and their dogs the tools to live together in better harmony, this is achieved through Positive Reinforcement methods. Reward based training is a powerful tool and will allow your dog to learn new behaviors quicker than you ever thought possible. Our classes are highly instructional and really fun. We have classes for dogs of every age. You and your dog will be happier because you will have a better understanding of each other. Best of all, your bond will be deeper and stronger than ever before. Training classes may be the greatest gift you ever give your best friend." Amy Sandmann

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 owner and dog. It will teach your dog how to learn.
3. Teaching tricks will help the owner build a positive relationship with their dogs. The dogs will WANT to do things for their owners.
4. Training Tricks will make your dog SMARTER!
5. Training tricks is FUN!!!!

This is a consecutive 6-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 $120.00. 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!