Available In-Person and Online
Academy for Teen & Adult Dogs
Online Dog Training
Can’t make an in-person class? Our introductory training curriculum is now available online! By participating in our virtual classes via Zoom, you and your dog will receive personalized instruction in the comfort of your home. All our classes are supported by videos, handouts, and training plans available on our student portal.
More Life Skills and Manners
CONTINUING ED - For Our Grads
Loose Leash Walking
Really Reliable Recall
The Polite Public Pooch
Household Manners
Handling For The Health Of It
Around Town Hounds
Sport and Activity Classes
Private Dog Training
Life Skills and Manners Classes
Teen Dog – Life Skills and Manners
(for dogs between 5-7 months)
Teen Dog is our introductory class for dogs who are too old for Pup 1 but are not quite adult dogs. Just as human teens have special needs as they transition into adulthood, so do teenage dogs. Teenage dogs may seem to forget lessons previously learned, be more outwardly focused and easily distracted, and they really appreciate being with their peers! In our Teen Dog class, you will learn how to manage your dog's enthusiastic teenage energy and teach him 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 and downs
Begin walking 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: $345 - Includes:
Small group class setting, limited to 6 teen - parent groups
Six (6) class sessions PLUS online orientation videos (to be watched prior to first class)
Essential training equipment ($55 retail value): 20 ft. recall long line, gear bag, deluxe treat bag, clicker and wrist band (you are not required to use a clicker but many people like to)
Access to our student portal with videos, handouts, training plans, and peer support
Graduation certificate, bandana, and photos
Tons of KNOWLEDGE, SUPPORT, and FUN!
Requirements for In-Person Classes:
Your teen dog must have been in your home for a minimum of two weeks prior to coming to our center
Completion (with veterinary documentation) of the following vaccinations: (1) 1-year parvo-distemper vaccination (often called DHPP) (2)completion of Bordetella series (3) completion of canine influenza virus (CIV) H3N2/H3N8 vaccination series, (4) rabies vaccination. Documentation of clear fecal test
Please note: vaccinations and procedures MUST have been administered at a veterinary office or by a licensed veterinarian. Please ask your veterinarian to FAX your pup’s vaccination and fecal test records to us at 530-345-1939 OR email them to us at training@thecanineconnection.com
Small Dog – Life Skills and Manners
(for dogs under 25 pounds who are 5 months and older)
Small dogs are welcomed in our regular classes, but some owners prefer keeping their diminutive dogs in a class tailored just for the smaller set. Our Small Dog class is a 6-week course (meets weekly) that covers:
Training challenges and behavior solutions that are unique to small dogs
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 and downs
Begin walking 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: $345 - Includes:
Small group class setting, limited to 6 small dog-parent groups
Six (6) class sessions PLUS online orientation videos (must be watched prior to first class)
Essential training equipment ($55 retail value): 20 ft. recall long line, gear bag, deluxe treat bag, clicker and wrist band (you are not required to use a clicker but many people like to)
Access to our student portal with videos, handouts, training plans, and peer support
Graduation certificate, bandana, and photos
Tons of KNOWLEDGE, SUPPORT, and FUN!
Requirements for In-Person Classes:
Your small dog must have been in your home for a minimum of two weeks prior to coming to our center
Completion (with veterinary documentation) of the following vaccinations: (1) 1-year parvo-distemper vaccination (often called DHPP), (2) completion of Bordetella series (3) completion of canine influenza virus (CIV) H3N2/H3N8 vaccination series, (4) rabies vaccination. Documentation of clear fecal test
Please note: vaccinations and procedures MUST have been administered at a veterinary office or by a licensed veterinarian. Please ask your veterinarian to FAX your pup’s vaccination and fecal test records to us at 530-345-1939 OR email them to us at training@thecanineconnection.com.
Adult Dog – Life Skills and Manners
(for dogs 5 months and up)
Adult 1 is our introductory class for dogs who are 5 months old and up. In this flagship class, your teen or adult dog will learn valuable life skills and manners while improving the communication and partnership between you and your dog. In this class, you’ll 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 and downs
Begin walking 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: $345 - Includes:
Small group class setting, limited to 6 dog-parent groups
Six (6) class sessions PLUS online orientation videos (to be watched prior to first class)
Essential training equipment ($55 retail value): 20 ft. recall long line, gear bag, deluxe treat bag, clicker and wrist band (you are not required to use a clicker but many people like to)
Access to our student portal with videos, handouts, training plans, and peer support
Graduation certificate, bandana, and photos
Tons of KNOWLEDGE, SUPPORT, and FUN!
Requirements for In-Person Classes:
Your dog must have been in your home for a minimum of two weeks prior to coming to our center
Completion (with veterinary documentation) of the following vaccinations: (1) 1-year parvo-distemper vaccination (often called DHPP), (2) completion of Bordetella series (3) completion of canine influenza virus (CIV) H3N2/H3N8 vaccination series, (4) rabies vaccination. Documentation of clear fecal test
Please note: vaccinations and procedures MUST have been administered at a veterinary office or by a licensed veterinarian. Please ask your veterinarian to FAX your pup’s vaccination and fecal test records to us at 530-345-1939 OR email them to us at training@thecanineconnection.com
Adult Dog 2 – More Life Skills and Manners
(for grads of introductory classes)
This class is for dogs 5 months and up who have completed one of our introductory classes (Pup 1, Adult 1, Teen Dog, Small Dog). In this class you will take your dog's manners and skillS to a higher level by building better attention and behaviors, even with increasing difficulty and distractions.
Tuition - $240 - Includes:
Small group class setting, limited to 5 dog-parent groups
Six (6) class sessions
Access to our student portal with videos, handouts, training plans, and peer support
Access to our private Facebook group for training students
Graduation certificate, bandana, and photos
Tons of KNOWLEDGE, SUPPORT, and FUN!
Requirements for In-Person Classes
Graduation from one of our introductory classes (Adult 1, Pup 1, Teen Dog, Small Dog)
Completion (with veterinary documentation) of the following vaccinations: (1) 1-year parvo-distemper vaccination (often called DHPP), (2) completion of Bordetella series, (3) completion of canine influenza virus (CIV) H3N2/H3N8 vaccination series, (4) rabies vaccination. Documentation of clear fecal test
Please note: vaccinations and procedures MUST have been administered at a veterinary office or by a licensed veterinarian. Please ask your veterinarian to FAX your pup’s vaccination and fecal test records to us at 530-345-1939 OR email them to us at training@thecanineconnection.com
Continuing Ed: Leash Manners and More
This 3-session short course is for dogs who pull when on leash, making walks a chore instead of a delight. With exercises and games that teach impulse control, relaxation, and focus, you and your dog will be able to feel comfortable and connected while out on a walk. Please note: this class is not for dogs who are “feisty fidos” on leash, those dogs who bark and lunge for other dogs. If that’s your dog, please see us about private training. We can help with that too!
Tuition - $120 - Includes:
Small group class setting, limited to 5 dog-parent groups
Three (3) class sessions
Access to our student portal with videos, handouts, training plans, and peer support
Access to our private Facebook group for training students
Graduation certificate, bandana, and photos
Tons of KNOWLEDGE, SUPPORT, and FUN!
Requirements for In-Person Classes
Graduation from one of our introductory classes (Adult 1, Pup 1, Teen Dog, Small Dog)
Completion (with veterinary documentation) of the following vaccinations: (1) 1-year parvo-distemper vaccination (often called DHPP), completion of Bordetella series (3) completion of canine influenza virus (CIV) H3N2/H3N8 vaccination series, (4) rabies vaccination
Documentation of clear fecal test
Please note: vaccinations and procedures MUST have been administered at a veterinary office or by a licensed veterinarian. Please ask your veterinarian to FAX your pup’s vaccination and fecal test records to us at 530-345-1939 OR email them to us at training@thecanineconnection.com.
Stay tuned, class will be scheduled soon. Contact our Training Coordinator at (530) 228-2822 or training@thecanineconnection.com if you would like to be placed on a waiting list.
Continuing Ed: Come-When-Called and More
This 3-session short course is for dogs who ignore you when you ask them to “Come!” With exercises and games that teach impulse control and attention away from distractions and back to you, your dog will learn that returning to you is better than squirrel chasing. Remember, dogs don’t have to come back to you when they have other choices, they have to want to come back to you. We’ll help you teach your dog that you’re the best party animal in town!
Tuition - $120 - Includes:
Small group class setting, limited to 5 dog-parent groups
Three (3) class sessions
Access to our student portal with videos, handouts, training plans, and peer support
Access to our private Facebook group for training students
Graduation certificate, bandana, and photos
Tons of KNOWLEDGE, SUPPORT, and FUN!
Requirements for In-Person Classes
Graduation from one of our introductory classes (Adult 1, Pup 1, Teen Dog, Small Dog)
Completion (with veterinary documentation) of the following vaccinations: (1) 1-year parvo-distemper vaccination (often called DHPP), (2) completion of Bordetella series (3) completion of canine influenza virus (CIV) H3N2/H3N8 vaccination series, (4) rabies vaccination
Documentation of clear fecal test
Please note: vaccinations and procedures MUST have been administered at a veterinary office or by a licensed veterinarian. Please ask your veterinarian to FAX your pup’s vaccination and fecal test records to us at 530-345-1939 OR email them to us at training@thecanineconnection.com
Stay tuned, class will be scheduled soon! Contact our Training Coordinator at (530) 228-2822 or training@thecanineconnection.com if you would like to be placed on a waiting list.
Tricks for Kicks - Online!
This FULLY ONLINE tricks course you can complete in the comfort of your home. Once registered, you'll have access, for an entire year, to 35 videos, teaching over 15 different behaviors including: The basics (sit, down, name game, stay), Kennel up, Shake, Spin, Roll over/play dead, Go to mat, Platform training, Leave it, Drop it, Peekaboo, Muffin tin game, Ring the bell, Back up, Weave between legs, Say your prayers, Jump through arms.
Now... we know that part of the fun of tricks is showing them off so join our private training client Facebook page to engage with others. You'll even be able to work toward tricks titles through the "Do More With Your Dog" program while we wait for the storm to pass.
Developed and taught by our colleague, Robin Bennett (CPDT-KA), a leader in bringing positive training to the pet industry, this ONLINE TRICKS COURSE will fully complement our mainstream classes so behaviors learned in one will help achieve even more success in the others.
Tuition - $120 - Includes:
Access, for a full year, to course material online
Access to our private Facebook Tricks group with videos and peer support
Tons of KNOWLEDGE, SUPPORT, and FUN!
Agility 1
Dogs jump for joy with agility! Whether you are interested in competition or just taking your dog's training to a higher level, agility can be enjoyed by dogs of all sizes, ages, and breeds. With agility, dogs build confidence and exercise their minds and bodies. In Agility 1, you and your dog will be introduced to select agility equipment (A-frame, hurdles, tire, tunnel, and more) in ways that will help develop teamwork and trust between you and your dog. You will learn important handling skills that will help you communicate clearly to your dog and will set the both of you up for success with this fun sport.
Tuition - $240 - Includes:
Small group class setting, limited to 5 puppy-parent groups
Six (6) class sessions
Access to our student portal with videos, handouts, training plans, and peer support
Access to our private Facebook group for training students
Graduation certificate, bandana, and photos
Tons of KNOWLEDGE, SUPPORT, and FUN!
Requirements for In-Person Classes
Graduation from one of our introductory classes (Adult 1, Pup 1, Teen Dog, Small Dog)
Instructor approval may be granted for those who have attended positive reinforcement classes elsewhere, following an evaluation of the handler-dog team.
Completion (with veterinary documentation) of the following vaccinations: (1) 1-year parvo-distemper vaccination (often called DHPP), (2) completion of Bordetella series (3) completion of canine influenza virus (CIV) H3N2/H3N8 vaccination series, (4) rabies vaccination
Documentation of clear fecal test
Please note: vaccinations and procedures MUST have been administered at a veterinary office or by a licensed veterinarian. Please ask your veterinarian to FAX your pup’s vaccination and fecal test records to us at 530-345-1939 OR email them to us at training@thecanineconnection.com
Stay tuned, class will be scheduled soon! Contact our Training Coordinator at (530) 228-2822 or training@thecanineconnection.com if you would like to be placed on a waiting list.
Agility 2
Using the skills gained in Agility 1, you and your dog will learn how to correctly execute sequences of equipment (tunnel, A-frame, hurdles, and more). Whether you plan on competing in the future or just want to have fun with your dog, this class will help you advance your training and teamwork with your dog!
Tuition - $240 - Includes:
Small group class setting, limited to 5 dog-parent groups
Six (6) class sessions
Access to our student portal with videos, handouts, training plans, and peer support
Access to our private Facebook group for training students
Graduation certificate, bandana, and photos
Tons of KNOWLEDGE, SUPPORT, and FUN!
Requirements for In-Person Classes
Graduation from one of our introductory classes (Adult 1, Pup 1, Teen Dog, Small Dog)
Instructor approval may be granted for those who have attended positive reinforcement classes elsewhere, following an evaluation of the handler-dog team.
Completion (with veterinary documentation) of the following vaccinations: (1) 1-year parvo-distemper vaccination (often called DHPP), (2) completion of Bordetella series, depending on protocol used by your veterinarian, (3) completion of canine influenza virus (CIV) H3N2/H3N8 vaccination series
Documentation of clear fecal test
Please note: vaccinations and procedures MUST have been administered at a veterinary office or by a licensed veterinarian. Please ask your veterinarian to FAX your pup’s vaccination and fecal test records to us at 530-345-1939 OR email them to us at training@thecanineconnection.com
Stay tuned, class will be scheduled soon! Contact our Training Coordinator at (530) 228-2822 or training@thecanineconnection.com if you would like to be placed on a waiting list.
Private Dog Training
Private Lessons
(In-Person or Online via Zoom)
Private lessons are recommended when:
You need help with behavior problems such as fear, anxiety, aggression, or unusually difficult house-training situations.
Your schedule or situation prevents participation in our group classes.
You have specific training goals, such as service dog tasks, that go beyond our group class 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 - Introductory phone or zoom consultation (required for all private lesson clients)
$150 per lesson (sessions are approximately 1 hour each)
$405 – 3 session package (sessions are 1 approximately hour each)
Additional rates may apply for travel to areas outside of Chico, CA.
Please contact our Training Coordinator at (530) 228-2822 or training@thecanineconnection.com to discuss and schedule your dog’s private training needs.
Board-and-Train
Our “board-and-train” program provides your dog with a rich social experience and the benefit of focused training with our experienced trainers. Board-and-train includes overnight stays at our dog resort, a total of 60 minutes of focused training per day, and the option of socialization “field trips” outside our center (additional field trip charge). Tuition includes a pre-visit phone conference or in-person consult and 1.5-hour private lesson at the conclusion of your puppy’s stay to transfer lessons learned back to you!
Tuition -$1500 first week (includes initial consultation and one hour lesson at pick-up). Weeks 2 to 5, tuition is $1350 per week. Maximim weeks for Puppy Board-and-Train is 4 weeks. One week minimum stay is required.
Please contact our Training Coordinator at (530) 228-2822 or training@thecanineconnection.com to discuss and schedule your dog’s private training needs.
“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