Introductory Classes Image

Go Dogs entry level classes will help you teach your dog basic manners and useful Obedience skills for everyday life and help prepare both of you for more advanced classes and sports. Go Dogs classes are not designed to help train service dogs nor support dogs as they require different introductory training protocols as provided by certified organizations and their professionally trained employees.

AKC STAR Puppy Class

(For Puppies Up to One Year Old)

The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy is an exciting new program designed to get dog owners and their puppies off to a good start. It is an incentive program for loving dog owners who have taken the time to take their puppies through a basic training class. Find out more about the STAR Puppy program from AKC®.

Your instructor will administer the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy test at the end of the course. Upon passing the test, you’ll get an application to send to AKC® for enrollment in the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program. All dogs are welcome to participate in the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program including purebreds and mixed breeds.

Puppies must have their second set of shots.

Life Skills

Life Skills is an introduction to dog training class that will teach you all the dog training skills you need to train your dog for home life and beyond! Many are interested in our Agility, Competitive Obedience and Rally, CGC classes or Flyball programs. Life Skills is the prerequisite into those programs.**

In Life Skills you will learn the basics of dog training and relationship building through a series of games you play with your dog. You will train:

  • Sits, downs, walking on a loose leash
  • Tricks
  • Reliable Recalls
  • Kennel manners, door manners, greeting strangers and much more!

Classes are held weekly (check the class calendar) for 6 weeks. Classes are 45 minutes.

** To skip Life Skills and go directly into one of our competitive programs (Flyball, Agility or Competitive Obedience/Rally ), Venue Head approval is required.

Beyond Life Skills

Take the basics to the next level! This class will build on the skills learned in Life Skills. The curriculum will include more advanced skills such as the three D’s (distance, distraction, duration), fading the lure, advanced shaping, delayed reinforcement, stand, stays, engagement, and training with distractions. Beyond Life Skills may not be offered every session. Contact us for more information.

Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Prep Course

Go Dogs is proud to offer the  AKC’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Program. Started in 1989, the CGC Program is designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. The Canine Good Citizen Program is a two-part program that stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test may receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club.

Many dog owners choose Canine Good Citizen training as one of the basic steps in training their dogs.  As you work with your dog to teach the CGC skills, you’ll discover the many benefits and joys of training your dog. Training will enhance the bond between you and your dog. Dogs who have a solid obedience education are a joy to live with. They respond well to household routines, have good manners in the presence of people and other dogs, and fully enjoy the company of the owner who took the time to provide training, intellectual stimulation, and a high quality life. We sincerely hope that CGC will be only a beginning for you and your dog and that after passing the CGC test, you’ll continue training in obedience, agility, tracking, or performance events.

All dogs, including both purebred and mixed breed dogs, are welcome to participate in the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Program. Dogs must be old enough to have received necessary immunizations such as rabies vaccines. Owners will sign the Responsible Dog Owners Pledge attesting to having the dog under the routine care of a veterinarian who will work with the owner to determine an appropriate plan and schedule for vaccines and other health care procedures.

There is no age limit for the CGC test. A dog is never too old to be a good citizen. Puppies who have completed all immunizations and boosters may be tested, however, because we know that behavior and temperament can change over time, when puppies pass the CGC test, owners should have them re-tested as adults.

More Information

Contact us for more information about any of the introductory classes by submitting the form below: