Training for both ends of the leash!
Academy for Teen and Adult Dogs
Choose Your Format!
Our training program focuses on both ends of the leash. Through clear instruction and coaching, we teach you to better understand and communicate with your dog. Since it’s important that our learners - dogs AND their people - are set up for success, our training program is available in a variety of formats. You can choose group classes or private instruction, each available through in-person meetings or online. If you’re not sure what approach or program is best for you and your dog, please reach out to our Training Coordinator at 530-228-2822 or training@thecanineconnection.com. We’re here to help, every step of the way.
Our approach to training and behavior management and modification adheres to the recommendations of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior.
Read about our approach to training and behavior modification and management HERE.
Our Flagship Foundation Program for All Dogs!
Our GROUP CLASSES offered in-person at our modern, comfortable training center in North Chico.
Prefer to complete this foundation program through PRIVATE TRAINING? We’ll provide you and your dog with individualized instruction and a value-priced package.
Life Skills & Manners
Group Classes
Our Life Skills & Manners course focuses on helping you and your dog learn together. In this flagship course, you’ll learn how to better understand, communicate with, and teach your dog core skills that make for a happier dog and more enriching partnership. You will learn how to teach your dog to:
Pay attention to you, even when there are distractions
Wait calmly for things he or she wants
Greet people calmly (as opposed to jumping on them boisterously)
Perform rock solid “canine calisthenics:” sits, stands, and downs
Relax, settle, and stay
Learn to walk nicely on a leash
Come when called – quickly and reliably
Feel calm, cool, and collected around other dogs and people
See their learning (your training) as an activity that is rewarding and fun!
Tuition: $375 - Includes:
Small group class setting, limited to 7 dog-person groups (for in-person)
Six (6) class sessions PLUS online orientation videos (to be watched prior to first class)
Access to our student portal with videos, handouts, training plans, and peer support
Essential training equipment ($75 retail value): 20 ft. recall long line, gear bag, deluxe treat bag with belt, training bowl, clicker and wrist band (you are not required to use a clicker but many people like to), and more!
Graduation certificate, bandana, and photos
Access to our Continuing Ed classes and events and our private client Facebook group.
Tons of KNOWLEDGE, SUPPORT, and FUN!
Requirements for In-Person Classes:
Your dog, if newly adopted, must have been in your home for a minimum of two weeks prior to class commencing. If you need help prior to your first class session, please consider scheduling a private lesson.
Completion (with veterinary documentation) of the following vaccinations at least one week prior to class commencing: (1) annual parvo-distemper vaccination (often called DHPP) (2) bordetella / canine cough (3) rabies vaccination.
We encourage receipt of canine influenza virus (CIV) H3N2/H3N8 vaccination (note that this is a requirement for dogs participating in our daycare and boarding program as is a clear fecal test).
Please note: vaccinations MUST have been administered by a licensed veterinarian. Please ask your veterinarian to email your dog’s vaccination records to us at training@thecanineconnection.com. We MUST receive these at least seven days prior to your first class session (sooner is better).
Private Lesson Package
Our Life Skills & Manners curriculum is available through private training. As with our group class, we offer 6 sessions, taught weekly, at our center (sessions at your home may be arranged). The benefits of private training are:
Very focused instruction and coaching, tailored specifically to you and your dog.
Specific behavior challenges, unique to your dog and household can be addressed (note that we do not address severe anxiety or aggression during our Life Skills& Manners program).
Children too young for group classes can participate.
Our Life Skills & Manners course focuses on helping you and your dog learn together. In this flagship course, you’ll learn how to better understand, communicate with, and teach your dog core skills that make for a happier dog and more enriching partnership. You will learn how to teach your dog to:
Pay attention to you, even when there are distractions
Wait calmly for things he or she wants
Greet people calmly (as opposed to jumping on them boisterously)
Perform rock solid “canine calisthenics:” sits, stands, and downs
Relax, settle, and stay
Learn to walk nicely on a leash
Come when called – quickly and reliably
Feel calm, cool, and collected around other dogs and people
See their learning (your training) as an activity that is rewarding and fun!
Tuition: $900 - Includes:
Initial 30-minute consultation via Phone or Zoom
Six (6) class sessions PLUS online orientation videos (to be watched prior to first class)
Access to our student portal with videos, handouts, training plans, and peer support
Essential training equipment ($75 retail value): 20 ft. recall long line, gear bag, deluxe treat bag with belt, training bowl, clicker and wrist band (you are not required to use a clicker but many people like to), and more!
Graduation certificate, bandana, and photos
Access to our Continuing Ed classes and events and our private client Facebook group.
Tons of KNOWLEDGE, SUPPORT, and FUN!
NOTE:
Private LIFE SKILLS & MANNERS lessons are currently offered Mondays and Fridays.
Private Lessons
In-Person or Online via Zoom
Private lessons are recommended when:
You need help with behavior problems such as fear, anxiety, aggression.
Your schedule or situation prevents participation in our group classes.
You have specific training goals, that go beyond our foundation Life Skills & Manners curriculum.
You have very small children who you want involved in the training process.
Your dog is too young (i.e. under 11 weeks) for group class.
Tuition :
$75 - Initial 30-minute Phone or Zoom Consultation
$150 - Individual Private Lesson (approximately 1 hour) held at our center or your home*
*Additional rates may apply for travel to areas outside of Chico, CA.
“Dr. Sarah and her staff are the most professional, caring, helpful and awesome group of dog lovers around.
Abby and I have taken 5 classes and I can hardly hold this 24 pound dog back as she leaps forward to attend class, daycare or boarding. Whether it be kindergarten puppy class, tricks, agility or therapy dog training, there are all levels of the highest quality of trainer/canine education available. Their kind, positive training techniques work and it so rewarding to see such marked changes in such a short time. They treat each dog and their guardian like family. And, it’s so much fun!”
-Sue Bilodeau, Chico, CA