GREAT DOGS START HERE

Whether you’ve brought home a new puppy or recently rescued a dog, School for Dogs is here to help you navigate all stages of your dog’s life. Our program is designed to help you and your dog progress together from beginner skills to mastering those skills in any environment.  Our comprehensive curriculum covers a wide range of topics essential for a well-rounded canine companion. We start with foundational obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, and heel. As your dog progresses, we introduce more advanced skills, including public manners, advanced leash skills, and fun enrichment based classes. Our experienced trainers use positive reinforcement techniques to ensure that learning is enjoyable and effective for both you and your pet. We believe that all dogs are unique and a well-trained dog is a happy dog. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and skills to build a strong bond with your dog, enhance communication, and create a harmonious relationship that will last a lifetime.

FROM OWNER, SHANTHI FERNANDO

A MESSAGE TO PET PARENTS

I’ve been working with dogs since 1996, starting with my own pets and quickly branching out to help friends, family, and even strangers at the dog park. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of apprenticing with incredible trainers, taking specialized courses in obedience and positive reinforcement, and mastering techniques for behavior modification that rely on trust and respect—not fear. I truly believe that positive reinforcement is the best way to train dogs because I’ve seen it transform relationships and help countless owners enjoy a stronger, happier bond with their pets. From basic manners to advanced skills, I’m here to guide you and your dog every step of the way.

I use positive, science-based methods to train desired behaviors and never use force or punishment.
My goal is to help every dog become a well-behaved, happy member of your family.
I’m passionate about creating strong, lasting relationships between dogs and their owners, both in and out of the home.

OUR UPCOMING CLASSES

Manners 1

Join us for a 6 week class to learn our essential foundation skills. Curriculum includes: engagement, sit, down, come, stay, place, leave it, and leash manners.

Starts: May 17 at 11:00 am
Price: $250

Manners 2

Join us for a 6 week class that advances the skills learned in Manners 1. Strengthen recall, increase reliability with distance, and maintain focus around distractions. 

Starts: May 17 at 12pm
Price: $250

Puppy Class

Join us for a 4 weeks of foundational training to set your new pup up for success. This is an open enrollment class that you can start at any time. 

Start any Saturday at 10:00 am
Price: $150

OUR SERVICES

BOARD & TRAIN

Our two-week board and train program uses force-free techniques to teach your dog essential skills to be a well-mannered dog.

DAY SCHOOL

Let your dog spend the day with us! They will play with their friends and learn essential skills to be a well-mannered dog!

PRIVATE LESSONS

We also offer private lessons for those dogs that may need more personalized training.

GROUP CLASSES

Let our instructors guide you and your dog through all stages of life. From puppy training through advanced skills. We offer courses for all stages of life.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT TYPE OF TOOLS OR COLLARS DO YOU USE?

Our trainers are committed to force-free techniques. It is our experience that dogs learn skills quickly with positive reinforcement techniques. We successfully utilize science-based training techniques without the use of harsh corrections from shock or pinch collars that can damage the relationship between dog and owner.

WHAT SKILLS WILL MY DOG LEARN?

Our curriculum is designed to follow the American Kennel Clubs’ Family Dog program. Sit, down, come, leave it, leash skills, and stay are the foundation for a well-mannered dog. We guide clients through these skills in a variety of ways that allow them to navigate any environment with their dog.

MY DOG ISN’T FIXED. CAN THEY STILL COME TO SCHOOL?

We require that all dogs be spayed or neutered by the time they reach one year of age. While we strive to keep all dogs playing with their friends, we find that as male dogs mature (approximately 6-10 months) they struggle in play groups. Females in Heat are not allowed in play group.

HOW OLD DOES MY DOG NEED TO BE TO ENROLL?

The health and wellbeing of your puppy is always our first priority.  If your puppy is not fully vaccinated, we encourage you to look into our Puppy Socialization Class. This four-week course is designed to help owners navigate the cute but frustrating puppy months with a variety of skills. We fully sanitize the facility before puppies enter their classes. Your dog is fully vaccinated, they’re welcome to enroll in any of our other services.

WHAT VACCINATIONS DOES MY DOG NEED?

Rabies, DHLLP, and Bordatella every 6 months.

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