Have you mastered the Basics and are looking for something new and fun? We have a variety of classes and dog sports that fit the bill!

BEYOND THE BASICS: 5-week course for graduates of The Basics
This intermediate level class continues our work from The Basics by playing games and doing activities that incorporate distractions, proofing and chaining behaviors. We will also work on skills and cues for low-stress handling and grooming (the dreaded toe nail trims) as well as beginner Trick training! We will incorporate the skills needed for passing the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen test during class and CGC evaluations are offered on the last week of class if the student desires (price included in the class fee).

Prerequisite: The Basics or prior instructor approval (private evaluation at a charge may be required). Student should have a base understanding of the following skills: Focus, Touch, Sit, Down, Leave It, Go to Mat/Place, Stay, Loose Leash Walking and be familiar with using a clicker or other marker (verbal ok). No prong collars or leash corrections used. INSTRUCTOR: Danette Johnston, CPDT-KA, Certified CGC Evaluator, Certified Fear Free Trainer.

CANINE GOOD CITIZEN: CGC Testing Your dog can take the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen Test at Dog’s Day Out on the last week of Beyond Basics. For testing only, fee is $25. Pre-registration is required. For more info on the CGC test go to www.akc.org .

TRICKS!: Levels 1 & 2. 4-week class for dogs who have completed THE BASICS (or have prior instructor approval).  Student should be familiar with using a clicker or other marker (verbal ok). This is a fun, relaxed class where DISobedience is encouraged! We want your dog to think and try new things.

In Level 1 you will learn foundation skills to teach tricks using the techniques of luring (bow, spin, crawl) nose, paw and body targeting (play piano, push a ball, ride a skateboard), retrieving (get a tissue/beer/keys) and action (jump through a hoop, over a broom, roll over). We will also discuss and demo games to play with your dog such as fetch, tug and using a flirt pole.
Level 2 students will continue to use their foundation skills (luring, targeting, retrieving, action) to work on more complex tricks by combining and chaining skills. You will have the freedom to pick specific tricks you would like to teach your dog and have instructor help to get you there! INSTRUCTOR: Danette Johnston, CPDT-KA

If Tricks class participants choose, they can take the AKC TRICK DOG TITLE testing on the last day of Tricks class. The testing fee is $25 (additional AKC fees apply). You do not need to be part of the Tricks class to be tested but need to reserve a testing space to: Danette@dogsdayoutseattle.com

TENACIOUS TEENS: 5 week course for pups 5-24 months
In this class we focus on focus! If you have your adolescent dog’s attention the world is your oyster. We focus on communicating with your dog so that she WANTS to work with you. We will address many of the common issues that occur during adolescence including recall and stay, leash walking, attention barking, jumping and most of all learning to chill! INSTRUCTOR: Erica Wells, CPDT-KA

TEENS & TWEENS JUMPSTART: 3 week course for pups 5-24 months
 In this course we will help you understand what is going on in that teenage brain, how best to communicate with your pup, and how to create an enthusiastic learner for the rest of her life. We will cover typical teenage issues such as jumping up, mouthing, overeager greetings,  leash walking, recall and stealing things! We will also work on relaxation exercises and discuss age-appropriate management and enrichment.  This quick 3-week class is a bit more than the Teens & Tweens Workshop but less that the full 5 week Tenacious Teens or 6 week Basics course. It is meant to give you some quick tips and jump start your management and training techniques for your adolescent dog.

AGILITY FOR FUN: 4 week course
This is a FUN one! Learn to use agility equipment like weave poles, A-frame, see-saw, jumps and more! Dogs must have taken basic obedience classes to attend.  Experienced Agility dogs also welcome. This class is outdoors; dress for it! Seasonal.

AGILITY DROP-IN: For intermediate and experienced
Prerequisite – Agility at Dog’s Day Out or Instructor approval. Preregistration directly through instructor: erica@dogsdayoutseattle.com

WORKSHOPS:

TRICKS & GAMES SAMPLER!: 2 hours

Looking for some fun things to do with your dog but need ideas or don’t know just where to start? In this class, you can try a few on for size and see how you and your dog like them. In this workshop, you will get to try different enrichment games that you can do at home utilizing Creative Feeding,  Trick Training, Nosework and Agility principles.

Research (and anyone who has ever lived with a dog!) tells us our dogs need more than just physical exercise; they also need to exercise their brains! Enrichment improves and enhances your dog’s mental state using a range of activities that are designed to challenge and exercise their brains. These activities encourage your dog to problem solve, learn new skills and become more confident.  By allowing your dog to engage in her innate behaviors, such as playing, chasing, smelling, chewing and scavenging, you allow her to be physically, emotionally and mentally satisfied.

For this class, dogs must be non-reactive and friendly to both dogs and humans. INSTRUCTOR: Danette Johnston, CPDT-KA

INTRO TO NOSEWORK: 2.5 hour workshop for dogs (all ages) + their humans
Scent work has become increasingly popular because every dog has a nose (that smells about 4000X greater than ours)! Whether you are interested in simply enriching your dog’s life, participating in Nosework trials, hunting truffles or having your dog find your keys, this introductory workshop is for you. Dogs of any age may participate. If your dog is reactive to dogs or people please let us know prior to registering so we can asses if this setting is right for your dog. INSTRUCTOR: Erica Wells, CNWI.

TEENS & TWEENS: 2.5 hour class for dogs 4-12 months old + their humans
Is your teenager driving you crazy? In this 2-hour workshop we will help you understand what is going on in that teenage brain, how best to communicate with your pup, and how to create an enthusiastic learner for the rest of her life. We will cover typical teenage issues such as jumping up, mouthing, overeager greetings,  and stealing things! We will also work on relaxation exercises and discuss age-appropriate management and enrichment.  Adolescence can be rough – learn to work with your teen to get you both through this sometimes trying time. 4 dog limit.
INSTRUCTORS: These teen classes are taught by both Danette Johnston, CPDT-KA and Erica Wells, CPDT-KA with different, although not opposing curriculums. Want more practice? Register for both instructors courses! If you are looking for a particular instructor, they will be noted on the registration you choose.

LEASH WALKING/RECALL WORKSHOP: 2.5 – hour class for dogs + their humans. Dogs must be 4 months and older.
In this 2 – hour class we will tackle two of the biggest issues people have with their dog – walking on a loose leash and getting their dog to come! We will discuss, demo and practice easy loose leash walking techniques as well as easy ways to teach your dog the oh-so-important reliable recall cue.

Dogs must be non-reactive with others dogs (meaning that are not lunging, barking, snapping at others when on leash). Normal young dog exuberance is OK but if your dog is not able to redirect to you please ask us if our Reactive Rehab class may be more appropriate for you.

This class is open for dogs 4 months and up! So, if your dog is too old for PUPPY and too young for BASICS this is a great class to give them a jump start! This is also a good class for those dogs (and humans) who need a little “refresher.”
INSTRUCTORS: This workshop taught by both Danette Johnston, CPDT-KA and Erica Wells, CPDT-KA with different, although not opposing curriculums. Want more practice? Register for both instructors courses! If you are looking for a particular instructor, they will be noted on the registration you choose.

K9 Nosework: Please visit our K9 Nosework page for classes, course outline, and instructor information.

How much do classes cost? Please see our rates and services page for class, daycare and seminar costs.

When are classes offered? See the SCHEDULE for a listing of all classes/location offered this season.

How do I sign up? Click listing on the right side of this page for specialty classes offered this season.