Group Classes & Seminars
Group classes & seminars are held at Ferry Hill Farm in our fenced in fields as well as our indoor training room.
Classes are being held in our well-ventilated training room!
There's a lot more to having a well-trained dog than teaching them to sit. This 6 week course focuses on the foundation skills that make up the base of all future training: teaching your dog to pay attention to you, develop impulse control, and calm down when you ask them to. We all want a dog that can wait politely instead of stealing food off the coffee table, calmly sit instead of knocking your visitors down, and walk nicely on a leash--to get there, work on your foundations! Foundations teaches you and your dog how to communicate and work together, making learning any other cue so much easier. (And yes, we'll still teach them to sit!)
Duration of class: 6 weeks
Cost: $200
Instructors: Kayla Bailly and Sam Mimitz, CPDT
Prerequisites: None
Classes are being held in our well-ventilated training room or outside during the summer months!
This class is an excellent opportunity to build precision, fluency, reliability and confidence for both handlers and owners. Using a series of exercises performed in a predictable sequence, instead of worrying about learning and listening to new exercises during class everyone is able to work on the same skills to get better...and better and better! Some classes rely on creativity and novelty, this class relies on predictability and consistency.
This class is appropriate for people considering competing at some point, for owners that expect and want highly reliable behavior from their dogs at home and in the community, and people who have completed the basic classes and are looking for a class where it's possible to take the time to get practice in with the eyes of an experienced trainer available to guide you and your dog.
Duration of class: 6 weeks
Cost: $200
Instructors: Elise Gouge, CPDT-KA, CABC, CGC, CFFT
Prerequisites: Advanced Foundations or approval from Elise
Classes are held in our well-ventilated training room!
Finished Foundations and ready for the next step? Time for Advanced Foundations! This class builds on the previous one and uses those building blocks to teach more useful skills. We'll continue to practice leash walking, impulse control, and the rest--but also add more advanced work on stay, go to your mat, coming when called, polite greetings, and other important behaviors. Continue your dog's education with 6 more weeks of the core curriculum!
Duration of class: 6 weeks
Cost: $200
Next session: Tuesdays at 5:30 pm beginning June 20th
Instructor: Sam Mimitz CPDT
Prerequisites: Foundations
Our puppy class is on Saturdays from 1:00-2:00 pm. It is run by one of our senior trainers, Sam Mimitz. It is safe, fun, and highly interactive.
Does your puppy need some buddies?
Bring them to PBC’s Puppy Playgroup! This weekly hourlong meet-up is not a traditional puppy class, but a place where your puppy can play and hang out with other puppies. The playgroup is supervised by one of our senior trainers, Sam Mimitz, so puppies are only practicing safe and appropriate play—no bullying allowed! This is a great chance for them to practice those essential dog-dog social skills while they are still young.
Do you have puppy questions?
Bring them to Puppy Playgroup too! Hang out with other puppy owners and enjoy the opportunity to ask your trainers about housetraining, what to do about those sharp little teeth, crate training--all the little questions that pile up.
Want to work on a solid foundation for your puppy?
This is not a training class—but that doesn’t mean your puppy won’t be learning! An hour is way too long for puppies to be running around wrestling, so the play will be broken up with short sessions practicing essential skills like being held for nail trims, learning that crucial “off switch” so they can relax, or teaching your puppy to check in with you around distractions (like other puppies!).
Enjoy socialization and enrichment opportunities!
Puppies will be provided with a variety of toys and games to explore and encounter, with age-appropriate obstacles to conquer. Depending on availability, specially selected guests may be present to help expose your puppy to a wide range of people.
Playgroup meets weekly and is run by Sam. It includes handling exercises, playtime, and more! Our playgroup is run on a drop-in basis--you register for as many sessions as you and your puppy need!
Please note: before attending your first session, you must provide vet records, including DHPP and Bordetella, and complete our class questionnaire and contract. This playgroup is for puppies age 8-20 weeks. No children under the age of 12 are permitted at playgroup please. ALL records must be confirmed at least 48+ hours prior to class.
Is your dog between the ages of 6 months and 18 months? If so, and you've wanted to have your dog play but it's been hard to find the right mix - this is the class for you. Focusing on low arousal, maintaining control, supporting healthy interactions and building friendships is what we are all about!
This is NOT a class to rehab or work on aggressive behavior.
Class is drop-in and meets every Thursday from 4-5pm. Each class is $30.
Class starts Thursday, January 19th, 2023 at 4pm.
Instructors: Sam Mimitz, CPDT and Kaylyn Swenson, CPDT. Assisted by Hallie Cooney
Duration of class: 6 weeks
Cost: $200
When: Thursdays at 4pm starting May 4th
Instructor: Elise Gouge, CPDT-KA, CDBC, CCBC
So, you've completed the basics and you are enjoying training, enjoying the relationship with your dog...but now what? This class is the answer to that question! We will spend our time focusing on quality and precision of your skill set. We will look at what you'd like for goals and work towards them whether it's competing in dock diving, having a bomb-proof off-leash recall, having people over without your dog being a nuisance, doing emotional support work or, of course, just being a good dog at home.
Classes are being held in our well-ventilated training room! Masks and social distancing are required for all attending.
Is your dog a good citizen? Show everyone that they have the manners to be polite and respectful while out and about by earning their Canine Good Citizen (CGC) title! The CGC is a 10 item test designed to evaluate your dog in a variety of real life situations, such as loose leash walking and greeting a friendly stranger. Any dog can be a CGC, and passing the test grants them a title certificate from the American Kennel Club. Our CGC class is designed to help you prepare for the test. This class is appropriate for dogs who already have a good grasp of basic obedience and are ready to put it to use!
Duration of class: 6 weeks
Cost: $200 (includes test fee*)
Next session: Tuesday, June 20th 4:15-5:15pm
Instructor: Sam Mimitz, CPDT
Prerequisites: Advanced Foundations or instructor approval.
*If your dog is not already registered with the AKC, there will be an additional fee of $19 to submit the Canine Partners form along with their CGC application.
Mini-Intro to Swimming
Cost: $115
Instructor: Sam Mimitz, CPDT
***Register for saturdays in JUNE at 9am
***This class is FULL, please email info@petbehaviorconsulting.com to be put on the waitlist.
Introduction to Swimming
Duration of class: 4 weeks
Cost: $150
Instructor: Sam Mimitz, CPDT
Prerequisites: Foundations or instructor approval
***Register for Saturdays in JUNE at 9am
***Register for Saturdays in July at 9am
Register for Saturdays in September at 9am
***This class is FULL, please email info@petbehaviorconsulting.com to be put on the waitlist.
Ready to jump back in the pool? We sure are! The pool opens soon and classes start in June.
Mini-Dock Diving
We know you are eager to get back in the water and we are trying to get started as early as possible. We'll be running a short 3 week class, starting in May, to get flying off the dock and back into the water. Registration is very limited so sign up now to be the first one in the pool! Must have previous dock experience either here or another dock diving pool.
Duration of class: 3 weeks
Cost: $115
Instructor: Sam Mimitz, CPDT
***Register for Saturdays in May at 10:15am
***This class is FULL, please email info@petbehaviorconsulting.com to be put on the waitlist.
Introduction to Dock Diving
Duration of class: 4 weeks
Cost: $150
Instructor: Sam Mimitz, CPDT
Prerequisites: Foundations or instructor approval
***Register for Saturdays in June at 10:15am
***Register for Saturdays in July at 10:15am
Register for Saturdays in August at 10:15am
***This class is FULL, please email info@petbehaviorconsulting.com to be put on the waitlist.
Intermediate Dock Diving
Prerequisites: Introduction to Dock Diving or instructor approval
Duration of class: 4 weeks
Cost: $150
Instructor: Sam Mimitz CPDT
Prerequisites: Beginner Dock Diving
Register for Saturdays in June at 11:30am
Cost: TBD
Next session: TBD
Instructor: TBD
Prerequisites: Foundations or instructor approval
Cost: $150
Next session: Saturdays at 9:00 am beginning April 15, 2023
Instructor: Sam Mimitz CPDT
Prerequisites: Beginner tricks or instructor approval
Cost: TBD
Next session: TBD
Instructor: TBD
Prerequisites: Intermediate Tricks, or instructor approval. Your dog should already know a nose touch, paw, and "front paws up on a platform".
Are you an experienced breed handler, or just starting your journey? Come practice and learn at our drop-in breed handling and conformation practice class! This class will help you improve your skills, gain more experience, and give you and your dog a safe place to practice for the shows!
Cost: TBD
When: TBD
Instructor: TBD
Rally Obedience is a super fun way to work on obedience after you and your dog have the basics down. Courses are set up with a series of obedience commands listed on signs. Work your way through the course, performing each command when you reach the sign. For over-achievers, you can even be timed to see how fast you and your dog can get through the course! This class will teach you all of the novice signs (commands), how to navigate a course, and all the necessary information if you are interested in competing. Whether just for the relationship, the practice, or because you want to compete, Rally is a really fun and engaged way to work with your dog!
Duration of class: 6 weeks
Cost: $150
Next session: TBD
Instructor: Sam Mimitz CPDT
Prerequisites: Advanced Foundations
Curious about agility, nosework, rally, competition obedience or other dog sports? This 6 week course will introduce you to some of the wide variety of sports out there and help prepare your dog with the necessary foundations to succeed!
Duration of class: 6 weeks
Cost: $150
Next session: TBD
Instructor: TBD
Prerequisites: Foundations or instructor approval
Kids & Dogs - Collaborative Play, Respectful Interactions and Understanding Each Other
Cost: $100
Duration of Workshop: 2 hours
Time/Day: April 22, 2023 at 4:00 pm
Instructor: Kaylyn Swenson, CPDT; assisted by Hallie Cooney and Deane Silsby
Prerequisites: None
Boredom Busters: Enrichment for Dogs
Kaylyn Swenson, certified trainer, will work you and your dog so you can leave with a bag of tricks to conquer any boredom behaviors like digging, stealing trash, counter-surfing, and more! Join us for this workshop on curbing boredom with your dog, stop problem behaviors before they start, and have fun all at once!
Cost: $100
Duration of Workshop: 2 hours
Time/Day: April 8, 2023 at 4:00 pm
Instructor: Kaylyn Swenson, CPDT; assisted by Alex Becker
Prerequisites: None
Leash Walking
Want to learn how to manage and prepare for distractions on walks? Would you like to learn new exercises to help your dog check in with you more often on walks? In this one session, hour and a half workshop, we'll discuss all this and more. If you'd like to learn more about leash manners and fine tune your skills, this beginner workshop is for you!
Cost: $100
Duration of Workshop: 2 hours
Time/Day: TBD
Instructor: TBD
Prerequisites: Your dog must be comfortable working around other dogs and people. If your dog is reactive or frightened around other dogs, we are happy to help you with a private lesson instead!
Trail Walking and Coming When Called
Cost: $100
Duration of Workshop: 2 hours
Time/Day: TBA
Instructor: TBA
Prerequisites: None
My Dog Won't Train for Food!
Do you have a dog that won't take food when stressed or overly excited? You've tried training where you're told "feed them for doing x" but it doesn't work because your dog won't eat the food! Regardless of whether your dog is too scared/stressed or excited to eat food, there are effective and fun ways to train without food.
Bring your dog for a fun, educational Saturday afternoon workshop!
Cost: $50 to audit; $250 to work a dog
Duration of Workshop: 3.5 hours
Time/Day: TBA
Instructor: TBA
Prerequisites: None
Reactive Dog Seminar
Our Reactive Dog seminar is a great option if you:
- Want to work on your dog's reactive behavior in a condensed, one day format versus a weekly class
- Want the most economical option for working on reactive behavior.
- Want to get a jumpstart on your dog's behavior before joining weekly reactive class.
- Aren't ready to bring a dog but want to learn how to address your dog's reactive behavior.
- Need a refresher!
- Just like to take advantage of every opportunity to practice!
Reactive Seminars meet for 3.5 hours on a Saturday. The time is a combination of working dogs and lecture. We cover management, dog body language, the human side of dealing with reactive behavior, setting goals, making training plans, and more!
You MUST have worked with Elise or have permission to work a dog in the seminar before signing up for one of the limited working spots. Auditing spots are for people that just want to observe without a dog.
Cost: $50 to audit; $250 to work a dog
Duration of Workshop: 3.5 hours
Time/Day: TBA
Instructor: Elise Gouge CPDT-KA, CDBC, CCBC
Prerequisites: Consultation with Elise or instructor approval
Tame Those Talons! Nail Trim Workshop
Does your dog struggle with nail trims? You're not alone! Lots of dogs find getting their nails done a stressful or even frightening experience. In this two hour workshop, we will help you work with your dog to make nail trims a positive experience. We'll break everything down into small steps so you and your dog can be successful and turn your grooming nightmares around!
Cost: TBA
Duration of Workshop: TBA
Time/Day: TBA
Instructor: TBA
Prerequisites: None
Holiday Manners
The holidays are coming, and this can mean lots of opportunities for your dog to socialize and get presents—but also to jump up on an elderly relative, steal treats, and generally cause mayhem! This two week class is designed to help you and your dog practice the skills needed to have a smooth holiday season. You’ll work on polite greetings, impulse control, and management techniques and tips to make it through so you and your dog can have the best holiday season possible!
Cost: TBA
Duration of Workshop: TBA
Time/Day: TBA
Instructor: TBA
Prerequisites: None
Duration of class: 6 weeks
Cost: $200
When: Tuesdays at 1:00 pm starting April 4th
Instructor: Elise Gouge, CPDT-KA, CDBC, CCBC; assisted by Ariana Becker
We don't always think of our dog's physical wellness in terms of fitness. Dogs are dogs and they typically just go and go, never telling us if they are in pain. This class is a great introduction into learning about your dog's body so that you can keep him as healthy as possible. We will cover warming up before exercise, stretching, basic muscle and physical anatomy, how to avoid muscle wasting, dealing with aging dogs, and more!
We will start with an assessment that includes muscle measurements, flexibility, strength and stamina and develop individual programs for dogs from there.
- having your kitten scratch the right surfaces
- teaching your kitten to stay off of counters
- how to train your kitten to enjoy the cat carrier
- how to trim nails without stress
This class will meet one hour each week, from 6-7pm, at our facility in Granby, MA. The tuition includes a homework packet, starter treats and training clicker.
*NEW*
Did you know that dogs are considered seniors when they are over 7 years old? But just because their bodies might not be as agile as their younger years doesn't mean they don't still need enrichment and activity! Our senior dog class is just what the doctor ordered! It includes:
- Brain games to combat age-related mental confusion and dementia...and have FUN!
- Information on supplements that can help with mental acuity and physical comfort
- Exercises to minimize muscle wasting and weakness
- How to recognize pain and fatigue
- Tips on dealing with loss of senses like losing hearing or sight
- Exercises to learn how to adapt to specialized equipment like Help 'Em Up harnesses and more!
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