From puppy/dog adoption counseling, potty training to advanced obedience, crabby canine to agility and conformation lessons, if we don't offer it, we are working on it. We offer group classes, private training, workshops, and seminars. We believe an educated owner and a well-trained canine is one of the pleasures of life.
A DOG'S LIFE boasts a group of trainers that are among the best in the Bay Area. All of our Senior Trainers are graduates of the prestigious San Francisco SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers, studying under nationally renowned dog behavioralist, Jean Donaldson and/or are Certified Pet Dog Trainers (CPDT) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). We have 5 trainers on our staff and partner with several others so you can find a trainer on site just about every day of the week. A DOG'S LIFE trainers are available on a daily basis to sit down with you in our OWNER'S LOUNGE to discuss training approaches, give helpful hints, and help sharpen your training skills. Appointments are recommended.
Our trainers are all graduates of the "Harvard" of dog training academies and/or are Certified Pet Dog Trainers (CPDT). No self-taught trainers here.
We use only the most cutting edge approaches to dog training.
A DOG'S LIFE trainers believe that training and owning a dog should be FUN.
A DOG'S LIFE makes training classes fun for people and their canine companions! You'll learn safe and effective positive reinforcement training methods from highly skilled and experienced certified trainers. All our classes are dog and people-friendly and designed to help you learn how best to train your perfect family pet. We have courses for all canine ages and all canine (and human!) skill levels. Best of all, individual attention abounds with our maximum dog-trainer ratio of 10:1.
Scoll down to all the class descriptions below to learn more about our specific offerings! Or simply click on a link below to go straight to a category:
TO REGISTER FOR CLASSES, WORKSHOPS & SEMINARS (regardless of which location) PLEASE CALL A DOG'S LIFE Sunnyvale at (408) 747-1111
*** All dogs that come to A DOG'S LIFE for daycare, boarding or training that are recovering from and/or taking antibiotics for an illness or infection must also have written clearance from their vet stating that the dog is safe to be around other dogs (i.e. is not contagious).***
PUPPY SOCIALS
Puppy Socials are a safe and supervised enviornment to help further your puppy's social skills and bite inhibition during that critical up-to-18 week socialization window.
Course prerequisites:
Puppies must be under 18 weeks of age when attending their first social
Puppies must have proof of being 10 days past their initial vaccination for DHPP at their first attendance. Bordatella also recommended but not required
Guardian over 18 years of age must accompany puppy
$10 - per session drop-in charge. Payment goes to instructor. No need to register.
In SUNNYVALE, ongoing every Sunday, at 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM with Nancy Weller instructing
Extremely shy dogs are given their very own section at the 10:30 socials.
In PALO ALTO, ongoing every Saturday, at 10:15 AM with Ruthanna Levy instructing
PUPPY 1
Early puppy training is the key to preventing common behavior problems (including aggression, later in life) and developing great habits, right from the start. Classes with other pups in their same developmental period gives puppies a chance to develop good dog-to-dog social skills and to learn good bite inhibition (ability to control the force of their bite). Young puppies that are exposed in a positive manner to numerous people, sounds, and to the world in general will result in a well-socialized, less fearful adult dog. Puppies are absorbent sponges of learning until about 18 weeks of age. There's no end to what you can teach your puppy to do. Starting early will ensure your pup develops good habits and will prevent bad ones from ever starting. Using modern, scientific methods, you'll learn how to teach your puppy behaviors like: Sit, Down, Stay, Settle, Come when called, Leave it, Watch me and Sit for greetings. Additional topics covered in Puppy 1 include: crate training and housetraining , alone training , chewing, nipping and biting, body handling so they are comfortable at the vets and groomers.
Puppy 1 is a six-week course and pups are to attend every session with you and/or your entire family. Enrollment includes a free copy of Dr. Ian Dunbar's book "Before and After You Get Your Puppy".
Course prerequisites:
Puppy must be be 18 weeks of age or younger by the start date of class
Puppy must be 10 days past their initial vaccination for DHPP. Bordatella vaccination is recommended but not required
Proof of first vaccination
$185 - six week course ($160 for A DOG'S LIFE members)
PUPPY 2
Puppy 2 is a continuation of Puppy 1! All the behaviors covered in Puppy 1 will be refined and improved, particularly stays, coming when called, walking on leash and polite greetings. Additionally, new skills (e.g., "go to your mat," Emergency Recall, variations on heeling such as stop, fast, slow, etc.) will be taught. And equally important to the performance skills, your pups will continue to hone their social skills and practice good bite inhibition with each other. This is the time in your dog's life when they become adolescents and their reliability tends to wane. This class will help keep both you and your dog on track through that teenage phase. Puppy 2 is a six-week class, and puppies should attend all six classes.
Course prerequisites:
Completion of Puppy 1 at A DOG'S LIFE or proof of another off-leash puppy class and approval by the class trainer
All puppies must be between 4.5 months and 12 months of age and have remained socialized to dogs and people
Proof of current, age appropriate vaccinations
$185 - six week course ($160 for A DOG'S LIFE members)
PUPPY 3
This third and final level in the Puppy track program works toward finishing and proofing your dog's manners and skills. It allows for continued interaction between dogs to further refine their social skills. Your dog will perform out of sight stays with distractions, learn more precise heeling, learn distance commands and will build more reliable responses to your requests. Upon completion of Puppy 3, your well-trained dog will be ready for anything, including agility, freestyle, flyball, or just being the perfect pet!
Course prerequisites:
Satisfactory completion of Puppy 1 and 2 and approval of the class trainer
Puppies must be under 24 months of age and have remained dog and people friendly
Proof of current vaccinations
$185 - six week course ($160 for A DOG'S LIFE members)
CALL FOR INFORMATION.
OLDER PUPPY
A basic class for puppies 5 months to 1 year who are too old for Puppy 1. Your puppy will learn basic obedience skills and we will address pertinent puppy issues you may be having. Behaviors your dog will learn include: Sit ~ Down ~ Stand ~ Stay ~ Come when called ~ Watch me ~ Wait ~ Leave it ~ Loose-leash walking ~ Sit for greetings
Course prerequisites:
Puppies must be 5 months to 1 year of age
Proof of current vaccinations
$185 - six week course ($160 for A DOG'S LIFE members)
*** All dogs that come to A DOG'S LIFE for daycare, boarding or training that are recovering from and/or taking antibiotics for an illness or infection must also have written clearance from their vet stating that the dog is safe to be around other dogs (i.e. is not contagious).***
CANINE MIDDLE SCHOOL (Basic Obedience)
Canine Middle School is a basic training class designed to teach your dog all the fundamentals of training. Best of all, you'll use positive reinforcement training methods that help strengthen the bond between you and your canine companion. Both you and your dog will graduate with a better understanding of each other! Behaviors your dog will learn include: Sit ~ Down ~ Stand ~ Stay ~ Come when called ~ Watch me ~ Wait ~ Leave it ~ Loose-leash walking ~ Sit for greetings
Course prerequisites: Dog must
be over 5 months old (feel free to enroll your senior dog since you really can teach an old dog new tricks!)
have proof of current vaccinations
$175 - six week course ($150 for A DOG'S LIFE members)
INTENSIVE CANINE MIDDLE SCHOOL (Basic Obedience)
Intensive Canine Middle School is a four-week basic training class is designed to teach your dog all the fundamentals of training in an accelerated, semi-private format. You'll use positive reinforcement training methods that help strengthen the bond between you and your canine companion. Both you and your dog will graduate with a better understanding of each other! Behaviors your dog will learn include: Dogs should attend all four sessions of this intensive program. Sit ~ Down ~ Stand ~ Stay ~ Come when called ~ Watch me ~ Wait ~ Leave it ~ Loose-leash walking ~ Sit for greetings
Course prerequisites: Dog must
be over 5 months old (feel free to enroll your senior dog since you really can teach an old dog new tricks!)
have proof of current vaccinations
$200 - four week course ($175 for A DOG'S LIFE members)
CALL FOR INFORMATION.
CANINE HIGH SCHOOL (Intermediate Obedience)
Canine High School is designed for graduates of Canine Middle School (or any other basic training class). You'll expand on and refine all those behaviors you learned in Middle School, and then your dog will learn even more! Some of the additional behaviors your dog will learn include: Heel ~ Go to your mat ~ Take it and drop it ~ Speak and shush In addition, your dog will learn "Bang" for "play dead!"
Course prerequisites:
Completion of Canine Middle School or equivalent
Dog must be over 5 months old (feel free to enroll your senior dog since you really can teach an old dog new tricks!)
Proof of current vaccinations
$175 - six week course ($150 for A DOG'S LIFE members)
INTENSIVE CANINE HIGH SCHOOL (Intermediate Obedience)
This four-week intensive course is designed for graduates of Canine Middle School (or any other basic training class). In an accellerated and semi-private format, you'll expand on and refine all those behaviors you learned in Middle School, and then your dog will learn even more! Some of the additional behaviors your dog will learn include: Heel ~ Go to your mat ~ Take it and drop it ~ Speak and shush
Course prerequisites:
Dog must be over 5 months old (feel free to enroll your senior dog since you really can teach an old dog new tricks!)
Proof of current vaccinations
$200 - four week course ($175 for A DOG'S LIFE members)
*** All dogs that come to A DOG'S LIFE for daycare, boarding or training that are recovering from and/or taking antibiotics for an illness or infection must also have written clearance from their vet stating that the dog is safe to be around other dogs (i.e. is not contagious).***
OBEDIENCE FOR DOG SPORTS
Designed for the dogs preparing for dog sports, including agility, flyball, canine freestyle, disk dogs and others, this course will emphasize working and remaining focused through high level distractions. Behaviors that will be practiced will include: Appropriate play ~ Stays with distractions ~ Come away from distractions ~ Come past distractions ~ Go away from me ("go on") ~ Left Turn/Right Turn. This is 6-week class and your dog should attend all six classes.
Course prerequisites:
Dog must be at least 6 months of age
Completion of a Beginning and an Intermediate training course or equivalent
Proof of current vaccinations
$175 - six week course ($150 for A DOG'S LIFE members)
HOUNDS ON THE TOWN!
This five week course consists of field trips to a different location every week where we will practicing good dog manners on crowded streets, town squares, visiting stores, vet offices, coffee shops, etc. We will be visiting dog-friendly locations like Stanford Shopping Center, down town Los Gatos and Santana Row. This is the perfect transition from the classroom to the real world, where you will get to work with your dog in real-life situations, but with the support of two instructors!
Course prerequisites:
This class is by INSTRUCTOR INVITATION/APPROVAL ONLY
Completion of a Beginning and an Intermediate training course or equivalent
Dog must not be leash aggressive/reactive with people or other animals
$175 - five week course ($150 for A DOG'S LIFE members)
CALL FOR INFORMATION.
TRICKS CLASS!!
Learn more about training while teaching your dog fun and exciting tricks! You and/or your child will learn useful training techniques to sharpen already learned behaviors, and you will learn how to teach your pup to impress your guests with fun tricks like: Shake ~ Rollover ~ Bow ~ Fetch ~ and so much more! Dogs are to attend all sessions of this six-week class. Please bring your dog on a flat buckle collar, head halter, or harness and a six-foot lead (no retractables). Also bring your dog's favorite toy and plenty of your dog's favorite treats.
Course prerequisites:
Completion of an Intermediate training course or equivalent
Proof of current vaccinations
$175 - six week course ($150 for A DOG'S LIFE members)
CLASSES STARTING SOON. CALL FOR INFORMATION.
BEGINNING PET DOG AGILITY
Beginning Pet Dog Agility will introduce you and your dog to the fun of agility. Using positive reinforcement methods, your dog will learn how to complete the various agility obstacles, such as jumps, tunnels, weave poles, teeter-totters, and other contact items. We will also begin some sequencing (your dog learning to do multiple obstacles in a given run) and you will learn the fundamentals to build on with future agility classes. In this rewarding dog-person team sport, you, as a handler, learn how to communicate effectively with your dog and give your dog a fun and creative outlet for its energy. Dogs should attend all sessions of this six-week course.
Course prerequisites:
Dog must be over 1 year old (all ages over 1 year are welcome, as are all sizes of dogs)
Completion of a Beginning and an Intermediate training course or equivalent
Proof of vaccinations
$175 - six week course ($150 for A DOG'S LIFE members)
INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED PET DOG AGILITY
Continue building your and your dog's skill set in agility with this fun course! Using the obstacles your dog has already learned, this class will continue to finesse your dog's execution, including working towards competition height teeter totter and continuing to build weave poles. Along with this, we will introduce the final items of agility to your dog in this course, including the dog walk, tire jump, and chute. Your dog will be working more and more off leash in this class, until they are completely off leash, having learned the essentials of the different obstacles. We will also continue to build their ability to sequence more and more obstacles. This active and positive class will continue to strengthen your team work with your dog in a fun, relaxed environment. This is 6-week class and your dog should attend all six classes.
Course prerequisites:
Dog must be over 1 year old (all ages over 1 year are welcome, as are all sizes of dogs)
Dog has completed a Beginning and an Intermediate training course or equivalent, Beginning Agility for Fun or equivalent
Dog must have proof of vaccinations
$175 - six week course ($150 for A DOG'S LIFE members)
AGILITY FOR COMPETITION
This six-week course is an introduction to handling for competition agility. Very little equipment will be used, and the emphasis will be on maneuvers and agility handling techniques. Behaviors that will be introduced include: Front cross ~ Go on ~ Lead Out Pivot ~ Rear Cross ~ Left/Right turns ~ Go out (away) ~ Come in This is 6-week class and your dog should attend all six classes.
Course prerequisites:
Dog must be over 1 year old (all ages over 1 year are welcome, as are all sizes of dogs)
Dog has completed a Beginning and an Intermediate training course or equivalent, Beginning Agility for Fun or equivalent
Dog must have proof of vaccinations
$175 - six week course ($150 for A DOG'S LIFE members)
DROP-IN AGILITY
For students who have completed A DOG'S LIFE beginning and intermediate agility classes, drop-in sessions allow you to continue to improve handling and sequencing on the equipment under instructor supervision.
Course prerequisites:
Dog must be over 1 year old (all ages over 1 year are welcome, as are all sizes of dogs)
Dog has completed a Beginning and an Intermediate training course or equivalent, Beginning Agility for Fun or equivalent
Dog must have proof of vaccinations
$10 - per session drop-in charge. Payment goes to instructor. No need to register.
In PALO ALTO, ongoing every Tuesday, at 7:30 PM with Joyce Hao instructing
CANINE GOOD CITIZEN PREP
The American Kennel Club (AKC) created the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification program to reward responsible ownership and canine good manners in the home and in the community. Our six-week class works specifically on teaching you and your canine companion how to have a wonderful relationship and how to present yourselves well in the community. On graduation day, you and your dog will have the opportunity to take the Canine Good Citizen test. All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test qualify to receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club.
$185 - six week course ($160 for A DOG'S LIFE members) Price includes the test on the final day of class.
BEGINNING FLYBALL
So, what is Flyball? Two Teams of four dogs compete against each other over an obstacle course of 4 jumps, a springloaded box with a tennis ball and then back over the 4 jumps to their over excited handler. As the first dog is returning the next team dog is released for their turn. The first team to complete the course wins the heat. In our 6 week course we will introduce you and your dog to one of the fastest growing dog sports around. Dogs and handlers will begin to work together in the elements of the flyball course. This will include training of a proper swimmers turn, motivational exercises, handling techniques and beginner's jumping.
Course prerequisites:
Completion of Canine High School or other Intermediate class, or have approval of instructor
Dog must have reliable off leash recall
Dog must be well socialized, healthy/athletic and not overweight
Must enjoy retrieving a tennis ball
Proof of vaccinations
$175 - six week course ($150 for A DOG'S LIFE members)
CALL FOR INFORMATION.
INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED FLYBALL
In this 6 week course we will expand upon the skills learned in the Beginning Flyball course. Dogs and handlers will continue working together on the elements of the flyball course. Dogs should attend all sessions of this six-week course.
Course prerequisites: Dog must
have completed Beginning Flyball or equivalent, or have approval of instructor
have proof of vaccinations
$175 - six week course ($150 for A DOG'S LIFE members)
CALL FOR INFORMATION.
DOUBLE TROUBLE
No doubt about it, two dogs can be a handful! This course is designed to help you teach your dogs how to respond to you, both separately & together, and how to better manage your dogs so you will have a more enjoyable, fun and harmonious household!
Course prerequisites:
Dogs and owners must have completed Canine Middle School or equivalent basic obedience class or have approval of instructor.
Dogs must not be dog or people aggressive.
Dogs must have proof of vaccinations
$230 - six week course ($215 for A DOG'S LIFE members)
CANINE FREESTYLE WORKSHOP
Have you considered trying dancing with your dog? This 3-hour workshop will introduce you to this fast-growing sport, including basic maneuvers and choosing appropriate music.
Course prerequisites:
Dog must have completed intermediate obedience class or equivalent
Dogs must have proof of vaccinations
$85 ($75 for A DOG'S LIFE members)
WORKSHOPS STARTING SOON. CALL FOR INFORMATION
CHECK OUT OUR ADL CANINE FREESTYLE VIDEO CLIPS!
ADL Tail Tappin' Dancers Team Routine:
Blizzard & Leslie:
Buzz & C:
Muffin & Mary:
BEGINNING CANINE FREESTYLE
Canine Freestyle is a form of training to music, with emphasis on having fun and building the human-canine relationship. Learn the basic maneuvers in a fun, relaxing atmosphere.
Course prerequisites:
Dog must have completion of a Canine Freestyle Workshop at A DOG'S LIFE or approval of the instructor.
INTERMEDIATE CANINE FREESTYLE
In this continuation of Beginning Freestyle, build on the techniques learned, and begin choreographing routines with your dog!
Course prerequisites:
Dog must have completed Beginning Canine Freestyle at A DOG'S LIFE
Dogs must have proof of vaccinations
$175 ($150 for A DOG'S LIFE members)
CALL FOR INFORMATION.
TRICKS FOR CANINE FREESTYLE
In this fun, 4-week intermediate level class, you and your dog will learn an array of fun and motivational tricks to perform to music. Learn to do tricks while travelling together, distance tricks, stationary tricks like 'Take a Bow" and "Sit Pretty," targeting tricks involving the use of props, and flashy tricks like jumping. Together you can begin incorporating your cutest moves into your routines.
Course prerequisites:
Dog must have completed Beginning Canine Freestyle at A DOG'S LIFE
Dogs must have proof of vaccinations
$125 ($115 for A DOG'S LIFE members)
CLASSES STARTING SOON. CALL FOR INFORMATION.
CANINE FREESTYLE PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP
In these 90-minute workshops, we will work on the presentation of our routines with the presence of an "audience." Group routines and solos will be practiced. We will also work with our dogs to perfect and polish our "flashy" moves to incorporate into our Freestyle repertoire. Practice makes perfect!
Course prerequisites:
Dog must have completed Beginning Canine Freestyle at A DOG'S LIFE
CONFORMATION/SHOW RING
Using a positive, modern approach to training, you will be coached on how to use clicker training to achieve a self-stack, gait on a loose lead, stand for examination, etc. as well as learn some of the basic ins and outs of showing your dog.
Course prerequisites:
Dog must have completed intermediate obedience class or equivalent
Proof of vaccinations
$185 ($160 for A DOG'S LIFE members)
CLASSES STARTING SOON. CALL FOR INFORMATION.
SMALL ANIMAL CLICKER CLASS
Is your small animal bored in his cage, while you do all the fun things with your dog? In this 4-week course, you'll learn the basics of clicker training, and start to teach your small pet fun tricks such as "sit up" and "touch" a target! Children are encouraged to take this summer class with parental supervision.
$125 - four week course ($100 for A DOG'S LIFE members)
CLASSES STARTING SOON. CALL FOR INFORMATION.
*** All dogs that come to A DOG'S LIFE for daycare, boarding or training that are recovering from and/or taking antibiotics for an illness or infection must also have written clearance from their vet stating that the dog is safe to be around other dogs (i.e. is not contagious).***
PRIVATE LESSONS
Private one-on-one training is available to you, to meet you and your dog’s specific needs, schedule and location.
$85 per hour
BEHAVIOR COUNSELING
Private behavior counseling is also available to address a variety of behavior challenges such as aggression, separation anxiety, and fear issues.
Call for prices
COMING SOON!!
Look forward to these additional classes at A DOG'S LIFE:
PET FIRST AID & CPR
Could I save my pet’s life in an emergency? Is this urgent enough that I should call the vet? At this seminar you can learn the answers to important health questions and have fun at the same time. Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on pets. Learn how to control bleeding and apply bandages, manage shock and seizures, keep yourself safe on the emergency scene, create your own pet first aid kit, and more. You will receive a first aid book and a pet first aid/CPR certificate upon completion. THIS CLASS IS FOR HUMANS ONLY.
$50 ($40 for A DOG'S LIFE members)
Instructor: Diane Troup
1:30 pm, (3 hours) Sunnyvale
SUNDAY, JUNE 8
There are no scheduled seminars of the following below at this time. PLEASE CALL TO BE ON OUR WAITLIST.
STAY/WAIT/GO TO PLACE
When you have visitors, you may not want your dog underfoot. This seminar will work on the all- important "stay" command, and will also introduce a command to teach your dog to go to a certain place and settle down on command. Bring your hungry, dog-friendly dogs only on a 6 to 8 foot leash (no retractables) and fabulous treats.
$30 ($25 for A DOG'S LIFE members)
Instructor: M. Cecilia Saleme, CPDT (1 hour) Sunnyvale
DOGS & CATS, LIVING TOGETHER
Do you have cats and dogs at home? Does the dog always chase the cat? Does the cat seem to tease the dog? In this informative seminar, you will learn about dog and cat dynamics, and how to have a harmonious and sane household, living with both together. THIS CLASS IS FOR HUMANS ONLY.
$30 ($25 for A DOG'S LIFE members)
Instructors: Marilyn Krieger, CCBC and M. Cecilia Saleme, CPDT
(1 hour) Sunnyvale
TO SIGN UP FOR CLASSES & SEMINARS (regardless of which location) PLEASE CALL A DOG'S LIFE Sunnyvale at (408) 747-1111
