The Life Skills Series is your go-to for manners and obedience!
The Foundation Life Skills Program, in-person or virtual, will get you started right with your puppy or new adoption of any age. (Or maybe your old dog want to learn new tricks!)
From there, work through the Advanced Life Skills Programs for an intensive focus on advanced skill-building for distractions, come when called, stay, leave it and more!
Foundation Life Skills Program (In-Person)
In-Person Life Skills is great for those living in or near Guelph who enjoy the accountability that comes with a in-person interaction, and whose schedule allows for weekly classes in this six-class program.
The Advanced Life Skills Series is made up of multiple programs that you can attend in any order for a deep-dive into advanced application and skill-building of concepts introduced in the Life Skills Foundation program.
Virtual Life Skills is perfect for pandemic safety, for those living outside of Guelph, and owners with hectic or unpredictable schedules! Get started on-demand and receive personal feedback on your training for the duration of the 8-week program.
Dog training in the age of Social Distancing… it CAN be done!
The COVID-19 pandemic has created lots of barriers in our lives, but luckily we can achieve the same great training results with the wonders of modern technology!
Virtual Life Skills is an all-ages manners and obedience program, appropriate for puppies and adult dogs alike – with the BONUS All Things Puppy Classroom for puppies under 6mo!
Who says learning can’t happen on the couch?
We will cover topics including:
Come when called
Settle and stay on a mat
Polite leash walking
Dealing with distractions
Polite greetings with people
Prevent running out the front door
Impulse control around food
Preventing “Counter surfing”
And more!
How Does Virtual Life Skills Training Work?
Using a virtual classroom called Google Classrooms, you will be guided through training exercises with video demonstrations, verbal descriptions and written instructions. You will also receive entirely personalized feedback on your training from your instructor! This is NOT just a video tutorial.
Each exercise is broken down into easy-to-follow steps, and you will receive personalized support and guidance as you train your dog.
Train at your own pace and on your own schedule
Join class any time
Eight weeks access to dynamic content and personal guidance and training support
Access to the handy reference manual after your program is completed which includes written and video instructions for all training exercises
Technology requirements are:
A basic understanding of computer/internet use, including recording a video
Internet capacity that allows for watching and uploading videos
Puppy students receive free access to the All Things Puppy Classroom for information on socialization and problem prevention that is specific to puppies – including guidance on nipping, house training, crate training and more!
Try out Google Classroom before you register!
You are encouraged to access the test classroom and familiarize yourself with how the platform works before registering. Simply:
Sign in to Google or click here if you don’t have an account
Orientation Webinar to watch before getting started
Six weekly group classes
Classroom Visuals for clear instruction during class time
Life Skills Online Resource Classroom including written instructions, videos of training exercises and bonus training exercises
Access to the All Things Puppy Classroom for quick answers on common puppy issues, such as house training, nipping, crate training and more (Also check out the Socialization Skills Puppy Class!)
Flexible Start Date
You can start class any time space is available!
Submit the registration form below and specify your preferred class day. We’ll confirm the next available start date.
Once your start date is selected, submit payment within 24hrs to confirm your spot
Your program will run for six consecutive weeks from the confirmed start date (save for clearly stated holidays/cancellations). Students can keep up in the online resource classroom if absent from class.
Your new dog/puppy must be living with you for at least 7 days prior to your first class.
Documentation of dog vaccination administered by a veterinarian (Parvo/Distemper, Rabies if age appropriate) is required for ALL dogs.
Should your instructor become ill class may be put on hold until recovery is confirmed. Please leave additional availability after your program to accommodate possibility of this safety procedure.
Sundays at 3pm with Kathleen Tuesday at 6:45pm with Emily
Your start date will be confirmed upon submission of the registration form.
Weather notice: Classes will only be cancelled in truly extreme weather. Please be prepared for our Ontario winters and leave time to arrive to class safely!
Register for Life Skills!
After reading through this webpage, group FAQ and Policy, complete the form by clicking the button below and you’ll receive confirmation of your start date shortly! If you have questions, contact the office before completing the form.
Payment must be received within 24hrs in order to confirm the time slot offered to you, and vaccination documents must be received prior to your first class
NOTICE: We’re restructuring! Enrolment for Life Skills is currently closed. Please contact the office for alternative training options.
